Bellis won Britain's first road race world championship medal in 40 years

Jonny Bellis is to turn professional by signing a two-year contract with the CSC Saxo Bank team.

CSC is regarded as one of the best pro teams, their top rider Carlos Sastre having won this year's Tour de France.

Bellis, 20, and fellow Manxman, Peter Kennaugh, 19, will be aiming to win medals this weekend in the Under-23 world championship road race.

The 173km event begins in Varese in Italy on Friday.

Bellis will become the Isle of Man's second professional cyclist, following in the tracks of Mark Cavendish.

Cavendish last week brought a premature end to his 2008 season after 18 wins and 80 days' racing.

The 23-year-old was exhausted after winning three stages and the Points jersey in the Tour of Missouri.

After pulling out of the road World Championships in Italy, he will now rest before preparing for the 2009 season.