The Hagens Berman Axeon Cycling Team is excited to announce its first signing of the 2023 season, Artem Shmidt. Artem joins Axeon from the Hot Tubes Development Cycling Team.
“I’m super excited to be joining Hagens Berman Axeon next season,” said Artem. “I believe that it’s the perfect environment for me to keep developing as a rider and as a person. They have a long history of developing their riders into the World Tour ranks and I believe they can help me reach my goals of turning pro. I was fortunate to participate in their training camp early this winter, it will be an easy and natural transition.”
In 2021, Artem ended his season on the biggest high note, earning a memorable victory at Driedaagse Axel Juniors in Holland after four days of racing. He wasted no time getting back onto the podium in 2022. Artem started the year with overall wins at Manavgat Side Juniors and Velo Alanya Juniors. Back on home soil, he finished 2nd in both the individual time trial and road race at the U.S. Junior National Championships in Roanoke, Virginia.
For 2023, the 18-year-old from Atlanta, Georgia hopes to improve his positioning in the bunch and “learn where I need to be for key points in the big races.”
“It’s obvious that Artem is a great signing for the team and we got to know him a little bit at training at the beginning of the season in Italy,” said owner and director Axel Merckx. “Not only is he a great rider and athlete, but he has a great personality that will be a great add-on to the team next year. He’s probably one of the best American riders out there right now and we’ll continue the journey and development of cycling in the US together. Hopefully we can continue that for a few years. He’s a great asset and I look forward to having him on the team.”
