Horton's one last crack at contract

TOBYN HORTON feels he is one step closer to fulfilling his dream of becoming a professional racing cyclist after having a great 2009.

The 23-year-old Sarnian has just returned from Belgium where he spent his fifth summer in a row competing.

Horton, who won gold in the criterium at Rhodes Island Games in 2007, enjoyed his most successful campaign so far in what is regarded as the world's hotbed of cycling.

So much so that the Carey Olsen-sponsored rider has decided that he will return to the Low Countries again next summer to try and grab an elusive professional contract.

'That's the one reason I'm trying for another year - I felt that I've made huge steps to get to where I need to be, which is winning big races,' he said.

Because of his age, Horton believes that 2010 will be his final attempt.

'Certainly I'd say that it will be my last year as an amateur,' he said.

'I'll either be paid enough through cycling or I'll be working.'

This season saw Horton (pictured) score two wins and notched up 25 top-10 finishes, which included 13 top-five placings and eight visits to the podium.