Colombian climber reinforces INEOS Grand Tour block for 2027 - "Becoming part of that history is a special opportunity"
Cycling
After a long period of dormancy, Netcompany INEOS have finally begun announcing their signings into the 2027 season. Harold Tejada of XDS Astana Team - hours after Markel Beloki - has officially joined the British team, adding more climbing firepower towards its block.
“Harold is a strong, solid climber with plenty of experience. He’s been consistently up there over the last few years, and he’ll be a great support to our GC riders," Head of Racing Geraint Thomas said in a press release.
The language in the team's press release indicates Tejada does not join the British team as a leader, but rather as another card to play for in the stage-races throughout the year, as well as potential supporting roles at the Grand Tours.
“He adds depth to our climbing group and gives us more options in the mountains, so he’ll be really a valuable addition to the squad and we’re very excited to get working with him," Thomas added.
Tejada turned pro in 2017 with the Colombian EPM team and joined the World Tour in 2020 with XDS Astana. He has been a long-term project for the Kazakh team, who have in recent years began reaping the benefits of their work.
Tejada has been a very consistent stage-racer throughout this season, finishing fourth at the UAE Tour, 10th at Paris-Nice where he also won a stage, and was also 10th at the Vuelta a España - improving two positions on his previous season.
Harold Tejada is joining Netcompany INEOS
Tejada follows in the footsteps of Bernal and Urán
But aside from his performance in the stage-races is Tejada's technical knowhow. His victory at Paris-Nice was one where he showed strong race reading and also explosiveness. A rider capable of handling the short climbs and also time trialing well, he is a complete figure to join the British team.
“I’m very excited about this new chapter with Netcompany INEOS. Since I started cycling, I have always seen this team as a benchmark in the sport. I remember watching riders such as Bradley Wiggins, Chris Froome, Geraint Thomas, Egan Bernal, Rigoberto Urán and Sergio Henao with great admiration".
INEOS has long had a tradition of Colombian riders since its creation, having achieved some of their best results with the South American nation. Tejada wishes to be part of it and follow in the footsteps of his compatriots - he will also team up with Egan Bernal in 2027.
“This is a team with an incredible history, strong values and enormous respect within the peloton. Becoming part of that history is a special opportunity and a huge motivation to keep giving my best".
Read also
Tejada to end his time with Astana
The 29-year old is present at the Italian autumn classics and will be racing Il Lombardia this Saturday, most likely to bring to an end his stint with Astana.
“I’m grateful for the trust the team has placed in me. I’m looking forward to continuing to grow as a cyclist, learning from the people around me and working every day to help us achieve our goals. I’m ready to give it everything I have," he concluded.
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A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
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Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
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