Garmin-Cervelo director will continue with current team, takes over from Neil Stephens
With the Tour Down Under set to kick off in two days time, Cycling Australia announced the appointment of a new Professional Men's Road Coordinator, Garmin-Cervelo director sportif and veteran of 15 years in the professional peloton, Matt White.
The 36 year old Australian takes over the reins of leadership from Neil Stephens, who acted as road coordinator for twelve years. Stephens, himself a former professional racer, will be "moving onto new challenges within the sport," says the Cycling Australia press release.
It's an interesting departure and one that certainly provokes the question - will Stephens be heading to the new GreenEdge Cycling team?
Whether there is any truth in this bit on conjecture will likely be known soon, as the team's announcement is set for Monday. For now, Stephens looks back fondly at his time leading the Cyclones.
"Over the past twelve years, I've been lucky enough to share some special moments with a dedicated and talented crew, and I wish Matt all the best as he steps in to what is an exciting and fulfilling role."
White, for his part, will continue in his role as a director at Garmin-Cervelo for the main part of the season. The still only recently retired rider is happy to assume the challenge of leading Australia in some of the sport's biggest races in the coming years - first the Copenhagen World Championships at the end of the 2011 season, followed by the Olympic Games in London in 2012.
"I am very proud and honored to be given this opportunity during a very exciting period for Australian cycling. As a nation, we have proved we are a force in professional road cycling, and I aim to keep us at the forefront at the World Championships and coming Olympic and Commonwealth Games."
Cycling Australia CEO, Graham Fredericks, had nothing but the best to say about his new Road Coordinator.
"Matt was highly respected as a cyclist and is now one of the leading team directors working at the very top level of the sport. He has a wealth of experience in coaching and guiding riders whether they are youngster coming into the pro ranks, or have been at the top level for several years. We're certainly looking forward to having him back in the Cyclones team in this role."