Pablo Torres: The ‘New Contador’ on His Grand Tour Ambitions and Teaming Up with Tadej Pogačar – “His Aggressiveness is Truly Impressive”
The world of professional cycling is constantly in search of the next great talent, and many believe that Pablo Torres may just be that rider. Dubbed “The New Contador” for his climbing ability, tactical intelligence, and hunger for victory, Torres has already garnered comparisons to the legendary Alberto Contador, one of the sport’s most successful Grand Tour riders. However, Torres isn’t looking to ride in anyone’s shadow—he’s carving his own path, and with Grand Tour ambitions in his sights, he’s preparing to make his mark.
What’s more, Torres is about to embark on a new chapter in his career as he joins forces with Tadej Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France champion, at UAE Team Emirates. Speaking about his soon-to-be teammate, Torres is full of admiration. “The way he rides, his aggressiveness… it’s truly impressive,” Torres said in a recent interview. “I’ve learned so much just by watching him, and I’m excited to work alongside someone who’s already achieved so much at such a young age.”
The Rise of Pablo Torres: From Promising Talent to ‘The New Contador’
At just 24 years old, Pablo Torres has already shown signs of greatness. The Spanish rider burst onto the professional cycling scene with a string of impressive performances in one-week races and mountain stages. Known for his fearless attacks on climbs and his ability to suffer through the most grueling stages, Torres has earned comparisons to his compatriot Alberto Contador, who dominated the sport in the 2000s and early 2010s.
Growing up in a cycling family, Torres was exposed to the sport from an early age. His father was an amateur racer, and his older brother competed at the national level in Spain. Inspired by the exploits of Contador and other Spanish legends like Alejandro Valverde, Torres knew that professional cycling was his calling.
“My family instilled in me a love for cycling,” Torres recalls. “I would watch the Tour de France every summer, dreaming of one day being there myself, attacking in the mountains like Contador or Valverde.”
After making a name for himself in the junior ranks, Torres turned professional in 2021 and immediately caught the attention of talent scouts. His ability to climb with the best, combined with a natural instinct for race tactics, made him a valuable asset for any team. It wasn’t long before he earned his first professional victory in the mountains of the Vuelta a Burgos, a win that solidified his reputation as one of the sport’s brightest young talents.
Grand Tour Ambitions: Aiming for Cycling’s Biggest Prizes
With several impressive performances already under his belt, Torres is now setting his sights on the ultimate prize: victory in a Grand Tour. The three-week races, including the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España, are the pinnacle of professional cycling. Winning a Grand Tour requires a combination of endurance, strategy, and resilience—qualities that Torres has demonstrated in abundance.
“I’ve always dreamed of winning a Grand Tour,” Torres admits. “There’s something magical about those races—the way the whole country comes alive, the passion of the fans, and the sheer difficulty of the stages. It’s the ultimate test for a cyclist, and I want to prove that I’m capable of standing on the top step of the podium.”
To reach that goal, Torres knows that he must continue to develop as a rider. While he excels in the mountains, he is working on improving his time trial skills and consistency in week-long stage races. His move to UAE Team Emirates, one of the strongest teams in the peloton, will provide him with the support he needs to challenge for Grand Tour victories.
“I’m joining a team that has a proven track record of success in the biggest races,” Torres says. “With the experience and talent around me, I know I’ll be in a position to fight for victories in the Grand Tours. It’s about learning, improving, and being ready when the opportunity comes.”
Learning from Pogačar: Admiration and Opportunity
One of the most exciting aspects of Torres’ move to UAE Team Emirates is the chance to work alongside Tadej Pogačar. At just 25 years old, Pogačar has already won two Tours de France and is widely regarded as the most talented rider of his generation. His aggressive style of racing, willingness to take risks, and ability to dominate on all terrains have made him a fan favorite and a nightmare for his rivals.
For Torres, teaming up with Pogačar represents both a learning opportunity and a challenge. “Tadej is someone I’ve always admired,” Torres says. “His ability to attack at the right moments, to ride without fear—it’s something that every young rider can learn from. He has this incredible sense of when to go all-in, and it’s what sets him apart from other riders.”
Torres is also aware that working with Pogačar could open doors for his own career. While Pogačar will likely remain the team’s top Grand Tour contender, Torres knows that being part of such a successful team can elevate his own ambitions. “I’m coming into this team to contribute, to learn, and to earn my place,” Torres says. “If I can support Tadej in his goals, I know that I’ll grow as a rider. And when my moment comes, I’ll be ready.”
The respect between the two riders is mutual. Pogačar has expressed his excitement about Torres joining the team, recognizing the young Spaniard’s potential to become a Grand Tour contender in his own right. “Pablo is an incredible talent,” Pogačar said in a recent interview. “I’ve watched him race, and he has all the qualities to be a great champion. I’m looking forward to working with him and seeing what we can achieve together.”
The Road Ahead: 2025 and Beyond
As Torres looks ahead to the 2025 season, his goals are clear: continue developing as a rider, support Pogačar in the Grand Tours, and seize any opportunity that comes his way. He knows that the path to Grand Tour success is not easy, but with the right team, the right mindset, and the lessons he’s learning from one of the sport’s best, he believes that victory is within reach.
“I’m not in a rush,” Torres says. “Cycling is a long journey, and I know I have time to reach my peak. But I’m also not afraid to take my chances. If the opportunity presents itself, I’m going to go for it.”
With his talent, work ethic, and the guidance of his new teammates, Pablo Torres is poised to become a force in professional cycling for years to come. As the “New Contador,” he carries the weight of expectation, but he’s determined to forge his own legacy—one that includes standing atop the Grand Tour podium as a champion in his own right.
A New Era in Cycling?
As Pablo Torres prepares for his next chapter, the cycling world is watching closely. His move to UAE Team Emirates and the opportunity to work alongside Tadej Pogačar represent a major step in his development as a rider. While the comparisons to Contador are flattering, Torres is focused on building his own path, driven by a relentless desire to succeed at the highest level.
The coming years will be crucial for Torres as he refines his skills and aims for the ultimate prize in professional cycling: a Grand Tour victory. With Pogačar as a mentor and teammate, Torres has every reason to believe that he can achieve his goals and leave his mark on the sport. The road may be long, but Torres is ready for the challenge, and the cycling world is eager to see where his journey will take him.
