Kolobnev has been with the team for two years so far and during this period he has achieved several great results in single day races. In 2008 he finished second in the Classica San Sebastian, third in the Giro del Emilia and placed fourth at the Olympics. In 2007 he won the Monte Paschi Eroica as well as a stage in Paris-Nice and also claimed a silver medal at the World Championships.

"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. 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," said Kolobnev, who wants to be on form for the 2009 Amstel Gold Race and the 2009 Liege-Bastogne-Liege.

"Alex has turned out to be a good stabile rider and he’s settled into the team well. He’s got a winner’s instincts and manages to get results in the races he’s picked out long beforehand. With his routine and skills I believe we’ll be seeing a lot more great results from him in the future," commented Team Saxo Bank sports director Kim Andersen.