Simon Gerrans To Ride For BMC Racing Team In 2018

Long-time Orica-Scott rider Simon Gerrans has announced he will be leaving the Aussie outfit and transferring to BMC Racing Team for 2018.

37yo Gerrans, whose palmarès includes a stunning victory at Milano -San Remo, Liège-Bastogne- Liège and stage wins at all Grand Tours, said he was “really excited about the position.”

“BMC Racing Team is a team that I have always admired, not only in their results, but also the professionalism of the organization,” he said as the announcement was made on Thursday.

Simon Gerrans riding for the newly named Orica-BikeExchange hasn't ridden with team mate Michael Matthews since the Amstel Gold Race earlier this year but their rivalry reach fever pitch at last year's Road World Championships in Richmond where the co-captains tried to outsprint one another. Time will tell how the pair work together for the Tour. Photo by Sirotti — Simon Gerrans has won stages at all three Grand Tours and has numerous Classics palmares to his name. Photo by Sirotti

BMC’s Aussie Links Strengthen

Gerrans explained that part of the reason was BMC Racing team’s strong affiliation with Australians in the team starting with Cadel Evans, and then more recently with Richie Porte, Rohan Dennis and Miles Scotson.

“I always saw myself spending the last period of my career in more of a road captain role and passing on my experiences,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to contributing to the team as both a support rider and leader when called upon.”

Gerrans said while it was too early to announce specific 2018 goals, he’s keen to start in January in Adelaide.

Gerro In Red & Back In Adelaide?

Simon Gerrans wearing the ochre coloured jersey two days in a row. Going into tomorrow's Willing Hill stage Gerrans and his team will have to stay vigilant to protect his lead. Photo by Sirotti. — Simon Gerrans has won the Tour Down Under four times and will ride this 2018 event in BMC Racing team colours – and in a support role for Richie Porte. Photo by Sirotti.

“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,” he said.

BMC General Manager Jim Ochowicz said the decision to welcome Simon Gerrans to BMC Racing Team was an easy one.

“There are not many riders out there with a palmarès and wealth of knowledge like Simon Gerrans,” he said.

‘A Big Role Expected’

“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.”

Feature Image Courtesy of Ritchie Porte / Facebook.