Conor White has spoken of his delight after finally being officially announced as the newest member of United States Domestic Elite Team Austin Aviators.

While the 23-year-old Bermudian has enjoyed an encouraging start to the season with the the team, clinching victory in the Valley of the Sun Race Series and finishing third in the California Criterium Series, his inclusion had yet to be formally revealed.

However, with the one-year deal now officially signed, White is keen to help the team clinch further success.

“It’s probably one of the worst-kept secrets at this point but it’s nice to be able to officially announce that I’ve signed,” said White, whose new team compete a level between club and UCI Continental level and offers a stepping stone to professional-level riders to teams competing at the National Road Calendar, American Criterium Cup, and the NCL Race Series.

“Last year I was talking to Justin Williams, the owner of the team, and he was telling me about his plans, about what they wanted to achieve going forward and it sounded perfect to me.

“It is only a small team but we have a really strong group with different abilities and strengths throughout. I’m in no doubt the more we race together, more big results will continue to come.

“The team have some big ambitions and hopefully I can help them across the race calendar. The early results this season have already given me a huge boost in confidence as to what I can do at this level and my aim is just to keep building on that form and carry it forward.”

One of the team’s main ambitions will be challenging for glory in the upcoming Redlands Stage Race Series, which starts on April 12. In preparation, White recently joined his team mates in a team training camp, which he feels has proved highly beneficial.

“The team camp has been great and gave us all the chance to properly get to know each other,” added White, who also reflected on the greater support network he now has in place.

“Usually these type of camps is just endless miles on the bike but it’s been a great chance to bond as a team and it already feels like we’re all one big family.

“Having that support of the team is massive for me and to be honest this is the most I think I’ve had on a team. There is also a lot of support logistically, which has been a massive help.

“We’re told if there is anything we need in preparation for rides just to ask, and that’s been great. It takes a lot of the other stresses away and allows you to focus on the riding.”

White will be targeting further success in the upcoming series as he attempts to maintain his form ahead of representing Bermuda at the Pan American Road Cycling Championship, in Panama on April 23, which serve as a qualifying event for the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, from October 20 to November 5.

“Hopefully I can continue building on momentum towards the Pan Am Championships, which are definitely my main goal at the moment,” said White.