Joshua Tarling failed to secure a medal in the time trial at the European Cycling Championships. Still, it was a strong comeback for the great prospect, who had been sidelined for months with a back injury following his crash at the Giro, and only returned to racing in September. Tarling missed the podium by just two seconds. The race was won by Remco Evenepoel, who once again cemented his status as the undisputed master of the discipline.

He is back ! Despite a frustrating result, Joshua Tarling showed very encouraging form at the European Championships. The Welshman had only just returned to racing after his Giro crash, which kept him out of competition for a long time. Back this September, he still carried high ambitions for this time trial, having won gold in 2023, which allowed him to wear the European champion’s jersey for the first time at only 19 years old.

Tarling (21) is without a doubt the most talented Welsh rider since Geraint Thomas retired. He carries high hopes within the British squad. This year, however, he came up against (much) stronger opposition in the shape of Remco Evenepoel.

The Belgian took victory with a 43-second lead over Filippo Ganna and pushed Niklas Larsen (3rd) to 1’08 back. The very windy conditions further played to Evenepoel’s advantage and his absolutely insane aerodynamic position, enabling him to open up huge gaps over just 24 kilometers. He is now the reigning Belgian, European, World, and Olympic time trial champion. Absolutely gigantic.

No British team in the road race

Joshua Tarling, by contrast, was unable to make the most of the windy conditions. He finished the time trial in a very frustrating 5th place, 1’10 behind Evenepoel but only two seconds off Larsen (3rd, 1’08) and his British teammate Ethan Hayter (4th, 1’09). Great Britain decided not to field a team for the road race at these European Championships because of the very tight schedule with the World Championships, held last week in Rwanda. According to the British coach, the chances of a medal were too slim.

Tarling will therefore not have the chance to compete in Sunday’s road race. Still, the Welshman confirms he is among the best time trialists in the world after finishing 4th at the Paris Olympics. At just 21 years old, he still has plenty of time ahead of him to make us dream.

Image source : Ineos Grenadiers / X