Michael Matthews will return to Mitchelton-SCOTT next season after four years with Team Sunweb.
A two-time podium placer at Milan-SanRemo, Matthews will be a serious contender for monument and one-day Classics success, as well as adding stage winning capabilities to the Mitchelton-Scott outfit.
The Australian who rode for Mitchelton-Scott in 2013-16, when they were known as Orica-GreenEdge, had signed for the 2021-22 seasons the team said.
“I saw a moment where it just felt right. As a sprinter and as a rider you feel moments like this and sometimes you just have to go with instinct”, said Matthews.
“The opportunity was there to come back and you have to take them when they are there. At this moment in my career it just felt right, and the team has welcomed me back with open arms which is really special.
“I’m definitely happy to be coming back, I have some amazing memories from GreenEDGE. Gerry Ryan supported me through my under-19, under-23 days and also in helping me turn professional, so it just feels like coming home.
“I want to get my own results, but also to be a part of the team that has GC goals as well. We will have Simon Yates that can win the biggest Grand Tour’s in the world and I would love to be part of that and there’s some young guys coming through, to help them progress too.
“I wouldn’t put it down to one particular race or result to make the next two years successful, but I want to progress as a rider and as a teammate, and enjoy races.”
“I have followed Michael’s journey from an aspiring junior to the world-class rider he is today and to witness the transition, both on and off the bike, has been incredibly satisfying for me”, Mitchelton-Scott team owner Gerry Ryan added.
“Michael is a one-of-a-kind rider and has given this organisation some of our most spectacular victories on the world’s biggest stage, including the Tour de France.
“We couldn’t be happier to have him back home, this is where he belongs.”
