With the new cycling year approaching, Liv AlUla Jayco Women’s Continental Team has strengthened further with the addition of 19-year-old Tabea Huys. The Austrian rider will join the Continental Team from January 1st, 2025, and the addition of Huys completes the selection of the successful development squad for next season.
Huys is considered one of the biggest talents in Austrian women’s cycling, especially in the time trial discipline which is known as her strongest weapon. Last autumn, in her first year as a U23 rider, she finished seventh at the European championships in Belgium. Earlier in the season, she won the Austrian time trial title (U23) and triumphed in the time trial (13.5 km) at the Gracia Orlová, traditionally an important stage race in which talented riders come out on top.
Clear vision
“Of course I am ambitious and would like to take steps forward, but I did not expect to join such a strong team already for next season. I felt very comfortable during the first talks with the team and noticed that Liv AlUla Jayco has a clear vision when it comes to talent development. For me, it is important that I get all the space I need to develop myself into a complete rider, without having a lot of pressure on my shoulders. In addition, there are still opportunities to continue doing triathlon, my other passion, and to finish my last high school year. The team offers the right balance.”
Maximum results
From the team, 19-year-old Huys will get all the support she needs to reach a higher level. “My strengths are now obviously in time trials. I got that confirmation this year at the championships and in the Gracia Orlová in the Czech Republic. But I feel I have more to offer and would like to get the most out of myself. I am not a born climber, but I can push myself well on the longer, non-steep climbs. Maybe there might be a classic rider in me, who knows. However, to take the step to the top, I will still have a lot to learn. Liv AlUla Jayco provides all the resources needed for that.”
Two Austrians
At Liv AlUla Jayco, Huys will meet several familiar faces, including her compatriot Leila Gschwentner, who has already made considerable progress in the past debut year of the Continental Team. “Funnily enough, Leila was in the same club team in her junior days as I was in. Before she made the transition to Liv AlUla Jayco, she rode in the same German team I rode in last season. Seen in that sense, my steps are very similar to hers.”
Transformation
Continental Team Manager Eric van den Boom has been following Huys’ progression throughout the season and explained: “Tabea Huys impressed us in a positive way several times over the season in races in which we were competing in ourselves. During the year, she showed that she has a lot of potential. So, when an opening came up to offer her a contract, we didn’t hesitate and acted quickly. With our development plan, we want to help her in her transformation into an even more complete rider. We are convinced that we can help her take the step to the top of women’s cycling.”
Liv AlUla Jayco’s Continental Team in 2025::
- Moroj Adil (Saudi Arabia)
- Mackenzie Coupland (Australia)
- Leila Gschwentner (Austria)
- Hélène Hesters (Belgium)
- Tabea Huys (Austria)
- Noä Jansen (Netherlands)
- Emma Jeffers (United Kingdom)
- Kaia Schmid (United States)
- Lucinda Stewart (Australia)
- Matilde Vitillo (Italy)
