Nicholas Narraway has signed his first cycling contract after agreeing to a deal for the 2022 season with United States domestic elite team CS Velo Racing.

After a successful stint guest riding for the team during the second half of last season, in which the Bermudian cyclist sealed a road race stage victory, Narraway impressed the team’s hierarchy sufficiently to be handed a deal to remain on the roster for the upcoming campaign.

"I was asked to guest ride for the team CS Velo for the second half of last season, which proved successful for me with several top-ten finishes and a stage win," said Narraway, who is determined to repay the faith shown in him and prove a valuable team member.

"I was first introduced to CS Velo by my coach Justin Bowes when I was still at Miller School of Albemarle. He introduced me to CS Velo, giving their team manager time to watch me as a junior to determine if I was a fit for their team.

"For 2022, it will be about riding for the team to ensure our best rider on any given day is supported."

The decision to remain with CS Velo will also see Narraway united with Bermuda compatriot Conor White, who agreed a one-year deal with the Philadelphia-based team at the beginning of this month.

"Conor and I have been riding together for several years, added Narraway, who believes their familiarity with one another will prove an advantage to the team.

“We are very familiar with each other's abilities, and this should be a strength as we work together for team goals."

Focusing on the upcoming season, Narraway who is a freshman at Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado, is determined to build on the foundations of an encouraging season last year, both domestically and internationally, having competed in the UCI World Under-23 Road Racing Championships in Belgium, Pan American Championships and the Caribbean Championships, where he earned a silver medal in the time trial.

"We are due to start our racing schedule with the CS Velo training camp in Arizona this March, finishing with the three day Tucson Bicycle Classic," he said. “The team is very competitive in the US and I feel I can learn from these guys on and off the bike.

"I am looking forward to the year and hopefully a more normal racing schedule if the issues surrounding Covid-19 don’t get in the way.

"Riding for CS Velo will give me experience working as part of a team, and at the same time, I hope to be able to continue developing my strengths."

On top of a rigorous domestic racing schedule in the US, Narraway is also determined to continue playing a pivotal role for the national cycling team and hopefully represent the island at both the Vuelta Independencia in the Dominican Republic and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, England in July.

"We are fortunate in Bermuda to have the Bermuda Bicycle Association who work hard to provide us with many international opportunities over the years,“ he added.

“As a result, now Bermuda has several riders at or near the elite level. With the BBA's support and the support of the Bermuda Olympic Association, I hope to be part of a strong Bermuda team representing the island over the next few years.