The development team of Soudal-Quick Step has strengthened its roster with Said Cisneros. The 18-year-old Mexican will join the U23 squad in Belgian colors next year. Over the past two seasons, he raced as a junior for the well-known Mexican team AR Monex. The Mexican phenomenon Isaac Del Toro also started his career with this team. Like him, Cisneros is a climber and puncheur.
The young rider still has a contract with the top rider of UAE Emirates. Like Del Toro, Cisneros is the reigning Mexican champion, although the former holds the junior title. According to Soudal-Quick Step, Cisneros is one of Mexico’s biggest talents and they were impressed by his performances in the European junior circuit over the last two seasons, as well as at the U19 World Championships in Rwanda. There, Cisneros finished seventeenth, shortly afterwards taking gold (road race) and silver (time trial) at the national championships.
"I am very happy to be racing for this team next year," Cisneros said in a press release. "In my first year with Soudal-Quick Step, I mainly want to develop myself and learn as much as possible from the more experienced riders. Hopefully, I can put that into practice on the road, although I would also like to participate in some of the biggest races on our calendar. Cycling in Mexico has gained a lot of popularity in recent years. I am proud to represent my country in the international peloton."
Team manager Kevin Hulsmans is also looking forward to working with Cisneros. "He impressed us quite a lot, especially on uphill terrain. He is a pure climber and very talented. He will start next year with the U23s, so we will work with him carefully and patiently. We want to support his development by sending him to the right races, so he can also get accustomed to the European circuit. We believe he has significant potential when it comes to climbing. We are confident that he can develop into a very strong rider within our structure."
José Said Cisneros Diaz De Leon| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 |
