Elk Haus-Simplon nearly complete for 2007

By Susan Westemeyer

Team Elk Haus-Simplon, an Austrian Pro Continental team, announced on Tuesday that it has nearly completed its team for 2007, extending the contract of Thomas Rohregger and signing Jan Valach.

Rohregger, 23, won the mountain jersey in this year's Tour of Austria, and finished second in the national time trial and fourth in the road race. "It would be great to defend my mountain jersey in the Austria Tour," he said. "If we get a wildcard invitation to the Deutschland Tour, then that will be another season highlight. With the riders who are staying with Elk and the first-class newcomers, we have a very strong team for 2007 and I am looking forward to the new season."

The Slovakian Valach, 33, signed a one-year contract. The team noted that he has lived for many years in Italy and brings with him much international experience, from which the whole team can profit.