No EF deal after all - Dries de Bondt signs with Team Jayco AlUla into 2026

Dries de Bondt is a rider who was known to have an expiring contract at the end of the current season and controversially hit the spotlight after admitting to aid a rival at the Giro d'Italia in search of a new team. However the Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale rider is not going to be joining EF Education-EasyPost whom he had talked to, but instead Team Jayco AlUla into the 2026.

A week after the Giro d'Italia, the Belgian admitted in an interview with Wielerflits that he planned to support a rider of a rival team on the queen stage in exchange for a potential contract with EF Education-EasyPost. He had recalled a conversation with the American team's DS Ken Vanmarcke: "He said 'are you planning anything today? It's going to be very difficult for us to send riders into the early breakaway. But look: if you're in there and you can play a role somewhere that's important in the final result of the Giro, then something serious can come from that.' That inspired me to do what I did for Carapaz.”

What he did was a stint working for the Ecuadorian at the Colle delle Finestre. Whilst on the steep climb this did not really have an impact in the race, it provided for a very odd image, and if it had happened after the climb itself it could've fully changed the outcome of the Giro d'Italia as Simon Yates was within reach at the top of the ascent. However perhaps due to that controversy a signing no longer became feasible. But the 34-year old has now signed a two-year deal with the Australian team.

“We’re happy to welcome Dries to the team for the next two years. He brings with him a lot of experience after a long and successful career, and his knowledge and racing style will be a great, invaluable addition to the squad," team manager Brent Copeland said in a press release. We see him fitting in with the Classics group, but he has also proven himself in Grand Tours in the past, taking a victory at the Giro and also working tirelessly as an important teammate. He’s an aggressive and clever rider who can read a race well and consistently make it into breakaways.” 

De Bondt himself shows excitement ahead of another World Tour move: “I’ve always seen this team as one of the most outstanding and inspiring teams in the WorldTour — a team that rides with heart, ambition, and a clear identity. That’s why I’m incredibly proud and excited to be joining them. From next season, I’ll be wearing the beautiful Team Jayco AlUla jersey with pride, ready to give my all and attack the Classics with full commitment and determination".

"It’s a true honour to be part of this team and I hope to enjoy the journey for the next two years. I can’t wait to grow alongside this team and create our successes in the future together.”