Date: 10 March 2024
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 2023 Palmares:
2nd place Junior World Championships ITT
1st place Trophee Centre Morbihan Nations Cup
Junior European Points Race Champion
2nd place Great Britain Jr ITT National Championships
7th Tour de Gironde Juniors
Ben 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. For 2024, the 18-year-old Liverpool, England native would like to improve his “ability to climb in the mountains, as I think that’s something I struggle with on climbs longer than 5-10 minutes,” he said.
“We are very excited to have Ben join the program,” said team owner and director Axel Merckx. “I’m very glad he chose to come to us and we hope we can help contribute to his growth and development as an athlete. His 2nd place at this year’s world championship 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.”
