Benjamín Noval is close to signing a historic contract with Netcompany INEOS ahead of his WorldTour debut in 2027. The 18-year-old Spaniard is understood to have agreed a deal extending his commitment to the British team until the end of 2031, two seasons longer than originally planned.

According to Spanish newspaper MARCA, the new deal includes unprecedented financial terms for a rider of his age. The agreement reflects the British squad’s commitment to one of Spanish cycling’s brightest prospects, whose value has soared after an outstanding junior season.

The news follows a year in which Noval claimed the junior time trial and road race world titles in Montreal, before adding the European junior time trial title to his palmarès. His performances have strengthened the team’s belief in his potential and accelerated negotiations to secure his long-term future.

The original agreement was announced in the summer of 2025, when the Asturian was just 16. With his move into the professional ranks drawing closer, Netcompany INEOS now intends to substantially improve a contract reportedly worth around one million euros over three seasons.

A historic contract to secure its leading prospect

Regional broadcaster RTPA reported that Noval had agreed to extend his initial contract, which ran until 2029, by two years. Under the announced terms, the Spaniard would remain with the British team for five seasons, from 2027 through 2031.

MARCA later added that the deal was expected to be signed this week, describing its financial terms as “the biggest contract in history for a cyclist of his age”. His representative, Giuseppe Acquadro, is understood to have negotiated a substantial improvement on the terms agreed in the summer of 2025.

His double world title in Montreal has been one of the main reasons for the young rider’s soaring value. Noval became the first male junior since Remco Evenepoel in 2018 to win both the time trial and road race world titles in the same year. He later added European time trial gold, capping an exceptional season.

Netcompany INEOS moved ahead of other potential suitors when it announced his signing in June 2025. Now, even before he has raced professionally for the British team, the squad has strengthened its commitment to ensure his progress does not jeopardize the future of a talent it considers central to its plans.

Noval unfazed by pressure ahead of WorldTour step-up

The contract extension comes as the Asturian has begun speaking about the expectations surrounding his arrival at the top level. Already dubbed INEOS' “million-euro cyclist”, Noval says comparisons and media attention will not affect his approach to the challenge. “What other people think doesn’t affect me at all. I know what I have to do, and I’m completely relaxed,” he told MARCA.

His priority in 2027 will be to adapt to the demands of the highest level and gradually earn a place within the team. The Spaniard understands that his first responsibility will be to work for the leaders, but he also hopes to become an important part of the squad as he gains experience and opportunities.

Noval says his biggest concern is not criticism or financial expectations, but the physical demands of professional cycling. “What worries me most is the level of competition and how I’ll feel on the climbs after five hours on the bike,” he explained. He added that pressure and criticism, by contrast, motivate him.

Meanwhile, the rider has already started getting to know his new team, spending three days with the squad in Denmark. Netcompany INEOS plans to ease him into the environment gradually, without placing excessive responsibility on him from the outset. However, the British team has not ruled out accelerating his development if his results and progress justify a more ambitious approach.