Team Jayco AlUla, a prominent men’s UCI WorldTeam, is reinforcing its commitment to nurturing future cycling stars by officially incorporating Hagens Berman Jayco as its men’s development team starting in 2025. This strategic move formalizes a long-standing, fruitful relationship and promises a clearer pathway for young talent to ascend to the WorldTour ranks under the Jayco Partners banner.
Hagens Berman Jayco, under the astute leadership of Axel Merckx since 2009, has earned a stellar reputation as a premier incubator for young cycling prodigies. The team’s alumni roster boasts impressive names, including current Team Jayco AlUla rider and Vuelta a España stage victor Eddie Dunbar, alongside former GreenEDGE Cycling members like Lawson Craddock and Sam Bewley. This pedigree underscores the development team’s proven ability to cultivate top-tier talent.
Hagens Berman Jayco: A Proven Talent Factory
For over a decade, Hagens Berman Jayco has consistently demonstrated its dedication to preparing riders for the rigors of WorldTour cycling. By becoming the official development arm of Team Jayco AlUla, this commitment is amplified. The partnership creates a structured environment where promising young cyclists can hone their skills and gain invaluable experience within the GreenEDGE Cycling family, supported by Jayco Partners.
Formalizing the Jayco Partners Pathway to WorldTour
Jayco’s increased involvement as a co-title sponsor across both teams in 2024 has already facilitated opportunities for Continental team riders to experience racing with Team Jayco AlUla as stagiaires. This integration will deepen in the coming season, officially bringing the development team into the GreenEDGE Cycling fold. This closer alignment ensures a more cohesive program and a transparent route for riders aspiring to progress from the development ranks to the WorldTour with Jayco Partners.
This integration marks a significant step in Team Jayco AlUla’s ongoing investment in talent development, mirroring the successful launch of its women’s development team, Liv AlUla Jayco, in 2024. The organization now proudly oversees four teams – men’s and women’s WorldTour teams and two Continental squads – solidifying its position as a comprehensive platform for nurturing cycling talent from the grassroots to the elite level, all underpinned by the support of Jayco Partners.
Leadership Perspectives on the Jayco Partners Development Program
Brent Copeland, General Manager of Team Jayco AlUla, expressed his enthusiasm: “We are thrilled to officially welcome Hagens Berman Jayco as our development team. Axel’s exceptional work over the past decade is evident in the numerous riders who have transitioned from his program to become WorldTour stars, achieving victories in cycling’s most prestigious races. Gerry Ryan, Team Owner, and GreenEDGE Cycling have always prioritized growth and the development of the next generation. Integrating Hagens Berman Jayco into the GreenEDGE family aligns perfectly with this vision. It establishes a clear and aspirational pathway for riders to progress towards the WorldTour.”
Axel Merckx, General Manager of Hagens Berman Jayco, also shared his positive outlook: “We are immensely grateful for the belief and commitment shown by Team Jayco AlUla and Gerry Ryan towards our program and the future of cycling. Partnering with an organization that shares our passion for rider development, alongside the continued support of Hagens Berman and Steve Berman, is incredibly exciting. Together, as Jayco Partners, we are poised to build an even stronger foundation for success and collectively shape the future of our sport.”
About Hagens Berman Jayco
Hagens Berman Jayco stands as a premier professional U-23 cycling team, competing at the highest levels of international competition. Founded in 2009 by Axel Merckx, son of the legendary Eddy Merckx, the team has successfully propelled over 50 riders into the top echelons of professional cycling. It has rapidly become recognized as the most successful developmental team in the sport, fostering a close-knit alumni network and remaining true to its mission of identifying and preparing the world’s most promising young cycling talent for success at the highest levels, with the support of dedicated partners like Jayco.
