UCI Pro Continental team Aqua Blue Sport have announced the signing of Eddie Dunbar, one of Ireland’s most promising young riders.

This year, the 20 year-old from Banteer, Co. Cork took the biggest victory of his career when he soloed to the win at the Ronde van Vlaanderen Beloften in April and it capped off a very impressive early season.

He also finished 2nd overall at Triptyque des Monts et Châteaux, 5th at both Volta ao Alentejo and Clasica de Arrabida. Following on from Flanders, the 20 year-old took an impressive third at Trofeo Città di San Vendemiano.

In 2016, he finished in the top-10 at both the U23 World Championships time-trial and the UEC Road European Championships U23 time-trial in addition to winning a stage of An Post Rás.

He joins Aqua Blue Sport after two years with renowned feeder team Axeon Hagens Berman.

Photo: Graham Healy

Speaking after signing his new contract Eddie said: “It is a dream come true to ride for an Irish professional team – it is great that I am going to have a chance to be part of this project. I have spent three years at Continental level and I now feel that the time is right to go up a level.

“The programme that Aqua Blue Sport offers, the big classics, stage races and the chance of a Grand Tour, all made my decision very easy. The team offers a dedicated performance staff and this makes for a great environment. I think, with this in mind, I can continue to make progress.”

Stephen Moore, General Manager of Aqua Blue Sport, said that he was delighted to sign Dunbar who will begin riding for the team on January 1.

“It is fantastic news to sign such an incredible talent like Eddie Dunbar. From the outset of this project our stated aim has always been to eventually bring the best of Irish talent to the pro ranks. It is great to add to our Irish rider line up of Matt Brammeier, Conor Dunne and Martyn Irvine – an opportunity to sign Eddie is a huge coup for us. We all can’t wait to see him in the blue and gold of Aqua Blue Sport.”

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