“I Was Going to Have a Good Experience” – 19-Year-Old Cyclist From Oakland Skips Under-23 to Join Ineos Grenadiers in World Tour Debut

The world of professional cycling is extremely competitive. The transition from junior ranks to the WorldTour level is a challenging feat in and of itself. Such transition requires talent, dedication, and unwavering determination. One young cyclist, Michael Leonard, has achieved this remarkable ascent. He defied convention and ended up reaching the highest level at the young age of 19.

Leonard made a bold decision to forgo the traditional under-23 category. He made a direct leap from the junior ranks to join the prestigious Ineos Grenadiers at the start of the 2023 season. He’s realizing a lifelong dream as he lines up for his first WorldTour race at the Tour of Guangxi.

Exploring the Unknown: Racing in Europe

Michael Leonard’s extraordinary journey began with a courageous move in early 2022 when he left behind his home in Canada. He embarked on an audacious adventure as a junior cyclist in Italy, joining the Franco Ballerini squad. What sets his journey apart is not just the destination but the unconventional path he chose. Racing in Europe has long been a rite of passage for aspiring North American riders. However, very few take the path he did at such a young age, venturing alone into the unknown.

For Leonard, this decision wasn’t solely about fast-tracking his way to the WorldTour. It was also a pursuit of exploration, an unyielding spirit to test his limits and uncover the extent of his potential. He stated, “I went to Italy just thinking it was going to be an awesome year, come what may. Whether it marked the end of my cycling career or its glorious beginning. I was determined to have a remarkable experience.”

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The transition to racing in Italy, a land of unfamiliar language and unique challenges, was a pivotal moment in Leonard’s development. Despite the inherent uncertainty, he flourished and left an indelible mark, clinching victories like the Trofeo Ballero nel Cuore. “Then I kept winning, and it just sort of slowly progressed from there,” he reflects.

His achievements garnered a lot of recognition. By late summer, Leonard had secured a three-year contract with Ineos, completely bypassing the under-23 category.

A Young Cyclist’s Journey: Ineos and Youthful Ambitions 

Joining Ineos Grenadiers marked a significant leap for Leonard. However, Leonard felt prepared due to his early exposure to the European racing environment. He emphasizes, “I was already in the environment, and I knew more or less what I was getting into”.

Ineos is currently in a phase of transition. Previously, they had heavily invested in nurturing young talent, effectively lowering the squad’s average age. With a roster boasting eight riders aged 23 or younger, Leonard felt right at home in this dynamic and youthful environment.

Despite predominantly riding in a supporting role since his Ineos debut, Leonard embraces this role wholeheartedly. He states that he finds motivation in giving his best, whether it’s securing a victory or assisting a teammate. He also reflected on tracing alongside Ineos star Egan Bernal in Hungary. “Racing in Hungary with Egan was a special experience, and I was able to do my job quite well there. Next season will be about continuing my progress and enhancing my physical capabilities to be more competitive in race finales.”

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