When Sean Flynn lines up at the Giro d'Italia this Friday, he won't just be representing his Team Picnic-PostNL—he'll be carrying the hopes of an entire nation as the only Scot in the field. And honestly? Even he's a little surprised to be here.

Five years ago, Flynn was tearing through trails on a mountain bike. Now, at 26 years old, the Edinburgh native is about to add the Giro to a resume that already includes the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. That's all three Grand Tours checked off—no small feat for someone who took the road less traveled into professional road racing.

"When I first made the switch, I wouldn't have expected to get as far as I have," Flynn admits. "The first couple of years, the progression is really fast. After that, you have to look harder for ways to improve. That's a challenge, but I'm enjoying it—especially exploring my leadership and captain's role in the team."

It's been, in his own words, "a nice journey." And Flynn credits much of his success to those early days off the pavement. "I think I take a lot of my attributes—physically and technically—from my off-road racing when I was younger."

Flynn's journey is also part of a bigger story unfolding in Scottish cycling. Last year, he and fellow countryman Oscar Onley made history at the Tour de France—the first time two Scots ever competed in the same edition. Onley finished an impressive fourth, while Flynn crossed the line 134th after more than 81 hours in the saddle.

"Over the last couple of years, we've gotten used to this 'first Scot in a while' kind of thing," Flynn says with a smile. "It's always a nice reminder of where we've managed to get to. In a few years, it won't be so unusual to have Scots at the start of these races. Maybe I play a small part in that—which is cool."

As for comparisons to Onley? Flynn isn't interested. "What he has achieved is incredible. I'm proud to have been a small part of that at times. But here I am, starting a race where he isn't. I'm sure Oscar will be along to the Giro soon to get his arms in the air. I'll have to up my game to keep up."

With the Giro starting in Bulgaria before winding its way through Italy, all eyes will be on Flynn as he continues to write his own chapter in Scottish cycling history. And if his trajectory so far is any indication, this journey is only getting better.