Sports
João Pedro Rossi: From Time Trial Specialist to Brazilian Road Race Champion
The time trial specialist who conquered the road and leads the new generation of Brazilian cycling.
João Pedro Rossi, the 2026 Brazilian Road Race Champion, shares his surprising cycling journey. From a reluctant start to a passion for bikes, Rossi details his transition to professionalism, the role of the Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling team, and the challenges of high performance.
In the latest edition of the podcast "Na Roda do Stemma", host Gisele Gasparotto welcomed one of national cycling's biggest names: João Pedro Rossi, the current Brazilian Road Race Champion. Known for his mastery in time trial events, Rossi surprised the sports world by winning the top road race title in 2026. In this relaxed chat, he reveals the behind-the-scenes of his journey, from his reluctance to ride to the top of the podium, highlighting the importance of passion, dedication, and teamwork.
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The Unexpected Journey of a Champion
João Pedro Rossi's cycling story began in a peculiar way. At 26, Rossi recalls that at 15 or 16, he had no interest in bicycles, even though his father owned a shop in the neighborhood. He played soccer and swam, but bikes didn't captivate him. One day, curiosity led him to try a Mountain Bike on the road for 16 km, an initially difficult experience that, against all expectations, ignited an overwhelming passion.
The awakening to competition came with encouragement from a local sponsor, leading him to assemble an old Caloi 10 and begin road cycling. His first victory, a São Paulo State Time Trial Championship in the junior category, just six months after starting, solidified his calling and his love for the sport. This early achievement made him realize a natural "talent" for the sport.
Professionalism and Team Strength
The transition to professional cycling was not without its challenges. Juggling training, Physical Education studies, and working at his father's shop, Rossi experienced the harsh reality of an amateur athlete in Brazil. The turning point to full professionalism occurred in 2021 when he moved to Belo Horizonte to join the then newly formed Swift team, which is now Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling. That year marked his first medal in the Pan American Games and the Brazilian U23 time trial title.
The path to the Brazilian road race champion title was paved with persistence. After coming close many times, including a second-place finish by just 6 seconds in 2024, Rossi undertook specific and intense preparation. The change in the course from a flat race to a circuit with climbs in Mairiporã, requiring quick bike adaptations (changing the chainring from 68 to 62), tested his capabilities. The victory was a testament to his determination and race awareness.
Rossi emphasizes that success in high-performance cycling is largely the result of cohesive teamwork. He highlights the synergy of Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling, which he describes as a group of friends where a light atmosphere and organization are paramount. The role of Donato Bela, director and one of the team owners, is fundamental in the group's strategy and management. The team's unity was evident in the Brazilian Road Race Championship, where the strategy initially focused on Henrique Avancini adapted to the race, culminating in Rossi's victory. He mentions the emotion of having the support of teammates like Rodrigão, a former Brazilian champion, who helped him launch into the decisive breakaway.
Challenges, Mindset, and Future Aspirations
The life of a professional cyclist is marked by constant travel and, at times, loneliness. In 2026, Rossi experienced a year of many international trips, competing in Argentina, Rwanda, the United States, and Uruguay. He acknowledges missing home, family, and his girlfriend but emphasizes the importance of a positive team environment to mitigate these feelings.
Discipline is another fundamental pillar. Rossi debunks the idea that professional cyclists are always motivated to train, admitting to days of discouragement. However, the awareness that a missed training session is a step back compared to competitors serves as a powerful motivator. For him, mental strength often outweighs physical preparation, especially at crucial moments in a race.
The Localiza Meoo / Swift Pro Cycling project aims for internationalization and the development of athletes for elite competitions, including the 2028 Olympics. The team, already among the top three in the America Tour ranking, plans to participate in UCI-level races in Europe, such as the Volta a Portugal (Tour of Portugal), seeking crucial points for the Olympic cycle. Rossi also highlights the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) PAAR program, which offers stability and support to high-performance athletes.
The Complete Specialist and the Passion for Details
Although recognized as a time trial specialist, João Pedro Rossi sees himself as a complete cyclist. His passion for time trialing lies in the details — from clip position to helmet type, tire pressure to meticulous course study. This relentless pursuit of optimization reflects his high-performance mindset. He compares himself to cyclists like Wout van Aert, capable of performing well on different terrains and in various races, demonstrating versatility. His victories in sprint and multi-day races, such as the Volta de Goiás (Tour of Goiás), corroborate this vision of a multifaceted athlete.
João Pedro Rossi's journey is an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and the support of a united team can lead to the conquest of major titles. His story, shared on "Na Roda do Stemma," not only celebrates a champion but also highlights the growing potential of Brazilian cycling on the international stage.
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