Next year Martin Kohler will be riding for the Drapac team. The Australian pro continental team announced the signing today. After seven years at the team, 29-year-old Kohler didn't receive a new contract offer from the star-studded BMC formation.

At Drapac, the allrounder will take on a captaincy role according to sports manager Keith Flory.

"Martin is an incredibly versatile athlete, who we believe has not yet hit is full potential. He has some unique physiological talents that we'll work with him to advance further, to see him hopefully achieve the success on the road we believe he is capable of," the Australian said.

Kohler is similarly confident that he will be able to take more victories with the support of his new team.

"Since I started racing I dreamt about winning races," said Kohler."I’ve done that in juniors and under 23 ranks, but it became rare the past seven years since I turned pro. I had to sacrifice myself to world stars and now I’m sure I have found a team where I can live my dream. A team who believes in me and trust me and a team where I can win.

"I bring seven years of professional experience, which five years of it were in the World Tour. I have done all the big races and I know a lot about racing and guiding or leading a team. I want to share my experience with the young hopeful guys and together we will bring success to the team and to the partners.

"I’ve always felt comfortable in Australia and I’ve heard about the Drapac Professional Cycling whilst racing against them many times. I only heard good things talking to Drapac guys so when I heard there is a possibility I just had to take it. I am really excited to join the team and can’t wait to meet the guys in the first training camp coming up soon."

Kohler is the sixth and most famous new Drapac signing on the 17-rider roster.