Thomas Dekker to Silence - Lotto
Thomas Dekker has signed a two-year contract with the Belgian team Silence according to the De...
Thomas Dekker has signed a two-year contract with the Belgian team Silence according to the De Telegraaf. The Dutchman has been linked with several teams since his departure from Rabobank, but he seems to have settled for the Belgium squad lead by Cadel Evans.
The 24 year-old has had a turbulent year. His relationship with Rabobank - a team he has ridden for since his junior days - deteriorated after he was left off their Tour de France roster. He has barely raced since, eventually parting ways with the squad in August. An indication that he would be transferring to Silence-Lotto came when he appeared at his own cyclo-sportif event riding a Canyon bike - which has recently signed on as the official bike sponsor for the team in 2009.
His inclusion in the squad is a boost for Evans as Dekker will be a strong ally as the Tour heads into the mountains. Dekker had indicated that a definite place on a Tour de France squad would have to be one of the terms of his contract with whichever team he signed for.
Dekker will not be competing in the elite men's road race at the UCI Road World Championship.
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