Ashlin Barry commits to long-term project with Team Visma | Lease a Bike
The 17-year-old junior rider Ashlin Barry will take his first steps in the professional peloton with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. The American will become part of the Dutch WorldTeam’s development pyramid starting next season.
Barry is considered one of the biggest talents of his generation. In the limited races he competed in as a first-year junior in 2024, he showcased his abilities by winning the U.S. national road and time trial titles, along with victories in the Ster van Zuid-Limburg, Valley Sun Tour, Henderson Classic, and Tour du Bocage et de l’Ernée. Additionally, he demonstrated his versatility with a win in the UCI Gravel Series Blue Mountains and a second-place finish in the World Omnium Championships on the track.
Barry is the son of former professional cyclists Michael and Dede Barry. Born in Girona, Spain, he grew up in Toronto, Canada, but represents the U.S. national team through his mother.
Next season, Barry will join JEGG Skil DJR, the junior team collaborating with Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "We see immense talent in Ashlin, along with significant room for growth," said Robbert de Groot, Head of Development at Team Visma | Lease a Bike. "We are therefore very pleased that he will be part of our team in the coming years. This is the first time we have signed someone so young directly for our WorldTeam. It reflects our confidence in Ashlin’s potential and underscores our belief in long-term collaborations. Only by working closely with a talent from a young age can we fulfill their maximum potential,”
Barry himself is equally enthusiastic about his move: "Team Visma | Lease a Bike is truly a dream team. It’s incredibly inspiring to sign with the same team as riders like Wout van Aert and Jonas Vingegaard. They are great examples of how you can develop further within this team. Of course, I’m still very young and in the process of discovering my specialties. I believe the classics and time trials might suit me best, but I’m confident that this team is the perfect choice to guide me on that journey."
After completing his final year as a junior with JEGG Skil DJR, Barry will transition to Team Visma | Lease a Bike in 2026. "Whether and how long he will race for the Development Team and when he will step up to the WorldTour will depend on his progress," De Groot explained. "Thanks to our development pyramid, which includes a junior, development, and WorldTeam, we can remain flexible and offer riders like Ashlin a tailored pathway to further their growth. When it comes to talent development, we can truly offer customized solutions."