The Ineos Grenadiers introduced the signing of younger American Andrew ‘AJ’ August, a multi-discipline expertise, who impressed with a stage win and general podium on the Redlands Bicycle Basic this yr and two summit stage wins within the Ain Bugey Valromey Tour and the general classification.
“AJ has actually impressed us within the time we have spent with him, so we’re thrilled he is agreed to turn into a Grenadier,” Rod Ellingworth, the workforce’s deputy workforce principal stated.
“We have been following his progress and outcomes this season and he is clearly demonstrated his expertise. We imagine that by working collectively we might help him attain his full potential. He is a proficient younger man and it is apparent he additionally has an excellent head on his shoulders.”
August, who hails from Rochester, New York, had a stand-out yr, successful the Koppenbergcross and the junior nationwide titles in cyclocross.
He had much more success on the highway, successful the junior particular person time trial nationwide title and the Grand Prix West Bohemia, second general within the Course de la Paix nations cup, a stage win within the SPIE Internationale Juniorendriedaagse.
The British WorldTour outfit signed August on a three-year contract, one yr longer than the same old neo-pro providing, and isn’t any shock after he auditioned in a workforce coaching camp earlier this yr. Having celebrated his 18th birthday simply two weeks in the past, he’ll comply with a path just like fellow Scorching Tubes workforce alumnus Magnus Sheffield, who signed with the workforce at age 19.
“Magnus has been key – he is somebody that I can look to for recommendation. However no matter him being within the workforce, it is nonetheless the right setting for me,” August stated.
“I had the chance to go on a workforce camp in January and will instantly see simply how professionally it’s run. In fact, it is a large soar to come back to the workforce straight out of juniors however the workforce’s strategy provides me the arrogance that it is the proper factor to do.”
August’s short-term objectives are in shorter WorldTour stage races the place he can present his climbing prowess.
“I’ve all the time been climber and I’ve loved competing as a GC rider within the racing that I’ve achieved thus far. My ambition could be the identical within the professional ranks, however in fact, it would take a while to grow to be that sort of rider. I am not afraid to find and problem myself in different areas too.”