US talent Artem Shmidt signs for the INEOS Grenadiers

Talented American racer, Artem Shmidt, has signed his first professional contract and will race as a Grenadier until the end of 2026.

The current u23 USA national time trial champion is in his second season racing at Continental level with Hagens Berman Jayco and previously raced for the Hot Tubes Cycling Club in the USA, the same team that current riders AJ August and Magnus Sheffield hail from.

The 20-year-old is aiming to ride alongside August in the upcoming Tour de l’Avenir for the US National Team, after which he’ll immediately join the INEOS Grenadiers and be available to race for the rest of the current season.

Artem Shmidt said: “It’s with great gratitude and excitement that I will be starting my professional career with the INEOS Grenadiers. I’ve been a fan of the team ever since I started cycling and to be joining the team is a dream come true.

“I’ve seen a lot of riders and friends develop in their programme and it’s clearly the best place for me to take the next step in my career. I can’t wait to pin on a number soon!”

Scott Drawer, Performance Director, added: “Artem is not totally new to the team as he’s attended a number of our training camps where he’s impressed us both with his approach and his ability on the bike.

“He’s an exciting young talent with a wide range of skills across time trialing, climbing and rolling terrain. He comes from a background and environment that’s familiar to us, and one which we know has a proven track record of providing excellent grounding for pro bike riders.

“Artem is the latest to join our promising group of young riders who all are part of our development programme and will collectively be key in helping us achieve the future goals that we’ve set ourselves.”