Lastras extends for another year with Caisse d'Epargne

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Spanish veteran Pablo Lastras has signed a one-year contract extension with Caisse d'Epargne and will race his thirteenth season with the team in 2010.

"I told [Caisse d'Epargne manager] Eusebio Unzue that my priority was continue in the team because I feel comfortable and valued here," said Lastras on Saturday.

The 33-year-old has spent his entire professional career with the Spanish squad after joining the team, then known as Banesto, in 1998. He has won stages in each of the three Grand Tours, including two victories at the 2002 Vuelta a España.

Although yet to claim a victory in 2009, he said will target a good result in the final races of his season. "I hope to do well in Paris-Tours, which is the race in the next few weeks that suits me best," said Lastras. "Then I will focus upon helping Joaquím Rodríguez to win in Giro di Lombardia."

Lastras will race next week's Paris-Bourges before being joined in the Caisse d'Epargne team for Paris-Tours by Rodríguez, Mathieu Drujon, Imanol Erviti, Vicente García Acosta, Vasil Kiryienka, Rigoberto Uran and Xabier Zandio.

In addition to Paris-Bourges (October 7), Paris-Tours (October 10) and Giro di Lombardia (October 16), Lastras is expected to race at Giro del Piemonte (October 14) and will close his season the Japan Cup on October 25.

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