Luke Plapp has made the move from INEOS Grenadiers to Team Jayco AlUla and is motivated from it. Not only is motivation high, but the Australian national champion is also very ambitious and is looking towards a certain set of goals in the upcoming 2024 season.
"I've learned so much from the guys. I don't think I'd be where I am now if it wasn't for them. So, I still think Ineos was the best place for me to start, and I wouldn't change that for the world," Plapp said in an interview with Cyclingnews. "It was just the right time now to make that switch to Jayco. It feels right. It feels really comfortable. I'm not scared as such or unsure of what the future holds. I think I really know what I'm stepping into, and it's something I'll be comfortable in and be able to flourish."
Plapp feels comfort regarding his move and will have freedom to chase a result at the Giro d'Italia likely. He finished second at the UAE Tour this year and has revealed tremendous climbing ability, but found himself as a domestique throughout most of the season as he struggled to find form. He hopes that changes now, and tells that "I see the Giro, Olympics, and World Champs as three peaks that you can build toward with a nice break in between them all, so that's how I sort of see the program."
Plapp starts his season at the national championships where he'll seek more titles, and will be present at the Tour Down Under as one of the team's leaders. "I'm excited. I'm really, really excited to get stuck into it with the team, and that's why I really want to make a good first impression and be going well and really hit the ground running. I'm super thankful for everything they've done to allow me that four-year contract. I just really hope to be able to repay them, whether it's this next year or in the years to come."
First team announced for #TourDownUnder, and what a team this is! 🤩 🇦🇺 Luke Plapp 🇬🇧 Simon Yates 🇦🇺 Caleb Ewan 🇦🇺 Chris Harper 🇦🇺 Michael Hepburn 🇦🇺 Kelland O'Brien 🇦🇺 Campbell Stewart @GreenEDGEteam really means business in their home race @tourdownunder! 🔥
