Bauer signs on with Belgian outfit

Things are looking up for Jack Bauer.

The New Zealand cyclist, fresh from winning stage five at the Tour of Britain, has confirmed he is joining Belgian team Etixxquickstep on a one-year deal.

He will be the first Kiwi to ride for the highly regarded Belgian team, which was formed more than a decade ago.

‘‘I’ve always admired this outfit, because I love the Northern Classics and the aggressive style of racing that the team bring. When I started my career, in 2009, I moved to Gent and raced for a small amateur team from the area, learning how to ride in the wind and on the narrow and twisty roads so famous in Belgium.

‘‘Then, when I turned pro in 2012, I discovered my passion for the classic one-day races in the North’’, Bauer said.

The 31-year-old, who will leave Cannondale-drapac, has made a remarkable comeback from a broken femur he suffered in the Tour de France last year and was last week named in the New Zealand squad for the upcoming world championships.

‘‘I am eager to help out and do my best to contribute to the squad’s stellar reputation and results record next season, and also to take any personal chances I am given.

‘‘I’m the kind of rider who likes to attack, to be aggressive, to seize any opportunity and to make the race. I feel Etixx-quickstep are a team of the same style and will be the perfect match for me.’’

Etixx-quickstep chief executive Patrick Lefevere said he expected Bauer to make ‘‘an important contribution next season’’.