Nicola Rutzou
Aussie pro rider Michael ‘Bling’ Matthews has extended his contract with Team Jayco AlUla through the end of the 2027 season.
The eight-time Grand Tour stage winner has spent most of his professional career in the GreenEDGE Cycling setup, having returned to the squad for the 2021 season.
Bling endured a tough 2025 season after being diagnosed with a pulmonary embolism in June, but now that he is recovered and back racing, the Australian is excited to continue his journey with Team Jayco AlUla in 2026 and beyond.
“I’m super happy, I think after the problems I had during the summer this year, it made me appreciate the team, my life, the way it is and the last years I’ve had in cycling. I still feel like I’m 25 years old, so I’m excited to continue this journey with Team Jayco AlUla and my own cycling career.
“I really feel like I’m getting better and better, so I’m really looking forward to another two years with the team and seeing what we can achieve together. Hopefully, I can achieve those goals that I’ve been looking for in my career along with the team. I’m just really excited to see what these next two years bring and just appreciate every moment,” said Matthews.
Key Results:
1st Eschborn-Frankfurt (2025)
1st Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec (2024)
2nd Milano-Sanremo (2024)
1st Giro d’Italia stage (2023)
1st Tour de France stage (2022)
Nicola Rutzou – a long-time contributor and, most recently, the editor of Bicycling Australia. Nicola is a keen Sydney-based road cyclist who writes reviews, news, and destination pieces, as well as the weekly e-newsletter for BA online.
