Beijing Olympic cycling medallists Jesse Sergent and Sam Bewley have picked up professional contracts with Lance Armstrong's new under-23 development team.
The pair, part of New Zealand's bronze medal winning team pursuit in Beijing, will compete in the team run by Axel Merckx, a former leading professional and son of Tour de France legend, Eddie Merckx with Armstrong to act as mentor.
The opportunity was brokered by former national coach Ron Cheatley, and Craig Adair, the former Commonwealth Games gold medallist and the national junior teams's manager.
The pair are expected to head to USA next month for the official team launch.
