Adam Rafferty has said seeing the opportunities his brother, Darren, got with Hagens Berman Axeon, over the last two years made him want to one day join the team and that recent talks with team owner Axel Merckx only confirmed his view.
The 18-year-old from Co Tyrone joins the Continental team as his brother moves off, for World Tour team EF Education-EasyPost. Rafferty says he wants to learn the ropes in U23 international racing next season but also aims to develop as a general classification rider.
He has already demonstrated clear ability against the watch and when he has ridden road races abroad, he has proven well able to absorb longer distances and higher intensity. Now he believes he is in the right place to work towards his goals.
“Joining Axeon has been my goal ever since Darren joined,” he said. “Seeing all the experiences and incredible opportunities that this team has given Darren, really shows me that it’s exactly where I want to be.
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"Talking with Axel this year really confirmed that Axeon is the perfect home for me. And of course, I couldn’t have been happier when I signed the contract.”
“(Next) year I’m really looking forward to learning the ways of U23 racing and helping the team get some victories,” he said. “Later, I’m hoping to progress further as a GC rider.”
Merckx said while Darren Rafferty - who has been a big asset to the team and secure success for it - was moving on, the team was delighted to be signed his younger brother.
“It is a bit bittersweet to see Darren depart for the World Tour but we’re excited to have Adam join the team,” he said. Rafferty is one of four new signings announced by the team for 2022, with Ben Wiggins, Hamish McKenzie, and Mattia Sambinello also lined up for next season.
