Valentino Rossi will race on until near his 40th birthday after signing a contract with Yamaha through the 2018 MotoGP season. The 37-year-old, nine times a world champion since beginning his career in the 125cc class in 1996, rejoined the Japanese team in 2013 and finished runner-up in the championship to team-mate Jorge Lorenzo last year.Rossi kicks off the 2016 campaign in Qatar this weekend, aiming to repeat his 2015 win at Losail, and made the much-anticipated announcement about his future before qualifying. I am very happy to announce that Yamaha and I have extended our contract and will continue working together in MotoGP for the next two years, Rossi said in a statement.I am very satisfied with this decision, because it has always been my plan to compete in motorsports for as long as I can be competitive and find it enjoyable at the same time.Ever since I returned to Yamaha in 2013 I have felt like I am home again and this showed in the results. I get great enjoyment out of working with my crew and the rest of the Movistar Yamaha MotoGP team.Their support for me has known no limit and I want to thank them sincerely for that. Im feeling greatly motivated to keep riding my YZR-M1 for the best results possible, this year and the following two seasons.Yamaha Motor Racing managing director Lin Jarvis added: I believe the confirmation of the extension with Valentino will be music to the ears of Yamaha fans and MotoGP fans around the world. I cannot think of a better way to start a new season than for both parties to make this strong commitment. When Vale returned home in 2013 it was a decision for life. This new agreement confirms that Vale will indeed finish his motorcycle racing career with Yamaha. Before that however all Yamaha fans can enjoy three full seasons of exciting performances from the Doctor as he challenges to win his tenth world title. Brandon Kintzler Cubs Jersey . He says so-called TRT is only one problem and he wants to go even further than the ban. "Its about time," St-Pierre told reporters at a promotional event in Montreal on Friday. "I think its a good thing. Ryne Sandberg Cubs Jersey .ca looks back at the stories and moments that made the year memorable. http://www.thecubsteamshop.com/Cubs-Kris-Bryant-Kids-Jersey/ . Its an influence in football and a big part of the game. Ron Santo Cubs Jersey . Colin Wilson had two goals and an assist, and Mike Fisher scored a goal and helped set up two others in the Predators 6-4 victory over the Red Wings on Monday night. Ron Santo Jersey . -- Arizona knocked off some quality opponents, rolled over a few overmatched ones and grinded out victories even when things didnt go so well.BRECLAV, Czech Republic - Spencer Watson and Brayden Point scored shootout goals as Canada nipped Switzerland 4-3 on Wednesday to claim a semifinal berth at the Ivan Hlinka Memorial under-18 mens hockey tournament. Canada was first in the Group A standings despite finishing tied with the Swiss and Czech Republic, which beat Sweden 5-2 also Wednesday, with five points apiece. The Canadians beat the Czechs and Switzerland during the preliminary round. The Czech Republic, which earned a 4-3 shootout win over Switzerland during the preliminary round, took second spot. Switzerland forced overtime with Simon Kindschis goal at 4:228 of the third, his second of the game.dddddddddddd Point, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad scored in regulation for Canada, which is chasing a sixth straight tournament title. Kevin Fiala had the other goal for Switzerland, which was outshot 41-24 by Canada in the game. After an off-day Thursday, Canada will face Russia in semifinal action Friday. The United States takes on the Czechs in the other. The semifinal winners meet in the tournament final Saturday. In other action, the U.S. beat Slovakia 5-2 to cement top spot in Group B with seven points. Russia beat Finland 7-3 to finish second with six points. ' ' '