Hold on to your handlebars, cycling fans! A rising star in British cycling is making a major move, and it could shake up the WorldTour scene. Finlay Pickering, the young climbing sensation, has officially signed with Team Jayco AlUla after a breakthrough 2025 season. But what does this mean for his career, and for the team's ambitions? Let's dive in.
Team Jayco AlUla has officially announced that they've snagged the incredibly promising British climber, Finlay Pickering. The 22-year-old is leaving Bahrain Victorious to join the Australian WorldTour squad on a two-year contract, committing him to the team through the end of 2027. This is a significant acquisition for Jayco AlUla, signaling their intent to bolster their climbing roster and compete at the highest levels.
This move comes hot on the heels of a stellar season for Pickering. He dominated the mountains classification at the prestigious Tour of the Alps, showcasing his climbing prowess. He also successfully completed his first Grand Tour, the grueling Vuelta a España. This experience undoubtedly provided invaluable lessons and solidified his potential as a future stage race contender. And this is the part most people miss... Grand Tours are not just about finishing; they're about learning how to suffer, how to recover, and how to race strategically over three weeks. That Vuelta experience will be invaluable to Pickering.
Pickering has already spent two years honing his skills within the WorldTour system. Team Jayco AlUla's management believes their environment, established structure, and dedicated climbing-focused group can help him unlock even greater potential. They see him as a perfect fit, ready to take the next leap in his development. But here's where it gets controversial... Some might argue that leaving Bahrain Victorious, a team with a strong Grand Tour pedigree, could be a risk. Will Jayco AlUla provide the same level of support and opportunities?
In his own words, Pickering is clearly excited about the move and the team culture he's stepping into. "I really look forward to riding with new teammates and working with well-respected staff. I am also very excited to swing my leg over a Giant again! I’ve learned a lot about being in the WorldTour over the last two years, and now moving to Team Jayco AlUla, I can hopefully develop into being an even better bike rider," Pickering stated in a press release. The reference to riding a Giant bike again suggests a previous positive experience with the brand, which could be a subtle but important factor in his comfort and performance.
Team Jayco AlUla's Sporting Manager, Gene Bates, emphasized Pickering's potential and his suitability for the team's goals. "We have been following Finlay’s progression as a rider keenly, and it is fantastic to have him joining the team next season. In his two years at WorldTour level, he has already shown himself to be a very promising climber. His performance at the Tour of the Alps showed his strengths in the mountains and we believe he can fit in well with our climbing group, where he can provide valuable support to the team’s leaders as well as developing himself as a rider," Bates explained. This highlights the team's dual focus: utilizing Pickering's current abilities while investing in his long-term growth.
Before his WorldTour stint, Pickering made a name for himself by winning the overall title at the Tour Alsace in 2022. Since then, he's added impressive mountain classification victories at the Alpes Isère Tour (2023) and, as mentioned, the Tour of the Alps (2025). His late-notice Grand Tour debut in Spain further fueled the belief that he's on track to become a strong contender in long-term stage races.
This move strategically places Pickering within an environment known for developing young climbers. He'll also have opportunities to contribute to an established support system for the team's general classification leaders over the next two seasons. Think of it as a win-win: he gets to learn from experienced riders while also proving his worth in key races.
Team Jayco AlUla plans to integrate Pickering into their 2026 roster, where the expectation is that he will continue to refine his climbing skills, racing tactics, and endurance – all crucial for success in stage races. He represents a long-term investment, and the team clearly believes he has the talent and dedication to reach the top.
So, cycling fans, what do you think? Is Team Jayco AlUla the right place for Finlay Pickering to reach his full potential? Will he thrive in his role supporting the team's leaders, or will he get a chance to chase his own victories? And perhaps more controversially, was this the best move for his career, or would he have been better off staying with Bahrain Victorious? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
