Unexpected Italian champion makes instant Jayco AlUla debut
Italian road race champion Filippo Conca has signed with Team Jayco AlUla, joining the squad with immediate effect on a contract running through the end of 2027. The 26-year-old, who has been racing for Swatt Club this season, will make his debut for the Australian team at the one-day race Franco-Bel on August 15.
Conca, who spent two seasons at WorldTour level with Lotto Soudal (2021–2022) before racing for two years at continental level with Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, produced one of the shocks of the Italian season in June by winning the national road title despite focusing much of 2025 on gravel events. The result, combined with his earlier performances, placed him on Jayco AlUla’s radar and has now led to the team’s first confirmed signing of the 2025 summer transfer window.
"I'm really happy to join Team Jayco AlUla, I chose this team because I'm confident that I'll find the ideal environment to work hard," Conca said in Wednesday’s announcement. "Before making my decision, I consulted my colleagues and the staff, and they all told me that at Jayco AlUla, I would find a family that can support me personally and on a sporting level.
"Another thing that is important to me is that I'll continue to use the same equipment as I have been using this year, Giant and Cadex. I've had a great experience with both and I’m happy to be able to continue with the same bike and wheels. My dream is to race in the Giro d’Italia wearing the Italian national jersey. I think it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want to thank Team Jayco AlUla for the trust they've placed in me; I'm sure it will be repaid."
Jayco AlUla general manager Brent Copeland described Conca’s signing as an investment in untapped potential.
"Filippo clearly has a lot of talent and that was highlighted not only by his win at the Italian championships but also if you look back at his past results. He was unfortunately plagued by a number of challenges as a professional cyclist which caused several setbacks and inhibited him from showing his true potential. Now we are pleased to give him the full support he deserves in order to reach his ultimate goals.
I would personally like to thank Carlo Beretta and his team at Swatt Club for making this transfer for Filippo an easy one and giving him and ourselves the full support. It has been a pleasure dealing with Filippo and his team and we very much look forward to working with him."
According to reporting by Daniel Benson, Conca is expected to be joined by more Italian teammates in 2026, with Alessandro Covi (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale) among the names linked to the squad. Jayco AlUla is preparing for a major rebuild according to Benson, with several riders including Chris Harper, Eddie Dunbar, Dylan Groenewegen, Max Walscheid and Welay Hagos Berhe set to depart. The team is also in talks with Pascal Ackermann, while German rider Kim Heiduk (Ineos Grenadiers) is being considered for the following season.
