Mitchelton-scott
Australia No. of riders: 25 Under 26: 9 Over 35: 3 Key stat: In the team’s six-year existence, they have never won less than 28 races in a season, or more than 35.
How was the off-season?
It was all change behind the scenes for the Worldtour’s Australian representatives, as owner Gerry Ryan’s winery company Mitchelton took over as title sponsor to cover the departure of Orica. In even worse news for TV commentators burdened with having to remember the team’s new name, they will also be losing their familiar navy blue jersey colours for an all-black look.
Biggest challenge
The team’s gradual transition into becoming one of the major forces in Grand Tour GC battles hit a snag last year, as key rider Esteban Chaves endured an injury-plagued season, and Adam Yates’s chances at the Giro were curtailed by a moto-induced crash in the first week. Their best finish was Simon Yates’s seventh overall at the Tour — a solid result, but the team will want a return to the podium finishes they managed in 2016.
Man on the spot
Those podiums came courtesy of Chaves, a rider for whom 2018 will be a pivotal season. Having recently turned 28, he should now be entering his prime, but was the Colombian’s disappointing returns at last year’s Grand Tours a mere blip explained away by
the debilitating effects of a knee injury, or a sign that he’ll struggle to return to his previous level? With his radiant smile and impeccable manners Chaves can sometimes give the impression of being content with under-par performances, but his aggressive and resolute style on the bike reveals a rider determined to win big.
Ones to watch
Adam Yates will have another crack at the Tour (a race he finished fourth at in 2016), while Simon will join Chaves at the Giro and Vuelta —although we’ll have to take their word that no surreptitious switcheroos take place given how indistinguishable the twin brothers are. Caleb Ewan will win plenty of sprints, and new signing Matteo Trentin could be a very successful spearhead of the Classics squad.