Two changes in the Rabobank team were announced today. Stef Clement extended his contract with the Dutch team for one year, while its veteran rider Koos Moerenhout will end his career at the end of 2010.
Clement is currently nurturing some injuries on his feet and back, but the contract extension was good news for him. "My recovery is still lasting a while, so it is good to know that the team stands behind you," Clement said. "Not only in good times and when you win, but also when things are against you."
General director Harold Knebel is happy to support the rider. "Clement is a really good racer, we are sure he will be his old self again. We will give him the necessary time."
Clement continues his rehab program. "I will be doing everything I can to become injury-free and then I will still show some nice things," Clement said in a statement that indicates the season isn't over for him yet," Clement said.
The season isn't over for Moerenhout, either, but his long career is drawing to an end. The Dutchman had been with the Rabobank squad since 1996. The 36-year-old will stay with Rabobank after his active career, filling out a PR role as well as being a communication manager. He is also slated to do clinics in Rabobank branches both in the Netherlands and in other countries.
"I have been thinking about this for a while, but now it is definite," Moerenhout said. He is happy to continue his post career with the team. "That is of course awesome to be able to help bring the races closer to the local banks and the public, when everybody has seen that bike racing is alive in the Netherlands," Moerenhout was referring to the Tour de start in his country, where an amazing number of people had come out. "We have a nice period coming up with a group of very talented riders."
Clement was with the Rabobank Continental team until turning professional with Bouygues Telecom in 2006. He went back to Rabobank in 2009. His strength lies in time trialing. He has been Dutch champion three times in this discipline and also won the Chrono des Nations - Les Herbiers in 2008. But a stage win in the Dauphiné Libéré in 2009 that he is versatile.
Moerenhout has mostly made his name as a loyal and trusted domestique. Twice he was champion of the Netherlands in the road race and in his first year as a professional he won the Circuit Franco-Belge.