The Australian WorldTour team Jayco AlUla today signed Filippo Conca, who was crowned Italian champion as an amateur. The 26-year-old Italian makes the leap to the top level of world cycling from the amateur team Swatt Club.
Conca, whose contract runs until the end of 2027, will make his debut in the new Jayco AlUla Italian champion's jersey at the one-day race Circuit Franco-Belge on August 15.
Conca attracted significant attention at the end of June when he beat Italy's best professional cyclists to win the national title. This surprise victory sparked considerable debate about the level of professional cycling in Italy, but it showed that some riders deserve a second chance. Conca rode for Lotto Soudal and then Q36.5 from 2021 to 2024 before joining Swatt Club to salvage his career after a series of injuries and setbacks.
He had originally planned to compete in gravel races in 2025 but then focused on the Italian title, receiving support from Swatt Club's coaches, volunteers, and members.
"I am very happy to join Team Jayco AlUla. I chose this team because I am sure I will find the ideal environment here to work hard," said Conca. "Before making the decision, I consulted with my colleagues and staff, and everyone told me that at Jayco AlUla I would find a family that would support me both personally and in sports. It is important to me that I can continue with the same equipment I have used this year. My dream is to race the Giro d’Italia in the Italian champion's jersey. I believe this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Thank you to Team Jayco AlUla for the trust – I am sure I will repay it."
Jayco AlUla has not yet confirmed any other major signings for 2026, but La Gazzetta dello Sport has reported that Alessandro Covi (UAE Team Emirates-XRG) and Andrea Vendrame (Decathlon-AG2R) will also join the team.
