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Luke Tuckwell: From childhood dream to WorldTour contract
The next top talent of the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies makes the leap into the WorldTour: Luke Tuckwell will be racing for Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe from the 2026 season. A portrait.
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There are days when everything just falls into place. The race, the legs, the tactics, the external conditions. Those are the days when the conditions couldn't be better for making cycling history. For Luke Tuckwell, the fifth stage of this year's Giro Next Gen 2025 was just such a day. On the 153-kilometre stage from Fiorenzuola d'Arda to Gavi, the young Australian from the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies was not fazed by the summer temperatures or the numerous attacks from the competition - and rode into the overall leader's pink jersey.
Luke Tuckwell on the final stage of the Giro Next Gen 2025
© Maximilian Fries
Tuckwell had to surrender the lead to the Slovenian Jakob Omrzel on the final day of the "Baby Giro" after a tough battle. Nevertheless, his performance in Italy was a real sensation. The clear message: Luke Tuckwell is a rider who can compete among the world's best - and one to keep an eye on for the future.
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Top results in U23 cycling
"The pink was definitely my highlight so far," recalls the youngster. "Of course I would have liked to have worn it for longer, but just putting on this jersey once was incredible. It showed me that I'm on a par with the best riders in my age group," says the 21-year-old. It is a statement that matches the Australian's always modest demeanour. After all, he had already proven that he is a great talent many times before: in 2024, he finished tenth in the Giro d'Italia U23 and took sixth place in the French stage race Ronde de l'Isard. This spring, he also finished eighth in the U23 edition of Liège-Bastogne-Liège.
Ever since I was a little kid, I've dreamed of riding the Tour de France. Now I'm a big step closer to this goal, so I'm very happy.
The fact that he has now been offered a professional contract with Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe is therefore not the product of a single top performance, but the logical consequence of constant development. "Ever since I was a little kid, I've dreamed of riding the Tour de France. Now I'm a big step closer to that goal, so I'm very happy," says Tuckwell, before adding: "At this point, a big thank you to Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe for their continued support and trust in me."
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From the nursery to the Champs-Élysées
In fact, it had already become apparent in Tuckwell's childhood that he would become a racing cyclist - even if these plans were initially playful. "My father really tricked me as a toddler: He told me that the colourful jerseys of the Tour de France were part of my favourite children's TV show. That's how I unknowingly became a cycling fan," he recalls with a smile.
For Luke Tuckwell, cycling is a childhood dream.
© Tuckwell
At the age of five, this turned into a concrete dream: to see the Champs-Élysées, where the Tour de France finishes. "My father said that if I saved up enough money for a plane ticket, we could fly there. So for two and a half years, I put aside every birthday and Christmas present. My family quickly realised what I was saving for and kept giving me something until it was enough in the end." And so, a little later, little Luke was actually standing on the boulevard in Paris, where the biggest names in cycling make history every year.
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From Australia to Europe
With this early passion for cycling behind him, it didn't take long for Luke to start racing. Born and raised in Mudgee in the Australian state of New South Wales, he initially gained his first experience on the local scene. However, it soon became clear that he needed to move to Europe to take the next step. The opportunity arose at the end of 2021 - and the 2022 season marked the start of a new chapter for the young Australian, who had developed into one of the best juniors in his country.
In Australia you start with maybe 40 riders, in Europe there are 170. The intensity, the length, the hardness - everything is on a completely different level.
Tuckwell contested his first races in Europe, eventually pedalling for the British Continental team Trinity Racing in 2023 and 2024. In the interview, he explains the difference between the two racing scenes: "In Australia, you start with maybe 40 riders, in Europe it's 170. The intensity, the length, the hardness - everything is on a completely different level. Even the tracks are more brutal. To be honest: it's a huge difference - and was therefore essential for my development," he says looking back.
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From the Rookies to the WorldTour
This new challenge did indeed help him progress. Not only did his wealth of experience grow with each race, but his development also became more tangible. Today, Tuckwell is regarded as a classic cyclist - a rider who not only shines on the climbs, but can also deliver consistent performances over several days. His consistency is striking: hardly any downward outliers, instead a constant presence among the best. His results at the Baby Giro or the Tour de l'Avenir, which he finished in tenth place a few days ago, are impressive proof of this.
Luke Tuckwell trainiert mit Red Bull BORA hansgrohe in Andorra
© Twila Federica Muzzi / Red Bull Content Pool
The reward: the Australian signed with the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe Rookies - the Red Bull - BORA - hansgrohe U23 racing team - for 2025. Less than a year later, his strong performances have now also earned him a WorldTour contract from 1 January 2026. It is the preliminary culmination of a development that is far from over. After all, his days in the pink jersey at the Giro Next Gen were just a foretaste of what is possible for Luke Tuckwell. A look at the young Australian's career to date shows: Tuckwell is living his childhood dream - and is ready to continue writing it step by step in the coming years.
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