Theodor Storm, the Danish rider who was 5th in the junior men’s road race at the World Championships in Glasgow, has become the latest young rider to be added to the Ineos Grenadiers ‘ascent programme’.
The 18-year-old agreed terms with the British World Tour team some time ago but is now stepping up to the top tier of pro racing earlier than expected. He joins on a three-year deal having spent the last two seasons riding for a junior club team, NPV-Carl Ras Roskilde Junior.
Under the terms of his original agreement, he was set to continue developing, as a first-year U23 in 2024, before joining Ineos Grenadiers fully for the 2025 season. However, that development year will now be skipped and he will move straight into pro racing.
The team said the teenager would slot into its ‘ascent programme’, which is focused on the development of the squad’s younger riders and is overseen by Ineos Grenadiers’ performance pathways manager, Simon Watts.
Storm took a number of impressive results as a junior this year, including 3rd in Paris-Roubaix and 5th at the Worlds, in a road race won by his team mate Albert Philipsen.
And while Philipsen has signed a four-year deal with Lidl-Trek, which does not start until 2025, Storm and Ineos Grenadiers have decided to immediately jump into World Tour racing.
“This is the perfect team for me; its focus on the future, and being completely performance-led is ideal for me and hugely exciting,” Storm said of his new contract.
“This move will also allow me to focus on the upcoming Olympics with the Danish national team, while still learning about the sport at the highest level as a Grenadier. I can’t wait to get to know all the staff and riders, and get stuck into the hard work.
“I know the team has huge ambitions for the future and I’m keen to contribute however I can to help achieve their goals. The INEOS Grenadiers feels like the perfect fit for me.”
John Allert, Ineos Grenadiers chief executive, said Storm would “add further depth to the impressive pool of talent we have built”.
“There is an increasing trend for young riders to step up straight into the World Tour, however we’re conscious that these athletes also need the right support to develop and perform to their potential,” Allert added.
“Our structured pathway approach will give Theodor every resource and opportunity to continue on the impressive trajectory he’s already established.
“We’re all looking forward to getting to know and work with Theodor, and to building a bright and successful future together. We’re delighted to welcome him to the Ineos Grenadiers.”
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