Former classics hard man now team boss for the brand new Katusha team, Andrei Tchmil, spoke out this weekend at the Giro d’Italia about his concerns for their Belgian rider Gert Steegmans.
Steegmans developed a health problem earlier this year at the Tour Down Under and it has kept him out of the Katusha lineup. The Belgian said it is possible for him to train without problems, but each time he makes a major effort he has a tingling sensation down his backside and a loss of power in his left leg.
Steegmans was brought onto the team to help bolster their classics and sprint lineup, but Tchmil is having doubts about his choice telling nieuwsblad.be that, “A star has certain responsibilities. And that is not only to give interviews.”
The Russian was not shy about his feelings on the matter, saying that if a person doesn’t perform well for any type of job it is unacceptable. Not only Steegmans will be evaluated, but the rest of the team will be reviewed as well. Tchmil added: “Katusha is just like a professional company focused on achieving results. Those who are unable to do so must be replaced.”