After a successful first professional season, Sam Bennett has signed an early contract extension with Team NetApp-Endura that will next year be known as Team BORA. The Irishman wil stay with the German team until the end of the 2017 season.

Sam Bennett extended his contract by two more years. The 23-year-old neo-pro, who previously had a contract for 2015, will now ride for his team until the end of the 2017 season. The German team, built around its new naming sponsor BORA is further expanding the sprinter line-up around Bennett by signing New Zealander Shane Archbold.

“When we brought Sam on board, we were all clear about his potential. Although we’re delighted at his successes this year, we are always thinking a few steps ahead. This also includes the establishment of a sprint train, for which he will take responsibility. This development is an investment and it will take time, but despite his young age, Sam has shown a great deal of foresight in opting for this continuity now. I am delighted that we will be able to focus entirely on winning in the coming season”, says Team Manager Ralf Denk, explaining the reasons behind Sam Bennett’s early contract extension.

After winning the Clasica de Almeria, Sam Bennett also won this year’s edition of the German classic Rund um Köln, as well as a stage of the Tour of Bavaria. Alongside this, the Irishman has notched up ten top-five results, including the second place in the Berlin Velothon. Having recently turned pro, Bennett has completed successfully the transition to a professional career and he ranks in the UCI Europe Tour as one of the ten best riders.

“I am delighted to stay with my team for the next three years. The start to my professional career has been great with the team and I am already looking forward to next season. Having this year under my belt and also the experience I gained, I want to step up another level to bring the team even more success next year. Also I hope to start a Grand Tour, which will help my development. I get amazing support from all the staff and my teammates, who have never let me down. I can't wait to work with the guys next year to pull off some big results”, comments Sam Bennett on his early contract extension.

In the team’s sprinter line-up, all the current key riders have extended their contracts and German talent Phil Bauhaus has also been signed. As further support, New Zealander Shane Archbold will be reinforcing Sam Bennett’s sprint train from next season on. The 25-year-old rode with Bennett last year in Irish team An Post – Chain Reaction, where he was one of his most important lead-out riders. Archbold can boast a successful background on the track. In 2011 he was runner-up in the omnium world championship, and he won the scratch race at this year's Commonwealth Games. Archbold is also impressive on the road, as he recently showed by placing second in a stage of the Tour of Britain.