Michael Matthews joins Giant-Alpecin for 2017 season
The Australian joins on a three-year contract from Orica-BikeExchange
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.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
"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."
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
Follow on Twitter: @richwindy
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 SL6 (with an obligatory pub stop of course).
-
Rapha's loss, your gain: prices slashed sitewide amid profitability concerns
The British clothing brand unveils an almost unheard-of 25% discount across its entire product range
By Hannah Bussey Published
-
A phone app saved my life after a crash, you shouldn't ride anywhere remote without it
Having taken a life-threatening tumble while out riding on the UK's South Downs, John Powell is coming back from the brink
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
Tadej Pogačar misses out on GP Québec win on return to WorldTour action
Slovenian finishes seventh in first race back since third Tour de France victory
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'This one's for my grandma': Michael Matthews rounds off emotional week with third GP Québec victory
Australian’s grandmother passed away the week before he travelled to Canada
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
'It's not worth risking his long term health': DSM-Firmenich withdraw concussed Romain Bardet from Tour de France
DSM-Firmenich enact their concussion protocol to withdraw the Frenchman from the race
By Chris Marshall-Bell Published
-
'This is insane': Alberto Dainese comes back from illness to triumph in photo finish on Giro d'Italia stage 17 sprint
DSM rider finished last on Sunday's stage with a stomach bug, but bounced back to take win in his home region
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘It’s been nice rubbing shoulders with the big boys’ - Great Britain’s Max Poole shines at Tour of the Alps
20-year-old won the best young rider classification at five day stage race in Austria and north east Italy
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Jumbo-Visma set to use adjustable tyre pressure systems at Paris-Roubaix
The Dutch team and DSM will both utilise different systems on the cobblestones of the ‘Hell of the North’
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Pfeiffer Georgi relishes new leadership role at Team DSM
'I feel like I’m able to be more in the race,' says the in-form Brit
By Tom Davidson Published
-
‘It was perfect being boxed in’ - Charlotte Kool doubles up on final day of UAE Tour
The Dutchwoman proved the fastest, while Elisa Longo Borghini toasts overall victory with ice cream
By Tom Davidson Published