Orica-AIS today announced that Australian cyclist and Ella contributor Loren Rowney will join the Aussie squad in 2016.

Rowney, a two-time Route de France stage winner, is Orica-AIS’ first new recruit for 2016. She was recruited after her Velocio-SRAM team announced it would disband at the end of the season.

While part of the highly successful Velocio-SRAM team (previously Specialized-Lululemon) the 26-year-old has notched stage results at the Trophee d’Or Feminin, Tour of New Zealand and Feminin International de l’Ardeche.

“To say I’m pumped about finally being teammates with this crew is an understatement,” said Rowney. “I really enjoyed my time with Velocio-SRAM, and learnt so much. I’m the professional I am today because of that team, however, there’s always been a part of me that wanted to be on an Aussie team.”

“ORICA-AIS has always had a really aggressive approach in their racing style,” Rowney continued. “I’ve always liked and respected that in their style of racing, so I look forward to testing myself more in those race situations where you just have a go and see what happens.”

Sport director Gene Bates knows Rowney well and said he’s looking forward to allowing Rowney to highlight her versatility more and develop her into a classic’s rider.

“We are really pleased to be able to have Loren on the team next year, we’ve been looking at her for the last couple of years,” Bates said. “Loren is a very versatile rider and we think she has a lot more to offer than what we’ve seen. She’s had some good wins from small groups but also a top 20 at Het Nieuwsblad, which also highlights her ability over a one-day classic.”