Noah Ramsay, the 21-year-old Canadian cyclist who won the male category of the Zwift Academy, has expressed immense relief after securing a contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck, the Belgian WorldTour team’s development squad, for the upcoming year.
After several years of competing in UCI mountain biking events in Canada, Ramsay will transition to road racing under the renowned team’s banner. He spoke to Cycling Weekly during the Zwift Academy event in Dénia, Spain, at the close of 2024, explaining how the contract has significantly alleviated the pressure he felt while managing his career independently as a privateer.
“It’s a massive weight off my shoulders,” Ramsay said. “I don’t think I’ve fully processed it yet. I’m super happy, but it hasn’t fully hit me. I think it will mean less stress for me, no longer having to organize my own plans. It’s a big relief, and I’m really excited for the challenge that comes with it.”
While Ramsay acknowledged his achievement, he was quick to downplay his own success, pointing to the high caliber of his competitors, including Scotland’s Elliot Bain. Ramsay noted that any one of the finalists could have earned the contract.
“The testing was tough, and it was clear who the strongest riders were,” he explained. “I don’t think I stood out particularly, but a few of us certainly did.”
Ramsay’s journey into cycling is unique. Born in Toronto, he spent much of his youth playing ice hockey before switching to mountain biking in 2018 at the age of 16. His cycling career faced an early setback when the COVID-19 pandemic canceled all racing in Canada in 2020. However, Ramsay used the time to train intensively, ultimately securing a spot on the Canadian under-23 XCO World Championships team in 2021.
His mountain biking results have steadily improved over the years, with a standout performance at the recent short track World Cup in Monte Sainte Anne, Canada, where he finished fifth.
Ramsay reflected on the valuable lessons learned through his participation in the Zwift Academy, especially from a sprint workout event that allowed him to showcase his tactical racing skills. “I really enjoyed the sprint drills, where I competed one-on-one with fellow competitors. It was a great opportunity to think strategically, and the feedback I received on my strengths and weaknesses has been incredibly helpful.”
Now, with a bright future ahead, Ramsay is eager to embrace the new challenges of road racing and continue his rise through the ranks of professional cycling.
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