'I realised, sh*t, I'm actually quite good at cycling' – the amazing journey of the surprise winner of Tour of the Alps stage 4

Lennart Jasch delivered a stunning and unexpected victory on stage four of the Tour of the Alps, conquering the mountainous 167.8km route from Arco to Trento with a solo attack. The 25-year-old German rider, representing Tudor Pro Cycling, broke away early on the first major climb and managed to hold off a chasing group of favourites to claim his first professional win. His triumph was particularly remarkable given his unconventional background, having only transitioned from speed skating to competitive cycling at the end of 2023 following a skating injury. Jasch’s journey in the Tour of the Alps has been one of redemption and rapid progress. Last year, he was forced to abandon on the same stage due to severe weather and exhaustion, making this victory all the more poignant. During the race, he demonstrated strong legs and tactical acumen, breaking clear with 25 kilometres remaining and maintaining his lead to the finish line in Trento. Despite the challenging terrain and competition, the general classification remained unchanged, with Giulio Pellizzari retaining the leader’s jersey. Reflecting on his win, Jasch expressed disbelief and pride, admitting he had not fully grasped the significance of conquering the race’s queen stage until after crossing the line. He credited his swift adaptation to cycling to his power output and resilience, highlighting the learning curve he has experienced since switching disciplines. Jasch’s move to Tudor Pro Cycling for the 2026 season marks a new chapter, and he remains optimistic about his potential, embracing a philosophy of continuous learning regardless of age. The implications of Jasch’s breakthrough are significant for both his career and the wider cycling community. His rapid rise from a former speed skater to a professional stage winner underscores the potential for talent to emerge from unconventional backgrounds. As he continues to develop, Jasch could become a notable figure in mountainous stage races, while his story serves as inspiration for athletes considering late transitions into cycling. The coming seasons will be crucial in defining his trajectory and impact on the sport.