Jayco AlUla strengthens climbing squad around Ben O’Connor with a familiar face from Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale

The 31-year-old Italian has signed a two-year contract with Jayco AlUla, bringing an end to his six-year stint with the AG2R team. During that time, he recorded five victories: Vendrame won a stage in the Giro in both 2021 and 2024, as well as a stage in the Route d'Occitanie in 2021, while this year he won a stage in both the Tirreno-Adriatico and the Tour du Limousin. This brings his career total to seven victories.

“I chose Team Jayco AlUla because, from our first meetings, I immediately sensed a great deal of trust in me, and it was easy to develop a clear project aligned with my goals,” the Italian explains his move. “After six seasons with the same team, I felt it was time for a change and to seek new challenge”

“I’m confident that with this team I can find new motivation and build something truly important,” continues the Conegliano-born rider. “My expectations are high, and I’m confident I can continue to grow with the team. I’m thrilled to be able to wear the Team Jayco AlUla jersey next and can’t wait to begin this new adventure!”

General manager Brent Copeland explains the role of his new signing. “Andrea is coming onboard to help boost our climbing squad and in general he’s a strong all-round rider that has demonstrated his talent on many occasions, with results such as stage wins at the Giro d’Italia.”

“He’s really motivated and has an aggressive style of riding and we’re looking forward to him joining us for the next two seasons. We believe he will fit into our team very well, he already has a great relationship with our leader O’Connor which always helps, with the pair having raced on the same team previously,” he said. Vendrame rode with O'Connor at AG2R for four years.

The Italian is the fifth signing for the Australian team. Decathlon AG2R La Mondiale also signed Dries De Bondt, while Alessandro Covi is transferring from UAE Emirates-XRG. Wil Holmes and Hamish McKenzie will be transferred from the development team this winter.