Mitchelton-SCOTT will maintain its strong bond with New Zealand in 2021 after its four Kiwi riders have all agreed to extensions with the team.
Following his first professional victory this season at the Coppa Sabatini, Dion Smith will be joined by workhorses Jack Bauer and Sam Bewley for the next two seasons in the men’s team, whilst former New Zealand champion Georgia Williams will race with the Australian WorldTour women’s team for the next 12 months.
Bewley will be entering his tenth season as a Mitchelton-Scott rider, while Williams is nearly as experienced a rider on the women's side, with 2021 set to be her sixth season with the Australian squad.
“It’s hard to believe next year is 10 years of this organisation and that I have been here for all that time," said Bewley. "It really feels like my home and honestly always has. On this team you can be yourself, you can be open and honest which are the pillars of a successful culture. I have always loved being part of that and am very excited to remain a part of it.
“I have developed and, I guess, changed both as a bike rider and a person since I have been here. I came to this team as a track rider that had never experienced the Grand Tours, now I am part of a team that has had success at those races and that consistently targets them.
“I don’t think you ever stop developing or learning. This team has had some great success but we will continue to push the goal posts out as we tick those things off. I want to continue to improve, adapt and learn these next two seasons. I have a passion for helping the younger guys and I hope to be able to help teach them things while I still continue to learn myself. And of course, I want to be part of winning the world’s biggest bike races.”
Williams meanwhile is embarking on a different preparation for the 2021 season, staying in Europe to train through the northern winter into the new season.
“I think the relaxed nature of the team really fits my personality and is the best environment for me," said Williams. "I like how all of us girls really support and believe in each other, I think that’s been one of the keys to us getting results.
“I’m not going to have too many expectations for 2021, I don’t think we will quite be back to a normal season. I will be expecting my level to improve on this year which will hopefully help me be of support deeper into the races. I’m planning on staying in Europe for the winter which will be very different for me but I'm looking forward to the challenge and the build-up."
Mitchelton-Scott also announced the signing of Dutch duo Monniek Tenniglo and Janneke Ensing, who will be hoping for better luck in their 2021 campaigns than 2020, where both of their years were blighted by injury.
