First Grand Tour, New Horizons: Bjorn Koerdt’s Vuelta challenge

Bjorn Koerdt is about to take one of the biggest steps in his young career. After a promising first season in the Men’s program, the 21-year-old rider is preparing to line up for his very first Grand Tour: the Vuelta a España. From weeks of altitude training to fine-tuning at the Arctic Race of Norway and Circuit Franco-Belge, Bjorn now feels ready for the challenge of three relentless weeks of racing in the Spanish heat.

A year of progress

Looking back on his first season at WorldTour level, Bjorn admits it has already surpassed his expectations. “I’ve exceeded my own expectations,” he says. “It’s a big step up from where I was, but I’ve done a lot of big races and a lot of race days. I’ve really felt myself progress over the year, and the next step for me is definitely this first Grand Tour.”

His return to racing at the Arctic Race of Norway confirmed that the hard work is paying off. “Norway was a nice race to get back going again,” he explains. “The legs were pretty good and I showed some good signs. Together with last week’s one-day race, Circuit Franco-Belge, it was the perfect final step before the Vuelta.”

Facing the challenge of La Vuelta

When Bjorn thinks of the Vuelta, two words come to mind immediately: long and hot. “It’s always challenging with the weather at the Vuelta,” he says. “It’s the longest race you can do, with a lot of climbing. But I’m no stranger to racing in the heat and I’ve done plenty of altitude metres this year, so I feel prepared.”

The mental and physical challenge of three weeks on the road is something he’s thought about, but he knows some surprises are inevitable. “I think the hardest thing will be the stuff you’re not expecting,” he reflects. “Unplanned moments in a race like this. The length, the level, the difficulty; you can’t see it all from the outside. But I’ll do my best to overcome those challenges.”

Excitement and opportunity

Despite the unknowns, Bjorn’s anticipation outweighs any nerves. “I’m really looking forward to racing with the best guys in the world, at one of the biggest races in the world,” he says. “I also really enjoy racing in Spain. I’ve raced there as a junior, and again this year in the Basque Country. The terrain suits me, and hopefully I can surprise myself a little and come away with a good result.”

His role in the team will be a familiar one: versatile support, combined with seizing opportunities when they arise. “I can help in the sprints, in the lead-out, and hang on quite a while on the harder days,” he explains. “But I’m also definitely keen to get into some breakaways, or just have a go on a medium mountain stage. That kind of stage really suits me.”

Advice, goals and motivation

For many riders, the first Grand Tour is remembered for a lifetime. The best piece of advice Bjorn has received is simple but powerful: go out there and enjoy it. “It’s easy to get wrapped up in the thoughts about the next day and how hard it will be, but the main thing to remember is: this is what you love to do. It should be a nice three weeks.”

As for his goals, Bjorn sees the Vuelta as a continuation of his development. “The main thing for me is progression. This is the next step in the process of becoming the best rider I can be. If the opportunity comes to go for a stage result, I’ll definitely grab it. But above all, I want to support the team and come out of these three weeks stronger.”

And if there’s one thing he’ll rely on to keep him going during the long days? His rap playlist. “It always gets me upbeat and ready to race. That’ll definitely go down well in the bus,” he laughs.

Ready for Spain

From the chilly climbs of Norway to the heat and steep ramps of Spain, Bjorn Koerdt is about to discover what it means to race a Grand Tour. With the support of his teammates and the motivation to keep learning, he’s ready to embrace the challenge.

“I just want to do my best,” he concludes. “If I can look back after three weeks and know I gave everything, for myself and for the team, then I’ll be happy.”