Mitchelton-Scott, the affiliated UCI Continental team for Australian WorldTour squad Orica-Scott, confirmed the signing of four of the most talented prospects in Australia for its debut season.
The team, introduced earlier this year, features six of China’s most promising cyclists and has now, following impressive performances during the recent Australian summer of cycling, secured four more young Australian riders to form the backbone of its roster.
The signings include Australian under-23 road race champion Sam Jenner and winner of the best young rider classification at this year’s Jayco Herald Sun Tour, Jai Hindley.
Hindley’s performance at the Jayco Herald Sun Tour earned him an impressive second overall, behind race winner Damien Howson and ahead of the likes of Chris Froome.
“I am really keen to join Mitchelton-SCOTT and start racing over in Europe again,” said Hindley. “I think we have a strong squad that suits the calendar, supported by some great staff and sponsors.”
Jenner, who went through a challenging 2016 season beset by illness, spoke of his excitement to taking the national champion’s jersey to the world stage.
“I’m excited to be joining the team and really happy to be part of what will be a very strong team,” said Jenner. “I am also looking forward to bringing across the national stripes and the results we can achieve as a team in 2017.”
Jenner and Hindley will be joined by 19-year-old former junior national road race champion Michael Storer and talented 20-year-old climber Lucas Hamilton.
“I am looking forward to racing with the Mitchelton-SCOTT team for 2017,” said Hamilton. “We have a diverse team and we are all really excited about the possibilities that lie ahead throughout the year.”
Storer concluded by acknowledging the strong support network in and around the team.
“I’m really excited to be joining Mitchelton-SCOTT for 2017,” said Storer. “I know I’ll have every opportunity to develop into the best rider possible. The support network in and around the team is awesome and we have some great races on the calendar for the season.”
