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
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.
"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."
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
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 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.
-
Giant's new Defy and Avail e-bikes pioneer a rear-hub motor and improved battery technology
The all-new Defy Advanced and Liv Avail E+ line-ups include an integrated power system that weighs just 2.3kg
By Luke Friend Published
-
Milan-San Remo addition will 'raise the level even higher' in women’s cycling, says Kasia Niewiadoma
'It's really motivating to see that in just one season, everything can change' says Tour de France Femmes winner as she reflects on a year of success on the road
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Are Intermarché-Wanty's invisible valves the next evolution in tubeless technology?
The Belgian team's Newmen wheels don't have valves sticking out, but they are still there - just hidden in the rims
By Adam Becket Published
-
CW Live: Olympic champion joins Women's WorldTour; Tom Pidcock tips Van Aert for Cyclo-cross Worlds; Arkéa-Samsic boss 'very interested' in Julian Alaphilippe; Deadline for 2024 Olympics tickets; LEJOG record holder back cycling after hit-and-run
A round-up of all the latest cycling news
By Tom Davidson Last updated
-
Tweets of the week: Ineos go for a kickabout in Nice, Tom Pidcock for PM and the next MVDP
A roundup of the best cycling social media content out there from the past week
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
What did we learn from the first elite road races of the year?
Alejandro Valverde is still good; Lotto-Soudal are hungry for results; Biniam Girmay might be a force to be reckoned with
By Adam Becket Published
-
Dutch pro suffers brain haemorrhage after being hit by scooter
Maurits Lammertink was rushed to hospital with serious injuries and underwent brain surgery that night
By Tim Bonville-Ginn Published
-
Simon Gerrans: ‘Some people don’t believe they’re seeing me riding around Richmond Park’
It’s not every day you compete with a double Monument winner on a Strava segment, but Londoners might have spotted a familiar face on their regular routes in recent months.
By Alex Ballinger Published
-
BMC Racing team owner Andy Rihs dies aged 75
Rihs died on Wednesday after enduring a long illness
By Gregor Brown Published
-
Rohan Dennis takes Abu Dhabi Tour lead after time trial victory
BMC rider Rohan Dennis smashes Abu Dhabi Tour individual time trial to move into the overall race lead with just one stage remaining
By Nigel Wynn Published