Matthias Brändle will join Trek-Segafredo for the 2017-2018 seasons. The reigning Austrian champion and former hour record holder will reinforce the time trial capacity in the team.

Brändle, 26, currently racing with IAM Cycling, is an all-rounder with results in one day races and weeklong stage races, but it is his prowess against the clock that has garnered him his best accolades: four-time Austrian national champion (2009, 2013, 2014, 2016), and setting the new hour record in October 2014 to become the youngest record holder in over 50 years.

Brändle is excited about his transfer: “Joining Trek-Segafredo is a big opportunity for me. The team is known to have highly skilled trainers, especially for the TT, and I am really looking forward to working with them and to learn from their expertise."

“Sure, I would love to take [the hour record] back one day, maybe. But right now, I first want to focus on integrating into the team as soon as possible. I want to be a good helper for our leaders, but that said, I also want to keep making progression over the years and in the end win bigger races than what I’ve won until now. Who knows, one day maybe I'll win the prologue in the Tour de France? If I could wear the yellow jersey, should it be only for one day, I would be happy as a king!”

General Manager Luca Guercilena said: “I am very happy to have Matthias on the team for next season. Over the past few years, he has proven to be very consistent in races against the clock. You don’t break a World Hour record just like that; it means you have the physical and mental strength to push yourself further, to search for your limits, and maybe even to extend them.

"Brändle does not only perform well on the longer distances, but he is also a true prologue specialist, which creates opportunities to take the leader's jersey in stage races. He has shown to be a very good breakaway rider and can win stages and one-day races. I am confident he will be a great asset to the team.”