Jonathan Page (Cervelo) (Image credit: Dave McElwaine/trailwatch.net)
As of this Saturday, Jonathan Page will be seen racing in a blue-red Morgan Blue-BSI outfit. The American, who was second last weekend at the US Elite Men Cyclo-cross Championships, has signed a contract with the Belgian team, according to cyclo-cross.info.
"It's not easy for a foreign rider, especially an American, to race professionally in Belgium," commented Morgan Blue-BSI manager Kurt Tembuyser. "This was the reason why Jonathan couldn't sign a contract with the Sunweb-Pro Jobteam - the costs add up too much. But I, together with BSI, reached an agreement with Page. He can count on us until February 2007. He will stay 'elite without contract', but will receive an important compensation every month. At the end of the season, we will evaluate our cooperation and see if we extend our agreement."
For Page, the first race wearing the new jersey will be the C2 Wachtebeke cross in Belgium this Saturday. The team has designed special gear for the American, also featuring the inscription Page's personal sponsors, Cervelo, Adidas, Mavic, Cyclocrossworld.com and Shimano on the jerseys and bikes.
Page, who made his comeback from rotator cuff surgery at the US championships last weekend, will race a full calendar through the end of February. "I'm very excited about this and very thankful," said Page. "They are really nice people at Morgan Blue. They are supportive of me and of cycling as a whole. They have given me a good contract with the opportunity to re-negotiate after the season. I think that's important for me right now since I am just coming back from a major injury in what had started out to be my best season yet."
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