GreenEDGE Cycling is delighted to announce the appointment of Gene Bates as Sporting Manager of Team Jayco AlUla for 2026.
Bates has a wealth of experience as a coach and sport director, in addition to more than a decade of racing as a professional in Australia and Europe. The Australian joined the GreenEDGE Cycling family in 2014 as the Lead Sport Director for the women’s team, playing a major role in some of its most memorable victories, before moving to the men’s squad for the 2019 season.
After joining AusCycling as the Head of Endurance in 2023, he returned to the team this season as the Team Manager and Lead Sport Director of the Liv AlUla Jayco squad.
In his stead, Wim Stroetinga will step up and take over as the Sporting Manager of the Liv AlUla Jayco team. The Dutch former professional rider has been a sport director on the Australian squad since 2024.
These changes form part of the restructuring of the GreenEDGE Cycling performance group as the team looks to take on the 2026 season with a fresh and reinvigorated outlook.
Brent Copeland – General Manager GreenEDGE Cycling
“Gene has been an integral part of GreenEDGE Cycling since he joined more than 10 years ago. I have a lot of trust in him, and I am proud to see him step into the role of Sporting Manager at Team Jayco AlUla for next season. I believe that, with his experience, he will be a huge asset for the team in this position, and I look forward to seeing the impact he can have in 2026.”
Gene Bates – Sporting Manager Team Jayco AlUla
“I’m very grateful to Brent Copeland for giving me this opportunity and trusting me to take on this role as Sporting Manager. It will be a big challenge, but it’s one that I’m looking forward to taking on alongside some fantastic athletes and staff. I’m sad to be leaving the women’s team but I know that they’re in very capable hands with Wim and the other directors.”
Wim Stroetinga – Sporting Manager Liv AlUla Jayco
“I’m really excited to jump into this role, and it makes me nervous in a positive way. Gene did a great job last year and we will continue on that pathway he set for us. We want to maintain the progress we made last year and make an extra step to bridge the gap from top five to wins. It will be really challenging but we can do it with the group of riders that we have now.”
Photo: KRAMON
