Benjamín Noval wins the Tour de France juniors and goes straight to the XCO Spanish Championship

Just a few days ago, he raised his arms as the winner of the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour, the most prestigious junior stage race on the international calendar and considered by many to be the equivalent of the "Tour de France" in the category. Now, with hardly any time for celebrations, Benjamín Noval will attempt to defend the Junior XCO National Championship next Sunday in Arroyomolinos (Madrid).

 Benjamín Noval arrives charged to the XCO National Championship after winning the Tour de France juniors

Few 17-year-old riders are capable of competing at the highest level in such different disciplines. The Asturian has shown that he can win a junior grand tour on the road and, just a few days later, present himself as one of the top favorites to conquer the national Olympic cross-country jersey.

His victory in the Valromey Tour definitively confirmed the enormous potential he has been showing over the last two seasons. Noval faced the final day with a 40-second deficit in the general classification, but staged a spectacular comeback in the 18-kilometer time trial climb to Col du Grand Colombier. There, he delivered a decisive performance that allowed him to turn the race around and claim the overall classification against some of the biggest promises in world cycling. (⁠brujulabike.com)

A talent capable of winning on any bike

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Although many fans are discovering him now thanks to his successes on the road, the reality is that Benjamín Noval has been one of the most promising names in Spanish cycling for some time.

In 2025, he had a practically perfect season by becoming the junior national champion in three completely different disciplines: cyclocross, road, and XCO. A triple crown that very few riders have achieved and that reflects an extraordinary ability to adapt.

Trained at the MMR Academy, the Asturian has also secured his move to the WorldTour. Netcompany INEOS announced months ago his incorporation for the 2027 season, a future investment with which the British structure aims to support his development during his last two years as a junior before making the leap to the highest level.

Defending the national XCO title

Before thinking about his professional future, Noval has set the immediate goal of retaining the Junior XCO National Champion jersey he won last year in Baza.

After proving that he can prevail in one of the most demanding stage races on the international junior calendar, the Asturian will now return to a discipline in which he has also shown to be one of the great national references.

Although the junior men's race takes place on Saturday afternoon and will not have live coverage, many eyes will be on Benjamín Noval. The two elite races on Sunday will be available for free streaming on the official YouTube channel of Tr3ce Bikes.