Darren Rafferty already has form - proper form - as a general classification rider. In his second year at U23 level he won Giro Ciclistico della Valle d'Aosta-Mont Blanc (2.2U), one of the hardest and most prestigious races on the international U23 scene.
That victory followed a 2nd place overall finish at the Baby Giro just weeks earlier and even at that stage he was on the radar of the World Tour teams. It wasn't long before news filtered through he'd signed for EF Education-EasyPost; a deal done long before he had won 'Mont Blanc'.
However, though he spent just two seasons - of a possible four - riding U23 races, with Hagens Berman Axeon, before moving to the World Tour, there was no guarantees his progress would continue. They was also no guarantee he'd remain in favour with his new team. The list of star U23 riders who don't quite make the cut when they step up is not a short one. Often their star fades very quickly.
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Rafferty's selection for La Vuelta, confirmed today, just weeks after his 21st birthday, is important for a number of reasons, especially in an unpredictable sport where the droves of younger and younger riders will be cast aside by teams at pace in coming years.
The Co Tyrone rider sees himself as a general classification cyclist in the years to come. He already has that pedigree from his U23 years; winning and securing other podium finishes. He has performed in properly hard races, featuring big U23 teams with riders peaking for those events. He can TT and he can climb; the winning combination.
He's already performed well in stage races this year, including at Critérium du Dauphiné (2.UWT), where he spent 135km on the attack on the penultimate day. He was also 16th overall at last week's Vuelta a Burgos (2.Pro), 17th in O Gran Camiño (2.1) and 23rd overall at Tour de Romandie (2.UWT), with an attacking ride on the final stage.
And now his inclusion in the team for La Vuelta - part of line-up riding in support of Giro 2019 winner Richard Carapaz - will be vital for his development. That he has secured a spot on a Grand Tour team in his first season out of the U23s speaks volumes.
It confirms that the management, and coaching staff, at his team who have seen him race all year believe he can cope with a three week race and can contribute to Carapaz's genuine chance of winning overall.
Having tracked Rafferty's output during the races he has ridden to date, and also tracked his recovery data, the fact those watching him most closely believe he can contribute to a shot at winning La Vuelta is very positive.
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Aside from that, it is simply important for young riders to make progress, and do so quickly, in whatever area they are targeting long term, whether that's as a sprinter, a classics rider of a stage racer. The speed at which young riders are joining the World Tour in recent years means there simply will not be enough opportunities for all of them in their preferred areas.
Some riders are snapped up by teams, often with great fanfare, only to languish in the seasons that follow. Some never become established among the first line of choices for the biggest races. They can become athletes that the team management who signed them simply don't fancy any more.
That Rafferty sees himself as a general classification rider, and is now getting a shot at a Grand Tour means his progress is continuing at pace. He's on the fast track to where he hopes to go. The team is pushing him, promoting him, believes in him.
The fact he will be riding for someone else in this Vuelta will also be a fantastic learning experience for him. He will have all of the benefits without the intense pressure of having to bring home the bacon himself.
He will have to contribute every day and will come out of the race with a full effort, over three hard weeks, in his legs. That is vital for important, especially with an eye to what he may do next year. Rafferty will also be surrounded by riders he can learn invaluable lessons from during a Grand Tour; Carapaz, the wily Rui Costa and Rigoberto Urán in particular.
For his part, Rafferty has given an honest appraisal of his mood, and general outlook, going into the race, saying he was "excited and a bit nervous". He was determined to do all he could for his team leader and to make it all the way to Madrid.
"It’s going to be my first Grand Tour," he said. "I’m going in with a nice role of helping the team and seeing how far Carapaz can go. Hopefully we can go all the way for him. It’s an honor to ride for Richie.
Just to be on the team with such high level riders is impressive. I will do the best I can and try to be as useful as possible. If I've done my job well and I make it to Madrid, I'll be pretty pleased.
"It’s hard to go in with a massive personal goal, but I think the team goal is definitely a big one. Hope that I can play a small part in making it go all the way.
"I see myself becoming a GC rider in the future, so it's an unbelievable experience to get the opportunity to be here to ride for Richie in my first year as a pro in the Irish national champion jersey."
