Cooke prolongs stay with Saxo Bank
Australian rider Baden Cooke has extended his contract with Saxo Bank for another season.
Cooke, who joined Bjarne Riis' team for the 2010 season, will remain with the team for 2011 as it changes its name to Saxo Bank-Sunguard.
"I'm very happy to able to continue on this fantastic team," Cooke said upon announcing the deal. "It's been a great season with a lot of new and exciting experiences and I'm looking forward to another season."
Cooke, 31, managed only one individual victory for the team during his injury-ridden first season, in the fourth stage of the Bar Classic Series.
But the Aussie turned in vital performances in the European classics races, helping his Swiss teammate Fabian Cancellara win both the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix.
The classics will continue to be a priority for Cooke. "I'm going to work really hard this coming winter to be able to hit the spring classics in peak shape," he said.
Deal brings continuity to Saxo Bank
The last two months have seen several important changes to Saxo Bank's roster. In late July, Luxembourgian brothers Frank and Andy Schleck confirmed that they will be leaving Saxo Bank after the current season, having enjoying several successful years under Riis' management.
The following week, Riis announced the signing of world number one and three-time Tour de France winner Alberto Contador from Team Astana. The Spanish rider has brought several of his Astana teammates with him to the Danish team.
Extending Cooke's contract will therefore give Riis some well-needed continuity ahead of next season.
"Baden has proven to be a solid rider for the team and a great overall support even though he has been struck by injuries this season. I'm sure he has more in store for us and he might just become a key figure during the spring classics in the coming season," Riis said about the transfer.
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