Wiggle Honda keep Mayuko Hagiwara for 2015

Wiggle Honda have extended the contract of Japanese rider Mayuko Hagiwara for the 2015 season.

The extension will see 10-time National Champion Hagiwara riding at the British based women’s Pro Cycling team for a third season.

“I am really excited for my contract with Wiggle Honda in 2015,” Hagiwara said.

“I think the team could be able to get wins in the World Cup, the Giro Rosa, and some big races in the calendar. I would like to work hard for the team’s success in the 2015 season. It will be exciting year for our team!”

Last season, Hagiwara made a name for herself as a formidable climber, taking third place on a tough uphill finish at San Donato Val di Comino in the women’s Giro d’Italia.

“Mayuko is a great example of how much talent actually exists in potential athletes who may never be given the opportunity to demonstrate it,” said Wiggle Honda Pro Cycling Managing Director, Rochelle Gilmore.

“Mayuko was given the opportunity to join Wiggle Honda, base herself in Europe and race alongside World and Olympic Champions. It only took Mayuko one and a half years to prove she has the ability to be one of the best cyclists in the World, when she finished third in a stage of the women’s Giro d’Italia in July this year,” added Gilmore.

“Only those who know Mayuko quite well can comprehend her ability, our staff and athletes believe in Mayuko’s capabilities and expect that she will continue to surprise the cycling world in 2015!”

Fellow Wiggle Honda riders Laura Trott and Elinor Barker both announced in September they would be leaving the team to ride for the newly professional Matrix Fitness Pro Cycling team for the 2015 season.

Wiggle-Honda will continue in 2015, says Rochelle Gilmore

British women's UCI team will continue following the loss of star riders Laura Trott, Joanna Rowsell and Linda Villumsen

Laura Trott signs to Matrix Fitness-Vulpine team for 2015

Elinor Barker signs to Matrix Fitness-Vulpine for 2015

Elinor Barker joins Wiggle-Honda team-mate Laura Trott in moving to Matrix Fitness-Vulpine for 2015