‘Dream come true’ - Donegal cyclist elevated to professional ranks of Team Cofidis

It didn’t take long for Pro Tour French cycling Team Cofidis to realise the talent of Mountcharles cyclist Jamie Meehan.

Following his podium finish in his debut outing for the team - which he joined as a stagiaire just weeks ago - Jamie has been signed to the professional ranks with a three-year contract.  This is particularly noteworthy given that most cyclists are awarded to two-year contracts. 

In a *statement on the team’s website, a spokesperson said: “Having trained at VC Aix, he distinguished himself in the Tour de l'Ain, his first race in the Cofidis jersey, which prompted the team's management to recruit him. And it's certain he's not finished impressing!

“He's used to tough races, those where the weather is unpredictable, the roads are winding.

“Jamie Meehan competed in his first races at home in Ireland, and it took stamina and courage to hold on. It was there that he gradually developed his skills as a puncher and, above all, as a climber. 

“This great hope of Irish cycling was able to patiently hone his skills, notably by joining the AVC Aix club this year. His qualities and his mindset convinced the Cofidis staff to give him a chance as a trainee.

Jamie said: “This contract is truly incredible. For me, it's a dream come true. I've trained for so long, I've fought for years to be able to experience this moment.

“Obviously, it's something very powerful. The Tour de l'Ain will remain in my memory for a long time. I really enjoyed discovering the team, integrating into it, and I really wanted to learn. I didn't think I could make a podium in a stage. But by managing to stay in the wheel of the best, I told myself that maybe there was a chance to play! 

“I consider myself a climber, I like tough races, demanding climbs. With Cofidis, I want to continue learning and I will do everything to help my teammates!”

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Jamie started with the team on August 1 and on August 6, he was competing in the Tour de l'Ain with his new teammates. 

From the second stage, he managed to keep up with the best and take an incredible third place. At the end of this three-day race, he finished 14th in the general classification and, above all, third best young rider.

“These exceptional performances go hand in hand with his ability to adapt very quickly to the team's operations,” said the Team Cofidis spokesperson. “The sporting management, led by Cédric Vasseur, decided to make a rare decision: to offer him a contract for the next three years.

“He thus continues the beautiful story woven between the AVC Aix club and the Cofidis team. Many riders who have passed through the club have gone on to become professional riders. This is the case for Christophe Laporte, Anthony Pérez and more recently Oliver Knight and Clément Izquierdo. 

“Like them, Jamie hopes to continue to progress. Starting Sunday, he will be part of the Cofidis squad present at the Polynormande. Then, he will compete in his national jersey in the Tour de l'Avenir before joining Cofidis, his new team for the next three seasons.”

*Translated from French using Google Translate