In a breathtaking display of youthful prowess, Italian cycling prodigy Lorenzo Finn has done the unthinkable, securing back-to-back World Championship titles in a stunning solo attack that left rivals in his wake. Just a year after claiming the junior road race crown in 2024, the 18-year-old climber dominated the U23 men's event in 2025, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport. But here's where it gets controversial—is Finn's rapid ascent a testament to raw talent, or does it hint at a shifting landscape in cycling's competitive hierarchy? Let’s dive in.
The race, held in Kigali, Rwanda, was a tale of two halves. Early on, the Belgian team dictated the pace, smothering any attempts at breakaway with relentless control. Their strategy, however, backfired spectacularly as their dominance waned in the latter stages, opening the door for Finn and others to seize the initiative. And this is the part most people miss—while Belgium’s early efforts were impressive, their inability to sustain the pressure turned the race into a free-for-all, with Finn emerging as the master tactician.
Finn’s decisive move came on the Côte de Kimihurara, the course’s most grueling ascent, where he broke away from the pack alongside Switzerland’s Jan Huber. Though Huber initially clung on, he cracked on the Côte de Kigali Golf ascent, leaving Finn to celebrate his second rainbow jersey in as many years. The Italian’s victory salute—raising two fingers as he crossed the line—was a poignant reminder of his unmatched skill and determination.
But here’s the kicker: While Finn’s performance was undeniably brilliant, questions linger about the Belgian team’s strategy. Did they overplay their hand, or was Finn simply unstoppable? The debate is ripe for discussion.
Reflecting on his win, Finn shared, 'It’s exactly one year, it’s like last year, it’s just unreal… The crowds here, in the last 500 metres, my ears were hurting because there were so many people from different nations cheering me on.' His humility and gratitude toward the Kigali crowd were palpable, as he described the experience as 'the experience of a lifetime.'
Finn’s tactical acumen was on full display as he conserved energy during Belgium’s early dominance, biding his time until the race fractured. 'If I’d finished in a sprint, chances are I’d lose, so I had to go solo,' he explained, highlighting his understanding of both his strengths and the race dynamics.
The race’s turning point came with 60 kilometers to go, when Spain’s Héctor Álvarez launched a daring solo move, momentarily unsettling the Belgian stronghold. Though the Belgians briefly closed the gap, Álvarez’s effort paved the way for Finn, Huber, and others to form a decisive breakaway. From there, Finn’s climbing prowess and tactical brilliance sealed his victory.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: As young talents like Finn continue to dominate, are traditional cycling powerhouses like Belgium losing their grip? Or is this simply the natural evolution of the sport? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
For the Belgians, the race ended in disappointment, with their first rider, Aaron Dockx, finishing 21st, nearly nine minutes behind Finn. It’s a stark reminder that in cycling, even the most meticulous plans can unravel in the face of raw talent and determination. As Finn celebrates his historic win, the cycling world is left to ponder what the future holds for this extraordinary young athlete.
