Cyclist Mark Donovan hopes Sunweb will be the ideal place for him to develop, with the Cumbrian set to make the step up to the World Tour with them next season.

Donovan, 20, from Penruddock, will make the move after two years racing with Team Wiggins-Le Col.

Sunweb bosses say they are impressed with Donovan’s aggressive racing style and his climbing abilities.

"We have been in contact with Mark for quite a while and he joined our camp in January, making a good impression there," team Sunweb coach Marc Reef said.

"He showed his physical potential already last year, especially in the Baby Giro, where he wore the Maglia Rosa and finished fourth in GC.

"This year, he has had some bad luck but we believe in him as a rider with big potential for the future, with his aggressive style of racing also one his qualities."

Donovan said on Sunweb's website: "Team Sunweb have proved themselves over the past few years to be one of the top WorldTour teams in the world, winning races like the Giro d’Italia and the TTT world championships.

"There is also a big focus on developing young riders like Marc Hirschi this year and many examples from the past; I think it will be the perfect place for me to grow in the next three years."

He added: "It’s going to be a big step up but I’m really excited to get into it and learn from the best."