Hagens Berman Axeon is thrilled to announce the signing of Michael Garrison, overall/GC winner at the 2019 Tour de L’Abitibi 2019. Garrison joins the Axeon squad just as older brother Ian Garrison departs for the World Tour riding for Deceuninck–Quick-Step.
“Joining Hagens Berman Axeon is more than just about racing bikes,” said Garrison. “I look forward to being a part of an incredible group of guys that care about more than just the result over the line.”
Garrison is the third rider to leave the junior ranks after a successful start at LUX Development Cycling Team. In addition to the overall win at L’Abitibi (where he won stage 1 as well as stage 3’s ITT), he won the Cat 1/2 GC at Tour of the Gila and was 1st place at Tour of the Southern Highlands JR. Garrison earned 4th place finishes at Junior Paris Roubaix and SPIE Internationale Juniorendriedaagse (GC). He is clearly following in the footsteps of brother Ian, showing early on that he has great ability in the time trial and placed 3rd at Amateur Nationals.
The 18-year-old from Decatur, Georgia considers himself an all-around rider, but clearly excels in the time trial. “My biggest strength is that of my aerobic side for sure,” said Garrison. “I also feel like one of my greatest strengths is the ability to think in the heat of the races. I tend to overthink things which can sometimes be a bit problematic and I hope to improve on that balance in 2020.”
In 2020, Garrison is hoping to improve on his ability to finish when it counts, building stronger confidence in himself, and to become a better rounded racer.
“I’m looking forward to having Michael on the team as I think he'll fit in really well with the philosophy of the program,” said sport director Jeff Louder. “He was a standout junior and I am excited to see what he can do during his time with us. He's his own man, but he obviously comes from a great family and I expect having another Garrison on the team will be as positive an experience as it was with Ian.”
Garrison is the third rider to join the 2020 Axeon roster after Jens Reynders and Jarrad Drizners.
