Sam Bennett focused on continuing his upwards momentum

Celebrating his 23rd birthday with a pro contract, Irish cyclist Sam Bennett has said that he plans to work hard this winter in order to be in top shape for his debut year with the NetApp Endura team in 2014.

The Tour of Britain stage winner has secured a two-year deal and is focused on continuing his upwards momentum in the sport.

"Every year I always say I want to improve. I would definitely like to be more consistent in my form and also my results," he told The Irish Times, when asked what he wanted to achieve in 2014.

“The first step is to get a good winter. I don’t think I had a good winter in the last few years with crashes and stuff.

“So I’ll start from there and work on from that.”

Bennett plans to train in Ireland in November, and then to spent part of December and January overseas in order to have better conditions as he racks up hours in the saddle each day.

He will act as a lead-out man for the team’s sprinters during next season, but will also get his own opportunities in races.