Some great riders have cut their teeth at the Junior Tour of Ireland and now another former winner of the Irish stage race is on his way to the World Tour ranks; 2022 champion Andrew ‘AJ’ August signing by Ineos Grenadiers.
The 18-year-old is also the latest young prospect to bypass the U23 ranks and jump straight from the junior peloton into the World Tour, where he will have plenty of time to settle in given the length of his new contract.
As well as winning the Junior Tour of Ireland last year, he took victory this year in the prestigious junior stage race in France, Ain Bugey Valromey Tour (2.1), as well as winning the American TT title and placing 9th in the TT at the Worlds.
August, who is also a first class cyclocross rider, spent time with the Ineos Grenadiers team training camp at the start of the year and his signing for the British team was expected. He has put pen to paper on a three-year deal and will join fellow young American, Magnus Sheffield, in the team after both came through the US Hot Tubs junior squad.
“Magnus has been key – he’s someone that I can look to for advice. But regardless of him being in the team, it’s still the perfect environment for me,” August said.
“I had the opportunity to go on a team camp in January and could immediately see just how professionally it is run. Of course it’s a big jump to come to the team straight out of juniors but the team’s approach gives me the confidence that it’s the right thing to do.”
Looking ahead to his first season in the pros next year, August said he hoped to assess his level by riding a one-week World Tour stage race to see what he could do.
“I’ve always been a good climber and I’ve enjoyed competing as a GC rider in the racing that I’ve done so far. My ambition would be the same in the pro ranks, but of course it will take some time to develop into that type of rider. I’m not afraid to discover and challenge myself in other areas too.”
Ineos Grenadiers deputy team principal, Rod Ellingworth, said he was delighted to sign August join the team for the next three seasons.
“We’ve been following his progress and results this season and he’s clearly demonstrated his talent. We believe that working together we can help him reach his full potential. He’s a talented young man and it’s obvious he also has a very good head on his shoulders.
“AJ joins an exciting group of extremely talented young riders at the INEOS Grenadiers, which bodes well for pursuing the ambitious goals we’ve set ourselves.”
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