Eddie Dunbar has a new team mate in the shape of Filippo Conca, who won the Italian road race championships riding for a club team. The 26-year-old was riding for Swatt Club in July when he claimed the Italian title from World Tour man Alessandro Covi (UAE Team Emirates-XRG).
And now that win has been rewarded with a new contract with the Australian World Tour team, which he joins immediately. Conca will also ride for the team next year and in 2027.
He gets underway for his new employers at the one-day race Franco Belg on Friday, representing a big twist in a year when he focussed mainly on gravel racing having lost his pro contract on the road.
He previously rode for World Tour team Lotto Soudal, in 2021 and 2022, before switching to ProConti outfit, Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, for the last two seasons. However, Conca then lost his place in the paid ranks and dropped down to Swatt Club, before taking an unlikely win in the Italian championships and securing a pro deal again.
“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,” he said. My dream is to race in the Giro d’Italia, and to do so 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.”
Brent Copeland, Jayco AlUla general manager, said Conca “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.”
