Skil-Shimano trials David Deroo

French rider David Deroo is set to join the Skil-Shimano cycling team as a stagiaire in mid-August. The 21 year-old, who hails from near Roubaix in northern France, raised his profile this season in the Circuit des Ardennes, where he earned a third place finish on stage four, and the Tour de Bretagne, where he won a stage.

"I'm delighted to get this chance and I'm highly motivated to do well in the pro peloton," said the young Frenchman.

Deroo, who came through the ranks at his present club Velo Club Roubaix, is said to be good on smaller climbs and "ratcheting up the pace in small groups". His profile is in line with Skil-Shimano's plans to expand its international activities, with an emphasis on France in order to better serve its sponsor.