HULLBRIDGE cyclist Lloyd Chapman said he is overjoyed and relieved to have signed his first professional deal, after joining Pedal Heaven Race Team.

The 26-year-old was hugely impressive for Leigh cycling team Richardsons-Trek last season, excelling at the national time trial championships, as he came home in fifth position.

And Chapman’s performances did not go unnoticed, with several teams keen on his signature for the new season. However, he agreed to join Hampshire-based outfit Pedal Heaven at the start of the year, after they successfully applied for a UCI Continental licence.

The licence means the team, and Chapman, will now be able to compete in more major races, including the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Yorkshire.

And Chapman, who is currently enjoying his first training camp with his new team-mates in Andalucía, in Spain, says it is an opportunity he is relishing.

“I guess people starting taking note of my performance after the national time trial championships,” he said.

“I did OK in the Premier calendar events and started speaking to a few teams in September and October.

“It is great to get the deal signed and a relief as well as I have wanted this for a while. I was looking to join a Continental team and didn’t look at Pedal Heaven at first as they weren’t confirmed until December, but I am really looking forward to the season now.

“We are looking at the Tour of Britain and Tour of Yorkshire, and I want to do well at the national time trial championships again as well.

“Last year was a big learning curve for me and I am grateful that Pedal Force have taken a punt on me, and I want to push on now.”

Chapman had a successful 2015, winning the Eastern Region Championship Road Race, and he followed his former team-mate George Wood home in a one-two at the Jef Schils Road Race.

He is also hoping he can go on to compete in the Pro Continental calendar in years to come, meaning he will have be able to compete in the sport’s biggest races.

Chapman is likely to ride his first race for his new employers on February 14, at the 74km Perf’s Pedal Road Race, and the personal trainer admits he is having to readjust his day-to-day life as he cranks up his training.

“It does mean I will have to change things a bit as I have to do more training than I did before,” he said. “When I was at Richardsons-Trek I didn’t get a lot of rest and that will be more important if I am to recover in time for races.

“Andy Lyons and Dean Shannon (Richardsons-Trek team managers) have been great for me and they do a great job on a small budget,” he added.

“They were really pleased for me as well as they want the best for their riders. I will probably see them at the Jock Wadley Memorial Road Race in March so I look forward to that.”