Australian re-connects with Drapac from Orica-Scott
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Cult hero Mitch Docker (Orica-Scott)(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Mitch Docker after signing on(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Mitch Docker (Orica-Scott)(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Svein Tuft and Mitch Docker (Orica-Scott)(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Mitchell Docker (Orica-Scott) does a turn on the front(Image credit: Tim de Waele/TDWSport.com)
Slipstream Sports has announced the signing of Australian Mitch Docker on a one-year contract to bolster its classics squad. Docker, 31, joins EF Education First-Drapac p/b Cannondale from the Orica-Scott squad where he has been a key lead-out rider and classics specialist.
"As fantastic as an outfit as Orica was and has become, I'm ready for something new. I'm an experienced rider with a lot to offer, and I'm ready to pass on my experience to a new group. The opportunity Slipstream Sports presented seems perfect," said Docker.
"As always, I'm very keen to have a big classics campaign with my new colleagues," Docker added. "I'm also eager to find my feet in this new squad and let everyone at Slipstream Sports find out who I am and what I can do."
Docker rode with the Drapac Continental team from 2006 through to 2009 with Skil - Shimano before moving to Orica-Scott in 2012. In a statement from his new team, Docker explained the opportunity was too good to turn down.
"The spring is the heart of the season where I have the most focus each year," said Docker. "Being able to ride with and support Sep Vanmarcke and Sebastian Langeveld next year is a real privilege. Sep is a rider I have admired over the last few years as he moved through the ranks and onto the podium. I believe I can be a great asset to him, but at the same time, I'm really excited to work with a rider like Logan Owen, who I can help guide through the cobweb of Belgium racing during his first WorldTour season."
Slipstream Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters explained that Docker's expertise on the bike and history as a former Drapac rider proved attraction and is excited to have added him to the roster.
"With our expanded focus on sprinting and our continued commitment to the classics season, a sound head like Mitch's made sense," said Slipstream Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters. "Plus, as an alumnus of the Drapac program, we know he's good people."
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Docker will join Brendan Canty and Simon Clarke at the team in 2018. Known as Cannondale-Drapac in 2017, the addition of EF Education First has seen a change in sponsor with Logan Owen (Axeon Hagen Bermans), Sacha Modolo (UAE Team Emirates), and Dan McLay (Team Fortuneo - Oscaro) also announced as signings from 2018.
