Michael Matthews signs for Giant-Alpecin on three-year deal

By Matt Westby

Image: Michael Matthews won stage 10 of this year's Tour de France

Giant-Alpecin have announced the signing of Michael Matthews on a three-year contract.

The 25-year-old Australian sprinter will officially join the German team on January 1, after four successful seasons with Orica-BikeExchange in which he won stages of all three Grand Tours.

Matthews is likely to replace John Degenkolb, who has been linked with a move to Trek-Segafredo.

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"I am very happy with my transfer to Team Giant-Alpecin," Matthews said. "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.

"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."

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Elsewhere, French team Ag2r-La Mondiale have announced the signings of Oliver Naesen, from IAM Cycling, and Stijn Vandenbergh, from Etixx - Quick-Step, on two-year deals. Both will officially move on January 1.

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