The romance between Spanish riders and the motorcycle world championship boasts a long history and a vibrant present. Moreover, it hints at a remarkably promising future, thanks to young talents like Zaragoza’s Víctor Cubeles. We traveled to Zuera to meet this 15-year-old, who has already captured the attention of the sport’s greats. In particular, five-time world champion Jorge Lorenzo is keeping a close eye on him, serving as his manager and mentor for the past few months.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane. When did you first get on a motorcycle?
Well, I was two and a half years old. My father built it for me. It was one of those bikes without pedals, almost like a small bicycle but with a tiny battery. That’s how I started riding.
And you haven’t stopped since! You’ve continued on two wheels. Tell us what you did after that first bike.
I raced in various disciplines. I also started on the road, on asphalt like now, but at five or six years old, I switched to motocross. I did Enduro through the mountains and also trials. In 2021, I returned to speed and asphalt racing. That was the first year I competed in a Spanish championship, where I finished second. Since then, I haven’t stepped away from speed.
That can’t be easy, competing at such a high level. How much do you train to achieve that?
I train here at the International Circuit of Zuera, right next to my home. I’m on the track for between an hour and a half to two hours, depending on the day. It’s not fixed, but I come every afternoon I can. I also do gym workouts, run, and follow my physical exercise routine. You have to be strong to ride.
Tell us about your motorcycle.
The one I train with is a 4.5, weighing about 90 kilos. It has 65 horsepower, so you need some strength to maneuver it with your legs and arms.
And the big question: how fast can it go?
With this one, the fastest I’ve reached is 250 km/h. So far, that’s good.
One curiosity: besides working on technique and physical fitness, do you have any mental preparation to handle races and manage pressure?
Yes, you definitely have to work on calming your nerves before going out. When you’re on the starting grid, if you’re really nervous, you’re going to make more mistakes. And believe me, you’re really nervous! I’ve learned to do my breathing exercises, just like at home, visualizing the moments before the start and during the race.
How would you define yourself as a rider?
I think I’m smooth—fast and smooth—though I still have to keep improving things. But for now, it’s going pretty well.
Besides being a rider, you’re also a student. What year are you in?
I’m in the fourth year of ESO (Compulsory Secondary Education). I completed it last year, and I’ll be moving on to the first year of high school now.
How do you balance school and racing?
It’s not easy. This year, I’m competing in the Italian championship and the European championship, which includes seven races from May to November. It’s easier to combine during the summer; I can train physically in the mornings and ride in the afternoons. But when it’s time for school, it gets complicated. Plus, you miss the days you need to go to the races, and then you have to catch up on everything you’ve missed, along with the physical training—it’s all pretty complicated.
And how are your grades?
Good, good, pretty good.
Let’s get back to the track. You have quite a trophy cabinet already, right?
I won the Catalan Supermotard championship in 2021. In 2022, I was the Spanish runner-up in the 110 category, which is a small bike. But in 2023, I already won in the 110 class, and in 2024, I became the Spanish champion in Moto 5 and finished third in Promo3, which involves larger bikes. Last year, I participated in the European Championship. However, I didn’t perform well; I wasn’t brilliant and my team wasn’t great. This year, still competing in the European Championship, things are going better. In Portugal, I finished third in one race, and in Jerez, I finished fifth in another, but while I was in second place, the rider ahead of me fell, and I did too. I’m currently seventh in the overall rankings due to that last fall. If it weren’t for that, I would be fourth!
Let’s talk about Jorge Lorenzo. You’re working with a legend, aren’t you?
Yes, Jorge is a very important person. He’s my manager, and when he comes to Spain, he usually attends some races and practices. He helps me on the track, trying to identify which corners I need to improve on. He gives me advice and explains specific things for me to practice during training, which then helps me in the races, like the starts, which I wasn’t doing well before, but I’ve improved a lot now. And, of course, he’s my manager.
How did he come to be involved with you?
I’ve been training with his father, Chicho Lorenzo, for a long time, since I was very young, both here in Zuera and in Valencia. In fact, that’s where Jorge saw me and liked my style.
What steps are you taking to ensure we see you soon in the Motorcycle World Championship?
This year, the goal is to finish in the category I am in, Moto4 of the European Championship. Next year, I would move on to Moto3 in the European Championship as well. I’ll turn 16 in December, so I’ll be 16 for the entire year. If I win or finish in the top three, I might be able to move up to the Moto3 World Championship at 17.
And what if you don’t finish in the top three?
Then it’s another year, and if a team takes notice of me, then I’ll make the jump to Moto3. The financial aspect is very important. There are two options: either you have talent and are fast, or you have money—lots and lots of money. I have talent and I’m fast. So I’ll do everything I can to stay at the front and try to get there, of course.
We’re here cheering you on!
