Aussie cyclists land World Tour deals

Australian cyclists Brendan Canty and Will Clarke have been rewarded with promotions to Cannondale-Drapac's top-level World Tour squad.

The pair were part of Australia's second-tier Drapac team this season, and in the new-look merger with Cannondale, won upgraded deals on the 2017 roster.

New Zealander Tom Scully was also added to the squad.

Clarke has claimed stage wins in the Tour Down Under and Herald Sun Tour and is hoping to make his debut in one of next year's three Grand Tours.

Canty, who at 24 is seven years younger than Clarke, is regarded as a promising young climber.

The Victorian won the white jersey as best young rider at the Tour of Oman this year.

Scully, 26, this year moved from third-tier Continental Tour riding into the Pro Continental ranks of Drapac Pro Cycling.

Scully was rewarded for his form during an intense seven-month period in Europe, impressing particularly with this time trial ability.

His best results came at the Boucles de la Mayenne tour in Northern France, where he placed fourth in the prologue time trial and posted a maiden win on the third stage.