Jamie Meehan told stickybottle just a couple of weeks ago he was looking at his stagiaire with World Tour team Cofidis as a chance to prove himself, pointing out the French team did not often offer full contracts to its late season stagiaire, or ‘trial’, riders.
However, since then the Donegal man has enjoyed a very successful debut for the team at Tour de l’Ain (2.1), climbing with the best riders and taking 3rd on one of the stages.
And that performance, combined with a breakthrough season in the biggest and hilliest U23 races in the world, has now secured him a three-year World Tour contract. His new deal, which involves becoming a World Tour rider immediately, will take him through to the end of the 2028 season.
The length of the contract clearly reflects the high degree of confidence the team has in Meehan, the Irish U23 road race champion, and the development potential they see in him, especially on the climbs.
“This contract is truly incredible,” Meehan said as Cofidis announced his new deal today, Friday. “For me, it’s a dream come true. I’ve trained for so long, I’ve fought for years to be able to experience this moment. Obviously, it’s something very powerful.
“The Tour de l’Ain will remain in my memory for a long time. I really enjoyed discovering the team, integrating into it, and I really wanted to learn. I didn’t think I could make a podium in a stage. But by managing to stay in the wheel of the best, I told myself that maybe there was a chance to play.
“I consider myself a climber, I like tough races, demanding climbs. With Cofidis, I want to continue learning and I will do everything to help my teammates.”
