Team Saxo Bank-SunGard Completes 2011 Roster
Earlier today Team Saxo Bank-SunGard revealed its complete rider roster for the upcoming 2011 season. Alberto Contador confirmed as participating in upcoming Saxo Bank-SunGard training camp. Tour de France stage winner and former yellow jersey holder Michael Rasmussen (Denmark) remains blacklisted.
Team Saxo Bank-SunGard today revealed its complete rider roster for the upcoming 2011 season. Alberto Contador confirmed as participating in upcoming Saxo Bank-SunGard training camp. Tour de France stage winner and former yellow jersey holder Michael Rasmussen (Denmark) remains blacklisted.
Earlier today Team Saxo Bank-SunGard revealed its complete rider roster for the upcoming 2011 season. With this week's addition of Matteo Tosatto the 2011 team will consist of a total of 25 riders, who, according to team representatives, together will constitute a strong and very diverse group with expertise in all terrains and in all types of races.
"I'm really proud of this group of riders, and I'm very much looking forward to begin working with these guys, so we are perfectly ready for next year," Team Saxo Bank-SunGard and Riis Cycling owner Bjarne Riis commented.
The first task for the new team is waiting just around the corner. On Sunday a 14-day session kicks off at Playitas on Fuerteventura, where superb facilities and a wonderful climate provide ideal conditions for team building before the coming season.
Both Riis Cycling's staff and all Team Saxo Bank-SunGard riders will participate, including Alberto Contador, who is still accused of doping.
"I think it is important, that we all remember, that Alberto is not guilty until a judgment is made that indicates something otherwise. This has been the message from the UCI, and I think we should all respect that. We have also met with the UCI, and they have assured us that there are no problems in taking Alberto to our team building camp," Riis continued.
Riss added "It's an incredibly important camp for the team and our entire organization. It is the first time that we all get together and a great chance to get to know each other. This is where we create the complete foundation for our organization. Therefore, we will continue to work with our team building at Playitas."
Once again stage winner and former Tour de France yellow jersey holder Michael Rasmussen was left out in the cold in spite of negotiations to become part of Team Saxo Bank-SunGard having taken place in recent months. Michael Rasmussen is unfortunately still blacklisted in the world of pro cycling in spite of never having tested positive for doping.
Dane Michael Rasmussen definitely deserves a new chance in pro road cycling - much more so than many previous dopers who have been welcomed back in pro road cycling with open arms by many a team manager and many a grand tour organizer.
Complete 2011 Team Saxo Bank-SunGard Roster:
Alberto Contador (Spain)
Benjamin Noval (Spain)
Daniel Navarro (Spain)
Jesus Hernandez (Spain)
Gustav Larsson (Sweden)
Volodimir Gustov (Ukraine)
Juan Jose Haedo (Argentina)
Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Argentina)
Richie Porte (Australia)
David Tanner (Australia)
Baden Cooke (Australia)
Nick Nuyens (Belgium)
Michael Mørkøv (Denmark)
Kasper Klostergaard (Denmark)
Mads Christensen (Denmark)
Brian Vandborg (Denmark)
André Steensen (Denmark)
Jonas Aaen (Denmark)
Chris Anker Sørensen (Denmark)
Nicki Sørensen (Denmark)
Jonathan Bellis (Great Britain)
Matteo Tosatto (Italy)
Manuele Boaro (Italy)
Laurent Didier (Luxembourg)
Marycz Jaroslaw (Poland)