If all goes to plan, Tauranga teenager Tom Carter's name will soon be better known in cycling circles.

The 17-year-old is off to Europe this month to join an American junior cycling team and compete in a Junior Tour of Belgium – a country that's a mecca for aspiring young racers.

Tauranga Boys' College cyclist Tom Carter. Photo: Grant Dyson.

It's been described by Tauranga cycling veterans as an amazing opportunity for the 'skinny kid” who first joined them on coffee rides as a 12-year-old.

Tom is one of only two international riders selected to join the American junior cycling squad, Team Rokform.

While in Belgium, he'll have the opportunity to ride infamous cobbled sections of the Tour of Flanders, and other routes from major classic cycle races.

After the Junior Tour of Belgium, Tom will pin his hopes on being one of two riders selected to stay on and race with a Belgium team until the end of the Northern Hemisphere summer in September.

Tom says the opportunity could 'potentially open up so many doors”.

'There will be keen talent scouts watching to select riders for ‘feeder teams', which host some of the big-name teams racing on the pro circuit, so 'this will be my big chance”, says Tom.

The Tauranga Boys' College student says it is every junior rider's dream to make it onto the world stage.

'However, I realise that this involves a tremendous amount of hard training on the bike, dedication and sacrifices – and this isn't something that's easily achieved, otherwise everyone would do it,” says Tom.

The young rider also notes the intense competition he'll be facing.

'I'm told it will be the most aggressive riding at a junior level I've ever experienced.

'Here at home you might get 60 to 70 riders at a top level junior race, whereas in Belgium you're looking at 180 riders who are all wildly driven to win.”

His coach, Paul Rogers, believes Tom – who has made great progress in the past year – will experience racing at the highest level.

'Cycling is the national sport of Belgium – and for Tom to be invited to compete in the junior tour is just reward for all the hours he's dedicated to his chosen sport,” says Paul, who has raced in Europe himself.

Paul says it takes 'total commitment” to train up to 700km a week, especially in the dark and cold of winter.

'Even though Tom will be one of the younger riders in the tour, I am expecting his talent and drive will hold him in good stead.”