Axel Merckx’s highly sought-after development team joins forces with Jayco AlUla: "Clear pathway to the WorldTour"

Cycling
Friday, 13 December 2024 at 10:08
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Team Jayco AlUla has officially announced Hagens Berman Jayco as its new development team. The renowned continental training squad, founded and managed by Axel Merckx, will become part of the GreenEDGE Cycling family in 2025. This partnership creates a direct pathway to the WorldTour for promising cycling talent.

Hagens Berman Jayco has built an outstanding reputation as a breeding ground for young talent. A long list of riders has made the jump to the WorldTour through this team. In recent years, this has included riders such as Jan Christen, Antonio Morgado, and Matthew Riccitello. Other notable names like Jasper Philipsen, João Almeida, Mikkel Bjerg, Jhonatan Narváez, Neilson Powless, and Tao Geoghegan Hart also started their careers here. It's safe to say that a partnership with Merckx’s team is a highly sought-after opportunity.

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Jasper Philipsen is one of the riders who moved to the WorldTour via Hagens Berman Jayco

Copeland speaks of clear pathway to the WorldTour

Team Jayco AlUla successfully secured this collaboration, which is no surprise given that Jayco sponsors both teams. "We are thrilled to be able to call Hagens Berman Jayco our official development team," said General Manager Brent Copeland in the press release. "Axel has done an incredible job in building the team over the last decade, which can be seen by the number of riders that have passed through and become stars in the WorldTour peloton with victories in the biggest races. Having Hagens Berman Jayco as part of the GreenEDGE family is something we are all very proud of and it will provide a junction, a clear pathway for riders to envisage, a stepping stone into the WorldTour."

Merckx also expressed his enthusiasm. "We are excited to find a partner, alongside Hagens Berman and Steve Berman, who shares our passion for rider development and nurturing the next generation of talent. With this partnership, we’re excited to build a stronger foundation for success and continue shaping the future of the sport together," said the son of cycling legend Eddy Merckx.

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