Chris Harper switches sides as he heads to Team BikeExchange - Jayco

Team BikeExchange - Jayco have taken no time to confirm their riders for the coming seasons, renewing with several of their riders and announcing new signings, the latest of which being Chris Harper.

Simon Yates, Michael Matthews and Dylan Groenewegen will all stay with the Australian team, whilst Eddie Dunbar was signed to fulfill a similar role to that of Harper. Being one of Australia's main climbers, the rumours - which have now proven accurate - that he would be joining BikeExchange made sense, with a two year contract now agreed on.

Harper, currently racing the Vuelta a Burgos, has grown into a quality climber over the last few years in Jumbo-Visma, but struggles as several others to find his freedom amidst the incredibly talented riders that headline the team. Between other results, it was his fourth place at the UAE Tour that impressed the most alongside the World Tour competition for the 27-year old.

“I’m very excited to join Team BikeExchange-Jayco for the coming two seasons. Being an Australian, I’ve always admired the team and had a lot of respect for the staff and riders so it is exciting to be joining them," Harper said in a press release. "I’m looking forward to starting a new chapter in my career and finding some good goals over the coming season and I hope that I can contribute to a lot of success within the team.”