Mark Cavendish (left) and Robert Förster (right) have done battle in sprints in races like the Tour of Qatar. (Image credit: Bettini Photo)
Robert Förster will stay with Team Milram for another year after the two negotiated a one-year contract extension through 2010. The 31-year-old is the second Milram rider after Dutchman Servais Knaven to extend his contract.
"In Robert Förster we have an experienced and reliable rider, who helps to strengthen the team," is how Gerry van Gerwen, Team Milram's General Manger, explained his decision. "Of course, the 2009 season so far hasn't been optimal, but we know what we have in Robert Förster. It is just a matter of time until we can celebrate more successes with him."
Förster was also satisfied. "It is important for me to ride for a German team. So I am happy to be part of the only remaining German ProTour team again in the coming season. Here I have the opportunity to take part in a three-week Grand Tour. My first year on the team wasn't the best, but I have a lot of plans for the coming year and will go all out in 2010."
Förster has ridden for Milram since the start of the 2009 season. Previously, he rode for Gerolsteiner. He won a stage in the Tour of Turkey in April and was second in a stage of the Tour of Qatar. He has a total of 18 top-ten finishes so far this season. Previously in his career, the sprinter has brought in stage wins at the Giro d'Italia, the Vuelta a Espana and the Deutschland Tour.
Förster's next assignment is the Rund um die Nürnberger Altstadt on Sunday, September 13. In 2003 he finished second in the race.
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Sue George is an editor at Cyclingnews. She coordinates all of the site's mountain bike race coverage and assists with the road, 'cross and track coverage.
