Skil-Shimano's Rooijakkers extends through 2008

Dutch rider Piet Rooijakkers signed a contract extension through the end of 2008. The 26 year-old from Gerwen has been in fine form during his second year on the squad. He rode well at the Tour of Qatar, the Dunkirk Four-day, and the Amstel Gold Race, where he was awarded the Herman Krott Trophy as most aggressive rider.

"I've matured with the team over the past two seasons," said Rooijakkers. "I'd like to continue to do that next season to more often get into positions where I can win races. I also wanted to stay at this team because of the spirit, the good programme and the team's ambition to develop further. Basically, I'm really settled in here."

Skil-Shimano management is delighted with Rooijakkers' decision to stay with the team for another year. "Piet has matured into one of the mainstays of the team in the past year," confirmed Iwan Spekenbrink. "So we're happy that he'll be wearing the Skil-Shimano jersey next year too."