Four-time Santos Tour Down Under winner Simon Gerrans, 37, will join BMC Racing Team in 2018.
Gerrans, whose palmarès includes victory at Milano – San Remo, Liège-Bastogne- Liège and stage wins at all three Grand Tours, is the third addition to BMC Racing Team’s roster for the coming season.
General Manager Jim Ochowicz said it was an easy decision to welcome a rider of Gerrans’ calibre to BMC Racing Team’s ranks.
“There are not many riders out there with a palmarès and wealth of knowledge like Simon Gerrans, so we are very excited to see Simon join us in 2018. Simon’s experience in all aspects of the sport and his diverse skill set in multiple race situations will make him a tremendous asset to the team. We expect Simon to play a big role in BMC Racing Team’s performance from the beginning of the season until the end,” Ochowicz explained.
“As a team, we have multiple goals throughout the season and Simon will, in particular, be a high-level support rider for Richie Porte and Greg Van Avermaet, as well as a rider who can make the most of any opportunity that comes his way. We are looking forward to seeing what Simon can do when he puts on the BMC Racing Team jersey next year.”
“BMC Racing Team is a team that I have always admired, not only in their results, but also the professionalism of the organization”, said Gerrans. “Obviously, there has always been a strong affiliation with Australians in the team starting with Cadel Evans, and then more recently with Richie Porte, Rohan Dennis and Miles Scotson,”.
“I’m really excited about the position I have been offered in the team. I always saw myself spending the last period of my career in more of a road captain role and passing on my experiences. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team as both a support rider and leader when called upon.
“It’s probably a bit early to start announcing specific goals but I hope to get my season started in Australia. There is obviously a Santos Tour Down Under crown to defend with Richie Porte, it is a race I’ve always enjoyed and done well at”
