Team Jayco AlUla has confirmed the signing of the prodigious Australian cyclist, Luke Plapp, on a substantial four-year tenure that will see him wear the team’s colours until the close of 2027.
At just 22, Plapp is revered as a burgeoning force within the WorldTour echelon, carrying the title of the Australian road race champion. His transfer to Team Jayco AlUla comes after a string of successes, including consecutive national road race victories in 2022 and 2023 and a notable win in the national time trial championships in 2021.
The team’s General Manager, Brent Copeland, heralded the signing as a pivotal moment for the team, crediting the collective efforts of Gerry Ryan and other partners for bringing Plapp’s exceptional talents to the team. Expressing deep-seated confidence in Plapp’s potential, Copeland voiced the team’s eagerness to foster his growth and see him challenge for general classification accolades, particularly highlighting his commendable runner-up performance at this year’s UAE Tour.
Plapp, for his part, shared his elation at joining the ranks of Jayco AlUla, describing the move as a homecoming of sorts. Recognising the support of Gerry Ryan, Plapp communicated his anticipation for what he believes will be an extraordinary four years ahead, expressing pride in riding for an Australian team and the intent to repay the faith placed in him through stellar performances.
Noteworthy amongst Plapp’s achievements are his dual successes in the Australian Road Race Championships in the previous two years, a triumph in the Australian Time Trial Championships in 2021, and his commendable second place at the 2023 UAE Tour. The 22-year-old Melbourne native is set to become an integral part of GreenEDGE Cycling’s strategy from 2024 to 2027, and his presence is expected to bolster the team’s prospects in time trials and general classification pursuits.
With the Australian National Championships looming in January, all eyes will undoubtedly be on Plapp to see if he can secure the road race title for the third consecutive year, setting the stage for the start of his tenure with Jayco AlUla.
