RHOS-on-Sea cyclist Ryan Mullen has signed for World Tour giants Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling.
The 21-year old Irish time trial champion has signed a two-year contract with the USA-based team.
The former Ysgol Eirias pupil made waves last year when he became the youngest rider ever to win both the Irish national time trial and road race - despite being classified as an under 23 rider.
Mullen went on to represent his An Post Chainreaction team at the Tour of Britain last September, where he finished in a creditable 86th position in the general classification.
A week later, Mullen was agonisingly denied a gold medal by less than half a second in the under 23 time trial at the UCI World Championships in Pontferrada, Spain.
This year, Mullen, a former member of both Rhyl and Rhos on Sea cycling clubs, went on to retain his Irish time trial crown.
Jonathan Vaughters, CEO of Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling, said: “Ryan is one of the best, if not the best, up and coming TT talents in the world.
“It will be exciting to see how he progresses as a rider.”
Mullen said: “For me, Cannondale-Garmin is the perfect learning environment.
“They have a wealth of experience between riders and staff and working with them, I will hopefully make big steps forward over the coming seasons.”
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