Gerrans excited about move

As previously reported, Simon Gerrans will join the Cervélo Test Team for the next two seasons after officially signing at the World Road Championships last month.

The 2008 season has been Gerrans' most successful year to date with wins in the Tour de France, Criterium International and Route du Sud. The Australian now joins the newly formed Cervélo Test Team for his fifth year in the professional peloton and is very upbeat about the opportunities that lie ahead of him.

"I'm really excited about joining the Cervélo Test Team," said the Crédit Agricole rider, who will join an impressive line-up led by Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre and top sprinter Thor Hushovd next year.

"To race alongside Carlos in the Tour de France is something that I am extremely excited about," he continued. "To have the opportunity to learn from a Grand Tour winner as well as work to defending the title will be a huge buzz. Moreover, having two jersey contenders in the team with Carlos and Thor, the Tour de France will be a huge focus for myself and the team."

As for his personal goals, the Ardennes classics are Gerrans's major objectives for the 2009 season. "To have the opportunity to ride freely in the classics is motivating as I can see myself making strong improvements in these races," he said. "I finished 12th in Amstel Gold this year so I will have a strong focus on this race next season".

Gerrans' final race for the 2008 season was at the World Road Championships in Varese, Italy. He is currently taking four weeks off the bike before starting his pre-season training in November.