Dempster to Belgium

SA.com-AIS Continental team rider, Australian Zakkari Dempster graduating from the Australian Institute of Sport's High Performance Unit programme, is signing with Belgian-based Bulgarian UCI Continental team Professional Cycling Club Bourgas.

The signing with PCC Bourgas follows on from a strong year for Dempster who won stage one of the Tour of Japan and Australia's oldest classic, the Melbourne to Warrnambool. He also had notable results at the Tour de Langkawi, Tour of Ireland, Tour of Britain and Circuito Montanes.

PCC Bourgas will be managed by Franky Van Haesebrouke, a former professional rider and directeur sportif of US Continental team Navigators in 2004. Van Haesebrouke also has an Australian connection being previously involved with Iteam-NOVA, a former Australian professional team involving Giro d'Italia stage winner, David McKenzie.

PCC Bourgas will have a Belgium base which will suit Dempster. "I am looking forward to riding with the team and welcome the test. The Belgian style of racing with short climbs and fast stages suit me. I want to add to the experience I have gained whilst riding with SA.com-AIS and take that next professional step in European racing. I want to establish myself as a strong team rider and am eager to set up results early in the season," Dempster said.

Dempster will head off to Europe in January 2009 but first he will look to repeat his 2007 U23 time trial title at the Australian Nationals.