News in brief: The Australian Michael Matthews is moving to the German team Giant-Alpecin for the coming season. The 25-year-old is leaving his previous employer Orica-BikeExchange after four years and signing for three years. The all-round talent and this year's stage winner in the Tour de France can achieve results in both the classics and the Grand Tours.
“We are very happy and proud to have signed a driver like Michael. We have always set high standards and set ourselves big goals. Michael is a very talented driver and we are delighted that he sees our approach as a team as an opportunity to develop as a driver. Michael has the right character and will be able to integrate quickly into the team. We can't wait to work with him in the years to come." comments team boss Iwan Spekenbrink on the commitment.
After the departure of John Degenkolb, Matthews should not only become the new man for the classics at Giant-Alpecin, but also strengthen their Grand Tour team around Tom Dumoulin and Warren Barguil.