American rider Megan Jastrab, 23, has signed a two-year contract with UAE Team ADQ, starting from the 2026 season.
Originally from Apple Valley, California (USA), Jastrab is based in Sittard, the Netherlands, during the racing season. She is a fast and versatile athlete, competing both on the road and the track. Jastrab first rose to international prominence in 2019, when she won the Junior Road World Championship in Harrogate. She then turned professional and, until this season, rode for Team Picnic PostNL.
Throughout her career, Jastrab has achieved several notable results, including an Olympic bronze medal in the Team Pursuit at Tokyo 2020, a victory at the Tour de Gatineau in Canada in 2023, and a second place at Gent-Wevelgem in the same year. In 2025, she stepped onto the podium three times at the Simac Ladies Tour – with two stage podiums and a third place overall.
Cycling has always been a natural part of her life. “For as long as I can remember, I’ve always loved being outdoors and trying every sport possible,” says Megan Jastrab. “I’ve always used the bike, as well as rollerblades, scooters, dirt bikes, skis – anything that gave me that sense of ‘free speed.’ In 2013, my brother and I convinced our parents to let us join our dad on one of his Saturday group rides. It took about a year before I really fell in love with the sport, but once I did, I was fascinated. I love the challenges and the opportunities cycling provides.”
Now, a new opportunity awaits her with UAE Team ADQ. “I really admire the way UAE Team ADQ races. When I talked to my manager about the teams that interested me the most, UAE Team ADQ was at the top of my list. From my first conversation with the team management, I felt valued as a rider, and I sensed a genuine desire to help me continue developing within the team,” she explains.
It’s an exciting new chapter in her career. “This is a very exciting step for me. I’ve been with the same team since turning pro from the junior ranks, and over the years, I’ve grown and learned a lot. Now I’m looking forward to continuing that growth in a new environment,” Jastrab confirms.
On her racing preferences, she adds: “I like tactical races that demand full focus. I’m naturally drawn to the classics – they’re my favorite type of races. I also enjoy short stage races like the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Scandinavia, where the courses are similar to the classics but spread across five days.”
Looking ahead to the next chapter, Jastrab is clear about her goals: “After spending five years with my current team, my first priority will be to learn how everything works within the new team to ensure a smooth transition. Personally, I want to keep building on the progress I’ve made this season – both in fitness and results. The past few years have brought some setbacks, so my goal is to have a more consistent season and see how far I can go in the future.”
From 2026, Megan Jastrab will wear the UAE Team ADQ jersey with a clear mission. “I want to see what kind of rider I can become in the coming years. I’m not a pure sprinter or a climber, but I can handle a wide range of terrains. I want to understand how to use my strengths to win races – whether that means specializing further in certain areas or improving my weaknesses to become more well-rounded. My main goal is to keep growing,” concludes Jastrab.
Melissa Moncada, President of UAE Team ADQ, said: “We’re thrilled to welcome Megan Jastrab to our team. She’s still very young but already has extensive experience at the highest level of cycling. She’s a complete rider, and I believe she’ll be an important addition to our team, enhancing our competitiveness in certain types of races. I’m looking forward to seeing her race in our colors.”
(ph. Tornanti_cc)
