UAE Team ADQ has confirmed the signing of American rider Megan Jastrab on a two-year contract covering the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The 23-year-old joins from Team Picnic PostNL, where she has spent her entire professional career.
Originally from Apple Valley, California, Jastrab is based in Sittard, the Netherlands, during the racing season. Known for her speed and versatility, she competes successfully on both road and track. She first came to prominence in 2019 when she won the junior road race world title in Harrogate, before turning professional the following year.
Her results since have reflected steady progress across a range of disciplines. On the road, she claimed victory at the Tour de Gatineau in 2023 and finished second at Gent–Wevelgem the same year. She also earned an Olympic bronze medal in the team pursuit at the Tokyo Games. In 2025, she produced one of her most consistent campaigns to date, finishing third overall at the Simac Ladies Tour after two stage podiums, as well as top-five finishes at the Tour of Britain and Vuelta España Femenina.
Jastrab described her move as an exciting new step after five years with the same team. “I really admire the way UAE Team ADQ races,” she said. “When I talked to my manager about the teams that interested me the most, UAE Team ADQ was at the top of my list. From my first conversation with the team management, I felt valued as a rider, and I sensed a genuine desire to help me continue developing within the team.”
She added that she is eager to keep building on her current form. “My first priority will be to learn how everything works within the new team to ensure a smooth transition. Personally, I want to keep building on the progress I’ve made this season – both in fitness and results. The past few years have brought some setbacks, so my goal is to have a more consistent season and see how far I can go in the future.”
Jastrab said she feels most at home in tactical and classics-style races but also enjoys shorter stage races that demand consistency. “I like tactical races that demand full focus. I’m naturally drawn to the classics – they’re my favourite type of races. I also enjoy short stage races like the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Scandinavia, where the courses are similar to the classics but spread across five days.”
Looking ahead, she hopes to refine her profile as a rider. “I want to see what kind of rider I can become in the coming years. I’m not a pure sprinter or a climber, but I can handle a wide range of terrains. I want to understand how to use my strengths to win races – whether that means specialising further in certain areas or improving my weaknesses to become more well-rounded. My main goal is to keep growing.”
UAE Team ADQ president Melissa Moncada welcomed the signing, highlighting Jastrab’s mix of youth and experience. “We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Jastrab to our team. She’s still very young but already has extensive experience at the highest level of cycling. She’s a complete rider, and I believe she’ll be an important addition to our team, enhancing our competitiveness in certain types of races. I’m looking forward to seeing her race in our colours.”
Jastrab’s arrival continues UAE Team ADQ’s recent reinforcement of its roster, following the signing of Pauliena Rooijakkers earlier this week, as the team builds toward 2026 with a mix of proven climbers and developing all-rounders.
