Erik Zabel has made his final decision to stay with Team Milram in 2008 under a new manager, Gerry van Gerwena after many months of speculation about whether he’ll leave and head back to T-Mobile.

“There is no doubt about Erik riding for Team Milram next year. Erik will fulfil his contract with the team,” said Van Gerwen. Gerwen replaces Gianluigi Stanga as the new team manager.

Zabel had asked for his last year of his contract with Milram to be cancelled, it was thought so that he could re-join team T-Mobile. According to Team Milram and Zabel, representatives from sponsor Nordmilch and team management met over the last few weeks and agreed to fulfilling the contract. “We had good discussions and went over various options with Erik Zabel,” van Gerwen said. “We are happy that we can count on him again next year and that Team Milram will continue to develop with his help.”