Valen to team Flexpoint

Norwegian rider Anita Valen will join Dutch women's team Flexpoint for 2008. Valen is aiming for the Beijing Olympics and was delighted to sign a contract with such an internationally-oriented squad.

"Flexpoint competes in major races and that is ideal for me," said Valen. "Furthermore, I am delighted to ride with top riders such as Mirjam Melchers- van Poppel and Amber Neben."

Flexpoint manager Jean-Paul van Poppel sees the 39 year-old Valen, who won a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships, as a welcome addition to the team. "We have rejuvenated our team with a view toward 2008. It is good for the balance of the team, too, in the long and short-term, certainly at the international races, to have someone with so much experience."

Valen resides in Zwolle, has two children and is married to ex-professional rider Dutchman Gerrit de Vries. Valen won a bronze medal at the 2004 World Championships in Verona. The time trial expert is the 13th signed rider for the squad for 2008.