U.S. junior champion signs with pro team for 2008

By Mark Zalewski, North American Editor

The Kelly Benefit Strategies/Medifast team is continuing to sign riders in the off season. But despite having a market flooded with veteran riders from teams that have closed up shop, director sportif Jonas Carney has signed a young talent -- 18 year old Ben King, the current U.S. junior road race and time trial national champion.

“I’ve been looking at King since 2006,” Carney said in a statement. "As a first year junior he was getting results against pros at the Tour of Virginia that just blew me away. Our team has a very positive, supportive atmosphere which I know is really going to help Ben maximize his great potential.”

King, who has ridden for the U.S. at the past two world championships, with a top 20 finish in this year's road race, is looking forward to taking the next step in his cycling career. “I learned a lot about how to race a bike in the past few years,” said King. "During the upcoming season I hope to continue improving and enjoying the sport as much as possible."