Worries over for Team Jayco AlUla as Michael Matthews renewal is announced - "I still feel like I’m 25"

Michael Matthews has had a long partnership with Team Jayco AlUla and it is set to continue. After the team faced financial issues and had its very existence at risk, the path is now secured and uphill. With it begin the renewals the team was in need of, including its leader this Monday morning.

“Michael has proven time and time again what he’s capable of in the biggest races and we’re happy to see him continue with us next season," team manager Brent Copeland said in a press release. The Australian had raced for the team in the past, but his most recent stint with Jayco began in 2021.

Although he has only obtained six wins in four years, they were high level triumphs including at the Tour de France, Giro d'Italia and GP de Québec. However, the 35-year old has adapted to modern cycling and its requirements, and continues to perform at the top level despite the emergence of many new names.

"He’s had a difficult 2025 season, as we know, but the way he has returned to racing and the dedication he has shown to get back to the top proves what type of rider he is.  He’s a true professional and an asset to the team. He still has some big goals in the sport and we’re looking forward to working with him and achieving them together.”

Matthews suffered a pulmonary embolism this summer, having been forced to let go of the Tour de France and having his career jeopardized, but return to competition in August and reached top form once again. Although he was not able to take an individual win he had a few strong results and was part of the gold-medal team time trial lineup at the World Championships.

Matthews lives in Monaco and is a close friend of Tadej Pogacar, whom he admits has helped motivate him in recent years. “I’m super happy, I think after the problems I had during the summer this year it made me appreciate the team, my life, the way it is and the last years I’ve had in cycling," Matthews added. The team has lost leaders such as Chris Harper, Dylan Groenewegen and Eddie Dunbar, however has secured perhaps its most important card into 2026 (and 2027).

"I still feel like I’m 25 years old, so I’m excited to continue this journey with Team Jayco AlUla and my own cycling career. I really feel like I’m getting better and better, so I’m really looking forward to another two years with the team and seeing what we can achieve together. Hopefully I can achieve those goals that I’ve been looking for in my career along with the team. I’m just really excited to see what these next two years bring and just appreciate every moment," he concluded.