Pooley signs for Cervélo-Lifeforce

Great Britain's Emma Pooley will ride for Cervélo-Lifeforce in 2009 after signing with the squad. The 26 year-old joins the squad after spending much of 2008 with Team Specialized Designs For Women, which will close its doors at season's end.

"I admire the Cervélo-Lifeforce Team because of their professionalism, their tactical strength, and the results they therefore get," said Pooley. "I'm very pleased to have the chance to learn from the riders and the team management to improve my racing and work as an effective part of the team. I'm really looking forward to working together with such a friendly and welcoming team."

Pooley has enjoyed another strong season in 2008, with her work playing a key role in Great Britain's success on the road at August's Beijing Olympic Games. The rider, who is near completing a PhD in geotechnical engineering, claimed a silver medal in the individual time trial.

"We are happy, that Emma Pooley will join our team," said team manager Thomas Campana. "She is an experienced rider and expressed several times in an impressive manner her purposefulness as well her capacity for team work in the past years."