Jayco-AlUla founder Gerry Ryan says 2027 will likely be his last season

Australian businessman Gerry Ryan has indicated that the 2027 season will likely mark his final year as the primary financier of the Jayco-AlUla cycling team. The founder of the squad, which debuted as GreenEDGE in 2012, Ryan, now in his mid-70s, is reportedly planning to gradually reduce his significant involvement in professional cycling after more than a decade of substantial investment.

This announcement carries considerable weight for the Australian outfit, which has operated at the WorldTour level since its inception, providing a vital pathway for antipodean talent. Ryan's consistent financial backing has been the bedrock of the team's stability, allowing it to navigate the often-turbulent waters of professional cycling sponsorship. His impending departure raises crucial questions about the team's long-term financial future and its ability to secure a new primary benefactor capable of matching his sustained commitment.

Ryan's exit, while anticipated given his age, underscores the precarious nature of private funding in professional cycling. The sport will undoubtedly miss his singular, unwavering patronage.