Baden Cooke (Vacansoleil) has signed a one year contract with Bjarne Riis’ Team Saxo Bank in 2010. The 30 year old Australian is looking to play a role in the spring classics and improve on his winless season.
After a year with the Dutch team Vacansoleil, Cooke is hoping to rebuild on his past successes that included several important victories such as the green jersey and a stage win in the Tour de France.
"Throughout the years I have seen good colleagues become even better and decidedly take a great leap in their careers after a switch to Team Saxo Bank, and I hope I can do the same and enjoy the power and inspiration which is on the team. I have a great deal of respect for the other riders and the sport management and I look very forward to being part of the well-known community on the team” said Cooke.
“Baden Cooke is a very exciting rider as we can expect really much from. I believe the team can make him develop to a new level and I have no doubt that he would be a definite benefit to our troupe for the classics. He comes with very warm recommendations from Bradley McGee, and I am convinced that he is going to fit perfectly into the team, "said Bjarne Riis.