Andy99 said:
I didn't know. Still, good to see Matt securing a decent berth
(even though his defection to Ireland still hurts!!)
It was widely known, but it has only just been confirmed. And yes, it is good to see him moving to another good team. He's a strong domestique and is capable of picking up a win or two himself.
As for the Ireland thing, all kidding aside that was the best move he ever made. Winning a national TT championship and two national road championships in two years is a big thing and gets him a level of attention that he wasn't getting as a British rider. Obviously it's a bigger deal to be a British champion, but it isn't as if he was going to win either British championship. Whereas in Ireland, he only has to beat three other pro tour riders, all of whom are basically climbers even though Nico and Dan can sprint a bit, and the lads on An Post and Giant Kenda. On a relatively flat parcours, he's the big favourite.
And to be fair to the guy, if I remember correctly, he didn't defect out of the usual opportunism but because his then An Post team mates found out that he qualified and really wanted him to help out the Irish track team.
Also, he's one of the more entertaining pros on twitter, often taking the **** out of Cavendish and his former An Post team mates. And he can spell, which is a rarity to be cherished amongst cyclists on twitter.
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