Breaking News! British cycling is buzzing with excitement as one of its most promising climbers, Finlay Pickering, has just signed with Team Jayco AlUla! This move signals a significant step forward for the young talent.
Team Jayco AlUla has officially welcomed Finlay Pickering, a highly regarded British climber, to their roster. He's secured a two-year contract, meaning he'll be racing with the Australian WorldTour squad until the end of 2027.
This follows a breakout season for Pickering, where he truly showed his potential. He clinched the mountains classification at the Tour of the Alps and successfully completed his first Grand Tour at the Vuelta a Espana. These achievements highlight his growing prowess in the world of professional cycling.
Pickering joins Team Jayco AlUla after spending two seasons honing his skills within the WorldTour system. The team's management believes that their environment, structure, and established climbing group will provide the perfect platform for Pickering to further develop his abilities.
"I can hopefully develop into being an even better bike rider," Pickering stated after the announcement, expressing his enthusiasm for the move and the team's culture. He also mentioned his excitement about riding with new teammates and working with the team's staff.
Team Jayco AlUla's Sporting Manager, Gene Bates, emphasized Pickering's potential and how well he fits with the team. He highlighted Pickering's impressive performance trajectory and his ability to support the team's ambitions in mountainous terrains. Bates noted that Pickering's performance at the Tour of the Alps demonstrated his climbing strengths. He believes Pickering will be a valuable asset to their climbing group, supporting the team's leaders while continuing to develop as a rider.
Pickering's journey to this point has been marked by notable achievements. He first made his mark by winning the overall title at Tour Alsace in 2022. Since then, he's added mountain classification victories at the Alpes Isere Tour (2023) and the Tour of the Alps (2025). His debut at the Vuelta a Espana, which came as a last-minute call-up, further solidified the belief that he is on a path towards long-term stage-racing success.
This move places Pickering within a structure known for nurturing young climbers, offering him opportunities to develop while also providing support to general classification leaders over the next two seasons. Team Jayco AlUla will integrate him into their 2026 roster, where he's expected to continue refining his climbing skills, racing tactics, and stage-race endurance.
But here's where it gets interesting... Do you think this move will propel Pickering to even greater heights? Will he become a future Grand Tour contender? Share your thoughts in the comments below! What are your expectations for Finlay Pickering in the coming seasons?
