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."
Richard is digital editor of Cycling Weekly. Joining the team in 2013, Richard became editor of the website in 2014 and coordinates site content and strategy, leading the news team in coverage of the world's biggest races and working with the tech editor to deliver comprehensive buying guides, reviews, and the latest product news.
An occasional racer, Richard spends most of his time preparing for long-distance touring rides these days, or getting out to the Surrey Hills on the weekend on his Specialized Tarmac SL7 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
-
BikeExchange interested in Tom Dumoulin for 2023 'if he wants to carry on with GC ambitions'
Dumoulin will be free at the end of 2022, when his contract with Jumbo-Visma runs out
By Ryan Dabbs •
-
Joss Lowden is finally about to turn full-time pro aged 34, but for women cyclists it's rarely that simple
A move to Andorra is on the cards, as well as some family planning before Paris 2024
By Jonny Long •
-
Leaked contract shows Manuela Fundación tried to buy Mitchelton-Scott for €7 million
The failed takeover of the Australian squad, now called Team BikeExchange, caused confusion in June last year
By Jonny Long •
-
Rival teams lend spare bikes to BikeExchange after thieves steal 12 machines at Tour de l'Ardeche
The Australian team managed to start the fifth stage after help from Trek Segafredo, Liv Racing, and Movistar
By Ryan Dabbs •
-
Michal Storer says he ‘knew exactly what he needed to do to win’ on stage 10 of Vuelta a España 2021
The Aussie took another huge victory in Rincón de la Victoria
By Alex Ballinger •
-
'I took a month away to find what I really wanted': Leo Hayter reveals how he re-found his love of racing at the Tour of Norway
Hayter, younger brother of Ethan, has spoken out about how he's fallen back in love with the sport
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Team DSM respond to rumours of unrest inside the squad
Whispers of unhappy riders, strict protocol and some poor results have fuel the rumours
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Esteban Chaves joins EF Education-Nippo for 2022 after eight years at Team BikeExchange
The Colombian has seen a lot of success while riding with the Australian squad but wants a new challenge
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
-
Eight guitars, playing for five hours and a dream Tour de France band: meet cycling's guitar hero
Joris Nieuwenhuis is far more likely to be seen perusing around a guitar shop than a cycling establishment
By Chris Marshall-Bell •
-
Romain Bardet solos to first victory in three years
The Frenchman attacked away on the final climb of the Picón Blanco and held on to the finish despite crash on descent
By Tim Bonville-Ginn •
