Michael Matthews long-awaited move to Giant-Alpecin has been confirmed by the German team, with the Australian signing a three-year contract starting from 2017.

The 25-year-old joins after a four-year spell with his native WorldTour team Orica-BikeExchange, and is likely to replace the outgoing John Degenkolb as the team’s key sprinter.

Having won stages in all three Grand Tours, with a maiden Tour de France win on stage 10 of this year’s race, Matthews has also shown potential in the Classics, with podium finishes at the likes of Amstel Gold Race and Milan-San Remo.

Matthews also took a silver medal in last year’s World Championship road race in Richmond, USA, behind Peter Sagan.

“I am very happy with my transfer to Team Giant-Alpecin,” said Matthews.

“I have always admired the way the team approaches the sport as a team sport; the stronger and the better we can have the team as a collective operate and perform, the better the opportunities for success the leaders have for the finales of races.

“I am confident that I will be able to get the best out of myself both as a rider and as an individual. The team is already used to working for dedicated leaders in various types of races and has proven that strategy with great results in the biggest races on the calendar.

“That’s the process which I want to help strengthen and where I want to be a part of and contribute to, and I am very much looking forward to joining the team.”