As the cyclocross season drew its final curtain, a number of riders will find their way to new homes when the curtain rises on the 2010-2011 season. Amongst them are Dutchman Stef Boden, Czech Martin Zlamalik, and the three Sweeck brothers. Also, a major contract has been signed that will better your cyclocross viewing experience!
Sweeck Brothers Head to KDL-Trans
The Belgian junior trio of Laurens, Dieter and Hendrick Sweeck have each had strong seasons, with Laurens and Dieter both having strong years in their first crack at the junior ranks. The reward for their well timed rise to prominence is a new contract with the KDL-Trans team. The Sweeck trio will join KDL-Trans’ man Jan Verstraeten, a former Belgian Elite Without Contract champion for the 2010 season. Laurens and Dieter are seen as two of Belgium’s strongest junior talents, and KDL-Trans will be happy to have them.
Martin Zlamalik Transfers to Sunweb-Revor
Martin Zlamalik, who had a breakout season of sorts, consistently riding at or near the front of many of the world’s top races, cashed in on his success with a move to the Sunweb-Revor squad of Belgians Klaas Vantornout and Sven Vanthourenhout. Zlamalik will move to the team as of April 1st and will be listed as an Elite Without Contract. The Czech rider’s contract will last for one year for his new team.
Stef Boden Moves to Sunweb-Revor
Stef Boden, who rode last year for the Dutch AA Drinks team, will move to the Sunweb-Revor team for the 2011 season. Boden will be brought to the team to replace Kenneth Van Compernolle, who will move up to the Elite ranks for Sunweb-Revor, at the Espoir level. Sunweb-Revor will trot out a strong Espoir lineup for the 2010 season, with Boden joining Dutchman Tijmen Eising at the under 23 level. Boden will be with the Sunweb-Revor team until the end of the 2012 season, and will ride one season as an Espoir and one season as an Elite with his new contract.
VT4 Extends Superprestige Contract
Belgian television channel VT4 has announced that, after the smashing success of its 2009-2010 Superprestige season, it has extended its contract with the series by four years. VT4 will continue to broadcast all stops on the Superprestige series on the television as well as live simulcasting on the internet. The new VT4-Superprestige relationship goes into effect immediately, and rather than extending the current agreement between the two parties, the two mutually rescinded their existing contract in favor of a completely new one.
Wondering what your favorite mudders have been up to? Doing your homework so you can win Cyclocross Magazine’s fantasy cyclocross league next season? We’ve got you covered with our new, weekly report on your favorite top ‘crossers. Each week Jake Sisson will bring you the latest news, gossip and maybe even a tweet or two on the pro scene. This is installment #36. Installment #35 is here. Got something worth reporting? Let us know!
