A cyclist from the UK has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime from Red Bull and Tour de France team Bora-Hansgrohe.
Earlier this year, Red Bull announced their Junior Brothers scheme – which saw young athletes from across the globe compete to become a Red Bull athlete. However, that wasn't the only reward, and the two winners would also be handed professional cycling contracts.
Red Bull's constant push to challenge conventions in sport saw the youngsters Strava or Zwift – an indoor cycling program – and compete on segments around the world with the carrot of a pro contract with Bora's development team.
These segments ranged from Australia to Colombia and France to Italy. There were even two on these shores: the ascents of Great Dun Fell, and Wyrose from Ambleside.
READ MORE: Red Bull wants to make cycling cool – and they've enlisted a Tour de France team to help
Red Bull have now announced the finalists, all aged 16-17, will be put through their paces at the Red Bull Athlete Performance Centre (APC) in Thalgau, Austria from August 28 to September 1.
Among those will be a rider from the UK, who will be subject to lab tests, group rides and in person interviews with team managers – all with a contract at the end of the line for two of the hopefuls.
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Daily Star Sport were invited to Bora-Hansgrohe's HQ in Germany earlier this year to get a taste of the life that will await the two winners of the talent search.
Bora's massive operation was laid out, with the scale of bikes, cars, and trucks all on show. The two winners will have access to this as part of Bora's development team – Team Auto Eder – alongside their benefits as a Red Bull athlete.
Anton Palzer, who Red Bull helped transition to professional cycling in 2022 with Bora, said: "Red Bull are the company in sport? It's like, every young athlete has heroes. And if you've watched YouTube videos, most of the good guys have a Red Bull helmet!"
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