Kolobnev extends through 2010

Russian pro Alexandr Kolobnev has signed a two-year deal with Team Saxo Bank-IT Factory, the squad managed by Bjarne Riis announced.

Kolobnev has been with the team for two years already and has during this time achieved several great results in the one-day races. In 2008, he finished second in Clasica San Sebastian, third in Giro dell-Emilia and fourth at the Olympics. The year before, he won Monte Paschi Eroica as well as a stage in Paris-Nice and a silver medal at the World Championships.

"I didn't have any doubts about extending my contract with the team," said Kolobnev. "The last two years have been good and it's definitely the right place for me to take it to the next level. First half of this season didn't go quite as I'd hoped but during the second half I managed to prove to myself that I am making progress. My plan is to take it even further next year and get some good results throughout the season," added the Russian, who wants to be on form for Spring Classics Amstel Gold Race and Liège-Bastogne-Liège especially.

Sports director Kim Andersen was happy to have secured Kolobnev for the future. "Alex has turned out to be a good, stable rider and he's settled into the team well," commented the Dane. "He's got a winner's instincts and manages to get results in the races he's picked out long beforehand. With his routine and skills I believe we'll be seeing a lot more great results from him in the future."