Jay Vine is joining
UAE Team Emirates. Despite the dismissal of any move and an ongoing contract with
Alpecin-Deceuninck, the Australian climber has been signed by the team of Tadej Pogacar in an effort to further bolster it's mountain capacities.
Vine was rumoured to be in contact with UAE already for several weeks. This week however, in an interview with Velonews, the Australia revealed his contract was longer than what was public, and denied any transfers: “I’ve got a contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck until the end of ’24. I did get some contacts from some teams after stage eight of the Vuelta, but nothing came from those chats, no," he said.
That however, was not true. Vine has signed a two-year deal with the team of Tadej Pogacar, having his contract bought. The winner of the Zwift Academy program in late 2020, Vine has entered the Belgian team directly, and has had a breakthrough season this year specially with two mountain stage wins at the Vuelta a Espana. His climbing talents are evident ever since turning professional, and the experience in the peloton is seeing a swift breakthrough.
“I’m really excited to be joining UAE Team Emirates . With their strong combination of riders and their GC experience, this was the next logical step in my career," Vine said in a press release. He will be riding with the team into 2024, and alongside Adam Yates meaningfully improve the team's already strong mountain block. He will likely make his debut at his home race the Tour Down Under.
"I’m really grateful for the opportunities Alpecin has given me, and how they’ve helped me find my place in the peloton. I’m motivated for the new season with UAE, and eager to further refine my GC ambitions whilst helping the boys kick some goals," he concluded.