Cycling: Bewley progresses up a level

Sam Bewley (front) led his team to victory at the Giro d'Italia after a series of knockbacks. Photo / File

Rotorua's Sam Bewley has been rewarded for his strongest season to date with a new two-year contract at ORICA-GreenEDGE.

The 28-year-old joined the Australian outfit in its inaugural season in 2012, and bounced back from a series of injuries that hampered past seasons, leading a team time trial victory at the Giro d'Italia.

"This has been my best season so far," Bewley said. "I've had a year without interruptions and injuries and that has made a big difference.

"It's given me the chance to be more consistent with my training and develop and improve certain aspects so I can be a more all-rounded rider, and do my job in this team to a higher standard.

"Winning the team time trial at the Giro was a big highlight for me. Winning a team's event in an organisation like this is a special feeling; it's the reward of hard work from a lot of a different people not just the nine guys riding the bikes."

Bewley, who will finish his season at the Abu Dhabi Tour starting tomorrow, provides his biggest value as a worker at ORICA-GreenEDGE, a role he is eager to continue developing.

"I am very excited to have two more years in this team," he said. "Riding for this team feels to me what professional sport should be, you work hard but you have fun as well, and that creates an environment that everyone wants to be involved in and with that comes success on the bike.

"I work hard for the leaders at races and it's a job I get a lot of satisfaction from and want to continue to do that well.

"I also feel like it's time to take a few of my own chances. Everyone has their time in this team and it's up to the rider to take those opportunities. I would like to do that also."

Sport director Matt White said it had been pleasing to see the New Zealander's progression after a tough start with the outfit.

"It's been good to see Sam's continual development," White said. "He had a rough start with the team, always having injuries or things that restricted him from fulfilling his development through the season.

"This is pretty much his first full year without injury so he has gone up to another level.

"I expect him to keep developing even more over the next couple of years with us.

"He will be back with a Grand Tour again next year, while also fitting into that group around our sprinters as well."