Chris Sutton still waiting on a new contract to keep him riding on in 2016

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Chris Sutton remains hopeful his professional career will continue into a 12th season after Team Sky did not renew his contract for 2016.

Former Team Sky cyclist Chris Sutton is hoping to get an opportunity to ride on in 2016.

AUSTRALIAN cyclist Chris Sutton remains hopeful his professional career will continue into a 12th season after Team Sky did not renew his contract for 2016.

The 31-year-old stage winner at the Tour Down Under, Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a Espana has returned home from Europe this week ahead of his wedding later this month.

He has held talks with some teams about continuing next year but has no contract in place.

“I’ve just got to wait and see, it’s out of my control at the moment,” Sutton said.

“I’m still talking to a couple of teams and you never know what might pop up.

“I’d love to stay in Europe for another couple of years but as one door closes another one opens, all good things must come to an end eventually.

“Clearly I’d love to continue racing in the WorldTour but it’s got to come to an end at some point.

“But at this stage I’m just looking forward to getting home, getting married, having a little break and then back into training and go from there.”

Sutton’s 2015 campaign was interrupted by salmonella poisoning after the Tour of Langkawi in March and after a brief break he returned to podium at the Tour of Slovenia.

“Anyone who has been sick with salmonella will know what it’s like, especially when you’re trying to train and race,” he said.

“I could keep food down but I just had no energy.”

Sutton returned to Australia for a mid-season training block only to injure his back when he got back to Europe which prevented him from finishing the Eneco Tour.

He said he wasn’t overly surprised at Sky’s decision to end his tenure after six years with the team and was grateful for their support. His last win in Sky colours was the Japan Cup in 2014.

“I was prepared for it, but when you actually hear it it’s kind of like, oh wow,” he said.

“I think I needed to change teams anyway and have a fresh start. I’ve been with Team Sky for six years and they’ve looked after me for so long and given me so much support.

“So obviously I owe them a lot, especially Sir Dave (Brailsford), he’s been really good.

“The injury set me back and I would have liked to have done a few more races and finished the season out for them but that’s life, you dust yourself off and move on.”

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Originally published as Chris Sutton still waiting on a new contract to keep him riding on in 2016