By Ian Gordon
Top British cycling prospect Josh Tarling is targeting ‘big wins’ after agreeing to stay at INEOS Grenadiers until 2027.
The 20-year-old from Aberaeron has already been crowned European and British time trial champion and won world bronze in the event in 2023.
Now Tarling, who will make his Olympic bow in Paris, is ready to take the next step after extending his deal with the team he joined in 2023.
“I am now two seasons into my pro career, and I am loving every minute of it,” said Tarling.
“Obviously, there is still loads to learn and improve upon over the coming years, but I am glad to be doing that as a Grenadier surrounded by riders like G (Geraint Thomas), Pippo (Filippo Ganna) and Egan (Bernal).
️ “Josh is an incredible athlete and one of the most promising young talents in cycling.”
Read more from the team and Josh Tarling on his brand new contract: https://t.co/vcVd99wvVi pic.twitter.com/NMFWfNEXGj
— INEOS Grenadiers (@INEOSGrenadiers) July 15, 2024
“It really makes you feel like you’re learning from the best.
“I’m looking forward to supporting the Team where I can, whilst also targeting some big wins together.
“We have a dynamic, world-class group of riders with a lot to prove and that just fuels me to keep working hard and explore my limits across time trials, the Classics, and hopefully soon Grand Tours.”
Tarling has also been told that the ‘sky’s the limit’ for him after a year that saw him take the opening stage of O Gran Camiño, a second place in the time trial at the Critérium du Dauphiné and finish sixth at Dwars door Vlaanderen.
In June, he won the British National Time Trial Championship for the second year running after becoming the youngest ever winner in 2023.
John Allert, INEOS Grenadiers CEO, added: ‘We’re delighted to continue working with Josh. He’s everything that the INEOS Grenadiers is about – ambition, grit, a great team-mate and a hard worker.
“The sky’s the limit for Josh, and together we’re working super hard to see what is achievable.”
Scott Drawer, Performance Director, added: “Josh is an incredible athlete and one of the most promising young talents in cycling.
“A big career lies ahead of him, and we are 100 per cent committed to giving him the support he needs to live up to the expectations he has for himself and fulfil his potential.
“This contract is the perfect example of the team’s commitment to identifying and nurturing young talent.
Josh Tarling Spearheads Welsh Success As He Storms To Time Trial Gold
“Josh joined the team at just eighteen and we have done all we can to ensure he had a holistic plan to develop at the right pace, doing the right things at the right time. Our young riders have the very best resources and tech available and input from some of the most experienced support staff in the sport.
“One of the amazing things about this team is the breadth we have in our rider group, from multiple Grand Tour winners like Egan and G, and time trial specialists like Ganna, through to some of the future stars of the sport like Josh.
“It is invaluable for our younger riders to be able to learn from the experience, professionalism, race craft and know-how of our leaders while they in turn bring energy and new ideas into the group.
“Josh obviously has a big goal for the Olympics this summer and we will then support him to kick on and continue to build on the success of his first two seasons as a pro.
“I know he will play a big part in helping the team achieve the clear ambitions we have for the coming years.”