Date: 10 February 2025
The Hagens Berman Jayco Cycling Team announced its signing of another powerful rider from Great Britain, Ben Wiggins. Ben joined the Axeon squad from Fensham Howes MAS Design Junior Cycling Team.
“Joining HBA was a no-brainer for me,” said Ben. “I’d been talking to Axel for a while and I’ve always admired the team, knowing the history of the team, and how many guys have gone to the next level from the team. I knew straight away that it was the right place for me to develop and try to get to the World Tour. Also the opportunity to work with Axel who grew up in a very similar situation to me with our dads doing great things in the sport, I can’t think of anyone better to get advice and guidance from. I can’t wait to get started.”
Ben’s Palmares:
2024 National Championships Great Britain U23 ITT - 2nd place
2024 World Championships U23 ITT - 18th place
2023 Junior World Championships ITT - 2nd place
2023 Trophee Centre Morbihan Nations Cup - 1st place
2023 Junior European Points Race Champion
The 19-year-old Liverpool, England native considers his strengths to be in time trials, the Classics, and races with short rolling terrain. He not only enjoys it, but also works well in a team environment. “I like doing a job for the team whether that’s for my teammates or myself,” Ben said. “My highlight last year was riding the Tour of Britain, it was my first .pro race and being able to do it on home roads was pretty cool. “Last season I learned how quickly things can turn around for anybody. I didn’t have an easy start to last year through injury, but the speed at which I gained fitness and confidence was a massive lesson for me that you're never as far away as you think. I’m looking forward to applying everything I learned last year and shifting my mindset from just learning and experiencing to trying to win and gain results.”
“We were excited to have Ben join the program last year,” said team owner and director Axel Merckx. “I’m very glad he chose to come to us and we hope we can keep contributing to his growth and development as an athlete. His 2nd place at the 2023 World Championships showed his talent, but we all know there is still a long road ahead. Ben and I both have a famous last name and I can try and help him navigate through everything that it brings. It’s not something very many people experience, so in that matter, we already have lots in common.”
