The New Zealand cyclist Jack Bauer has signed a two year deal with Australian team Orica-SCOTT.
Jack Bauer on his way to winning a silver medal in the road race at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Photo: Photosport
It ends a one-season stint with Belgian team Quick-Step Floors for 32-year-old Bauer, who contested this year's Tour de France and helped set up German sprinter Marcel Kittel for five stage wins.
Orica-SCOTT sporting director Matt White said Bauer was a rider they had targeted for some time.
White said the looming reduction in team rosters made versatile riders such as the big Kiwi valuable.
Bauer said he was delighted with the move.
"As an Australian team, for me it's the closest thing to riding for an outfit from back home," Bauer said.
"I know all the boys on the team really well, and have done for quite some years, so it seems like the perfect fit.
"I have proven myself as a reliable and strong workhorse over the years and a big goal for the season will be to line up alongside Luke Durbridge and Matteo Trentin in the Northern Classics and ride for the win."
-AAP
