Matt Brammeier joins HTC-Columbia to set up reunion with Academy classmate Cav

Matt Brammeier, who came through the British Academy at the same time as Mark Cavendish, is to be reunited with the Manx Missile for the 2011 season following the announcement that he is joining HTC-Columbia from An Post Sean Kelly.

Liverpool-born Brammeier rode for Wales in the 2006 Commonwealth Games before committing to representing Ireland, and in June won the Irish National Road Race Championship from AG2R-La Mondiale's Nicolas Roche.

Last weekend, the 25-year-old slipped into an early break during the World Road Race Championship between Melbourne and Geelong, spending around 200 kilometres at the front of the race, but in 2007, his career hung in the balance after he was hit by a cement mixer truck while out training

Rolf Aldag, manager at HTC-Columbia, said: "Matt has shown tremendous character coming back so strong after his very bad accident being run over by a truck and then winning the Irish National Road title this year.

"He is a real fighter with a lot of talent, good tactical skills from his track experience, and the right spirit."

"I am thrilled to be joining HTC-Columbia in 2011," enthused Brammeier. "It's the best team in the world and it's a huge honour that they have put their faith in my abilities as a rider. I like to work hard and ride hard and I'm excited that I will be able to improve and learn from the very best.

"It's been a long and tough road back from the injuries that almost ended my career two years ago but it's all been worthwhile. It's a dream come true to be given such a fabulous opportunity with HTC-Columbia."