Héctor Álvarez is crowned U23 European Champion after his two World Championship podiums

Héctor Álvarez continues to expand an extraordinary end to the season. Just a week after stepping onto the podium twice at the World Championships in Montreal, the Spanish cyclist has been crowned Under-23 European Road Champion after winning solo in Slovenia.

The Spaniard completed the 141.9 kilometers between Ljubljana and Šenčur in 3:02:22, finishing ahead of Polish rider Jan Jackowiak, who was second at 20 seconds, and Belgian Niels Driesen, who was third at 32 seconds.

Héctor Álvarez wins the Under-23 European Championship with a double attack

Álvarez approached the race with the ambition he had already shown a few days earlier in Montreal. The Spaniard launched his first major move about 35 kilometers from the finish and managed to break away solo before starting the final lap. He had nearly a 40-second lead, but the chase ultimately paid off, and he was caught on the last climb to Možjanca.

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Far from settling for waiting for the outcome, Álvarez attacked again almost immediately after being neutralized. This time he took advantage of the descent to open up differences once more. Jackowiak initially managed to close the gap, but he could not keep up, and the Spaniard faced the final kilometers solo.

Álvarez crossed the finish line as the new Under-23 European Champion, while Jackowiak secured silver and Driesen broke away from the chasing group to complete the podium.

From double podium at the World Championships to European gold

The continental title caps off a particularly important few weeks for the 19-year-old Spanish cyclist. Álvarez arrived in Slovenia after winning two medals at the World Championships in Montreal. First, he took bronze in the Under-23 time trial, and four days later he returned to the podium in the road race, taking silver.

In Slovenia, he managed to transform that consistency into a victory. Álvarez himself summarized at the finish line what the triumph meant after so many honorable positions:

"Finally! I have wanted this victory for a long time. I have received a lot of confidence from everyone, and I think it was deserved."

"We knew it had to happen today, and I am happy that it paid off. I had to be brave, and I am glad it worked out well."

Top 5 Under-23 European Championship 2026

1. Héctor Álvarez (Spain) — 3:02:22
2. Jan Jackowiak (Poland) — +20"
3. Niels Driesen (Belgium) — +32"
4. Max Bock (Germany) — +37"
5. Mattia Negrente (Italy) — +49"