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New teams for young Manx cyclists

Anna Christian. Credit: Wiggle Honda

Dudley pens first pro contract, Christian joins Holden at Drops

Three of the Island's top young cyclists have signed for new teams for the coming season.

Eighteen-year-old Owen Dudley will ride for Italian team Zappi Racing, after signing his first professional contract.

He's set to move to Italy in the new year.

Meanwhile, Anna Christian will join Drops Cycling Team and fellow Manx rider Lizzie Holden for the 2017 season.

Twenty-one-year-old Christian rode for Wiggle H5 Pro Cycling last season.

Drops Team Director Bob Varney says Anna is a rider they have been quietly monitoring all season, adding they feel confident she will flourish with a change of scene and the additional race days it will provide.

Holden was Drops' first recruit for the new campaign, signing last week.

The 18-year-old spent much of last season focusing on her exams.

She says she's super excited to be given the opportunity to be a part of Drops next year.

Lizzie adds that she's really looking forward to getting stuck into the international race calendar and developing as a rider.

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