Jakob Omrzel to Turn Pro with Bahrain Victorious

# Jakob Omrzel Joins Bahrain Victorious, Embarks on Professional Cycling Journey

Bahrain Victorious is excited to announce the signing of Jakob Omrzel, a 19-year-old Slovenian cyclist, who will elevate his career to the WorldTour level after an impressive debut season with the Bahrain Victorious Development Team. Originally intended to remain in the U23 category until 2026, Omrzel’s extraordinary performances this year have fast-tracked his transition to the professional circuit.

During his time racing alongside the WorldTour squad, Omrzel showcased his talent in key events, including strong finishes at the Tour du Finistère Pays de Quimper and the Grand Prix du Morbihan. His most notable achievement came during the Tour of Slovenia, where he not only claimed the white jersey as Best Young Rider but also secured a commendable fourth place overall, bolstered by three top-ten stage results.

Omrzel’s highlight performance, however, was in the U23 category, where he clinched the overall title at the Giro Next Gen. This victory included donning the Maglia Rosa on the final stage, alongside finishing on the podium for two stages. He also made headlines by winning the Slovenian National Champion’s jersey in the elite road race, triumphing over both U23 and elite competitors. Recently, he captured his first U23 one-day race victory at the prestigious GP Capodarco and achieved two second-place finishes in stages at the Giro della Valle d’Aosta.

The Slovenian’s potential was evident from a young age, notably when he won the Paris–Roubaix Juniors in 2024 as part of the Slovenian National Team. He is set to represent Slovenia in the upcoming U23 Road Race at the World Championships in Rwanda.

Expressing his excitement about turning professional, Omrzel stated, “For sure, the big dream of every young cyclist is to one day become a pro rider, and I was no exception. To already have the opportunity to turn professional after just my first season at the U23 level is truly indescribable for me.”

He continued, highlighting the importance of his team: “As a young rider with hopefully a long career ahead, it’s incredibly important to be surrounded by such a strong team of people who not only teach me how to become a better cyclist but also how to grow as a person.”

Reflecting on his development this past season, he added, “Joining this team was without a doubt the best decision I’ve made. The staff and riders across the whole team always gave me their best, and our results are just proof of the hard work we put in together.”

Looking forward to the upcoming season, Omrzel shared his aspirations: “My goals are not only to achieve strong results in high-level races but also to continue improving as both a rider and as a person. I truly believe I have the potential to succeed in this sport, and I will give everything I can to make my dreams a reality.”

With his journey officially beginning, cycling enthusiasts will be keen to track Omrzel’s progress as he joins the elite ranks of the WorldTour team.