Van Compernolle earns pro contract

Under-23 stand-out Kenneth Van Compernolle signed a two-year contract with the Sunweb-ProJob team beginning January 1, 2009. The Belgian will continue to race as an espoir, according to team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen.

For Van Compernolle it is a dream come true. "Of course anyone who begins racing hopes to be awarded a professional contract. A few months back I had never dared to hope. But with my excellent performances lately everything is happening much faster than expected. It is a good sign of appreciation by the team . This year I will stick with my planned programme. Next year I will try for the espoirs classification and will occasionally take on a 'cross with the professionals."

Van Compernolle was third at the under-23 European Championships and won the espoirs races in Niel, Koksijde and Gieten. When his professional status begins on January 1 he will no longer be able to compete in B-category 'cross events, and must race the at the professional level in the Belgian road championships. In all cyclo-cross events, the World Championships, World Cup and Belgian championships, he can continue to race at the espoir level.