Ridley to Katusha

After four successful years with Silence/Lotto, including countless victories, national titles, Tour de France green jersey, a ProTour overall victory, and two-time 2nd place finishing at the Tour de France, Ridley Bikes will end their relationship with the Belgian squad from 2009 and equip Katuhsa for the next 4 year.

Although very happy with the collaboration with the Silence-Lotto team, Ridley have confirmed that they will partner Katusha from 2009.

With a budget of 30 million euro they have a complete network of satellite teams and cycling schools throughout Europe. Katusha has signed some of the biggest athletes in the sport and is still growing.

As a Russian team, Katusha has a goal to become the strongest team in professional cycling and in 2009 the team will ride the Noah and Helium in road racing, and the Dean in time trials.

Ridley founder Anthony Kumpen said - "This new project is a continuation of Ridley's brand growth in product development and sporting goals, to achieve the highest sporting results with the fastest bicycles available.

Ridley Bikes is a leading manufacturer or road racing bicycles, located in Tessenderlo, Belgium. Founded in 1991 by Jochim Aerts, the brand works with the top Belgian road, cyclocross, and mountain bike athletes, and is market leader for racing bicycles in Belgium."

One rider who will continue to ride Ridley bikes is World class sprinter Robbie McEwen who signed with Katusha just a few days before this announcement was made

Website - www.ridley-bikes.com