Professional cyclist Kristian House has turned down interest from several other teams to re-sign for Rapha Condor Sharp.

The 32-year-old former National Road Race champion chose not to follow Jon Tiernan-Locke, Zak Dempster and Dean Windsor out of Rapha, instead opting to stay with the team as they prepare to go in a new direction in 2012.

Traditionally heavyweights on the UK domestic cycling scene having won more than 50 races this year, the team will instead focus on developing young riders in 2012.

They have recruited a mix of youth and experience with House, from Aylesham, leading the way after 11 years in the sport, while Olympic team pursuit champion Ed Clancy also remains.

House (pictured) attracted interest from teams including some in the Pro Continental ranks but felt after four years with Rapha Condor Sharp, they were the team to help achieve his ambitions.

He said: "I had a bit of interest from a few teams this year in Europe, USA and other teams in the UK, so it wasn’t an easy decision.

"Some of the teams were offering a race program that was a step up and others were offering a different role in the team to what I’ve done in the past.

"I decided to stay with Rapha Condor Sharp because I enjoy racing for the team, the people around it, sponsors and the manager John Herety. The team is going in a slightly different direction next year, so it’s going to be a different sort of challenge."