All of the key cycling transfers revealed as Alaphilippe makes shock Tudor Pro Racing switch

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Wednesday, 20 November 2024 at 12:01
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Cycling’s annual transfer window is well and truly open, with a number of intriguing moves having already been made.
Some of these could have a profound impact on how the 2025 campaign shapes up, while other rumors – such as question marks over the future of Remco Evenepoel at Soudal-Quick-Step – will also be vital in determining the outcome of key races next season.
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

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