First set of photos of Ireland's Sam Bennett in his new kit as a NetApp-Endura rider

Here's a nice collection of photos of Sam Bennett being unveiled as a new NetApp-Endura rider in Carrick-on-Suir today.

The Tour of Britain stage winner has moved from the An Post-Chainreaction team up a level to Pro Continental and will compete this year in the colours of NetApp-Edura.

He'll be unveiled officially at the team's launch in a few weeks, but Carrick Wheelers gave him a nice guard of honour today, as January 1st marks the official commencement of his contract with his new team.

It's great to see so many of his club mates out to wish him well including the likes of Martin O'Loughlin, Paul Lonergan and Rory Wyley who have helped Bennett get to this level and indeed have been among the group of die-hards keeping on the cycling tradition in Carrick.

Also on hand this morning were Bennett's parents Helen and Mike and his partner Tara Fogarty; all of whom have also helped him get to the next level.

Thanks to Carrick Wheelers, Joe Cashin and John Troy for the photos.

Looking good; Sam Bennett looks delighted with life as he gets used to his new team colours (Photo: John Troy)

New year, new gear and new rothar; Bennett's kit won't stay clean for long once the flag drops in a matter of weeks (Photo: Joe Cashin)

Bennett with two of his mentors, Martin O'Loughlin and Sean Kelly (Photo: Joe Cashin)

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From left to right: Rory Wyley, Bennett, Martin O'Loughlin and Paul Lonergan (Photo: Joe Cashin)

Bennett chatting with stickybottle writer and owner of Worldwide Cycles in Clonmel, Barry Meehan (Photo: John Troy)

Sam Bennett and partner Tara Fogarty at today's event in Carrick-on-Suir (Photo: John Troy)

A nice touch by Carrick Wheelers to put on a guard of honour for the man of the moment to mark his progression to his first big-league pro contract (Photo: John Troy)