SCOTT Thwaites has signed a two-year extension to his contract with his German-based professional cycling team.

The 24-year-old from Burley-in-Wharfedale has just finished his best season yet, taking second place in the Ronde van Drenthe and third in the Commonwealth Games road race.

As further proof of his results, Thwaites was selected by British Cycling as the only second-division rider on their long list for the UK’s World Championships squad.

His team, which raced as NetApp Endura in 2014, is now known as Ralph Denk pro cycling GmbH after securing a sponsorship deal until 2019.

Team manager Ralph Denk said: “Scott has developed tremendously over the last two years and stabilised his performances at a high level.

“He is the type of rider who really makes the most of his potential on difficult, classic terrains. Scott can select a race and is also a solid sprinter.

“His return following a summer pause was impressive and showed strong character. Together we would like to deepen his racing experience and tactical knowledge – then nothing would stand in the way of top placements.”

Thwaites said; “Over the last two years with NetApp-Endura, I have continued to improve my racing and find my feet in the top levels of cycling.

“With the investment in the team from our new sponsors, I hope that I can continue to progress in the classics and also improve my climbing to support the team in stage races and grand tours.”

Thwaites has scored 15 top ten results in the last two years with the highlight being his bronze medal in the recent Commonwealth Games.