The signing is somewhat a reward for the 29-year-old's super successful 2017.
It all started in January with a third place in the road race at the Australian National Championships, behind 2018 teammates Katrin Garfoot and Amanda Spratt.
She then added victory in the ITT at the Oceania Continental Championships, a fourth place at the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, second in the KOM classification at the Thuringen Lotto Ladies Tour and the 2017 Amy Gillett Foundation Scholarship to her palmarès.
But her most successful result was still to come; the overall classification at the 2017 Tour de l'Ardeche in September where she also won a stage.
“To join ORICA-SCOTT in 2018 is a huge thrill,” said Kennedy. “I have so much admiration and respect for all the riders, so to be able ride with and in support of them is a dream come true.”
“Watching from the outside throughout 2017, it’s not just their great results that make the team so appealing, but also the positive culture that so obviously exists within the whole set up.
“I have a lot to learn about racing at the very top level and there is no better place than ORICA-SCOTT for me to do just that. The opportunity to contribute to the continued success of the team is highly motivating and I’m really excited about the season ahead.”
Orica-Scott director is also excited about Kennedy's signing.
“We are extremely happy to have Lucy on the team for next year,” said Bates. “Lucy is relatively new to the sport of road cycling, but has already shown a lot of class and potential over a short period of time. We certainly sat up and took notice when she was awarded the Amy Gillet foundation scholarship for 2017.”
“Climbing abilities like hers don’t come along very often and we are very proud and excited to see her develop in the ORICA-SCOTT colours next season.”
