Skil-Shimano signs two

Skil-Shimano has signed Koen de Kort and Cyril Lemoine for the coming season. Dutchman de Koert is leaving Team Astana and Lemoine comes from Crédit Agricole. Both riders have signed one-year contracts.

De Kort, 26, rode for Team Rabobank before joining Liberty-Seguros in 2005, the team which eventually became Astana. According to the Professional Continental team Skil-Shimano, he is "expected to futher develop himself in structured surroundsings and with a balanced programme." His strengths are in time trials, short stage races, and one-day races.

Lemoine, 25, has an option for a second year. The 25 year-old turned pro with Credit Agricole in 2005, and won the U-23 classification at the Tour de Luxembourg in 2006. His new team calls him "a strong, powerful rider" for short stage race and the classics.