SCOTT Thwaites has extended his contract by two years with his German-based team. The 24-year-old from Burley-in-Wharfedale has just finished his best season yet, placing second in the Ronde van Drenthe and third in the Commonwealth Games.

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 long-term sponsorship deal which runs 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, who responded to the disappointment of missing out on a ride in the Tour de France when it went through his home town, is delighted with the extension of his contract.

He 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 scored no less then 15 top ten results in the last two years, including podium spots in the Commonwealth Games, the Ronde van Drenthe, the Driedaagse van West-Vlaanderen and the Tour of Qinghai Lake.