Australian Cyclist Hamish McKenzie Joins WorldTour with Jayco-AlUla

Australian cyclist Hamish McKenzie is set to make his long-awaited debut in the WorldTour with Jayco-AlUla in January 2026. This transition comes after a year of delays due to an injury that kept him from moving up from Hagens Berman Jayco as initially planned for 2025. At just 21 years old, McKenzie’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his cycling career.

In September 2025, McKenzie highlighted his readiness for the top tier of competitive cycling by finishing 10th in the under-23 time trial at the Road World Championships held in Rwanda. His 2025 season featured a robust schedule of European stage races, accumulating 40 race days that provided him with ample racing experience, despite a lack of standout results.

Supportive Development and Future Aspirations

Jayco sporting manager Gene Bates expressed confidence in McKenzie’s abilities, stating, “Hamish is one of our long-term projects. He’s a big talent, and we’re delighted to see him making the step up into the WorldTour next season.” Bates emphasized the importance of McKenzie spending time with Axel Merckx and the development setup before progressing to professional ranks. The injury that delayed McKenzie’s ascent has now been overcome, with Bates indicating that his recent performances have confirmed his readiness.

McKenzie has already gained valuable experience riding with his future teammates, participating in events such as the CRO Race and Tour of Hellas. He expressed enthusiasm about his transition, saying, “I’m really proud and excited to be stepping up to the WorldTour with Team Jayco-AlUla. It’s a team that truly values development, teamwork, and creating opportunities for younger riders like myself.”

The Australian cyclist also conveyed gratitude towards the team for their trust in him. He looks forward to learning from established riders and collaborating with the team’s support staff, stating, “I can’t wait to get stuck in and kick off my season in Australia in January!”

Future Prospects for Jayco-AlUla

In addition to McKenzie, Wil Holmes, another Australian cyclist who signed with Hagens Berman Jayco in 2024, is facing a similar delay in his promotion. The 19-year-old is now expected to remain at the under-23 level for an additional year before joining Jayco-AlUla in 2027.

As of now, Jayco-AlUla’s roster for the 2026 season comprises 27 riders, with a maximum capacity of 30. The team is poised for a promising year ahead, as they continue to nurture young talent like McKenzie and Holmes, ensuring that the future of cycling remains bright for the Australian squad.