Sunweb woos Wellens, demotes Vannoppen

The Sunweb-Projob team is continuing to look for riders to build the team's strength, and after signing third ranked Klaas Vantornout for the 2008-2009 season, the team is reported to be looking at Belgian champion Bart Wellens as a possible signing.

"Bart Wellens is a top pick, but I'm also thinking of Niels Albert," said manager Jurgen Mettepenningen. Both Wellens and Albert's contracts are ending in 2008, and Mettepenningen hopes that Wellens will not be too hasty to resign with his Fidea team. "I have three new financial partners starting January 1, with which we can attract another top rider."