Thwaites makes switch to Dimension Data

Bora-Argon 18 will morph into Bora Hansgrohe next season, as they make the step up to UCI World Tour level and sign outgoing world champion Peter Sagan.

The 26-year-old, from Yorkshire, will be joined at the African team by Ben King and Lachlan Morton, who made it a trio of new signings for the team led by Manxman Mark Cavendish.

"The team has a great rider support network which will help me make small gains in my performance which I hope will translate into results," said Thwaites.

"Having been brought up with a privileged life in the UK, I took things like getting good education, access to sport and available transport for granted.

"Seeing the plight of African children who are giving up on their education, as the journey by foot to school is too arduous, is very saddening.

"By supporting the Qhubeka project and enabling these children to get to school by bike, stay in education for longer and follow their dreams, as I have mine, is a great honour."

Thwaites enjoyed a successful season at the German team this year, finishing in the top ten at Kurne-Brussels-Kurne, Le Samyn and Dwars door Vlaanderen, as well as finishing La Vuelta a Espana.

He will add to Dimension Data's classics squad and ride alongside the likes of Edvald Boasson Hagen and Tyler Farrar.

"In the Classics this season we were always looking for an additional strong rider to give us that extra kick, and we are really pleased Scott Thwaites will join our African team," said team manager Doug Ryder.

Sportsbeat 2016