Rabobank and Veneberg reach agreement

Team Rabobank and Thorwald Veneberg have reached an agreement to end the rider's suit against the team, ending a year of legal battles. Rabobank did not offer him a new contract for this season, and he took them to court, claiming that under Netherlands law that, since he had a contract with the team since January 1, 2001, he should be considered under contract for an indefinite period of time.

Last December a judge ruled that this employment law did not apply to professional athletes. This ruling was overturned when a higher court ruled that the earlier court did not have jurisdiction. No details of the agreement were released.

Veneberg told sportwereld.nl, "I am glad that it has been possible to wind things up." He is currently receiving training as a helicopter pilot, with the goal of flying a television helicopter at races.

Rabobank spokesman Luuc Eisenga confirmed the agreement to Cyclingnews, noting that it was reached "some time ago".(SW)

(Additional editorial assistance provided by Susan Westemeyer.)

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