04 Sep 2019

Lawless agrees new two-year deal

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Chris Lawless

Chris Lawless’ reward for a fine season which saw him clinch Team INEOS’ first-ever victory has arrived in the shape of a new two-year contract.

The 23 year old, who memorably triumphed in the team’s first race under new ownership at the Tour de Yorkshire in May, has agreed a contract extension until the end of 2021.

The British rider believes that victory on home roads just days after the team’s launch in Yorkshire helped paved the way to securing a new deal, commenting: “Obviously after the Tour de Yorkshire, the team were happy with me and it’s nice that they have put their faith in me for another two years.

“I think the win in Yorkshire showed what I am capable of. Of course, it was our first race as Team INEOS and all eyes were on the team, so it was a massive boost to win the race. I look back on that race with really fond memories.”

Lawless, who joined the team in 2018, said he will now use that victory as motivation with the aim of going on to achieve even better things over the next two years, pinpointing the Classics as an ongoing key area of focus, as well as highlighting his dream of riding a Grand Tour in the not too distant future.

“I just want to carry on trying to win bike races and see where that takes me,” he said. “I stepped up quite a bit in the Classics this year and I want to continue to do that again over the next two years – to go further in those races and maybe challenge in some of the smaller Classics too.

“I also really want to put myself in the frame to ride a Grand Tour over the next few years. It’s not easy to get selected to ride one of the three big races of the year, because the depth of talent we have in this team is incredible, but that’s got to be one of my aims.”

The Wigan-born rider believes young British riders are enjoying a ‘really positive period’ at the moment, and he is excited to see what he and his fellow Brits can achieve in the years to come.

“It feels like this is a really positive period for young British riders – not just on this team, but for British cycling in general,” he said.

“There’s a really strong group of young riders and I’m personally excited about seeing what we can all achieve over the next few years – and obviously I want to play a big part in that myself.”

Conor Taylor

This contract extension underpins the team's faith in him and the progression he has made over the last year."

Team INEOS coach Conor Taylor said: “Chris’ win at the Tour of Yorkshire was the biggest of his career to date and it highlighted his potential to build on this and win many more races with us in the future.

“We have also seen a step up in his Classics performances this season and his versatility as a rider. We believe he can play a key supporting role for our leaders in the coming seasons.

“This contract extension underpins the team's faith in him and the progression he has made over the last year. We believe he is in the right environment to help support his development and achieve his ambitions in professional cycling.”