New signings at BikeExchange-Jayco
Australian pro cycling team BikeExchange-Jayco has extended contracts for two of its stars and confirmed a number of new signings – but the future for one key rider remains unclear.
EXTENDED CONTRACTS
After a gutsy stage 14 win at the Tour de France, Michael Matthews has secured his spot on the Australian team for another three years.
Bling, a former Tour de France green jersey winner, claimed stage victories with the Australian team at all three grand tours between 2013–2016, moving to Team Sunweb for the 2017-2020 seasons before returning to represent BikeExchange-Jayco in 2021.
The team said, “The 31-year-old Australian has transformed as a rider over the years and with this versatile skillset, GreenEDGE Cycling is thrilled to have him on-board as one of the team leaders, as it looks to build into its second decade.”
Vuelta a España champion Simon Yates has also secured a contract extension with BikeExchange-Jayco, his through to 2024.
NEW SIGNINGS
This week BikeExchange-Jayco announced a number of exciting new deals that see the team further developing young Australian cycling talent.
Rudy Porter, 21, has signed with the Australian team alongside 22-year-old Blake Quick. Both competed in the past two editions of the Santos Festival of Cycling for team Inform TMX Make.
Porter is known for his climbing strength and said, “I’m stoked to be joining this amazing organisation. One of my first cycling jerseys as a young kid was from GreenEDGE Cycling and to now be able to wear it as a professional rider on the team, it is incredible and I can’t quite wrap my head around it yet.”
Quick, who won the TREK Night Riders Criterium this year at the Santos Festival of Cycling said, “It’s been a really big goal for a long time to turn professional at the top level and I’m super excited to join Team BikeExchange-Jayco, the only Australian WorldTour team. I have big dreams and I couldn’t think of a better place for me to start my professional road career or with better people to chase those dreams. I very happy and cannot wait to start with the team next season.”
Twenty-seven-year-old Amber Pate and Alyssa Polites, 19, have also joined the UCI WorldTour peloton with Team BikeExchange-Jayco.
Adelaide-born Pate competed with the team as guest rider during the 2022 Santos Festival of Cycling and raced in 2021 for team SASI.
“I am extremely proud and excited to be joining GreenEDGE cycling. I have always admired the way GreenEDGE Cycling run as a team, their values, and the way the riders present themselves both on and off the bike,” Pate said.
Polites, who also rode in the Santos Festival of Cycling this year for Team Garmin Australia and is now competing in her first Commonwealth Games, said: “I am super excited and grateful for this opportunity to join GreenEDGE Cycling. Having already met and trained with some of the Aussie girls on the team, it’s a great introduction into the pro peloton for me.
“I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s success and getting to know how it’s done properly over in the Women’s WorldTour peloton!”
IN DOUBT
There are rumours around whether three-time Santos Tour Down Under winner Amanda Spratt will have her BikeExchange-Jayco contract renewed next year.
The 34-year-old, who is currently racing at the inaugural Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift, is one of the most successful and consistent Australian climbers in the UCI Women’s WorldTour and has been with the team since 2012.
According to Velo News, her time at BEX may be coming to an end.
