Dean Harvey has broken into the U23 Irish team set-up this season as well as winning the Irish road race title for the category and now he has secured a place with a top French elite team for the remainder of the season.
The deal has come about after cooperation between the 19-year-old's Irish team, Spellman Dublin Port. and French Division 1 team CC Etupes.
Harvey, who counts the Shay Elliott Classic among his wins this year, will join fellow Irishman Dillon Corkery in the team, which is one of France's leading elite outfits.
Harvey has just competed on the Irish team in the U23 road race at the European Road Championships in Portugal and said he was relishing the thoughts of getting going in France.
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"I'm really looking forward to testing myself at this level," he said. "I'd like to thank Spellman Dublin Port Cycling Team and all of our sponsors for helping me take this opportunity, and prepare me for the next step up in my career along with VC Glendale.
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"Also thanks to my coach Barry Monaghan for keeping me in great shape all season and teaching me so much. Finally, thanks to my family for there continued support."
Spellman Dublin Port Cycling Team told stickybottle it was "delighted to announce" Harvey has secured a place with the French team for the remainder of the road season. He is due to race with the squad until around mid September, at which point he will return to the colours of Spellman Dublin Port for the MTB and cyclocross season.
"CC Etupes is one of the most respected and long established teams in Europe and has had World Tour riders such Adam Yates , Warren Barguil, and Hugo Hofstedder, on its books," Spellman Dublin Port said.
"This deal is the first of many which will give young Irish riders the opportunity to take the next step towards the pro ranks."
