Cycling: Yates signs with European pro team

11:00 AM - By KATIE BLYTHE and NZPA

World junior road cycling champion Jeremy Yates has joined the No 1 professional team on the world circuit.

The former St John's College, Hastings, student has signed a three-year contract with the world's top trade team, Italian Mapei, and will race for the European-based team Mapei-Aqua.

The under-23 team is predominantly made up of Australian riders and is recognised as a breeding ground for future stars.

"It will be a big learning curve," Yates said from his Hastings home.

"I had an introduction to the lifestyle earlier this year and it was great, but racing with Australian riders will make it easier as I suspect the language barrier won't be so much of a problem."

Yates made international headlines in October when he won the world junior title in France, a victory that has been claimed as the greatest achievement in New Zealand cycling history.

His decision to sign with Mapei followed weeks of negotiations, as well as approaches from managers of other trade teams.

''Jeremy has a big future in cycling and this is a significant step toward his goal of signing a full contract with Mapei,'' Cycling New Zealand's road coach-manager Garry Bell said.

''He has a rare quality which is very exciting for New Zealand cycling.'' Mapei-Aqua is managed by Shayne Bannan, the Australian road cycling team manager who noticed Yates' ability when he was building up with the Australian junior road team for the world championships earlier this year.

Yates will leave for Italy in March and joins older brother Matthew and Havelock North cyclist Brendon Vesty in taking up contracts overseas.

Other New Zealand riders who have signed contracts with various teams for next year are Chris Jenner, Julian Dean, Scott Guyton, Glen Mitchell, Bryce Shapley, Susy Pryde, Sarah Ulmer, Vanessa Cheatley, Roz Reekie-May and Joanne Keisanowski.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY