HTC-Highroad has extended the contract of US rider Craig Lewis for another year. The 25-year-old American hopes to further develop as a climber and time triallist with the team, while also serving as a domestique to his team leaders.
While he has yet to take his first individual victory, Lewis was a member of a succesful breakaway in stage 13 of this year’s Giro d’Italia into Cesenatico. He attacked alone close to the finish but was caught and went on to finish in eighth place.
“Craig showed some good improvement in 2010, by finishing the Giro d' Italia," said Team Manager Rolf Aldag. "He made another strong step forward in his personal development. And he is a very reliable team player, always ready to help his team leaders in the interest of the team success. We expect him to be one of our key riders when it comes to long climbs in one-day classics and hard stages races.
“Craig was very close to win a stage in the 2010 Giro, which gives him the confidence that he is able to stay with the best.”
Lewis himself is very pleased to be staying with the team for another year.
“I'm very happy to be back with HTC for a fourth year," he said. “It has been amazing to see everything we have accomplished in such a short period, and I can't wait to see how we will better it in 2011.”