It’s not even the end of the season but cycling’s superstars are already switching teams.

The rider with the biggest pay packet to have confirmed a move is Italian David Rebellin of the cash strapped Liguigas team. The world number two has made the switch to German outfit Gerolsteiner in a one year deal. Rebellin has also taken 3 teammates with him, including Mapei ex-man Gianni Faresin.

Russian rider Pavel Tonkov is also on the move after a hugely disappointing year with the Mercury team. The 32 year old has signed a contract with Italian team Lampre and will join Brit Max Sciandri and Italian hero Gilberto Simoni. Mercury have suffered from financial difficulties all season and did not gain a place in the Tour de France or Vuelta.

Meanwhile Lance Amrstong’s US Postal team have released Jamie Burrow after a difficult year of injuries and lack of racing. The former under 23-world number one will be searching for a new contract on the continent in the upcoming months.

There’s also been activity in the French market with Tour de France prologue winner, Christophe Moreau moving from Festina to Credit Agricole. This certainly places doubts upon the future of their current stage race leader, Bobby Jullich, who has been unable to return to the heights of third place in the 1998 Tour de France. Credit Agricole have also hung onto two of their biggest assets, German Jens Voigt and Aussie Stuart O’Grady.