August 8th is the deadline for the former yellow jersey wearer to sign with a team
36 year old Michael Rasmussen is aiming to take part in the upcoming Vuelta a Espana, which starts August 28th in Sevilla. The former yellow jersey wearer at the Tour de France started the season with the Italian continental team, Miche, but a bout of glandular fever saw Rasmussen out of competition almost as quickly as he returned to it. It wasn’t long before the team and the former mountain bike world champion parted ways.
Speaking with Feltet.dk, the Dane admitted: “I still believe, and I am optimistic. There is a reason why I have not signed for a smaller team at this point.”
No matter how much the former best climber at the Tour de France believes, however, there is a line drawn in the sand for a last possible date for his signing.
“There is a deadline on the 8th of August when teams must announce their reserve lists to the organizers.”
This might sound a far off dream, but Rasmussen apparently has the interest of two teams, one a ProTour squad, the other a Professional Continental outfit.
While Rasmussen’s past continues to haunt him at every turn, the most important thing he can assure his prospective suitors of is his form. The four-time Tour de France stage winner is one of the world’s best when he is on form, and if Rasmussen has returned to that level, it will be difficult for teams to remain at bay. It might sound simplistic, but if Riccardo Ricco and Alexandre Vinokourov can find a spot in the professional peloton following suspensions, it would seem possible that Rasmussen could finally emerge back onto the sport’s highest level following his unbelievably quick fall from grace after his Rabobank team withdrew him from the 2007 Tour after Stage 16 while still in the Maillot Jaune.
Rasmussen, who has always insisted on his innocence, insists: “My form is where it should be. I have trained well, as I must.”
One of the bigger concerns for many teams, besides his past, has been Rasmussen’s apparent disinterest in riding in support of another rider. Again, the lanky Dane assures otherwise: “I’m also interested in riding in support of another rider. I would be fine to ride in support of a captain if he is strong enough. I would just like to get back to the highest level.”
Another possibility for the future for Michael Rasmussen is a fledgling cooperation he has forged with major watch company, Christina Design London. Owner, Christina Hembo, is a supporter of the downtrodden Dane.
“I have no problem supporting Michael Rasmussen. I think it was unfair that he cannot get a new team. Whether it was right or wrong that he was kicked out of the Tour de France in 2007, he deserves to come back, and I would like to support him. This agreement is still very new, and I cannot say much more. Clearly we would bring in several other sponsors. I think there are several possibilities who would like to support Michael Rasmussen and think he has been unfairly treated and deserves to come back.”
Rasmussen for his part is excited to be in a position with the possibilities to get back to the top level.
“It’s exciting, and I am grateful for the support. Now we will see what it develops into.”
One has to wonder, will Rasmussen ever get a second chance? It doesn’t seem likely, no matter how much his name pops up with possibilities.