Charter Mason joins Continental ranks

National Road Series squad Charter Mason Giant will race as a UCI Continental team in 2015.

Sixteen riders will form the team with new signings including former mountain bike eliminator world champion Paul van der Ploeg, Ryan MacAnally and Tom Robinson.

The team has retained much of its 2014 talent including up-and-comer Keagan Girdlestone, Ralph Freienstein and sprinter Shannon Johnson.

"It's great to have continuity and cohesion in the team and the riders who are in their second and third years with the team help that," said sports director Damo Harris of the nine returning riders.

"They have been there through the early days when the team was outside the top 20 to now where an overall win in the NRS is not only possible; it's our stated goal."

Team owner Leigh Parsons said the step up to the continental level was a natural move for the team.

"We see this move as part of us moving forward to not only compete at the highest level at the NRS but also take on high ranking Conti, Pro Conti and even World Tour teams. We've told the riders we will back them to do their best and this license is the best way to show that faith."