Morton was offered the chance of a lifetime to join the under 23 squad of the US-based Garmin Slipstream Pro Cycling Team, despite still being in the under 19 age category in 2010.

And, he jumped at the opportunity.

“I can’t think of any team I would rather join, as they have a great reputation for supporting and developing young riders,” a very excited Morton said.

He was first spotted by the Garmin Slipstream Team principal, Jonathon Vaughters, last year when he won the USA Junior Cycling Championship in Anaheim, California.

After meeting with Vaughters and gaining more exposure to the squad on his recent visit to the US with the Real Aussie Kids (RAK) program, where he raced against some of the team, Morton was offered a contract.

He will be the youngest member of the team – and make the move overseas early next year, basing himself in Boulder, Colorado.

Garmin Slipstream has also allowed Morton to return to Australia in late March to contest the national selection trials for the 2010 World Junior Road Championships in Italy.

“My main ambition for next year is still to represent Australia at the Junior Worlds if I can,” he admitted.

“And, Garmin is very supportive of this.

“The 2010 racing calendar, which I just received, includes races in Italy, France and Canada, as well as the US.”

Morton will not be the only Australian in the team.

Joining the Port Macquarie cyclist in the under 23 line-up is Nick Walker, the brother of Pro rider Will Waker.

Other Australians in the Pro ranks include Trent Lowe, Cameron Meyer and Travis Meyer.

Garmin Slipstream is ranked 11th in the world and finished second in the teams classification in this year’s Tour de France, and fourth in the general category courtesy of Bradley Wiggins.