Penrith cyclist Mark Donovan has his sights set on achieving new heights on the international stage as he moves to a new team.

The 20-year-old Cumbrian climbing specialist will take on the World Tour next season with Sunweb, after two years with team Wiggins-Le Col.

The Penrith cyclist is a rising star on the world stage, finishing fourth in this year’s Giro Ciclistico d’Italia, also known as the “Baby Giro”, after leading the race.

Following the announcement, Cycling Weekly reported that the young Cumbrian cyclist is looking forward to learning the ropes in the cycling World Tour with his new team.

“For my first year I think it’s important for me to learn as much as possible, and get used to racing in the WorldTour,” Donovan said.

“It’s going to be a big step up but I’m really excited to get into it and learn from the best. Over the next few years I’m hoping to continue to improve as a climber, as well as helping the more experienced riders as best I can.”

He added that Team Sunweb have "proved themselves" in recent years "to be one of the top World Tour teams in the world", after winning races such as the Giro d’Italia and the TTT world championships.

"There is also a big focus on developing young riders like Marc Hirschi this year and many examples from the past," Donovan added.

"I think it will be the perfect place for me to grow in the next three years."

Donovan has been supported in his journey onto the world cycling stage for the past five years by Cumbria Community Foundation.

The foundation has has helped to fund his training as he moved into national and international events.

A spokesman for the foundation congratulated him on his new move.

“Great to see Cumbrian Mark Donovan doing so well in his professional cycling career,” the spokesman said, adding that he has since 2015 received “£7,500 over the years towards his training as a full-time cyclist and competing in national and international events.

“We have over 100 funds, many of which support young people like Mark to help them achieve their dreams.”