De Marchi transitions from rider to sport director with Team Jayco AlUla

The 39-year-old Italian ends an 18-year racing career that included three Grand Tour stage victories and wins at prestigious races such as the Critérium du Dauphiné, Tour of the Alps, Giro dell'Emilia and Tre Valli Varesine.

De Marchi spent the last three seasons with GreenEDGE Cycling and will now continue with the organisation in a management role.

"I've been waiting a long time for this new position. I'm happy to finally take this step, and above all, I'm happy because I can begin this new journey in an organisation I know, one that recognises me, and one that has always valued me for who I am," De Marchi said.

"I know I'll be starting from scratch, I'll begin to reconstruct myself in this new role, which I'd like to interpret a bit like I did as a rider: with passion and determination for a job I love."

During his career, De Marchi established himself as one of the most respected riders in the peloton, known for his attacking style and tactical intelligence.

His experience racing at the highest level for more than a decade will be valuable to Team Jayco AlUla, where he joins an established group of sport directors. He looks forward to this new chapter with genuine curiosity. "I'm also very intrigued to see and work on the process from a new perspective; it's stimulating to think about how I can contribute now," he added.

Team Jayco AlUla Sporting Manager Gene Bates expressed his delight at keeping De Marchi within the team structure.

"It is fantastic to have Alessandro staying with Team Jayco AlUla for the next phase of his cycling career. During his time in the peloton, Alessandro developed a reputation as an intelligent rider, and he is well respected within the bunch," Bates said.

"The transition from rider to staff member can be a challenging one but one we believe he will flourish in and GreenEDGE Cycling will be a very good place for him to learn."