After two years at the WorldTour level, Matthias Krizek has been forced to step down to continental level. The young Austrian hopes to be able to return to the best races in 2016.

Like many others, Matthias Krizek was a victim of the merger between Cannondale and Garmin. Like many teammates, the Austrian got no spot in the new American team and has been forced to step down to continental level.

Krizek got the bad news on the day when he was set to travel to the Vuelta a Espana.

"Just before I got on the plane, I got the mail," the 26-year-old told radsport-news.com. During the autumn season, Krizek was in close contact with some WorldTour and ProContinental teams and was confident that he would find a spot, at least in the second division

"Ultimately, however, I got no contract," said the all-rounder who admitted that the team search "had sapped me."

Now Krizek returns to his home country - he joins the ambitious Continental Team Felbermayr Simplon Wels. 

"It is a very professional team with a new sponsor who is very enthusiastic about the project and plans to invest even more in the next few years," said Krizek and mentioned the "good race calendar" as another reason for his decision.

With his new team, the Austrian who has never thought about a possible retirement, will use his experience of two years at the WorldTour level. "But I will also slip into the captain's role to again be able to celebrate victories for my self," said Krizek who is aiming for a return to the top league of cycling.

The 2011 Austrian road race champion is satisifed with its 2014 season even if he mostly had to work as a domestique which gave him few chance to chase personal results.

"It was a great year for me, from the classics all the way through to the Vuelta," said Krizek who reached the finish Velodrome of Roubaix at his Paris-Roubaix debut.

But he was also pleased with his performance at the Tour of Poland. 

"There I was in several breakaways, was temporarily second overall and won the sprint jersey," Krizek said. Finally, he made his grand tour debut - and he managed to finish the Vuelta a Espana, finishing 125th overall.

Krizek wants to return to the WorldTour races in 2016. 

"I want to show what I have and prove it to myself and others," he announced with a view to the upcoming season. Krizek is confident that he will be able to achieve this at Team Felbermayr Simplon Wels.