New star Luke Plapp has joined Jayco-AlUla in a major recruiting move for the Australian-based cycling team.
Plapp, the two-time defending Australian road champion, rode on the track at the Tokyo Olympics and should be a key factor in the Paris Games team, with the road time trial his likely focus.
The 22-year-old from Melbourne had a four-year deal with leading British team Ineos Grenadiers that was not due to expire until the end of next season.
But the GCN website had reported in late September that negotiations were well advanced for Plapp to end his time at Ineos Grenadiers a year early and switch to Jayco-AlUla, Australia's only WorldTour-level team, who race under the management of GreenEDGE.
Plapp has signed a four-year deal with the Australian outfit.
"The powerful 22-year-old is regarded as one of the hottest young talents in the WorldTour peloton and GreenEDGE Cycling is delighted to have the reigning Australian road race champion join the set-up for the coming season," Jayco-AlUla announced in a media release.
Jayco-AlUla general manager Brett Copeland said Plapp had "incredible talent".
He finished second overall this year at the UAE Tour and made his Grand Tour debut last year at the Vuelta a Espana.
While Plapp is currently best known for his road time trial prowess - he rode in the event at last year's Commonwealth Games and world championships - Jayco-AlUla's long-term plan will be for him to develop into a general classification contender.
"Luke is still a very young rider; we are motivated to work with him and have him grow with us as a team into the future," Copeland said.
"With our strengthened climbing group for the coming season, Luke will have a good support team around him, and we are looking forward to seeing him challenge for general classification success and continue to aim for top results in time trials.
"As an Australian team, we are already very much looking forward to the national championships in January and seeing if he can defend his road race title for a third year running."
Plapp paid tribute to team owner and long-time Australian sporting benefactor Gerry Ryan for helping secure his move to Jayco-AlUla.
"It honestly does feel like I'm coming home, I'm such a proud Australian and to now be able to ride for the Australian team, it's a real honour," Plapp said.
"I can't thank Gerry Ryan and the team enough for this opportunity. Gerry has done so much for Australian cycling and to now be on his team and to be able to ride for him, it makes me really proud and super-grateful.
"I can't wait to achieve great things together."
Last month, Jayco-AlUla announced sprinter Caleb Ewan would return to the team after five years at Belgian squad Lotto Dstny.
