Phoenix 24
Eleven seconds separate Spain’s rising cyclist from the rainbow jersey.
Montreal, Canada.
Spanish cyclist Héctor Álvarez claimed the bronze medal in the men’s under-23 individual time trial at the UCI Road World Championships on September 21, securing Spain’s first medal of the Montreal competition. The 19-year-old from Benidorm completed the 31.3-kilometer course in 37 minutes and 38 seconds, finishing approximately 11 seconds behind newly crowned world champion Ryan Gal of the Netherlands. Italy’s Nicolas Milesi took silver, seven seconds behind the winner.
Álvarez entered the race with considerable expectations following a season of competitive performances against experienced riders. Representing Spain while racing professionally for Lidl-Trek Future Racing, he demonstrated his ambitions immediately. At the first intermediate checkpoint, he established the fastest time, holding a seven-second advantage over Denmark’s Mads Landbo and a ten-second lead over Milesi.
The Spaniard maintained his position at the second checkpoint, although the margins had begun to narrow. Milesi reduced his deficit to five seconds, while Landbo followed six seconds behind. Gal, meanwhile, was steadily building momentum after a more measured opening section, preparing the decisive reversal that would determine the medals.
By the third intermediate checkpoint, the Dutch rider had moved into first place, one second ahead of Milesi and three ahead of Álvarez. Gal maintained his advantage through the final kilometers, stopping the clock at 37 minutes and 26 seconds. Álvarez was unable to recover the lost time but secured third place, finishing just four seconds behind the silver medalist.
The course demanded more than sustained power. Its predominantly flat but technical configuration required precise pacing, controlled cornering and sufficient energy for the uphill approach to the finish. Gal’s ability to maintain his speed during the closing stages ultimately separated him from his rivals.
The result carries particular significance for Álvarez’s professional development. Currently competing for Lidl-Trek’s development team, he is scheduled to join its WorldTour squad in 2027. His performances this season, including competitive results at the Volta ao Algarve and ZLM Tour, have already provided experience against established professional opposition.
Spain’s other representative, Eñaut Urkaregi, finished 19th, while Paula Ostiz placed 12th in the women’s under-23 time trial. Álvarez will return to competition on September 25 for the men’s under-23 road race, contested over a substantially longer 174.2-kilometer course.
The bronze medal reflects the narrow margins separating the leading riders at international championship level. Álvarez controlled the opening stages but encountered a rival whose finishing pace proved decisive.
At 19, he leaves the time trial with a world championship medal and an additional reference point for his transition into professional cycling’s highest division.
Hechos que no se doblan. / Facts that do not bend.