Pérez is close to contract renewal

By Antonio J. Salmerón

Francisco Pérez is expected to sign for an additional year with Team Caisse d'Epargne "We are close to signing for one more year, in spite of other interesting proposals," Angel Buenache, Pérez's manager, commented to Cyclingnews.

The 29 year-old Spaniard has been one of the most active Caisse d'Epargne members. "It has been an intensive season for me, but it is good, that means that I have had total confidence from my team directors, and that is not easy in such an quality group," Pérez noted to Cyclingnews.

His only regret for 2007 is "not to have been as strong as I would have liked in the Tour de France," said Pérez, who is considered as one the most important riders of his country.

Pérez joined Caisse d'Epargne in 2005, after disputing the Volta a Portugal as Milaneza Maia's leader. In fact, Pérez debuted with Caisse d'Epargne in the 2005 Vuelta a España. In 2006, Pérez won the Clásica de Almería. This year, Pérez has had strong performance in the Vuelta a Burgos, the Clásica de Alcobendas and the Tour de Romandie.

"It has been a good year for me, but one is not always totally satisfied. I worked too hard for my team; it is what I had to do. However, I would like to have more freedom," Pérez concluded.