Cantwell joins Saxo Bank

The 29-year-old claimed eight wins for Australian Continental outfit Fly V Australia this season.

"Jonathan has won many races in the past four years whilst riding in Australia and the States and has shown he is a winner. I feel he now deserves a shot at the very top level," team owner Bjarne Riis said.

"He is a hard working person and a tough guy, and I believe he can further lift his level. So I see Jonathan as an asset for us in the stage races, when it comes to helping out J.J. Haedo in the sprints, or going for a win himself."

Cantwell, from the Gold Coast, is looking forward to joining the Danish-based team.

"To get a spot on Saxo Bank-SunGard is pretty much a dream come true for me, and if I could choose a team myself, it would be this team, so I couldn't be happier, and I'm really looking forward to get onboard," Cantwell explained.

"My personal objective is to be a strong lead out for J.J. Haedo and just learn from Bjarne Riis, his group of sport directors and my new team-mates.

"'I'm 29 and I have been waiting for this opportunity, so I definitely want to show my face too. Number one is to do the job, the team asks from me, and secondly, if I'm told that 'this is your chance', then I want to take it with both hands and go for a win."