PARIS, Sept 17, 2008 (AFP) – Australian cyclist Simon Gerrans, who won the 15th stage of this year’s Tour de France, has played down reports he has signed a contract with the Canadian team Cervelo.

The 28-year-old has been riding for Credit Agricole for the past year after joining from AG2r, and claimed his biggest victory to date in July when he won the Tour’s 15th stage mountain top finish to Prato Nevoso in Italy.

Credit Agricole will fold at the end of the year, but Gerrans said Wednesday he is still considering offers from several major teams.

“It’s true I’ve had long talks with Cervelo, but I’ve also had talks with some other big teams,” Gerrans told AFP by telephone.

“At this stage I haven’t signed anything yet and I’m still considering my options.”

Cervelo will join the professional peloton in 2009 and have thus far signed Spain’s Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre, from CSC, as well as Gerrans’ Credit Agricole teammate Thor Hushovd of Norway.

Gerrans is part of Australia’s nine-man world championships team, announced Wednesday, that will compete in Varese, Italy next week.

File Photo by: CorVos Pro