Matthews had his first stage win at the Tour de France in this year's race, out-sprinting world champion and mate Peter Sagan at the end of a long breakaway.

It meant he has won a stage at all three grand tours, which also includes the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a Espana.

The 25-year-old had contemplated turning his back on the world's most famous race after two bad crashes ruined his Tours in 2014 and 2015.

It has been rumoured he was going to join Giant-Alpecin since June and it was made official on Friday.

The announcement comes just days after Orica announced the recruitment of Roman Kreuziger, which continued their push towards chasing the general classification in races such as the Tour.

Matthews is more suited to chasing sprint stage wins and one-day classic races like the Amstel Gold Race rather than GC wins.

"I am very happy with my transfer to Team Giant-Alpecin. I have always admired the way the team approaches the sport as a team sport; the stronger and the better we can have the team as a collective operate and perform, the better the opportunities for success the leaders have for the finales of races," he said in a statement.

"I am confident that I will be able to get the best out of myself both as a rider and as an individual. The team is already used to working for dedicated leaders in various types of races and has proven that strategy with great results in the biggest races on the calendar.

"That's the process which I want to help strengthen and where I want to be a part of and contribute to, and I am very much looking forward to joining the team."