Ineos Grenadiers confirm signing of Danish junior Theodor Storm

18-year-old will step into the professional ranks on a three-year deal with British team as part of 'Ascent Programme'

11:32, Thursday 28th December 2023

Matilda Price

Racing News Editor

Share

Theodor Storm rode to fifth in the junior World Championships road race in 2023, behind teammate and winner Albert Philipsen

Ineos Grenadiers have confirmed the arrival of talented young Dane Theodor Storm on a three-year deal that will see him step into the WorldTour straight from the junior ranks, in a move previously reported by GCN.

Storm, who impressed as part of the junior road race-winning team at the Glasgow World Championships, had been linked with a move to Ineos Grenadiers over the summer. That was initially mooted as a transfer for 2025, but has been brought forward to 2024, with the 18-year-old moving straight into a professional team and skipping the U23 ranks.

The Dane picked up five wins in 2023, plus a podium finish at the junior Paris-Roubaix, and fifth in the road race in Glasgow. He also races on the track as part of Denmark's endurance squad.

“This is the perfect team for me; its focus on the future, and being completely performance-led is ideal for me and hugely exciting,” Storm said. “This move will also allow me to focus on the upcoming Olympics with the Danish national team, while still learning about the sport at the highest level as a Grenadier. I can’t wait to get to know all the staff and riders, and get stuck into the hard work.”

After losing out on the race to sign junior world champion and Storm’s compatriot Albert Philipsen, who has committed to Lidl-Trek for 2025, the securing of Storm brings another hotly-tipped junior into the Ineos Grenadiers fold.

One of several young riders either joining or staying with the team in 2024, Storm will form part of what Ineos are dubbing their ‘Ascent Programme’ - essentially, their core of development-focused riders, headed up by the team’s performance pathways manager, Simon Watts.

Other young riders on the squad include newcomer AJ August, second-year pro Michael Leonard, time trialing star Josh Tarling, and the still-developing Leo Hayter.

Whilst Ineos have failed to make any particularly big name signings of established riders for 2024, it seems they are turning their attention more towards development and securing the future of their younger riders.

“There is an increasing trend for young riders to step up straight into the World Tour, however we’re conscious that these athletes also need the right support to develop and perform to their potential,” Ineos Grenadiers CEO John Allert commented. “Our structured pathway approach will give Theodor every resource and opportunity to continue on the impressive trajectory he’s already established. We’re all looking forward to getting to know and work with Theodor, and to building a bright and successful future together. We’re delighted to welcome him to the INEOS Grenadiers.

“Theodor’s a very exciting young talent with enormous potential, who will add further depth to the impressive pool of talent we have built.”