Simon Gerrans to join BMC Racing from Orica-Scott

Australian Classics champion Simon Gerrans will seek his own goals at BMC as well as supporting Richie Porte and Greg Van Avermaet

(Image credit: Graham Watson)

Simon Gerrans will leave Orica-Scott at the end of the 2017 season and join BMC Racing for 2018, taking with him well over a decade of experience.

The 37-year-old Australian joins WorldTour outfit BMC to bolster its Classics line-up, act as road captain and provide support for leaders Richie Porte and Greg Van Avermaet.

Gerrans has an extensive palmares that includes victories in the 2012 Milan-San Remo, 2014 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, four overall victories in the Tour Down Under and stage wins in all three Grand Tours.

Simon Gerrans wins the 2014 Liege-Bastogne-Liege. Photo: Graham Watson
(Image credit: Graham Watson)

"BMC Racing Team is a team that I have always admired, not only in their results, but also the professionalism of the organization," said Gerrans.

>>> Cycling transfers 2018: All the ins and outs from the WorldTour

"Obviously, there has always been a strong affiliation with Australians in the team starting with Cadel Evans, and then more recently with Richie Porte, Rohan Dennis and Miles Scotson.

"I'm really excited about the position I have been offered in the team. I always saw myself spending the last period of my career in more of a road captain role and passing on my experiences. I'm looking forward to contributing to the team as both a support rider and leader when called upon."

Gerrans's season with BMC will kick off early, as he seeks to be part of the squad's line-up for the Tour Down Under in January, won last year by the team's Porte.

"It's probably a bit early to start announcing specific goals but I hope to get my season started in Australia," said Gerrans. "There is obviously a Santos Tour Down Under crown to defend with Richie Porte, and it is a race I've always enjoyed and done well at."

>>> Richie Porte extends contract with BMC Racing beyond 2017

BMC general manager Jim Ochowicz said that he expects Gerrans will 'play a big role' in the team throughout the season.

"There are not many riders out there with a palmarès and wealth of knowledge like Simon Gerrans, so we are very excited to see Simon join us in 2018," said Ochowicz.

"Simon's experience in all aspects of the sport and his diverse skill set in multiple race situations will make him a tremendous asset to the team. We expect Simon to play a big role in BMC Racing Team's performance from the beginning of the season until the end."

Gerrans has ridden for the GreenEdge/Orica team from 2012 to 2017, and prior to that he was on Team Sky, Cervelo Test Team, Credit Agricole and Ag2r in a professional career that started in 2005.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Nigel Wynn
Former Associate Editor

Nigel Wynn worked as associate editor on CyclingWeekly.com, he worked almost single-handedly on the Cycling Weekly website in its early days. His passion for cycling, his writing and his creativity, as well as his hard work and dedication, were the original driving force behind the website’s success. Without him, CyclingWeekly.com would certainly not exist on the size and scale that it enjoys today. Nigel sadly passed away, following a brave battle with a cancer-related illness, in 2018. He was a highly valued colleague, and more importantly, an exceptional person to work with - his presence is sorely missed.