Ivan Romeo, U23 time trial world champion: “I still have a lot to improve to be with the best”

He young Ivan Romeo (21 years old) He made history by becoming the first Spanish cyclist to become the first U23 time trial world champion since 1999. Jose Ivan Gutiérrez. He Movistar Team cyclist He attends the MD with a gold medal hanging around his neck. The runner from Pucelana reviews his sporting evolution, talks about his references, the demands of the telephone team, with which he has a contract until 2025, and his ambitions, making it clear that he is still in the phase of training and he works hard. to continue development adequately.

Ivan, first of all, congratulations on the title. He did a time trial to frame, especially in the last sector.

Yes, it was brutal. The truth is that the time trial route is difficult and complicated. It was a long time trial (29.9 kilometers) and had many difficult parts to complete. Fortunately, I had a good day and had the energy in that last place to have a really good partial. This is the key. The idea that we have become perfect and the strength is there.

He knows the route well because he traveled with his father to Zurich for ten days to study the time trial itinerary.

It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I always like to go a few days before trying to think of the whole route, so that when I have to compete I only have to worry about riding the bike and giving it my all, so I know what’s going on. to be like Yes, I spent ten days with my father and it was worth it.

You are a very accomplished runner. How would you define yourself on a bicycle?

Well, in the end I don’t know. I don’t focus too much on it either. I try to stay focused and keep improving. It’s hard to say that I’ll be a runner and as I say, I’m more focused every day, trying to be better than the day before, because no matter what level I have, there’s always someone. who is above me and who works for it.

He has always been fortunate to have the support of his parents since he was little.

This is important. Something I always repeat. I am lucky to have a family that supports me, who is always with me and my brother (Sergio, a member of the Finisher-Kern Pharma Team and 19 years old). This support is needed because there are good days and bad days, and the bad days are when support is needed for the good to come. They lead me to good things.

THE ANALYSIS OF SPANISH COACH MIKEL ZABALA

We asked Spanish U23 coach Mikel Zabala to highlight the qualities that make Iván Romeo such a unique cyclist. “I will highlight two things. On the one hand, how positive he is, he is self-motivated and believes in himself, which is especially important if you do not hurt yourself later, if the results do not reach your expectations, but he has self-motivation and a belief in himself that is incredible; and his persistence at work. He is very stubborn, and in the end the everyday is what allows you to reap the rewards. I will highlight these two qualities over others that are more obvious. It is very complicated to win and he has done it, there are not many occasions that achieve this. Now, for more, we have a very promising generation of young cyclists.”

That’s why it doesn’t always come out, sometimes it turns into a tail.

completely. I think it’s a bit like cycling, for better and for worse. It’s something that’s often said and seems like a cliché, but you can only see the tip of the iceberg. People think that our lives as professional cyclists are a gift, that we are born with this, but people don’t see that when they are not looking at us, we work hard and work is what makes us reach the desired level and face the races. with confidence, which is the most important thing. Self-confidence is very important, it is also important that you did everything well, that you left everything and then the easiest thing remains for you, to go 37 minutes (in the World Cup time trial he used 36’42 ” ) as quickly as possible.

He started when he was ten years old with his brother Sergio at the Juan Carlos Domínguez Cycling Club.

Yes, a little late. My father always really liked cycling and sports in general and we gradually realized that we could be good at it and that it was what we loved to do the most.

But, at what moment did you see or feel that you could be a good cyclist?

I will not tell you a specific moment, but if I had to tell you one I would say the first competition I did with the Spanish team in Baku (Youth Olympic Festival). I am 14 years old and I placed 9th in the time trial. That’s where you meet people from the outside and this race was a turning point for Iván Romeo as a kid, to say let’s see it’s a hobby and it can be more.

The end of 2021 was an important moment in his career, when he moved from the MMR-Academy to the American continental-class Hagens Berman Axeon. A team with guarantees for those ages but that comes with risk.

It can always go wrong. The truth is that my junior year was pretty good and I was offered the possibility to sign for them, who had previously talked to the Movistar Team, who were interested in me racing for a year there and it was easy. It’s not complicated. In that group they have clear ideas and know how to build rides.

What did you learn during that year at Hagens Berman Axeon?

Many things. This is a team with a great reputation earned by helping runners reach the next level. This is an important year for me. A young team where we all got along and achieved great things.

And the offer came from the Movistar Team.

I had a very good junior period and they showed a lot of interest in me and it was not difficult. I have always been a member of Movistar since I was little and they were interested in me racing with them. It was an easy decision.

What will they ask you on the phone equipment?

So far not much. They gave me a lot of peace of mind, and they gave me the means and the time to see what kind of runner I could be, something I have to thank them for. I don’t have any kind of pressure from them.

He knows that after becoming the world time trial champion next season the demand and pressure will be greater.

Definitely yes, but we will be ready for it.

You are 21 years old and more and more younger cyclists are making their debut at the highest level.

It’s clear. More and more young talents are starting to perform at the highest level, but every case is different and not everyone has the same journey and development. What I can say in my case is that I am on an upward trend.

What does the development you refer to indicate to you?

There are unknowns that remain to be solved, but for now I want to continue working on the times, I can be good in a week’s race and I know I still have a lot to improve to be with the best. I have to improve on everything and that will tell me what kind of runner I can be.

Where do you need to improve the most?

I don’t know, because I don’t think I should focus on one particular aspect. The time trial is where I can do the most, but I have good numbers in several facets, in short and long climbs. The thing is that having good numbers is not worth it. I know the numbers must be great. Each day is faster and the value is gone.

You are 21 years old, are you studying?

Now I focus 100% on the bike. It’s a bet long time ago with my family and luckily it turned out well. I try to be better every day and that’s the goal I set for myself.

Is it hard to bet on cycling?

In my case it was easy because the second junior year I combined with the second year of high school I had very good results and offers came from World Tour level teams. I saw that I could make a living from cycling and it’s what I’ve always wanted, and when there’s an opportunity you have to do it.

Who are your idols or references in Spain?

There are some Spanish runners with my characteristics. My idol has always been Alejandro Valverde, who has nothing to do with me. I have always been a big fan of ‘Bala’ and to be able to share moments with my idols and carry on is something very wonderful.

Did Valverde congratulate you after the World Cup gold?

Yes, he told me it was huge. He is a good man and he told me that he really enjoyed the test of time.

Due to his physique (1.91), he has a certain similarity with Filippo Ganna (1.93), one of the best time trial specialists.

Yes, yes, (laughs), but each to their own level. He is a runner I greatly admire and pay attention to continue to improve. Pippo’s level is very high and I hope I can get close to him.

Are you considered a rare bird in Spanish cycling because of your qualities as a cyclist?

Previously in Spain we had good time trialists. Maybe now is not the best time, but we always have the figure of Castroviejo, who is a very time trial runner. Maybe it’s not the most common thing, but I’m here to back that up.