2009 World champion wants to concentrate on cyclocross for now but aspires to future road career
Niels Albert has signed a new contract with BKCP-Powerplus that will keep him with the team until 2014. The 24-year-old turned professional in 2005 with Palmans, but has been with his current team since winning the cyclocross World Championships in 2009.
Albert’s existing contract was to expire at the end of 2011; his new deal not only extends his stay with the team for three years but means a considerable increase in salary.
“I couldn’t miss this opportunity,” sad Albert on Sporza, “especially as the financial offer from team manager Christoph Roodhooft was very attractive. Yes, I’ll do well, but let’s be honest: don’t we all do it for the money?”
As a Belgian Continental team BKCP-Powerplus does not get to ride many big road races, with the highlight of the summer season being the Tour of Belgium. For now though, Albert is happy to have a limited road programme so that he can concentrate on his cyclocross career; at only 24 years of age he figures that he still has plenty of time.
“I like to do a lot of cross but I have ambition for a road career. In four years I’ll be 28, I can still do it then. Ludo Dierckxsens didn’t turn professional until he was 30.”
As well as Albert, BKCP-Powerplus has also increased he contracts of Czech rider Radomir Simunek and German Philipp Walsleben; both riders are now committed to the black and white team until the end of 2011.