Earlier today it was announced by Team RadioShack-Nissan that its rider Jens Voigt has renewed his contract with the team through the end of 2013. The 40 year-old German veteran announced his decision moments before the start of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge in Durango, Colorado.

"I'm very happy to confirm that I will stay with the team for another year. I have been a loyal rider throughout my career and I'm proud that I will be able to continue to share my experience with the boys and help them win," Voigt commented in a press release issued by his team.

"I had good offers from two other teams, but I'm pleased to stay where I am. I really wanted to ride for one more year and I'm convinced this is the right decision for me. When I told the boys, they were laughing that I said 'one more year' a year ago as well, but we'll see what the future brings. I'm almost 41 now, but I feel I can still be an asset to the team, so that's why I continue."

"I hope we can finish this season on a nice note and I'm already looking forward to next year," Voigt continued and added "I'm convinced that we didn't get the most of this season, for a variety of reasons. We will learn from this season, as we always do at the end of a season and we will work even harder to be stronger."

Team RadioShack-Nissan General Manager Johan Bruyneel said "This is very good news for our team. Jens (Voigt) is of great importance for us and I'm glad and proud that he wants to stay with us. He's the perfect road captain. He proved that in the Tour de France this year. Jens is really a school book example of a professional rider."

According to Voigt, signing the contract for 2013 has removed a lot of pressure from his shoulders. "I can concentrate on the racing now, because the USA Pro Challenge is a very important race for us. My head is clear now; the focus is on."