"It's not the results that I came here for": Michael Matthews analyzes his performances on the Australian calendar

Michael Matthews was one of the biggest if not the biggest favorite for Cadel Evans Great Ocean Race. The 32 years old Australian of Jayco-AIUla sow his team working fully for him catching the attacks and breakaways that occurred throw out the race. But on the decisive moment, the legs of Matthews didn't answer, and he was beaten at the sprint finish, fending the race in 4th.

“I can't say much, about today my legs were absolutely horrible unfortunately, the guys did perfect cover moves on the circuit. I mean, they were in all the moves that could have potentially gone to the line, and then it actually came back for a sprint. We lined up but just had no legs left to really get out and actually open up my sprint”, stated Matthews to Cyclingnews.

Matthews rode again a race in his native country but despite enjoying time racing in his home country his results came a bit short to what was expected. The Australian cited his “bad legs” both in Tour Down Under and now in Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

"The team rode great again but yeah, I couldn't quite finish it off. It was just a mental battle out there today, Obviously great memories when I was here last time but just didn't have the legs on the day to really do what was needed to be done. But, um. yeah, now it's time to fly home and reset and get ready for the spring", he said.

Matthews usually prefers to start his season in Europe. But in this year he decided to went to his home country, with high ambitions. He and his team aimed to win not only stages but the overall for Tour Down Under and the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Race Classic. Still, despite some bad luck, at Down Under the fact is that Matthews performed really below what was expected so was it a good move to start in Australia?

“We'll have to wait and see. I mean, it's not the results that I came here for. It's disappointing. We came here to win, we didn't. But it was also not the smoothest run for me the last couple of months, so, I think I made the most of what I could. guess I'll only be able to say after the Classics if this was a good option to come to Australia or not”, answered Matthews.

Jayco-AIUla still managed to get a stage win with Simon Yates in Tour Down Under but the Matthews “bet” didn't work well. This leaves unfinished businesses to Michael Matthews and the rider doesn't put aside a new presence on the Australian races next season.

“I put a lot of effort in to be in good shape here in the summer. Once I get to the spring, and then we can evaluate if we do it again next year or not.”, ended Matthews.