The year 2025 signifies the inaugural season for the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies team. Included in the roster for this year’s campaign is 21-year-old Scottish prospect Callum Thornley, yet it appears he won’t stay for long as the former Trinity Racing star has been announced as the groundbreaking first rider ever to transition to the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe World Tour team.
“In just a brief period, he has demonstrated what is attainable with commitment, talent, and a positive mindset,” remarks Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe CEO Ralph Denk in a press release on the team’s official site, following the announcement of Thornley’s elevation to the World Tour category for the 2026 season and further. “Denk states that he has undeniably deserved this contract.”
It seems completely unreal. “If someone had said to me a year back that I would be signing a contract before April ended, I wouldn’t have believed it,” Thornley acknowledges in remarks on his team’s website. “It’s insane: everything is shifting, yet simultaneously, nothing is different.” I’ve obtained the contract I’ve always envisioned, but it remains focused on exerting effort in training and achieving victories in races. “It’s simply an amazing sensation.”
With the promotion confirmed and Thornley now able to envision the upcoming years competing against the top athletes globally, the Scot is beginning to imagine which races he could be at the startline for. “I would really like to participate in the Tour de France someday,” he remarks with a smile, adding, “I understand I’m not a Pogacar, but I want to test my limits.” And if I can lift my arms in some of the major ones – that would be quite legendary.
“This is a significant moment – not just for Callum, but for our whole project.” “When any member of our team advances, it symbolizes the collective effort, commitment, and faith of everyone,” concludes John Wakefield, Director of Development at Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe. “We’re all completely excited for him.”
Callum Thornley’s ascent through the cycling ranks has been swift, but not without hard work and determination. Hailing from Scotland, Thornley has been steadily developing his potential in recent seasons, with standout performances for Trinity Racing putting him on the radar of major World Tour teams. His move to the newly formed Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies setup in early 2025 was seen as a major step, both for him and the team’s development strategy.
Within just a few months of joining the Rookies squad, Thornley impressed with his resilience, tactical awareness, and powerful riding across a range of terrains. Team insiders noted his professionalism, his ability to absorb coaching feedback, and the ease with which he adapted to life in the professional peloton.
Although still early in his career, Thornley has already shown signs of being a versatile rider. His strength in the hills, coupled with a respectable sprint, gives him a broad set of tools to work with—tools that Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe clearly believe can be sharpened further in the World Tour.
Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe’s decision to elevate Thornley to the top-tier squad just months after his arrival is unprecedented within the team structure. The move signals both the confidence they have in Thornley’s potential and the ambition of the development program they have launched.
“He’s not only physically gifted, but he’s also grounded, focused, and curious to learn,” said one of Thornley’s Rookies coaches. “Those are the traits that often separate good riders from great ones. He listens, he absorbs everything, and then he goes out and delivers. That’s rare.”
This move also highlights the long-term vision of the Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe organization. By creating a development pathway that feeds directly into the World Tour team, they are building an ecosystem where talent can be identified, nurtured, and promoted efficiently. Thornley’s case is a blueprint for future riders who aspire to climb the ladder within the team.
While comparisons to established stars like Tadej Pogacar are inevitable in today’s media landscape, Thornley is focused on forging his own path. His self-awareness and humility come through clearly in his statements, but so does his hunger to reach his ceiling. The mention of the Tour de France is not just a dream—it’s a target, and one he now has a realistic chance of pursuing.
The team will likely manage his transition carefully. A gradual introduction to World Tour racing, likely beginning with stage races and one-day events in early 2026, is expected. Team Director Enrico Poitschke hinted that they’re designing a race program that allows Thornley to learn without unnecessary pressure, helping him build confidence and gain experience against seasoned competitors.
For the cycling community in the UK, Thornley’s success is also a promising sign. With British cycling currently seeking its next generation of stars, his rise is a source of inspiration to young riders and a testament to the pathways available to them through development programs like Trinity Racing and now Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe Rookies.
Fans and media alike will be watching closely in the coming months as Thornley prepares for his World Tour debut. His current training will likely remain behind closed doors, but updates from the team indicate he’s taking everything in stride and staying grounded amid the growing attention.
“We told him from the beginning that this isn’t about quick wins—it’s about steady growth,” said John Wakefield. “Callum embodies that spirit, and his promotion is a reward for all the quiet, consistent work he’s done behind the scenes.”
As he steps up to the elite level, Thornley’s journey is only just beginning. The expectations will rise, the races will get tougher, and the spotlight will grow brighter. But if the past year is any indication, the young Scot is more than ready for the challenge.
