AJ August, an 18-year-old cyclist from Rochester, New York, is set to make his professional debut with the INEOS Grenadiers in 2024. Having impressed in the junior ranks both in road and cyclo-cross disciplines, August is excited about the opportunity to join the team.
Reflecting on his experience with the Grenadiers during a training camp earlier this year, August said, “I had the opportunity to go on a team camp in January and could immediately see just how professionally it is run. Of course it’s a big jump to come to the team straight out of juniors but the team’s approach gives me the confidence that it’s the right thing to do.”
August, who has ridden for the Hot Tubes cycling team alongside fellow American Magnus Sheffield, cites Sheffield as an important figure in his cycling journey. “Magnus has been key – he’s someone that I can look to for advice. But regardless of him being in the team, it’s still the perfect environment for me,” he said.
Looking ahead to his first season as a pro rider, August has high ambitions. “I can’t say there’s one particular race that I really want to target, but when the time is right I would like to maybe compete in a one-week World Tour stage race and see how I go,” he shared. August is confident in his abilities as a climber and hopes to develop into a general classification rider in the professional ranks.
Aside from cycling, August has also participated in Alpine skiing and counts Formula One and golf among his hobbies. His diverse interests and dedication to his sport have impressed the INEOS Grenadiers’ Deputy Team Principal, Rod Ellingworth, who expressed his delight at having August join the team. “AJ has really impressed us in the time we’ve spent with him, so we’re thrilled he’s agreed to become a Grenadier,” said Ellingworth. “We believe that working together we can help him reach his full potential. He’s a talented young man and it’s obvious he also has a very good head on his shoulders.”
August will spend the pre-season integrating with the team and attending a training camp to plan and prepare for his first professional season. With his talent and determined mindset, August joins an exciting group of young riders at the INEOS Grenadiers, as the team continues to pursue their ambitious goals.
