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.”