Lorenzo Finn transitions to WorldTour with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe
Italian cycling prospect Lorenzo Finn is set to join the professional ranks with Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe in 2027, marking the next stage in a rapid ascent through the sport’s developmental tiers. The 19-year-old rider, who spent his formative years competing as a club rider, will move into the elite men’s peloton after a standout tenure with the team’s development squad. Finn’s progression to the professional level follows a transition from the GRENKE-Auto Eder satellite team to the Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe development program in 2025. His trajectory includes a series of notable results in the U23 category, highlighted by a rainbow jersey at the 2024 World Championships in Switzerland and a 2026 season that saw him win both the Giro NextGen and the Tour de l’Avenir.
Developmental goals for the 2027 season
Despite the anticipation surrounding his move to the WorldTour, Finn has emphasized a measured approach to his debut professional campaign. In a press release issued by the team, the rider stated that he intends to focus on learning rather than immediate performance targets.
“This is a dream come true; this is what I’ve wanted since I was a little boy,” Finn said. “I shouldn’t put too much pressure on myself right now and need to get used to the level of competition. I don’t have any specific expectations; I want to grow and help the team. I have time.”
The team’s management views Finn as a validation of their internal recruitment structure. Zak Dempster, a sports director at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe, noted that Finn is the first rider to complete the full pathway from the junior level to the WorldTour roster within their organization. According to Dempster, this serves as a model for their long-term developmental approach.
Rising expectations in Italian cycling
Finn’s emergence comes as Italy continues to seek a long-term successor to Vincenzo Nibali in stage racing. While riders such as Davide Piganzoli and Giulio Pellizzari have secured top-ten finishes in Grand Tours in recent years, significant media and fan attention has shifted toward Finn following his results in the U23 circuit.
The rider remains cognizant of the external pressure but maintains that he is still developing his physical and tactical capacity. “I’m still far from reaching my full potential,” Finn said, confirming that his primary objective for the coming year is to adapt to the rigors of elite professional racing.
Frequently asked questions about Finn’s professional debut
What major races did Lorenzo Finn win as a junior?
In 2026, Finn became the first rider in 53 years to win both the Giro NextGen and the Tour de l’Avenir in the same season. He also claimed the rainbow jersey at the 2024 World Championships in Switzerland.
Why is Finn’s promotion considered a milestone for Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe?
According to sports director Zak Dempster, Finn is the first rider to progress through the team’s entire development pipeline, starting from the junior level and reaching the WorldTour squad. The team uses his career path as an example of their internal development model.
What is Finn’s primary focus for his first professional season?
Finn has stated that he plans to prioritize gaining experience in the elite peloton during 2027. He has explicitly mentioned that he is not setting specific performance expectations for himself as he adjusts to the higher level of competition.