Russian marauder Alexandr Kolobnev has signed a two-year contract extension to stay with Saxo Bank-IT Factory through the 2010 season.

The 27-year-old joined the team managed by Bjarne Riis in 2007 and immediately had strong results, including victory at Monte Paschi Eroica, a stage in Paris-Nice and the silver medal at the world championships.

This year, Kolobnev was close to a breakout win, with second at the Clásica San Sebastián, third at the Giro della Emilia and fourth at the Beijing Olympic Games.

“I didn't have any doubts about extending my contract with the team. The last two years have been good and it's definitely the right place for me to take it to the next level,” Kolobnev said in a team release. “The first half of this season didn't go quite as I'd hoped but during the second half I managed to prove to myself that I am making progress. My plan is to take it even further next year and get some good results throughout the season.”

With Kolobnev staying put, the former Team CSC is finalizing its lineup for the 2009 season.

New riders include Jonathan Bellis, Jakob Fuglsang, Frank Hoj, Dominic Klemme, Michael Morkov and Alex Rasmussen.

Retiring are Michael Blaudzun, Brad McGee and Bobby Julich while Carlos Sastre, Iñigo Cuesta and Volodymir Gustov are all heading to Cervélo Test Team next season.