Intermarché "looking for replacements who make us stronger" and Michael Matthews is a possibility

Michael Matthews is back on the spotlight and he's a rider desired by many teams seeing that he's yet to sign a contract with Team BikeExchange - Jayco for 2023 - where he's spent six seasons of his career.

Earlier this week Matthews told VeloNews that “Obviously, I’m in discussion and I should know by the next rest day. Staying would be my first priority but then we’ll see". With the presence of Dylan Groenewegen he will not be the team's main sprinter, however he keeps the leadership role throughout the season and in some hilly races - as was perfectly shown in his brilliant win in Mende earlier in the Tour de France. 

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However a move away from the team is not to ignore, with some teams interested in the Australian. Intermarché - Wanty - Gobert Matériaux, who are set to loose Alexander Kristoff to Uno-X Pro Cycling Team and Andrea Pasqualon to Bahrain - Victorious, are a possibility and a good fit for the Australian calendarwise.

Team DS Valerio Piva has said in Vive Le Vélo that he was of interest. "Whether Matthews is affordable? It's none of my business. He's certainly welcome. We are of course talking about the future of our team and we are looking for replacements who make us stronger," he said. "Of course he is on our radar, but that will be the case with a lot of teams," Piva concluded.

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