Tom Veelers and Albert Timmer extended their contracts with Skil Shimano for two more seasons. Veelers has been with the team since 2008, Timmer since 2007. Timmer is a workhorse and breakaway specialist, while the team likes Veelers for his leadout capabilities in the sprints. Both riders also excel in the spring classics, which is an important part of the Skil Shimano racing program.
Veelers has not regretted his move from the Continetal Rabobank squad to Skil. "This team has helped me in my development and I feel that I'm still developing myself," Veelers says. "The team has ambitious goals that match perfectly with what I want to achieve. I would like to reward the trust of the team. A victory in an important race should be possible."
Timmer's sentiments are similar. "This team is very professional," he said. "There is a lot of team spirit. That is very important to me and therefore, I feel right at home with this team. I know that I can improve and would like to prove myself."
Skil has had a very good season thus far, winning 14 races in 2011. They were achieved mostly by sprinters Marcel Kittel and Kenny van Hummel. The team also has ten second places and five third places.