Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE)
Michael Matthews (Orica-GreenEDGE)
Michael Matthews marked himself out as a man to watch with his two Vuelta a Espana stage wins at the end of last year but the Australian stepped it up in impressive style this year.
Matthews wore the leader’s jerseys at both the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana in 2014, and picked up a stage win at each to boot.
A sprinter with the ability to mix it on short, punchy climbs, Matthews’ stage six win at the Giro d’Italia – which he had targeted from the off – showcased his talents perfectly.
A quick look at who he beat for his stage wins just highlights the talent, too – Cadel Evans ran him close at the Giro, while Daniel Martin and Joaquim Rodriguez were next across the line in Spain.
A stage win at the Tour of the Basque Country and a third one-day win of his career, this time the Vuelta Ciclista a La Rioja, all added to a big year for the 24-year-old.
And while he was unable to challenge for the rainbow jersey, finishing 14th in Ponferrada, he has shown himself as a more-than able contender for the future.
Michael Matthews in 2014
Stage wins: five (plus Giro TTT win)
Grand Tour stage wins: Giro x1, Vuelta x1 (plus Giro TTT win)
Champagne moment: Sticking with a group packed with GC men on stage three of the Vuelta a Espana before sprinting to victory and into the red jersey.