Canyon Eisberg have announced the signing of New Zealand under-23 talent Ryan Christensen.
The 21-year-old, from Hamilton, has penned a deal with the British UCI Continental outfit until the end of the season.
He will go straight into the squad for the under-25 UCI 1.2 Memorial Philippe Van Coningsloo in Belgium on Sunday.
Elverson first spotted Christensen when he was riding as a guest at the East Cleveland Klondike Grand Prix in April.
And the Canyon Eisberg sports director reckons the puncheur has the attributes to add an extra dimension to his squad. Elverson said:
“I’ve been looking for a certain style of rider for the past few months and I was aware we had space in the team.
“I noticed Ryan at Klondike, did a little research on him and spoke to some fellow Kiwis. I decided he was the right fit for the team.
“Then when I met him, had a few conversations, spoke about how he likes to race and how I like to race, it was clear it was a good match.
“So with that we have our first overseas rider. This is new ground for me and something I’m very excited about.”
Christensen, who won the points jersey at the UCI 2.2 New Zealand Cycle Classic in 2016, is a punchy rider, equally at home in crits and road races.
He was 10th in the Kiwi national championships in January before finishing 21st overall and fourth in the youth classification at the 2.1 Herald Sun Tour in Australia.
Having started bike racing with the Hamilton City Cycling Club, Christensen arrives from Australian Continental outfit Oliver’s Real Food Racing.
He was all set to race in Europe during the spring for the New Zealand under-23 squad until he broke a collarbone in a crash.
Christensen chose to travel anyway, recovering from his injury before riding to 18th spot on his British debut at the Klondike. Elverson added:
“We have the Tour of the Reservoir coming up, the Ryedale Grand Prix and an extensive European calendar.
“I’m confident Ryan can take his chance in those races and help us in our fight for Tour of Britain qualification.
“Then we’ll see how he’s going to see whether he makes the team for that. Like the other lads, he has a great opportunity.
“Ryan has been with us at a couple of races already and has got to know most of the guys.
“He has fitted in immediately. Now I’m excited to see what he can do.”
Click here to read Ryan Christensen’s verdict on his new team and his ambitions for the future.
