IAN Wilkinson has declared his future to Raleigh for the 2015 road season and believes his new-look team can shine in an improved UK calendar.

The Barnoldswick cyclist has been named team captain for the squad which sees just four riders remain from this year’s roster.

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They are joined by eight new signings featuring a mix of British and World talent as Raleigh look to improve on a 2014 season that saw them take the Elite Road Series classification, the Elite Circuit Series Championship as well as a top 20 General Classification finish in the Tour of Britain.

And Wilkinson, who has been named as team captain by Raleigh principal Cherie Pridham, is eyeing an improved year for the squad and himself.

He said: “It is a good strong team and I think we can do well next season. The team had a good year last time around and hopefully a couple of the riders we’ve brought in can help us do well again.

“I don’t know too much about the foreign lads coming in but most of the British guys are strong riders who will certainly add something for us.”

Raleigh have signed Calvin Beneke from Euopcar SA as well as Caja Rural’s Karol Domagalski, KTM’s Andy Hawdon and Finnish ace Matti Mannien.

Also joining the squad is Steve Lampier, Sam Lowe, Brad Morgan and George Pym with Raleigh retaining Wilkinson, Evan Oliphant, Liam Stones and Morgan Kniesky.

For Wilkinson 2015 represents plenty of chances on home soil with the Colne Grand Prix joined by the Lancashire Grand Prix in Chorley in April.

“It is good to see another event in the area,” said Wilkinson, who suffered with injury and illness last season and so has a sense of making up for lost time heading into the new campaign.

“If I can have the start and the finish that I had last year that would be great. I missed a chunk of the season in the middle through the Tour Series but I am out training and ready to go again.”

Wilkinson impressed in the early season Tour of the Mediterranean as well as winning the Eddie Soens Memorial Race in March. After his injury and illness Wilkinson returned to his best form at the Tour of Britain where he impressed in the final stage.

And the 35-year-old added that he had no hesitation in signing with Raleigh for another season.

“I enjoyed my time with the team last season and always wanted to stay on. It is a really good group and hopefully we can have a good year,” he added.