Just 19 years of age, Hodei Muñoz is currently in his second season with Soudal Quick-Step Devo, and he continues to impress.
After finding his place in the peloton last year – when he made the jump from the junior ranks – Hodei began showing his potential and versatility in the months that have passed since the start of this season, racking up a total of nine top-ten placings across several races with our feeder squad.
A rider who makes it with ease over the short climbs and packs a strong sprint after a hard race, Hodei has the qualities and skills needed to turn pro, and complements them with the right mindset and work ethic that so many times can make the difference. But you can find out more about him, what drives him and the dreams he has from the following blog.
“I have to thank my uncle for starting cycling. He too was a rider, and a promising one, and at one point he was close to turning pro, but an elbow injury put a stop to his career. I was ten years old when I discovered this sport; before that, I used to be a goalkeeper, dreaming of Athletic Bilbao, the team I still support today.
In those first years, I saw not only that I liked what I was doing, but also that I was getting good at it, so I naturally began thinking of becoming a professional one day.
Mikel Landa, who’s from the area where I live, has always been a model for me, and I’m glad to be part of the same organization as him today.
In my second year as a junior, I racked up some solid results, and Soudal Quick-Step Devo noticed me thanks to these. When I got the opportunity to join them, I grabbed it immediately, and I’m happy to be where I am today.
My first season with the team was a good one, and I felt that I improved a lot, especially in terms of race management. I control my nerves better, I’ve learned to read the race, and I feel that these things are helping me get better results. At the same time, the team helps me improve my English, and I really feel that I’ve adapted well into the squad with the support of the great people around, who are always there to help me in every way they can.
My confidence kept growing after the strong start to the year we had, which saw us take a lot of wins and race like a pack of wolves.
Now, my goal for the next few months is to win a race and continue learning. I’ve come close several times already this year and I’d really like to make it onto the top step of the podium. Another goal of mine is to keep learning, especially from the more experienced riders on the team.
Long-term, I would love to win Itzulia Basque Country. That’s where I live, I know the roads, and it would be fantastic to be in that position and get the support of the crowds. Cycling is loved by the Basques, it’s a sport deeply rooted in our culture, and we are all enjoying it. I want to improve on the climbs but without losing my main strength, the sprint I have after a hard race. I would also love to race Paris-Roubaix one day. It’s one of the best races out there and it would be a dream to be at the start one day.”
Photo credit: ©Wout Beel
