Bling starting to shine ahead of Tour de France

Canberra cycling star Michael Matthews' form is building every race, which Team Sunweb coach Aike Visbeek believes is a great sign ahead of his Tour de France green jersey defence.

Matthews finished fifth at Fleche-Wallonne on Wednesday, six seconds behind French winner Julian Alaphilipe.

The 27-year-old's continuing his comeback from the fractured shoulder he suffered at Omloop Het Nieuwsblad in Belgium in February.

"As a team we did a good job. I’m happy to see the shape of 'Bling' going up every race now," Visbeek said of Matthews.

"We can be happy with fifth place. For the guy who won the green jersey at last year’s Tour de France, this is a great result."

Matthews will race in Liege-Bastogne-Liege, where he finished fourth last year, on Saturday before tackling the Tour of Romandie - a six-day stage race starting Tuesday.