Two Hagens Berman Jayco alumni delivered breakthrough performances at the 2025 Vuelta a España, both finishing in the Top 5 overall. João Almeida (UAE Team Emirates XRG) overcame illness in the final week to secure second place on GC, showing trademark resilience on the race’s brutal climbs. Despite battling a virus and sore throat, he attacked on key mountain stages, held firm against race leader Jonas Vingegaard, and credited his team for helping him limit losses.
Meanwhile, Matthew Riccitello (Israel Premier Tech) capped a breakout ride with fifth place overall and the White Jersey as Best Young Rider. At just 23 years old, Riccitello impressed with consistency across the three weeks, delivering mature, measured performances well beyond his years. Supported by a committed team, he kept his focus on the white jersey from the start and fought hard to defend it through the final mountain stages, calling the result “a team success” as much as an individual milestone.
For Hagens Berman Jayco, these results underscore what development racing is all about: preparing riders to succeed at the very highest level of the sport. “Our mission has always been about preparing riders to succeed at the very highest level. Seeing João and Matthew on the world stage as Grand Tour contenders is proof that progression, resilience, and hard work in the U23 ranks can translate into results against the best in the world. I couldn’t be more proud of both of them and the way they’ve carried themselves on and off the bike,” said Axel Merckx, Team Owner.
