Mezgec joins Orica-GreenEDGE

Orica-GreenEDGE has bolstered its sprinting and lead out train with the addition of Luca Mezgec to the squad for 2016/17.

Luca Mezgec is currently riding the Vuelta a España for Giant-Alpecin (Sirotti) Source: Sirotti

The Slovenian transfers to the Australian outfit after three seasons with the German registered Argos-Shimano/Giant-Aplecin formation where he often acted as a key member of the lead out for Marcel Kittel and John Degenkolb.

“I've been pro for a few seasons now and I'm ready to take the next step in my career,” Mezgec said. “Doing it with ORICA-GreenEDGE is really the perfect scenario for me and I'm very thankful for getting this opportunity.

“I see myself as someone who can help out the fast guys on the team in the sprints as a lead-out guy and in more selective races where there are a few hills too. I'm really looking forward to giving everything for the team's ambitions.

“I've been watching from the outside how the team functions and it's clear to see that riders and staff really work well together on and off the bike. The possibility to become part of that is huge for me.” 

When given his chances the 27-year-old Mezgec has proven to be a solid sprinter in his own right, winning races like the finale of the 2014 Giro d'Italia.

“Luka really adds some explosive power to our sprint group,” Orica-GreenEDGE sporting director Matt White said.

“The best lead out riders are actually world-class sprinters themselves, so it’s not only that experience he brings, but he also has the ability to pack a really good sprint himself and that’s what you need.

“He is a big boy, more than six foot tall (1.83m), but he also climbs really well which brings him into the equation for Michael (Matthews) and others, as well as Caleb (Ewan).”