Bad news for a Latin American rider who will not be able to continue in the 2025 World Tour and will also have difficulty finding a place in his homeland. This is Jesús David Peña, who did not renew with Jayco AlUla and is thinking of returning home.
He confirms this to ADN Ciclismo: “I’m thinking of returning to Colombia, which isn’t that bad, the problem is that here too many teams have a closed roster and it’s difficult to find a place,” said the 24-year-old old cyclist. “I can wait a year and get some momentum back,” he added, relying on his youth.
“From the first year they wanted to eliminate me, they wanted to complete the contract, but it was also difficult for them to complete it,” revealed Peña, who still managed to shine in Jayco thanks to a stage victory and other podiums in Austria and Slovenia in 2023.
The athlete recognizes that he has no longer reached – for different reasons - that level, but also attributes his withdrawal from the World Tour to the poor work of his representative, the controversial Giusppe Acquadro. “I thought it was very bad of my manager. “He didn’t look first,” he said.
“There were teams who told me that if I had asked earlier they would have been interested, but that wasn’t the case. He did the same thing to me, he did the same thing to Camargo and many others. He wasn’t answering my calls or messages anymore, he was trying to wipe his hands saying he was talking, but then I found out and he wasn’t really talking to the teams,” Peña added.
“I would like to continue in Europe but at this point of the season it is very complicated,” he concluded, insisting that he will most likely return to Colombia to relaunch his sporting career.
Join the channel International cycling WhatsApp
Enter our forum Telegram
You can find us on Instagram
Don’t miss #CiclismoInterTV YouTube
Do you like what we do? follow us on @CiclismoInter
Join us on Facebook: International Cycling
Interview between Time.news Editor and Cycling Expert on Jesús David Peña’s Future
Editor: To start, can you summarize the current situation regarding Jesús David Peña? He seems to be in a tough spot after leaving Jayco AlUla.
Dr. Ruiz: Absolutely. Jesús, at only 24 years old, has faced some significant challenges lately. He confirmed his departure from Jayco AlUla and is contemplating a return to Colombia. Unfortunately, the prospects of joining another team are limited due to closed rosters, which is a common issue during this time of the cycling season.
Editor: He mentioned in an interview that he might have difficulties finding a new team in Colombia. What do you think contributed to this predicament?
Dr. Ruiz: Several factors play into this situation. Firstly, Jesús achieved notable results during his time with Jayco, including a stage victory and podium finishes. However, he cites poor management and communication from his representative, Giusppe Acquadro, as a significant hurdle. His manager apparently didn’t initiate talks with interested teams early enough, which left Peña in a vulnerable position.
Editor: That’s an unfortunate turn of events. Jesús expressed disappointment with his management, noting missed opportunities. How critical do you think management is for a young athlete trying to establish themselves?
Dr. Ruiz: Management is crucial in the professional sports arena, particularly in cycling, where opportunities can be fleeting. A proactive manager can make all the difference in securing contracts and endorsements. Since Jesús seems to have lost trust in his representative, it adds another layer of complexity to his career trajectory. It’s a reminder that not just talent, but also the right connections, play a pivotal role.
Editor: Indeed. Peña is considering a year off to regain his momentum. How realistic is this approach, especially coming back to the competitive cycling scene in Europe?
Dr. Ruiz: It’s a challenging yet perhaps pragmatic strategy. Taking a year off could allow him to recalibrate and focus on training, thereby gaining a fresh perspective. However, it’s essential for him to stay competitive. The cycling world is dynamic, and while he has youth on his side, maintaining visibility among potential teams is also important.
Editor: You mentioned visibility; do you think racing domestically in Colombia could help him in this regard?
Dr. Ruiz: Definitely, racing in Colombia could be beneficial. The domestic scene may provide him with the chance to shine again, showcase his talent, and attract attention from European teams post-season. Many athletes have revitalized their careers by performing well locally before transitioning back to the international stage.
Editor: It sounds like a balanced approach for Jesús. But if he eventually decides to remain in Europe, what steps should he take to improve his chances?
Dr. Ruiz: A dual approach would be prudent: he must secure a competent manager who understands both his aspirations and the current market. Additionally, engaging in high-intensity local races can build his reputation while networking with other riders and team personnel. Building relationships can be just as important as results in this sport.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Ruiz, for your insights on Jesús David Peña’s future in cycling. It’s clear that his journey ahead will require a strategic mix of talent, timing, and management.
Dr. Ruiz: Thank you for having me. I’m looking forward to seeing what lies ahead for Jesús, and I hope he can navigate his way back to the top of the sport.
Editor: Thank you to our readers for joining us today. We’ll continue to follow Jesús’s career and provide updates as they unfold. Stay tuned!