Albert Philipsen compares to Paul Seixas as Mathieu van der Poel does to Tadej Pogacar

Paul Seixas made a huge impression last week at the Volta ao Algarve. This coming weekend, another top talent of the same generation resumes competition with Omloop Het Nieuwsblad. Albert Philipsen is set to ride more cobbled classics this spring. “I don’t yet know which direction I want to take; after the spring, I’ll do a mix of different races again,” the 19-year-old Dane tells WielerFlits, among others.

Albert Philipsen made a big impression as a junior. In his first year as a junior, at just 16 years old, he became world champion on both the road and mountain bike. In between, he also competed in cyclocross, finishing fifth at the World Championships in early 2024. This super talent received offers from almost every WorldTeam to jump straight from juniors to the pros. He chose Lidl-Trek because he can continue to combine multiple disciplines there. In his first year, just like his generation mate Seixas, he delivered several impressive performances. 

Young rider classification at the Tour Down Under, victory in Paris-Roubaix U23, sixth place in Eschborn-Frankfurt among the pros, third in the Tour of Hungary, strong climbing performances at the Giro d’Italia U23, and podium finishes at the end of the season in Tre Valli Varesine (second, behind Tadej Pogačar) and Paris-Tours (third, sprinting for victory behind Matteo Trentin and Christophe Laporte). “In the summer, I finally got the chance to relax more and train more consistently. The step from juniors to the WorldTour is big and brought a lot of stress. I got sick more quickly due to all the travel and increased racing. But towards the end of the season, I felt more confidence and comfort in my new environment,” the Dane explains.

Super talents often have big ambitions and express them; you seem more modest. Is that typical of you or do you not like big talk?
“I prefer to show it in the race rather than talk about it in an interview. Besides, I’m in no rush. Maybe I’ll deliver a big result this season, but it could also take three years. If I keep progressing, the results will come naturally in the future.”

Have you already figured out in which terrain you want to excel in the coming years?
“No, because I don’t want to specialize just yet. I actually enjoy being a bit versatile. A few classics, some climbing races, cobbled classics, gravel races, a bit of everything. I find that really interesting, and it helps my development to perform across different terrains. So far, I really enjoy being an all-rounder. In the future, I can always specialize. I have the time and don’t stress about it. I just finished my first year of what I hope will be a long pro career. I see no reason to make quick decisions now. But I do like tough one-day races like Strade Bianche.”

What’s the plan Lidl-Trek has for you next season?
“I’m going to gain more experience in the spring classics. In the coming weeks, I’ll be part of the core group for the classics. The main goal is to help the other guys and learn from them. Later in the year, I’ll race on various terrains. There might even be a Grand Tour, as there’s an opening for me in the Vuelta a España. That decision will come later because I first need to show that I’m ready for it.”

What lessons do you hope to learn from Mads Pedersen this spring?
“So many… He is one of the best classics riders in the peloton, with his presence and experience. I think the lessons I can learn from Mads are unlimited. I often turn to him when I need advice. Mads is such a good team leader and he has found a great balance in how he handles the cycling world. He’s a good example of what my future could look like.”

What do you think about stage racing?
“Maybe in a few years, I’ll develop into a stage racer, but it’s also possible I’ll fully focus on the classics. We’ll see.”

Paul Seixas recently said he always enjoyed your duels as juniors and sees you as a challenger for overall wins in big stage races in the future. What do you have to say about that?
“Paul and I had some great battles as juniors. He was really, really strong and a fun challenger. Last year, we went in slightly different directions. Paul developed more into a stage racer, while I came into my own mainly as a one-day racer. But I’m sure we’ll meet many times in the coming years. That will produce some great duels again. Do these comments make me smile? I just have good memories of our battles. The fights were always fair, and I like Paul as a person. Whoever won, it was always fair. That’s what I like.”

What does it take to beat the established order – Tadej Pogačar, Mathieu van der Poel, and Remco Evenepoel?
“Generally, I just need time. I hope to grow into the same caliber of rider someday. Maybe in two years, but perhaps it will take five. I have to be patient and not rush myself. Then I’ll see how my development unfolds.”

The current generation has treated cycling fans to fantastic duels in recent years. Will you and Seixas do the same?
“Absolutely! It makes cycling more exciting to watch when great rivals push each other to the limit. I hope to give something like that back to the sport in the future. As a kid, it was amazing to watch those battles on TV, and I’d love to create that kind of rivalry myself. I still look up to Mathieu and Pogi, and I aim to reach their level eventually.”

*In mid-March, Lidl-Trek will decide on a possible selection for major races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.