His long and varied experience of racing at the highest professional level with major teams, and in both the Classics and Grand Tours, will be an invaluable asset in the team's mission. The mission to develop bright young Asian cycling talents, all as a part of his designated role as team captain.

"I had a very nice season in 2008, we race a great programme and there is not much pressure from the team, so I can combine it well with my other activities," Van Bon said. He is also racing the Six Day races on the track during the winter time, and in his newly "scaled down travelling career" has taken up photography, grasping the traveling opportunity to take pictures.

Team Manager Guido Kramer welcomed his decision to continue racing. "Of course the team is very happy with his decision to stay on board. Not only because of the extra publicity and status he offers to the team, but mainly because of his experience, which he uses well to teach our Asian riders. He is a perfect role model for the young riders who learn a lot from him."