In a press release Team Saxo Bank – IT Factory confirmed the had resigned Russian cyclist Alexandr Kolobnev for another two years.
Kolobnev has had a strong season in 2008 finishing second in Clasica San Sebastian, third in Giro dell-Emilia and fourth at the Olympics. In 2007 he won Monte Paschi Eroica, a stage in Paris-Nice and a silver medal at the World Championships.
“I didn’t have any doubts about extending my contract with the team. The last two years have been good and it’s definitely the right place for me to take it to the next level. First half of this season didn’t go quite as I’d hoped but during the second half I managed to prove to myself that I am making progress. My plan is to take it even further next year and get some good results throughout the season,” says Kolobnev. His main targets for the season will be the Amstel Gold Race and Liègè-Bastogne-Liègè.
“Alex has turned out to be a good stabile rider and he’s settled into the team well. He’s got a winner’s instincts and manages to get results in the races he’s picked out long beforehand. With his routine and skills I believe we’ll be seeing a lot more great results from him in the future,” says sports director Kim Andersen.