NONGLA, CHINA - OCTOBER 18: Paul Double of Great Britain and Team Jayco AlUla celebrates at podium as Red Leader Jersey winner during the 6th Gree-Tour Of Guangxi 2025, Stage 5 a 165.8km stage from Yizhou to Nongla 617m / #UCIWT / on October 18, 2025 in Yizhou, China. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)
After four days of Paul Magnier (Soudal-QuickStep) dominating the Tour of Guangxi, another Paul made headlines with a stunning victory. Great Britain’s Paul Double, at 29, clinched his first WorldTour win by soloing to triumph on the Queen stage 5 to Nongla. This victory marks a significant milestone in Double’s unconventional cycling career.
Unlike many of his peers, Double’s path to professional cycling was anything but typical. His journey was fraught with uncertainty, financial struggles, and periods of low confidence. Yet, Saturday’s breakthrough success is a testament to his unwavering perseverance.
From Humble Beginnings to WorldTour Success
Double’s cycling career began with stints at club and Continental teams, where he often faced job insecurity. His determination paid off when he joined ProTeams Human Powered Health and Polti Kometa, eventually earning a spot with Jayco-AlUla in 2025. This opportunity propelled him into the WorldTour at the age of 28.
Reflecting on his journey, Double’s career exemplifies patience. His confidence soared after winning the Tour of Slovakia last month, and he began to believe in his potential for success on a grander stage. “I say amongst the boys, ‘We’re going to win today’, but the reality is with the level of the field here, I probably didn’t expect it,” Double remarked after donning the red leader’s jersey.
“To pull it off is really special and this season has turned out to be super good for me – it feels like I’ve turned into a proper bike rider now.”
The Turning Point: Confidence and Self-Belief
Earlier this year, Double made his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia, modestly describing himself as “An OK rider.” However, his recent achievements have transformed his self-perception. The stage and general classification victory in Slovakia provided the confidence boost he needed to succeed in Guangxi.
“Probably now it’s the confidence [I’ve gained]. After Slovakia, I know – I knew I was a good bike rider, and I was kind of waiting for the win to come,” Double explained. “I think now that it has, it’s given me that extra confidence and I’ve done it again here today.”
The emotional weight of his accomplishment began to set in as he spoke with the media. “Probably now speaking to you guys, it gets emotional. At the finish, we’re all so cooked that you just need to sit down. You can’t take it in up there, but now on the podium as well with this spectacular scenery, it’s super-special,” he shared.
The Road Less Traveled
Double’s journey has been marked by challenges and setbacks, including a difficult period after the Giro d’Italia. He candidly described his early experiences racing as a U23 as “like getting his head kicked in,” crediting Flavio Zappi’s British development team for giving him his initial shot in cycling.
“Others along the way, who I’ve been on teams with, they’ve called it quits, and I carried on,” Double said. His relentless perseverance has now seen him step on top of a WorldTour podium, with the potential for more success if he can defend the red jersey.
“There was a lot of getting my head kicked in, and there still is you know. This year I had a real low period, after the Giro, it turns out I was cooked and Austria was really bad. But we just rebuilt steadily and I’ve come back to a good level, so I’m really happy.”
Instinct and Strategy: The Winning Formula
While patience and perseverance were crucial to Double’s success, it was his instinct and quick reactions that secured his victory on the road. “Everyone says to wait and wait, but in my head, I always like to go early,” he admitted.
Double seized the opportunity when Honoré attacked on the first steep section. “Then it was just him and me rolling on the flat. Back onto the steep, no one would pull with me, so I rode hard, knowing you’re not getting much benefit in the wheels, then I had a gap and just time trialled to the finish.”
Despite the pressure from UAE Team Emirates, Double’s strategy paid off. “I looked back a few times and I saw UAE pulling which scared me a little bit. But it worked out,” he concluded.
As Paul Double continues to revel in his newfound success, his story serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and self-belief in the face of adversity.
