One of the most promising young talents to emerge from Britain in years, Peter Kennaugh will take his first steps as a professional with Team Sky. He comes from the cycling heartland of the Isle of Man, where Mark Cavendish has been a regular training partner. Kennaugh relishes keeping such company and admits he is "more motivated than ever" for the 2010 season.
One of Kennaugh's gutsiest rides in 2009 was in the under-23 world road race championships, where a late attack saw him finish just outside the medals, in fourth. At just 20, it was a strong ride that augurs well for the future, as did his performance in the 'Baby Giro', or Girobio. Kennaugh won stage three and finished third overall, but he admits he doesn't know whether his future lies in stage races or tough one-day races.
He is a strong climber and sprinter, but what is perhaps most impressive about Kennaugh is his mature attitude. He says he is prepared to be patient as he embarks on a pro career. "People say the amateur scene in Italy is really hard, and it is, but I adapted to it," he says. "I'm keen to see how I progress as a pro but I know it'll take time. You hear about how hard it is but I won't find out for myself until my first races.
"The Olympics are quite a big target for me," he continues, "so I think I'll combine track and road racing for a bit, but longer term I see myself as a road rider. What kind? I don't know yet - it's too early to tell. I could be a [Paolo] Bettini-type rider, who does well in classics like the Tour of Flanders and world championships. Or someone who goes well in the hilly Ardennes classics and Grand Tours.
"But for me to predict anything like that just now is ridiculous. I've progressed a lot, and if I keep progressing, then who knows? But I've got my programme for my first year, with some smaller stage races and good one-day races, including the Tour of Lombardy at the end of the year. I don't know how I'll get on, but I've never felt so motivated."
