Vladimir Efimkin has extended his contract with French team AG2r La Mondiale through 2010.
The 27 year-old Russian came to the team by Vincent Lavenu, and has quickly taken a leadership role on the team.
Last year Efimkin showed the team he can handle the role of leader in the big stage races by finishing second in a stage and eleventh overall in his first Tour de France participation.
His twin brother, Alexander, has also joined the AG2r team for 2009.