...By Judah Olanisebee for TDPel Media.
In the unassuming neighborhood of south London, four young cyclists named Fred, Ethan, Leo, and Tom have emerged as rising stars in the professional peloton.
These individuals, each with their unique strengths and abilities, have been racing against each other around Herne Hill Velodrome for as long as they can remember.
Despite their differences, they share a common passion for cycling that has propelled them into the professional ranks.
Ethan and Leo Hayter have secured spots on Ineos Grenadiers’ roster, while Fred Wright has been a member of Team Bahrain Victorious since 2020.
The fourth member of the quartet, Tom Gloag, has recently made his mark with Jumbo-Visma, earning a late call-up to compete in the prestigious Giro d’Italia.
Their journey started at Herne Hill, where they would cycle together, pushing each other to improve.
Although Tom Gloag would often be left behind by his fellow riders, cycling was more about enjoyment than fierce competition in those early days.
However, Tom’s perspective changed when he discovered his talent for climbing hills during a training camp in Spain at the age of 17.
His exceptional performance uphill surpassed that of his housemates, and he realized he had the potential to excel in the sport.
Tom’s plans to pursue a mathematics and physics degree took a turn when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted A-level exams, resulting in his grades being allocated to him.
Seizing the opportunity, he decided to fully dedicate himself to cycling and headed to Europe to test his skills.
Living in a small village with limited amenities, he thrived in the challenging environment, winning his first four races and attracting the attention of professional teams.
After considering offers from various teams, Tom eventually signed with Jumbo-Visma, a dominant force in men’s cycling.
The opportunity to learn from and ride alongside renowned cyclists such as Jonas Vingegaard, Primoz Roglic, and Wout van Aert was an enticing prospect.
Tom is eager to soak up knowledge from his teammates, asking them questions and learning from their experiences.
At just 21 years old, Tom’s talent is gaining recognition, although he remains humble and unaware of his full potential.
Participating in his first grand tour, the Giro d’Italia, has been an eye-opening experience.
Despite facing challenges and pushing his limits, Tom embraces the uncertainty of his cycling career, acknowledging that he may become a grand tour leader, a stage winner, or a valuable domestique.
Tom and his friends from Herne Hill, the Hayter brothers, and Fred Wright, still ride together whenever possible, marveling at the surreal journey they have undertaken.
These four young men from south London have made it to the pinnacle of cycling, a testament to their dedication and passion for the sport.
Their future remains unwritten, but the joy lies in discovering just how far they can go.
