A historic moment for the new U23 team of Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe: Callum Thornley will be the first rider from the Rookies squad to make the jump to the WorldTour. The 21-year-old Scottish rider has signed a contract with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe starting from the 2026 season.

Thornley joined the newly established development team just four months ago but has already made an outstanding impression. He has delivered extraordinary performances both in U23 races and during appearances with WorldTour professionals. At his first stage race of the year, the Volta ao Algarve, he raced alongside Primož Roglič. Shortly after, he secured a podium at the Istrian Spring Trophy.

Callum Thornley comments: "It's quite surreal, to be honest. If someone had told me a year ago that I would sign a contract with a WorldTeam before the end of April, I would have said that was simply crazy. It's funny because now everything changes but nothing changes. I have the contract I've dreamed of my entire life, but every day still means going full gas in training and trying to win races. It's a great feeling".

With impressive physical strength, a sharp racing instinct, and a powerful kick, Thornley quickly caught the attention of the team's technical staff. He is currently recovering from several fractures sustained in an accident at the Paris-Roubaix Espoirs.

"Callum is the first debutant to participate in the WorldTour, a true milestone for us," says Ralph Denk, CEO of Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe. "He has demonstrated in a very short time what is possible with talent, hard work, and the right mentality. He truly earned this contract. A new chapter begins for him, and for us, it's confirmation that our talent program is on the right track".

By launching its new U23 team, Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe has bridged the gap between its junior team Grenke - Auto Eder and the WorldTeam. Twelve young talents are racing as "Rookies" this season, and their first results already show the potential of the project. Victories at the Istrian Spring Tour and Giro del Belvedere, along with half a dozen podiums in just a few days of racing, clearly demonstrate that this young squad is heading in the right direction.