Sanchis signs with Safi-Pasta Zara

Spaniard Anna Sanchis will ride in the colors of the Italian team Safi-Pasta Zara in 2009. Sanchis, who is from Xàtiva but spent the past two seasons based in Valenciana, travelled to Italy on Saturday to finalize her new deal.

"The contract is for one season, and my main objective will be the Giro d'Italia," said Sanchis on her 21st birthday. "The timing was a coincidence, but a nice birthday present nonetheless."