NEW EFFORTS ON THE ROAD. While never losing sight of his big goal, the Tokyo Olimpics track races as big reason for his signing in 2020, Albert Torres never denied that his aspirations, after going through so many difficulties in cycling, was earning the confidence of the Movistar Team to build a solid road career beyond 2021. And his teamwork and splendid attitude were truly worth keeping a spot for him. A luxury domestique in flat terrains, a more than respectable sprinter and even someone to go and chase breakaway wins with, he’s already got two Giro d’Italia appearances and many WorldTour events under his belt, which have seen him receiving public praise from the likes of Valverde (“Wish we had learned about him earlier”) or Sciandri (“A rider so difficult to find at teams nowadays, a really important piece”).

A LEGEND IN THE VELODROMES. Such is the consideration deserved by Albert’s brilliant feats, thirteen times on the podium of Euro and World Champs and six times gold medalist at the Omnium and Madison events, including a rainbow jersey in Cali (2014). That career went to a provisional stop with the recent Tokyo Olympics, where his efforts and dedication, after such a difficult approach due to the pandemic, again gained him applause worldwide. Even though he’ll now be focusing more on the road, his success on the track will remain a great proof of his quality.

GLOBETROTTER. He fought for nearly a decade to earn his current chance in the WorldTour. Having been a stagiaire for both the Geox (2011) and Androni (2012) squads, he spent two years with the Team Ecuador; later made part of British outfit Raleigh (2016), where he shared teams with long-time racing partner Sebastián Mora, before the Rio Olympics; and embarked into a Dominican adventure with Inteja (2017-2018) before racing in the velodromes in 2019 with no UCI road squad. 2020 would mark his big chance, offered by Eusebio Unzué by advice from former team member, and Torres’ big support, Juan Martínez Oliver.