Bouygues Telecom signs former Japanese Champion

Japan's Yukira Arashiro will join the French Bouygues Telecom team for the 2009 season. The 24-year-old Arashiro was the Japanese National Champion in 2007, and this season, he won Stage 2 and finished third overall in the Tour du Limousin.

"By opening our door to a promising Japanese racer, we recognise the progress of cycling," said Bouygues Telecom manager Jean-Rene Bernaudeau to AFP. Bernaudeau indicated he'd like to test Arashiro in a Grand Tour next year.

Arashiro is scheduled to attend a team training camp with his new mates in early December.