Good news for Volksbank

Team Volksbank had two reasons to celebrate this week. It was awarded its UCI Professional Continental license for the coming season, and youngster Philipp Ludescher extended his contract for a year, the team announced Wednesday.

The license is "proof that we have done our homework," said team manager Thomas Kofler. "The team has a sound economic basis. Things can continue like this."

He also praised the 20 year-old Ludescher, who turned pro with the team in 2006. "Philipp is a great talent, who we are carefully bringing along. Now comes the time to prove it. I think that he is ready to take that step up and will live up to his potential in the next season."

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Laura Weislo is a Cyclingnews veteran of 20 years. Having joined in 2006, Laura extensively covered the Operacion Puerto doping scandal, the years-long conflict between the UCI and the Tour de France organisers ASO over the creation of the WorldTour, and the downfall of Lance Armstrong and his lifetime ban for doping. As Managing Editor, Laura coordinates coverage for North American events and global news.