Mitchelton-SCOTT will benefit from the experience of Brent Bookwalter for the 2019 season as it continues to bolster its strengths in stage races across the calendar.
Bookwalter will be the first male rider from the United States of America to join the Mitchelton-SCOTT outfit, but boasts an Australian link of his own as part of the Cadel Evans’ Tour de France winning team in 2011.
Making the transition following an 11-year career at BMC Racing Team, 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.
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.”
Brent Bookwalter
Date of Birth: 16th February 1984
Nationality: North American
Place of birth: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Turned Pro: 2008
Joins Mitchelton-SCOTT: 2019
Top results:
– 1st 2017 Tour of Utah – Stage 2
– 1st 2015 USA Pro Challenge – Stage 2
– 1st 2013 Tour of Qatar – Stage 1
– 2nd 2015 USA Pro Challenge – Overall
– 2nd 2013 Tour of Qatar – Overall
– 3rd 2016 Tour of California – Overall
– 4th 2017 Tour of California – Overall
– Part of Cadel Evans’ Tour de France winning team in 2011
