Joaquim Rodriguez renews contract with Katusha for another year

Joaquim Rodriguez has signed a one-year contract extention at Katusha to take the Spaniard into his seventh season with the Russian team.

The eight-time Vuelta a España stage winner has continued to show his winning quality at this year's Tour de France, taking two stages already in the race.

Rodriguez, 36, has finished on the podium at all three Grand Tours without ever winning one,  but has claimed six top-10 finishes at the Vuelta a España in the last seven years.

"How could I make the choice not to continue with my current team? Our climbers as well as our sprinters, we are all in the winning mood already a year-long. The atmosphere never has been better than this season.

"It was my dream to go on with Team Katusha, with my current teammates and current staff. For me it was a logical choice. We decided already a while ago to continue our relationship but in the end it always takes a while to finalise the contract.

"I am happy I could sign on this rest day. Worry-free I can now tackle the final week of the Tour de France."

Rodriguez was well placed at the Tour de France after the tricky first week of racing, but a poor result on stage 10 knocked him out of contention for a high overall finish.

Now sitting 48 minutes down on Chris Froome, the Spaniard has turned his attentions to stage wins and the polka dot jersey - a competition in which he sits second behind Chris Froome.

"Despite his age Joaquim Rodriguez still delivers," said team manager Vladimir Ekimov. "We don’t see any regression in his results or attitude.

"On and off the bike Joaquim is a model of professionalism. It is the key of his successes. Joaquim is an example for his teammates. We are happy he continues with Team Kausha. Our future looks bright."

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