Team NPV Carl Ras Roskilde Junior is consistently ranked one of the world’s top junior cycling teams. As we enter 2023, the team is gearing up for what many expect to be a standout season. With some fresh new faces replacing those who have moved on to the senior level, 2023 also features a new clothing sponsor, Pas Normal Studios.

While the team is best known on the road, the first major milestone for the new squad was the Danish Track Nationals in Odense on January 14 and 15. And they did not disappoint: the team took home eight out of a possible 12 medals abord their Argon 18 Electron Pros. That included gold and silver in the 3km Individual Pursuit, silver in the 1km Individual Pursuit, gold and silver in the Omnium, and a full sweep of the podium in the Madison.  

Argon 18 had a chance to sit down with some of the young riders after Nationals to talk about their results, their expectations for the coming season, and what it’s like being on one of the top junior teams.

Argon 18: First of all, congratulations on your performances at Nationals! How did it feel for you?

Anton Louw Larsen: The Madison and Omnium went really well. I was No. 2 in the Madison with Peter, and No. 4 in the Omnium.

Noah Wulff: The 3km went perfectly well and I was quite satisfied with it. I had hoped for a little more in the 1000 meters. Very satisfied with my Omnium, but you can't help but be a little bitter when you were so close!   

Conrad Haugstad: The Nationals were terrific for me. I went home with 3 gold medals and 1 silver out of 4 possible. So it's hard not to be happy. I'm most proud of my Individual Pursuits, where I set two good times. But also cool with the other medals.

Patrick Frydkjær: It went pretty well - I became Danish champion with Conrad in the Madison! 

A18: What are your expectations for the 2023 season? 

Peter Behki Lauersen: I hope to have a really good season, and to make an impression at some major races. But just as important, I hope to be a valuable teammate and help the team get some good results. 

NW: I hope to bring home some big results for the team. And, of course, I would like an UCI win or two. 

ALL: I'm looking forward to being in some major races abroad, and to hopefully get out there and make an impression with the team. And it would also be great if I could take home a victory or two. 

A18: You guys are mainly road cyclists. How do you use track cycling as preparation for the road? 

PF: I use track cycling in the winter to get stronger on the road, with the short and hard disciplines you ride on the track. But at the same time, it also makes it a little more fun during the cold months here in the winter. 

ALL: I use the track to get some speed in my legs during the winter, which you don’t get just from riding on country roads. Then I can hopefully be sharp and have racing speed in my legs right at the start of the season. 

PBL: I largely use the track as a change from the somewhat monotonous road training. I believe variety is the key to success, so the mix between track and road leading up to the season is super effective. 

A18: What’s it like being part of Team Roskilde Junior?

CH: I think it's great to be part of the team. The whole setup with bikes, clothes, sunglasses and not least the team behind us is super professional. It gives me a great feeling about the upcoming season. It will be super cool.

PBL: So far it has been super cool to be part of the team. We haven't ridden a road race as a team yet, but I already feel that the unity in the team is great. 

ALL: I think it's been really cool. You really feel that you’ve joined a good team, because there are a lot of people involved, and they are all fully dedicated to having as good a season as possible. I also think that we have really good team spirit, so it’s looking like it will be a solid year for the team. 

PF: It’s been great to become part of the team. It is a really good team to work with, as the development of both the rider and the person is very much the focus. 

A18: What motivates you as a cyclist? Where do you see the sport taking you?

PF: What drives me are the goals I’ve set and then the process of trying to achieve them. Ideally, in a few years, I see myself on a really good pro team, where I can make a living from cycling. The ultimate dream is to be a professional cyclist.

NW: I love the competition and the community in the sport in general, and on the team. That’s what motivates me. My ultimate dream in this sport is to compete on the World Tour.

ALL: I just think it's great to cycle, and be able to get out and train on the long and hard rides. It's even better when you can also be in some major races. I see myself trying to focus fully on cycling - I think it would be amazing to live life as a cyclist. The ultimate dream for me is to become a pro. 

CH: I feel that I am well on my way to a great future in cycling. I am looking forward to one more year as a junior, where I have to make the final preparations before moving on to the senior level. There is a tuff battle for the contracts ...! I'm definitely dreaming of a career as a professional cyclist! So now, it's time to invest in the future!

PBL: It motivates me to be able to feel constant development and feel that I am getting better and better. I dream of racing at the sport's highest level, and if I'm lucky, on a pro team with some of my current teammates. My ultimate dream is to win the Giro d'Italia and ride through Verona in the pink jersey. 

Photo credit: Frederik Sunke