Imagine being just 22 years old and suddenly finding yourself standing shoulder-to-shoulder with cycling legends like Remco Evenepoel and Primoz Roglic. That’s exactly where Haimar Etxeberria finds himself after signing with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe, a move he boldly compares to joining the Real Madrid of cycling. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can a young rider from a small village truly thrive in one of the most high-pressure teams in the sport? Or will the spotlight prove too much?**
Etxeberria’s journey from post-race croquette celebrations in his local bar to the WorldTour is nothing short of remarkable. In a candid conversation with Marca, he admits the leap is massive but insists his roots—family, friends, and simplicity—will keep him grounded. ‘My name has gone global,’ he says, ‘but I’m still the same guy. I won’t change.’ And this is the part most people miss: in an era where fame often changes athletes, Etxeberria’s humility could be his greatest strength—or his biggest challenge in a team of superstars.
The connection with Red Bull was instant. After a string of impressive results, including a win in Castilla y Leon, Etxeberria caught the eye of several WorldTour teams. ‘Everything seemed to point to Jayco,’ he recalls, ‘but then I spoke with Red Bull, and it just felt right.’ What sealed the deal? The team’s 2026 roster, which includes Evenepoel—his idol—and Roglic, two champions whose presence was irresistible. ‘It’s like everything aligned,’ he says. But here’s a thought-provoking question: With such high-profile teammates, will Etxeberria shine as a leader or risk being overshadowed?**
His ambitions are clear: the Ardennes Classics, particularly Liege–Bastogne–Liege and Fleche Wallonne, are his dream races. ‘I’m Basque,’ he adds, ‘so the Clasica San Sebastian feels like home.’ Inspired by Sagan’s flair, Valverde’s dominance, and Aranburu’s consistency, Etxeberria is hungry to learn. ‘My priority is to absorb everything,’ he says. ‘Every piece of advice goes straight into my notebook.’ Yet, despite his meteoric rise, he remains the same rider who once showed up to group rides on a no-name white bike with downtube shifters. ‘I’m still a village kid,’ he insists.
His grandmother, once too nervous to watch him race, was there for his breakthrough win at the Vuelta a Bidasoa. Now, as he signs with Red Bull, she shares his disbelief. ‘We’re taking it all in together,’ he says. Etxeberria’s arrival at Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe brings youthful energy, undeniable potential, and a personality that fits the team’s vision. But as he steps into one of cycling’s most scrutinized environments, he keeps it simple: ‘Being a professional cyclist is about enjoying it and working hard, not losing your essence.’
So, here’s the question for you: Can Etxeberria’s humility and hunger propel him to the top, or will the pressure of being a Galactico change him? Let’s discuss in the comments!
