Blythe leaves OGE for Tinkoff-Saxo

After just one season at Orica-GreenEDGE, British rider Adam Blythe has decided to move on out - joining Tinkoff-Saxo in 2016.

Adam Blythe will be leaving Orica-GreenEDGE, bound for Tinkoff-Saxo in 2016. (Getty)

The 25-year-old, who had eight top-10 places this season but a forgettable Spring campaign, has been hired to strengthen Tinkoff-Saxo in the Classics, namely to support Peter Sagan.

Blythe started his professional cycling career in 2010 at Omega Pharma-Lotto, where he stayed for two seasons, before moving to BMC Racing for another two years. In 2014 he joined Continental team NFTO and scored what he considers to be the most important victory of his career so far, the Prudential RideLondon Classic, which led to him joining Orica-GreenEDGE.

"I consider Tinkoff-Saxo to be the best team in the world that has the best Classics rider in the world."

On signing for Tinkoff-Saxo, Blythe said: "Sean Yates was a sport director at NFTO and I got on with him very well. When he mentioned to me there was an opportunity, I didn't think twice about it!

"I consider Tinkoff-Saxo to be the best team in the world that has the best classics rider in the world, Peter Sagan. It will be an honour for me to help him in the Classics and do a great job for him. It will be a dream to me to support Peter in the best of my abilities so that he wins a classic".

Blythe considers that his biggest strengths lie in his sprint finishes and his ability to position himself when helping his leader. "Someone described me this year as the most 'economical' rider in the peloton. I'm someone who knows where to place himself, weathering the wind, always in a good position. You could call it a sneaky rider and that, I think, is important when helping a team leader."

Steven de Jongh, head sport director, said: "The main priority for Adam will be Peter, especially in the Classics. That is where Adam will focus on, to work in support of Peter and deliver him to wins. We have been watching Adam and he has shown he can do good races. We hope he will further develop as a rider and reach his best level next year."