Key Takeaways:
– Jayco AlUla confirmed Hagens Berman Jayco as the official development team for the WorldTour programme starting in 2025.
– Founded by Axel Merckx, Hagens Berman Jayco has produced more than 50 professional cyclists since 2009.
– The Jayco AlUla-Hagens Berman Jayco partnership focuses on developing and nurturing the next generation of cycling talent.
– Hagens Berman Jayco has announced a 15-rider roster for the 2025 season.
Official Announcement
Last Friday, an historic milestone in the world of competitive cycling was announced as Jayco AlUla confirmed Hagens Berman Jayco as their official development team for the anticipated WorldTour programme set to debut in 2025.
An Established Track Record
Since its establishment in 2009 under the keen eye of founder Axel Merckx, Hagens Berman Jayco has carved a niche as a powerhouse in producing top tier riders. Over 50 stalwarts of professional cycling originate from this dynamic squad. Notable recent members include Alastair MacKellar, the current Alpes Isère Tour champion, and Artem Shmidt, the reigning US U23 ITT champion.
Famous Alumni
Among the renowned cycling figures who cut their teeth at Hagens Berman Jayco, you’ll find the likes of Eddie Dunbar, a stage winner of Vuelta a España. GreenEDGE Cycling veterans such as Lawson Craddock and Sam Bewley also credit the squad for honing their skills in the early stages of their careers.
Shared Vision
In the official press release, Axel Merckx expressed his appreciation towards Jayco AlUla and owner Gerry Ryan for their faith in the programme and commitment to nurturing future cycling talent. “We are thrilled to partner with Hagens Berman and Steve Berman, who share our passion for rider development and nurturing the next wave of talent,” Merckx stated.
Nurturing the Next Generation
The alliance with Hagens Berman Jayco reflects Jayco AlUla’s priority on fostering young talent. This development succeeds the creation of a women’s team to support Liv AlUla Jayco last year. Presently, the organization boasts four professional teams – two each in the men’s and women’s WorldTour plus an additional two in the Continental circuits.
The Path to Stardom
Brent Copeland, Team Jayco AlUla’s general manager, praised Merckx for his effort over the past decade in engineering a transformative team that produced many stars currently seen in the WorldTour peloton. The affiliation of Hagens Berman Jayco with the GreenEDGE family provides a clear, envisionable stepping stone into the WorldTour. This further underpins team owner Gerry Ryan’s steadfast commitment to nurturing the next generation of racers.
The 2025 Roster
Hagens Berman Jayco recently announced its 15-rider roster, comprised of nine returning riders and six new faces for the 2025 season. Prominent newcomers include Australian duo Wil Holmes, the junior World Record holder in the 3km Individual Pursuit, and Tasmanian native Will Eaves who secured top 10 finishes in the men’s junior road race and time trial at the Australian road nationals.
In Summary
In bridging the gap between emerging talent and the rigors of WorldTour competition, the Jayco AlUla-Hagens Berman Jayco affiliation moves cycling development to the next echelon. The focus on projects like these ensures the future of professional cycling remains in safe, progressive hands. As we countdown to the 2025 season, all eyes rest on this innovative outfit, primed to train the next WorldTour giants.