Solid in climbing, even more solid in time trialing, and don't forget, Dutch roots! I'm sure the fans will be happy with Tejay, and who knows, maybe he can get the white jersey with this year's TT kilometres?

After the USA had waken up, the team recieved a special phone call of a local Californian sponsor, offering the team a 10-day training camp for the ten best riders in Santa Barbera. Of course the team has accepted the offer, as it would be great pre-season training. The team will leave once the 10th addition to the team has been presented, most likely on January 7, so the team will be back just before the Tour Down Under.

Spanish doctor Sergio Take will be our team doctor this year. "This will only be my second job in a professional cycling team. I have to admit I'm a bit scared to make mistakes, because then my job and life will be at stake" After his first words, the press conference was suddenly interrupted by a strange smell in the kitchen.

Team leader Vien has announced that they will do everything in their power to make Lars Boom sign for the team. the team doesn't really have a cobblestone rider yet, because Philippe Gilbert will only ride the cobblestone classics to prepare for the races in the Ardennes. Lars can also surprise with an outstanding time trial and -especially- his prologue. And don't forget, he's Dutch. There are rumours that franki28, manager of UBS-Rolex, has also offered Lars Boom a contract as a waterbottle carrier for Fabian Cancellara and Alessandro Ballan. Lars has announced that he will inform us what team he'll choose tomorow morning (local time). It's not known what rider the team will choose if Lars is unavailable, though.

VI has signed a one-year contract with Shimano, with an option for another year. "Let's hope for a bright future between us", Shimano's representant said. As of now, all VI needs is a helmet sponsor, and they claim to be talking to two manufactorers.

VI has commenced talks with minor sponsor RTL if they want to become next year's sponsor, however, chances are very thin that this will actually happen. "There's no need to worry, though. One company has already contacted us if they could sponsor us next year, and we will talk to them once we are sure that RTL won't be next year's sponsor. It's a Dutch project that wants more international recognition, so it would be a perfect co-sponsor for our team". He didn't want to call any names yet, though. It's also possible that he has said this to put pressure behind RTL. I guess we'll have to wait a few months for more news.