At just 19 years old, Matthew Brennan is making a name for himself on the international cycling scene. Having turned professional with Visma | Lease a Bike, the young Brit is impressing with his versatility and maturity. After a blistering start to the season, marked by several notable victories, he is living up to the high expectations placed upon him and is already drawing comparisons to some of the biggest riders of recent years thanks to his current performances at the Volta a Catalunya.
A Sensational Start to the Season.
The start of 2025 has been a turning point in Matthew Brennan’s career. He has already claimed victory at the Grand Prix de Denain, a race often referred to as the “mini Hell of the North” due to its similarities with Paris-Roubaix. But that was just the beginning, he also won Les 100 Communes and the Grand Prix de Lillers before extending his winning streak to four consecutive victories with a triumph on the opening stage of the Volta a Catalunya.
His performances are no fluke; Brennan has displayed remarkable composure and tactical intelligence across diverse terrains, from the cobbled roads of northern France to the hilly landscapes of Catalonia. His dominance at Denain was particularly striking, as he overpowered a field full of experienced classics specialists, while his victory in Spain demonstrated his ability to handle more undulating terrain. This blend of power, racecraft, and a sharp finishing kick makes him one of the most exciting young prospects in the peloton.
A Rapid Rise with Visma.
Brennan’s arrival in one of the world’s top teams was no accident. Spotted at a young age by Visma | Lease a Bike, he first developed within their development squad before signing his first professional contract in 2024 at just 18 years old, a move that raised some doubts due to his youth.
However, Visma had a clear development plan for him. As Robbert de Groot, the team’s Head of Development, explains, Brennan possesses not only outstanding physical abilities but also natural leadership and a strong tactical mind. “For his age, he is already incredibly mature. He knows how to integrate into a team, communicate effectively, and learn from every race,” de Groot notes. This combination of raw talent and professionalism has seen Visma gradually increase his responsibilities, and his current performances validate their strategy.
A Rider Without a Defined Specialization, Yet.
One of Brennan’s greatest strengths is his ability to shine across different types of races. Whether it’s on cobbled classics, reduced-bunch sprints, or hilly stages, he has already shown that he can adapt to a variety of situations. But his talent isn’t limited to the road, he also has a strong track cycling background.
Brennan is a former junior world champion in the Madison, winning the title alongside Ben Wiggins, the son of Bradley Wiggins, 2012 Tour de France winner. In addition, he clinched the 2023 individual pursuit title and earned four national track medals between 2022 and 2023. His ability to transition between disciplines underlines his remarkable all-around ability, making his long-term career trajectory fascinatingly unpredictable.
When asked about his future specialisation, Brennan himself remains uncertain:
“My coaches are trying to figure out where I can develop best. Right now, we’re taking it step by step, seeing which strengths evolve over time. In a year or two, I might be a completely different rider. It’s an exciting process.”
This uncertainty mirrors the career paths of riders like Michael Matthews or Simon Gerrans, both of whom excelled in classics and stage races alike.
A Bright Future Under Elite Guidance.
Riding for a team like Visma | Lease a Bike also means training alongside some of the best riders in the world. With teammates like Jonas Vingegaard, Wout van Aert, and Matteo Jorgenson, Brennan has a unique opportunity to learn from top-tier professionals in different areas of the sport.
At the Volta a Catalunya, he is receiving climbing support from Sepp Kuss, the 2023 Vuelta a España champion—a valuable mentorship that could accelerate his development even further. This high-performance environment within Visma is likely to help him reach his full potential quickly.
Despite his rapid rise, Brennan remains grounded and focused. Aware of the potential pitfalls that come with early success, he is determined to progress at his own pace:
“I want to take things step by step and see where it leads me,” he says.
It’s a measured and intelligent approach, one that could see him establish himself as a leading rider in the pro peloton in the years to come.
With such a spectacular start to the season, Matthew Brennan is no longer just a promising British prospect—he is already emerging as one of the new faces of international cycling.
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