23-year-old Australian Lucas Hamilton has announced that he will extend his contract with Mitchelton Scott until at least the end of 2021.

Hamilton has spent the past two seasons with the Australian WorldTour team and this year won the Coppi e Bartali stage race in March ahead of teammates Damien Howson and Nick Schulz for the overall win, and the Czech Tour in August with a stage win and teammate second overall behind Daryl Impey.

Hamilton also competed in his first Grand Tour this year, the Giro d'Italia in May, finishing 25th overall with a 4th place finish on stage 7.

"I love it here," he said. I'm grateful that the team extended me for an extra year."

"In terms of racing, this year was probably the biggest leap of my career," Hamilton continued. 'I did a whole range of races: and in the Giro, I got my first Grand Tour experience, and I worked hard to get three weeks of consistency.'

Head sport director Matt White added, "It's definitely been a breakthrough year for Lucas.

"Lucas played an important role in many races during the season, including a support role in his first Grand Tour and winning a small race. He has great potential and I believe his home is here."