Sam Bennett signs with NetApp-Endura

Irishman Sam Bennett has penned a two-year contract with German outfit NetApp-Endura and with it a promotion from Continental to Pro Continental rank.

Bennett closed a three-year stint at An Post Chain Reaction Sean Kelly with a stage win at the Tour of Britain in September before representing his country at the UCI Road World Championships in Italy.

"It's a bittersweet feeling with Sam. I am obviously delighted for him and he deserves this move because he is a very talented rider and he has worked extremely hard for this," said An Post team manager Kurt Bogaerts. "At the same time he has been here for three years and I am sad to see him go."

NetApp-Endura was invited to compete at the Vuelta a Espana this season where Leopold Konig won a stage. 

Meanwhile, An Post has secured the signatures of Ryan Mullen as well as Owain Doull, who have both signed one-year deals. Doull represented Great Britain on the track at the weekend's European Track Championships.

"I think we have signed two of the best young talents around in Ryan Mullen and Owain Doull. I am really looking forward to working with them both and I think they will be great additions to our squad for next year," Bogaerts continued.