The Ineos Grenadiers announced the signing of young American Andrew'AJ'August, who was impressed by this year's Redlands Bicycle Classic stage winner and overall podium, as well as the Summit stage winner and overall classification on the Ain Bugey Valromey tour.

"AJ is really impressed with the time we've spent with him, so we're excited that he agreed to be a Grenadier," said Rod Ellingworth, the team's deputy team principal.

"We have followed his progress and results this season and he has clearly shown his talent. We believe that by working together, we can help him reach his full potential. It is clear that he is a talented young man and he also has a very good head on his shoulders.

From Rochester, N.Y., May 8 was an outstanding year, winning the Koppenberg Cross and the Junior National title Cyclocross.

He achieved even more success on the road and won stage victories in the Junior Individual Time Trial National title and Grand Prix West Bohemia, the overall second in the Course de la Paynations Cup, SPIE Internationale Juniorendriedaagse.

The UK World Tour outfit signed August with a three-year contract that is a year longer than the regular neo-Pro offering, and he celebrated his 2th birthday just 2 weeks ago at Team training camp earlier this year, when he followed a path similar to Magnus Sheffield, a fellow Hot Tubes team alumnus who signed with the team at the age of 19. It's a good idea.

"Magnus is the key – he is the one I can ask for advice. But no matter he's on the team, it's still the perfect environment for me," said May 8.

"I had the opportunity to go to team camp on May 1 and I could immediately see how professionally it was running. Of course, coming to the team directly from the junior is a big jump, but the team approach gives me confidence that it's the right thing to do.

The short-term goal for May 8 is to stage races for a short world tour where he can show his climbing prowess.

"I have always been a good climber and have enjoyed competing as a GC rider in the races I've done so far. My ambition is the same in the professional ranks, but of course it takes time to develop into that type of rider. I'm not afraid to discover and challenge myself in other areas as well."