David Gaffney had already done enough to secure a contract before his bronze in the junior road race at the Europeans, though that podium confirmed his class
David Gaffney had already done enough on the roads of Europe this season to secure a 2026 contract before his bronze in the junior road race at the Europeans, though that podium confirmed his class.
And now the 18-year-old from Co Waterford has been unveiled as a Hagens Berman Jayco rider for next season. That team, which is registered in the US but has a European programme, is regarded as one of the best U23 development teams in the world.
Adam Rafferty – who won bronze in the U23 TT at last week’s Europeans in France – has been riding for the team, which is own by Axel Merkcx, for the last two seasons.
He recently told stickybottle he was in no hurry to step up to World Tour level, meaning he will be an invaluable team mate for Gaffney next year.
The Waterford teenager’s new team is effectively the U23 line-up of Eddie Dunbar’s Team Jayco AlUla World Tour squad.
That means Gaffney will not only have access to a full programme of UCI-ranked U23 racing across Europe next year, but will also be eligible to be called up to the World Tour squad from time to time.
He has signed a two-year contract with the team, affording him plenty of time to develop.
More to come.