Irish ProContinental team Aqua Blue Sport is preparing for next year already, signing Casper Pedersen. He won the U23 road race title at the European Road Championships in August, above.

Aqua Blue Sport signs emerging Casper Pedersen

Not yet through its first season in the peloton, Aqua Blue Sport is in planning mode and has signed a top U23 Danish rider.

Casper Pedersen is the second top U23 man to sign with the Irish ProContinental team for next year.

Ireland’s Eddie Dunbar, who won the U23 Tour of Flanders this year, has already signed on the dotted line for the next two seasons.

In Pedersen, there is no doubt Aqua Blue Sport has signed a fantastic athlete with big prospects.

The 21-year-old won gold at the U23 road race at the European Championships in his home country in August.

And riding for Continental team Giant-Castelli this year he won a stage of Fleche du Sud back in May.

Just yesterday he added another win to his palmares; taking the opening stage of the Tour of Denmark.

He claimed a solo victory, finishing 7 seconds ahead of Nacer Bouhanni; the Cofidis winning the bunch sprint in the UCI 2.2-ranked race.

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Casper Pedersen winning yesterday, just as news about his signing for Aqua Blue Sport was about to emerge.

Aqua Blue Sport general manager Stephen Moore said the team was looking forward to have Pedersen in the fold

"It is great to get a rider of Casper’s ability in the team for next year,” Moore said.

“He has shown this season how incredibly talented he is. And we are very excited to see what he can do with Aqua Blue Sport.

“It is a vote of confidence in our team set up that a huge talent like this would agree to sign for us. Roll on 2018.”

For his part, Pedersen said he was looking forward to get stuck in with the Irish pro cycling team.

“I’m super excited to join Aqua Blue Sport as a neo-professional next year,” he said.

“I have been dreaming of becoming a professional road cyclist for quite a while now and I feel like I have found the perfect team for my next step.

Casper Pedersen looks for chances with Aqua Blue Sport

“I was looking for a team where I can learn from experienced riders. But also get a chance here and there to ride for results.

“When Aqua Blue Sport got in touch with me they outlined a good plan for my development. And I didn’t have to think twice about signing with them.

“I’m impressed by how far they have come in such a short time. And I can’t wait to be part of their Aqua Blue Sport family next year.”