Albert Withen Philipsen had impressive performances in 2023. During the World Championship in Glasgow, in 2023, he triumphed in both road and mountain bike races, competing in the junior category.
Few weeks later, during the European Championship in Drenthe in 2023, he continued his impressive streak of successes by securing the gold medal in the Individual Time Trial.
“There are all the signs that he could become the new Mathieu van der Poel,” says Markel Irizar, as reported by As. “He is the youngest world champion in history, winning on the road, in the time trial, and also in mountain biking in his first year in the Junior category.”
Cyclocross, Mountain Bike, and Road Racing
“If his progression continues in this way… We want to create the best possible environment for the boy to develop. Starting in 2025, when he is fully with us, he will participate in Cyclocross, Mountain Bike, and Road Racing.”
Other important names at Lidl-Trek
Given his role as an observer of young talents, Irizar lists some other names with interesting prospects, especially in the Spanish field. “One very interesting one is Héctor Álvarez, born in 2006, whom we have already signed. Another one who will make a lot of noise is Adrià Pericas, in development, along with Pablo Lospitao and Markel Beloki.”
Irizar adds: “In Spain, people complain, but there are good cyclists. And we have to keep in mind that there are fewer resources than in other countries. There is only one WorldTour team, Movistar, which has significantly lower funds than Visma or Lidl-Trek itself. In France, there are many high-level teams, while in Spain, there used to be Once, Banesto, and Kelme; however, they are no longer there, but the quality remains.”