Milram signs Kluge for one year

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Olympic points race silver medallist Roger Kluge has signed a one-year contract with Milram at the first night of the Six Days of Amsterdam on Monday. The 23-year-old German will join the ProTour team on the road after his next major goal, the 2010 Track World Championships in Denmark next March.

"I am very happy with this deal and I'm looking forward to the challenges that it will present," Kluge told German newspaper Lausitzer Rundschau after signing the contract, which includes an option to extend for a second year with the team.

Kluge will make the move to the ProTour from German continental team LKT Team Brandenburg. He backed up his silver medal performance in the points race at last year's Beijing Olumpics with four victories on the road this season.

He becomes the fifth new rider to join Milram for 2010. Compatriot Dominik Nerz has signed as a neo-pro, while Australian Luke Roberts and Belgian riders Roy Sentjens and Wim De Vocht have also signed one year contracts with the team.

The confirmation of his contract with Milram capped a big night for Kluge on Monday, as he and Six Day partner Robert Bartko took the lead on the opening night of the event in Amsterdam.

Milram Team Manager Gerry Van Gerwen was on hand in Amsterdam to witness both the on-track performance and signature of his new charge. Van Gerwen was understandably pleased to have gained the services of the powerful German rider.

"Roger is one of Germany's biggest talents," said Van Gerwen. "He is a very strong athlete who can become a very important rider for us."

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