Jack Haig‘s season took a blow when the Australian had to abandon Tour de France on stage 7 with a mild concussion. It was a strange situation for the experienced rider who would’ve hoped to leave a good mark on the race. And, hopefully, attract some offers from teams willing to sign him for 2026. But no such luck and thus Haig starts August with uncertain future and a lot to prove.”For the moment, I don’t have a contract, so I’m still waiting,” Haig told Domestique about his contract situation. “I hope I will find something. I’m not too stressed, but of course, I would have liked to have something already signed by now. If nothing comes, nothing comes, and it’s been a nice ride to here. But I hope I’ll have a place in the WorldTour for next year.”Part of Bahrain – Victorious since 2021, Haig is not opposed to the idea of extending. But that decision is no longer up to him. “I would never close the door on them, but I’m not sure the door is very open,” he confesses.
Although his future hangs on a thread, the 31-year-old Australian is part of Bahrain’s provisional selection for Vuelta a Espana. After a disappointing Giro d’Italia, young leader Antonio Tiberi will be back on mission to finish on a Grand Tour podium. Ideally, experience of Haig who himself podiumed Vuelta in 2021 could play the decisive role in Tiberi’s quest.
Before the Spanish Grand Tour, Haig links up with his Italian teammate at Tour de Pologne, a race where he landed his first professional victory eight years ago. One of his only two victories as a pro.
“I’ve not won too much, but I look back at the wins that I have had and especially the one here in Poland. It was my second year as a pro, and I think it really kind of set up my career,” Haig recalled the penultimate stage from 2017.
The other alternative for a race schedule would’ve been Vuelta a Burgos with clear logistical benefits ahead of Tour. “I’ve done a lot of racing in Spain, and the other option would have been to race the Vuelta a Burgos, so it’s nice to change and come here.”