Veteran Canberra cyclist Mathew Hayman has backed Michael Matthews' team swap to ignite his Tour de France green jersey hopes, adamant that the rising star can achieve his big-race dreams.

Hayman and his Orica-BikeExchange teammates were in Canberra for pre-season testing last week and started their journey without 26-year-old Matthews.

Michael Matthews wins the stage 10 sprint at the 2016 Tour de France. Credit:Chris Graythen

Sprinter Matthews will link with Giant-Alpecin for the 2017 season after claiming his first individual Tour de France stage win earlier this year.

He has his sights set on claiming the sprinter's green jersey in the coming years and Hayman conceded he was better placed to achieve his goal with Giant-Alpecin.