Armistead signs with Cervelo

The Cervélo TestTeam will add two new women to its formidable professional team, with Briton Lizzy Armistead and Dutch rider Iris Slappendel becoming the latest recruits this week.

Armistead will join her compatriot Emma Pooley on the squad. The 20-year-old Armistead holds the world title in the team pursuit and took the win in the women's scratch race at the Track World Cup in Copenhagen earlier this year. Her success has not been limited to the boards, as she claimed the best young rider classification in the women's Giro d'Italia and a stage of the Tour de l'Ardêche.

“I wanted to be part of the best women’s team in the world,” said Armitstead. “When the opportunity to join the team came along, I couldn’t turn it down."

Cervelo TestTeam manager Thomas Campana was impressed by Armistead's performances. "She had an incredible track and road season this year,” said Campana.

“We saw her for the first time in the Giro d’Italia, where she won the jersey for best overall young rider, and usually the winners of these jerseys are the future champions. She has impressed us with her excellent climbing and sprinting abilities and her good race instincts. We are really delighted to have her on board for next year.”

Slappendel, a native of Ouderkerk aan de IJssel was the 2008 University World Champion in the time trial, won a stage in the 2006 Giro della Toscana, and was third overall in the GP Elsy Jacobs this year. She will be a prime support rider for the team's sprinter Kirsten Wild.

“This is a new step in my career,” said Slappendel. “I am honored that the best team in the world offered me a contract for 2010. That provides me with a lot of motivation. I have some goals planned as a cyclist and I think that this team suits me the best. My goal for 2010 is to be of value to the team, and if I get the chance I will also go for my own success.”