Cycling: Kiwi Dion Smith join Australian pro team Mitchelton-Scott

  • 22/09/2018
Dion Smith.
Dion Smith. Photo credit: AAP

Kiwi cyclist Dion Smith has signed for one of the world's top teams on a two-year deal.

Smith will link up with Australian side Mitchelton-Scott, who already boasts a large amount of New Zealanders on their roster.

The 25-year-old will link up with fellow countryman Jack Bauer, Sam Bewley and Georgia Williams on the road, while former competitor Julian Dean is one of the team's coaches.

Vuelta a Espana champion, Simon Yates is also in the team.

Mitchelton-Scott sports director Matt White believes Smith is ready to make the step up to the World Tour, following some good results on the big stage.

That includes holding the polka dot 'King of the Mountain' jersey briefly in this year's Tour de France, and a top-20 finish on the recent Tour of Britain.

"We were looking for a versatile guy and Dion is a pretty versatile character," he said.

"He can do a bit of everything; he can handle himself in the flemish classics. He's fast but not a pure sprinter; he can climb good, he is a real racer.

"He has obviously done two Tour de France's, but to be regularly racing stage races in the WorldTour will be good for him. I think he will fit into our team very well, a lot of the guys already know him."

Smith said he is looking forward to the move after two seasons with Wanty-Groupe Gobert.

"Reaching the top level in professional cycling is a massive goal of mine," Smith said.

"I'm 25 and about to sign for a World Tour team, but not only that, with the team that I've aspired to be a part of for years being a rider from the southern hemisphere. Mitchelton-Scott has always been an exciting dream."

Smith is preparing to race in the Road World Championships in Austria alongside Bewley, Patrick Bevin and George Bennett in the men's road race.

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