CSC SIGN SPRINTER J-J HAEDO

CSC have made it clear they will not replace Ivan Basso for stage races but the team will have a new sprinter after signing 25-year-old Argentinean sprinter Juan José Haedo who rode for the US-Based Toyota-United team in 2006.

Haedo impressed CSC when he won two stages of the Tour of California last February, beating Stuart O?Grady and CSC confirmed his arrival on Friday. The tall Argentinean became a professional in 2003 with the small US Colavita team and has won nine races since then. In 2006 he won three races with the American Toyota-United team: two in Tour of California and one in Tour of Georgia.

"I had several opportunities but when the offer came in from Team CSC I had no doubts. I've watched the team from the outside when they've been in the States and it made a big impression on me. I believe I'll get a unique opportunity to grow as a rider here, and I'll be working with the most competent people in the business,? he said.

?I know the transition to the European races will be a tough one, but I'm highly motivated to fight for it. I'm the first ever Argentinean rider to be given a chance at this level and the fact that Team CSC has chosen me gives me a tremendous confidence boost.?

Bjarne Riis praised Haedo?s strong finishing and the fact he can look after himself in the sprint.

"I first noticed Haedo this year during Tour of California, where he was yards better than the other sprinters. He is very fast and in my opinion he also has what it takes to do well on the European scene,? Riis said.

?He's been able to make it on his own in the sprints so far, but with us he will get the support, which will give him the chance to sprint against the very best. I think he's a very exiting addition to our team and also it's the first time ever we've signed a rider, who is 100% sprinter.?

Haedo will meet up with his new team mates for the first time during CSC first training camp in South Africa in December. He is expected to make his debut in CSC at the Tour of California next February.