With strong performances, Felix Großschartner (Felbermayr-Simplon Wels) has earned himself his first professional contract. After a successful season, the Austrian signed for two years with the Polish Pro Continental team CCC Sprandi with whom he has big plans.

"The most important thing is to continue my development and make the step to the pro level. I will work hard and then we will see how far that will bring me in the races," he told radsport-news.com and also mentioned a big goal fo his first season in the pro peloton. "One of the highlights for me would be if I could start at the Giro d'Italia."

The highlights in the past season were numerous. In addition to victories at the Trofeo Piva and a stage of the Giro del Friuli, Großschartner achieved another handful of top results.

But the outstanding performance came at the Tour of Austria, where he was crowned Grossglockner King by being first on the famous climb and won the mountains jersey. "That was a really great week," the 21-year-old said about his performance in his home race.

With the second place in a stage of the Tour of Croatia and a third place in a stage of the Istrian Spring Trophy and the hones Alpes Isere Tour, Großschartner had more appearances on the podium.

As a reward for his many top results, he got a spot as a stagiaire at Saxo-Tinkoff in August. "After my victory at the Trofeo Piva, I did a performance test and finally got the commitment from Tinkoff-Saxo to ride there as stagaire. I met a lot of new people. It was a great experience," said Großschartner.

Although he did not earn himself a contract with the team, Großschartner is satisfied as he will join the second division: "Actually, there were hardly any lows in 2015."