PARIS, Sept 14, 2009 (AFP) – Former Tour de France green jersey winner Baden Cooke is aiming to give fresh impetus to his once blossoming career after signing a one-year deal with Team Saxo Bank, the Danish team announced Monday.

Cooke, 30, raced alongside fellow Australian Brad McGee at Francaise des Jeux for four years but suffered misfortune when moving to the Unibet team in 2006, which folded after two years.

Saxo Bank, the team of Swiss ace Fabian Cancellara and Luxembourg’s famous Schleck brothers Andy and Frank, have a good record of helping get the best out of the riders whether young or old.

And team owner Bjarne Riis said: “Baden Cooke is a very exciting rider. I believe the team can make him develop to a new level and I have no doubt that he would be a definite benefit to our troupe for the (one-day) classics.

“He comes with very warm recommendations from Bradley McGee, and I am convinced that he is going to fit perfectly into the team.”

McGee is now a sporting director with the team following his retirement last year.

After moving from Unibet to Barloworld for the 2008 season Cooke signed for Belgian outfit Vacansoleil for 2009.

But he believes that joining Saxo Bank, considered one of the most professional teams in the peloton, can bring the best out of him yet.

“Throughout the years I have seen good colleagues become even better and decidedly take a great leap in their careers after a switch to Team Saxo Bank, and I hope I can do the same and enjoy the power and inspiration which is on the team,” he said.

“Bradley (McGee) knows me better than anyone within the sport and it is thanks to him I now get the chance to becoming a part of Team Saxo Bank.

“I hope to be a good support for the team in the classics, and otherwise even create results wherever possible.

“I still believe that I have my best years ahead of me.”