The Mitchelton-SCOTT team has announced the signing of Brent Bookwalter for the 2019 season.
The American has spent the past eleven seasons with BMC Racing and was a member of the team which helped Cadel Evans win the Tour de France in 2011. The 34-year-old will once again play a similar role in the Australian team’s Grand Tour ambitions – supporting young general classification contenders Esteban Chaves, Simon and Adam Yates.
Amongst his best results have been stage wins at the Tour of Utah (2017), USA Pro Challenge (2015) and Tour of Qatar (2013). In addition, he has also finished second overall at the USA Pro Challenge (2015) and Tour of Qatar (2013) and third overall at the Tour of California (2016).
Brent Bookwater: “I have been fortunate to have a long and steady career at the same organisation. I really enjoyed that and I think both sides have really benefited from that but I felt like I am getting up there in age, I will be 35 next year, and I am always looking to keep improving, keep things exciting and stay motivated and inspired so I just felt it was time for a switch in scenery and environment. I’m optimistic and confident that will enhance the motivation, be a breath of fresh air and maximise the upcoming seasons.
“I have always looked at Mitchelton-SCOTT and respected the team on a performance level but I have also seen the culture and comradery between the guys on the road, how they ride with each other and for each other, which I think has positively impacted their results and performances significantly.
“It’s an English speaking team, with what looks like a great vibe, so I saw it as a place I thought I would fit in quite well. I know some of the guys from Girona, I have talked to Whitey over the years about the possibility to be involved and it has never really worked out, but I stayed persistent and in touch and felt like 2019 was the year to finally make the jump over.
“I’ve had some talks with the management about the direction, how they see me fitting in and what role they expect me to fill and with the team’s increased general classification focus, I am coming in to support them and the team’s ambition for Grand Tour podiums. I want to be able to contribute to those results and further cement the team as a GC threat in the peloton.
“On top of that, I’m also looking for some personal improvement and success too. I’m still hungry to get results and I’m still hungry to be at the front of races and feel that finish line fire if the opportunities present themselves.
“I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity and I’m looking forward to get into the group, integrating and learning some new stuff.”
Matt White – Head Sport Director: “We have some young talented guys coming through, but we also need experience to steady the ship at times. Brent has been part of the WorldTour circuit a while now, he was part of Cadel Evans’ victory at the Tour de France and has ridden Grand Tours with some established leaders.
“We were looking for a guy to help pass on his knowledge to our younger riders whilst still being very capable of delivering under pressure. I am very confident that Brent will be a great fit into our team and what we are looking to achieve.”
