Dan McLay looking ahead to first year on a pro team

British rider Dan McLay has been signed by the French Bretagne-Séché Environnement team for 2015. However, he admitted that there was the occasional time in the past few months where he feared a professional contract would pass him by.

The sprinter signed a two-year deal with the French outfit yesterday , recognition of his four years of success racing for Lotto-Belisol U23 which included wins at the Tour de l’Avenir and Tour of Normandie this year.

The New Zealand-born 22-year-old told Cycling Weekly that while he understood that “a lot of teams wait to decide their squad, there were a few nerve-wracking moments. But I kept telling myself that all I can do is win the races that I ride.”

The move to the UCI Professional Continental-level team, who raced in the 2014 Tour de France, was finalised soon after they expressed an interest in the rider who becomes the latest Dave Rayner Fund success: “I’d spoken to other teams but these were the first team to who wanted to sign me straight away,” he revealed.

“It all came about quickly. The first contact was three weeks ago and it has gone from there.

“I don’t know much about their reasoning for signing me but I have ridden my biggest races and victories in France so that’s probably played a part.”

It is likely that McLay will be located in Spain but it is the familiar hunting ground of Belgium where he harbours his early season hopes.

He continued: “They’re keen on riding more Classics in Belgium which appeals to me. I’d like to ride as many Classics as possible but beyond that it’s hard to say what my programme will be because it depends on how I ride and how strong the other riders ride.

“It’s an interesting team and I know I will get my chance with them. They will probably get a wildcard for next year’s Tour again, fingers crossed.

“I always begin the season strongly and when you have a good start you become more focused for the second half of the season.”

Dan McLay joins Bretagne-Séché for 2015

Fledgling British rider and Tour de l'Avenir stage winner signs for ProConti French squad.

Dan McLay wins Tour de l’Avenir stage

Dan McLay, riding for GB in the Tour de l’Avenir, won stage three sprint which finished in Paray-le-Monial

Dan McLay continues to impress on continent

Stage win in Paris-Arras Tour for British Lotto-Belisol under-23 rider Dan McLay