Star on the rise: Georgie Howe signs pro contract with BikeExchange-Jayco

The meteoric rise of Georgie Howe continues, signing a two-year professional contract with BikeExchange-Jayco to compete on the WorldTour.

The signing was announced yesterday by Team Bike Exchange-Jayco, with Howe to begin riding professionally from the start of 2023.

The 28-year-old began competitive cycling at the elite level in January this year, when she competed in the Australian Road National Championships with Knights of Suburbia Racing.

Howe immediately made an impact, finishing fourth in the Individual Time Trial.

Victories followed at the Oceania Continental Time Trial Championships and the Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland, with the strength and power of the former Australian rowing representative coming to the fore.

Howe then headed to Europe, riding with Keukens Redant in the Baloise Ladies Tour in Belgium, where she finished fourth overall in the General Classification.

In a team statement, Howe said signing with Team BikeExchange-Jayco would enable her to further her development in the sport.

“I would like to continue as a student of cycling and use that curiosity to be the best teammate I can be. I am curious to see my abilities in the time trial races and compete with the best in the world, but of course I would also like to improve and compete at the highest level in the spring classics, starting with the iconic Paris-Roubaix,” said Howe.

While also aspiring to compete in the Tour de France Femmes, the Princeton University graduate is aware she still has much to learn but is clearly looking forward to the challenges ahead.

“I am very excited for the new adventure, curious for the unknown, and really grateful for the opportunity I have. Of course, the main goal is always to keep joy in the centre for anything you are doing, and success will surely follow.”

Her signing means no fewer than five new Australian riders will compete for BikeExchange-Jayco next year, with Howe suiting up alongside Alyssa Polites, Amber Pate, Blake Quick, and Rudy Porter.

2022 Results:

• 4th, Australian Road National Championships ITT
• 1st, Oceania Continental Championships ITT
• 5th, Oceania Continental Championships Road Race
• 1st, Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland – Stage 2
• 1st, Mitchelton Tour of Gippsland Overall
• 4th, Baloise Ladies Tour Overall
• 8th, Baloise Ladies Tour Stage

Photos: Con Chronis