Lhotellerie to Vacansoleil

French pro Clément Lhotellerie has signed a one-year deal with the new Vacansoleil team, which has applied for a Professional Continental license in 2009. The winner of the 2008 Paris-Nice mountains jersey is leaving Skil-Shimano prematurely, as he was still under contract for one more year.

The 22 year-old Lhotellerie will thus be guided by current Cycle Collstrop manager Hilaire Van der Schueren, who is setting up the new Dutch squad for next season. After his success in Paris-Nice, the young Frenchman also finished second at the Quatre Jours de Dunkerque and the Ruta del Sol this year.

(Additional editorial assistance provided by Antonio J. Salmerón.)