Steve Cummings one of five riders to be handed new contracts at Dimension Data

Double British national champion Steve Cummings will continue to ride for Dimension Data after signing a new contract with the South African team

Cummings, who has been a member of the squad since joining from BMC Racing in 2015, spoke of his enjoyment of riding for the team where he has won two Tour de France stages as well as the general classification of the Tour of Britain during the last three years.

"I’ve spent three of my best years with this team. I love the whole project and the way it has progressed and continues to progress. I’m super happy, grateful, honoured and proud to be part of this amazing team and project," Cummings said.

"There is a real pathway for all aspiring African riders from Qhubeka to U23 to World Tour level. I want to continue to help the team grow and I look forward to hunting my own opportunities."

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The team has also announced that four of its South African riders, Jay Thomson, Jaco Venter, Johann van Zyl and Jacques Janse van Rensburg, have also signed new contracts, with compatriot Louis Meintjes rejoining the team after two years at Lampre-Merida/UAE Team Emirates.

"It is really exciting to be able to renew the contracts of these riders who in different ways have added so much to this team’s culture and purpose both on the bike in the races and off the bike with staff, partners and fans," said team principal Douglas Ryder.

"This team has grown over the years thanks to the fantastic people in it who continue to challenge and push themselves, who get up every day willing and wanting to improve and do more. Thank you, Jay, Jaco, Johann, Jacques and Steve, onwards and upwards we go."