But for now, focusing on the deals that have been officially signed,
sealed, and delivered, here are some of the roster changes to look forward to
in 2025.
Julian Alaphilippe (to
Tudor Pro Racing)
A handful of teams have made a series of moves during the transfer
window, with Tudor Pro Racing being very much at the forefront of the activity.
The likes of Marc Hirschi and Fabien Lienhard have been brought in, but
leading the way in the
cycling transfer news has been the capture of
two-time road race world champion Julian Alaphilippe. It’s an eye-catching move
that could yet have an impact on the outcome of the Tour de France in
particular, in which bettors and analysts will no doubt be keeping the aggressive
riding style of the Frenchman in mind for their early race predictions –
Alaphilippe won Stage 1 and 2 of the Tour de France in 2020 and 2021
respectively.
He perhaps didn’t enjoy the best of seasons in 2024, but podium finishes
in San Sebastián and Montreal – allied to a Stage 12 and Combativity Award win
at the Giro d’Italia – suggests that the 32-year-old still has plenty to offer
at elite level.
But something of a
falling out with Soudal Quick-Step
boss Patrick Lefevere, who declared that he ‘didn't want to pay that money
anymore’ in reference to Alaphilippe’s salary, has only served to hasten the
move.
Ben O’Connor (to Jayco
AlUla)
It was a dose of national pride that convinced Ben O’Connor to make the
switch to Jayco AlUla.
The Australian will be the flagship rider for his compatriot team in
2025, leaving behind a fruitful time spent at Decathlon-AG2R.
You could argue that Team Jayco has landed a rider on the up, with
O’Connor enjoying a particularly strong 2024 in the Grand Tours. He held the
Red Jersey for 12 consecutive stages on his way to
second place at the Vuelta a España,
as well as an excellent fourth at the Giro.
He’ll be hoping to replicate that success with his home team in 2025.
Victor Campanaerts (to
Visma Lease-a-Bike)
Visma Lease-a-Bike has been flexing its financial muscle so far during
the transfer window, bringing in not one but two eye-catching signings.
They’ve bolstered their time trial division with the capture of Belgian
speedster Victor Campanaerts, who will add his undoubted class to a roster that
already includes Jonas Vingegaard and fellow countryman Wout van Aert.
The 33-year-old showed his class once more at the Tour de France,
claiming Stage 18 at this year’s renewal in a classic breakaway victory over
Mattéo Vercher and Michał Kwiatkowski.
Simon Yates (to Visma
Lease-a-Bike)
With ten Grand Tour stage wins to his name, Simon Yates is another
valuable addition to the Visma Lease-a-Bike squad.
The Brit just missed out on podium finishes at the 2023 Tour de France
and Paris-Nice, while in 2024 he was a considerable presence in the last third
of La Grande Boucle in particular.
His experience will add yet more quality to Vista, who will be very keen
to close the gap to UAE Team Emirates in 2025.
Giulio Pellizzari (to Red
Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe)
Although one for the future, you suspect, Red Bull-BORA-Hansgrohe have
still landed what appears to be a gem of a signing in Giulio Pellizzari.
The 20-year-old wowed the home crowds at the 2024 Giro d’Italia, taking
on Tadej Pogacar yard by yard on Stage 16 before just running out of steam in
the final throe. But he earned the respect of the Slovenian, who handed him his
sunglasses as a consolation prize of sorts.
Another strong run at Stage 20 earned Pellizzari the Combativity Award,
so he’s undoubtedly one to watch in 2025.
Alberto Bettiol (to Astana
Qazagstan)
Another Italian to watch in 2025 could well be Alberto Bettiol, who
landed only the second big race win of his career at Milano-Torino this year.
A decent season in the Classics – fifth at Milan-San Remo, ninth in the
Tour of Flanders – caught the eye of Astana Qazagstan, who moved quickly to add
Bettiol to their ranks during the transfer window.
Jhonatan Narváez (to UAE
Team Emirates)
Just when you thought UAE Team Emirates couldn’t get any stronger, they
added Jhonatan Narváez to their roster.
The Ecuadorian held the Pink Jersey after the
opening stage of the 2024 Giro d’Italia, while second place in the Tour Down
Under this year provided another showcase of his speed and sprinting prowess