Joker Bianchi 2008 launched

European Continental team Maxbo Bianchi will run under the Joker Bianchi name in 2008 following the signing of a new title sponsorship agreement, the Norwegian squad has announced. The Norway supermarket chain's arrival is marked to provide a big boost to the squad, which has become a breeding ground for future ProTour stars in recent years, with the new sponsor believed to be interested helping the squad expand post 2008.

"There are no plans for lifting the team up to the Pro Continental level at present moment," the team statement noted. "However, our new sponsor, Joker, has signaled that this discussion could be of interest in the future. There is no doubt that Scandinavia is in need of a Pro Continental team, and this may be a reality in one or two seasons."

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