12 Dec 2014

NZ MTB star extends contract with Cannondale

10:14 am on 12 December 2014

New Zealand's Commonwealth Games gold medallist mountain biker Anton Cooper has signed on with Cannondale Factory Racing for two more years.

Anton Cooper wins 2014 Commonwealth Games mountain bike gold.

Anton Cooper wins 2014 Commonwealth Games mountain bike gold. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The 20-year-old cross-country rider will compete with Germany's Manuel Fumic, Italian Marco Aurelio and Brazilian Henrique Avancini.

The Cannondale Factory Race team is now complete.

Cooper says he and his team-mates are ready for the 2015 season and eager to prepare for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Cannondale Factory Racing believe their young gun, Cooper, the 2012 Junior World Champion is the future of XC racing.

Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze on their way to gold and silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games.

Anton Cooper and Sam Gaze on their way to gold and silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Since entering the sport, Cooper has achieved great results in his short career.

Currently, he is the reigning Commonwealth MTB Champion.

At only 20, Cooper is the youngest winner of an under-23 World Cup event to-date.

"We went through some ups and downs over the past two years, but Cannondale Factory Racing has become my second home."

"The team has supported me on the rough road to becoming an Elite rider. Signing for two more years is an amazing honour, but it will also be a huge challenge for me," said Cooper.

New Zealand mountain biker Anton Cooper.

New Zealand mountain biker Anton Cooper. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

During the 2015 season, Cannondale Factory Racing will focus on a full World Cup campaign, with appearances in Europe and North America which will start a great Olympic qualification period as the team sets their sights on the Olympic Games in Rio, 2016.