Team Jayco AlUla signs young Australian talent and keeps Belgian transfer in private

Team Jayco AlUla's stars will open up to the media this December the 5th, and its leaders will be talking about their ambitions for the 2026 season as well as their schedules. There will be lots of insight from many riders including the new signing Hamish McKenzie who was confirmed today... And a Belgian signing who hasn't been publicly announced yet.

“Hamish is one of our long-term projects, he’s a big talent and we’re delighted to see him making the step up into the World Tour next season," team sporting manager Gene Bates said in a press release issued by the team. "The plan was always for him to spend some time with Axel Merckx and our development setup before graduating to the pro ranks with us. Unfortunately, he had an injury that meant the move was delayed by a year, but we believe he’s proved that he is ready after his performances this season and we’re looking forward to helping him develop further.” 

The 21-year old has spent two seasons with Hagens Berman Jayco, a team that is now closely associated with the Australian outfit. He has already raced on a few occasions with the elite team, and has already shown his talent as a time trialist and rouleur on many occasions. Most notably, he was third at the time trial under-23 World Championships in 2023, only beaten at the time by Lorenzo Milesi and Alec Segaert, both currently World Tour riders.

“I’m really proud and excited to be stepping up to the WorldTour with Team Jayco AlUla," McKenzie added. "It’s a team that truly values development, teamwork, and creating opportunities for younger riders like myself. I’ve watched and admired this team for years, and I’m incredibly grateful for the trust they’ve shown in me leading up to this point. I’m looking forward to learning from riders I’ve always looked up to, as well as working with the amazing support staff. I can’t wait to get stuck in and kick off my season in Australia in January!”   

The team officially speaking has 27 riders signed at the moment, but that number can be confirmed to be at least 28 at the moment. Jayco AlUla has signed Intermarché - Wanty's Dries de Pooter, who is attending the Australian team's camp according to journalist Daniel Benson who is on the ground in Altea. He hasn't been publicly announced however.

De Pooter is one of the three riders who managed to take a win for the Belgian team this year and is also one of the riders who is departing due to the merger between Intermarché and Lotto. Biniam Girmay has departed to NSN Cycling Team whilst only this Thursday Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe confirmed the signing of sprinter Arne Marit.