Ryan Mullen first rode for a World Tour team aged 21 years, when he became a stagiaire for Cannondale-Garmin midway through the 2025 season. Since then, he's spent 10 full seasons in the top tier - the last four with Red Bull-Bora-hansgrohe - and will go for at least two more.
He has signed for the team that was known this year as Israel Premier Tech, though it is now dropping its Israeli links. It will have a completely new identity by the time 10-time senior Irish road and TT champion Mullen lands on its books on January 1st next.
Mullen would make an invaluable asset to any team; a big powerful unit, always willing and able to get stuck in at the pointy end as part of the lead-out train. He worked with Sam Bennett, at Bora-hansgrohe, for two years and Mads Pedersen, at Trek-Segafredo, for four seasons.
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"One thing my teams have always said about me is that I go all in for them," said Mullen as he prepares to move on from his current team to new pastures. "Over the past few years, I’ve also developed into more of a leader, and that’s something I’m eager to contribute to this team."
Now aged 31 and having got married and had a child in recent years, aside from his physical abilities, Mullen is one of the most experienced riders in the bunch. He has the benefit of 10 seasons at the top, but could still race for the best part of another decade, depending on how things go.
And having signed a new contract, he says himself his experience is something significant he can bring to his new team, which can benefit really from it, especially in schooling the younger riders.
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“I’ve watched this team grow throughout my entire professional career, right from its early days as Cycling Academy,” he said. “Seeing how far it’s come makes me genuinely excited about the opportunity to be part of what’s next, because I believe there’s still a lot more to achieve.
“I also think it’s a great experience to change environments and work with new people – and old friends – all striving toward the same goal: to win bike races. Jerseys may change over the years, but the ambition and drive remain the same.
“My qualities as a rider are what have brought me to this point in my career. I’m never afraid to get my hands dirty in any race situation - whether it’s fighting through an echelon in Belgium, guiding a GC rider safely through tense moments, or delivering a sprinter at 70 kph.
"I’d describe myself as a bit of a jack of all trades, which allows me to step up and make a difference in a variety of scenarios. At this stage of my career, I see myself as one of the riders who brings valuable experience, and I’m really looking forward to sharing that with my teammates.
“For me, the main goal is to build a strong reputation as a dependable and consistent member of the team. I take pride in being reliable and in delivering on any plan that’s put in front of me.
"I’m excited to be in a new environment where my skills are valued and where I can contribute to the team’s success. The group’s great as well – a lot of the guys live in Andorra like I do, so I’m really looking forward to training and racing alongside them.”
