Winning the Junior World Championship title and announced at Lidl-Trek less than an hour later: The story of Harry Hudson

At a moment when no one really expected it, Hudson attacked. There were still about 36 kilometers to go, but the Brit sensed his chance. He quickly built up a nice gap, so only his stamina could keep him from winning the world title. And what happened? He succeeded spectacularly.

“I didn't think a 35 km solo breakaway was possible,” Hudson admitted to CyclingPro after being hoisted into his rainbow jersey. “Junior racing is always a bit crazy, so that anything can happen, but I thought there would be a smaller group on the final climb. I felt that this was the right moment to attack.”

There was actually one main reason for that. “Maybe to split the group, but suddenly I was alone,” Hudson realized. “From that moment on, I found my pace. A few times I thought I would be caught, but I kept pushing and somehow I made it to the finish.”

It was certainly exciting, as Spaniard Benjamín Noval and Frenchman Johan Blanc were chasing. “Yes, I saw them a few times, and that was scary, but I always felt I had something left for the final climb if they caught up with me. I'm small and light, so the hills suit me well, and the longer the race, the better. This was definitely my day.”

It was a huge achievement for Great Britain, coming after Zoe Backstedt had already secured the first gold medal earlier in the week in the time trial. The way he did it was even more impressive: accelerating at the right moment, pacing himself, and then actually staying ahead.

Hudson more than deserved the rainbow jersey in the junior category. He didn't just get that jersey from anyone. No, Mark Cavendish gave him the jersey after Hudson's success. “I saw Cav, which was quite a surprise. This is definitely a day I will never forget. We're celebrating tonight,” he said.

Less than an hour later, Hudson had something extra to celebrate. Lidl-Trek announced via X that the Brit had signed with the Lidl-Trek Future Racing Team, the development team of the German-American formation. “What's next for the new Junior World Champion, Harry Hudson? A new home at Lidl-Trek Future Racing! Congratulations, Harry!” they said.