Riis signs four to support and guide team’s riders
With plans well underway for the 2011 season, the Saxo Bank Sungard team has announced the names of those who will guide the riders next year. Existing sports directors Brad McGee and Dan Frost will remain on board, with four new additions joining them at the helm of the team.
The first new addition is Tristan Hoffman, who previously raced and directed the team before taking up management duties with HTC Columbia. Thrice placing in the top four in Paris-Roubaix, the 2004 runner-up will bring plenty of experience with him.
”I have had some good years as sports director at T-Mobile and HTC-Columbia where I gained four years of solid experience,” said the Dutchman. “However, it was always my dream to come back to Riis Cycling and now I received the offer from Bjarne (Riis). Primarily, my expertise is related to the French-Belgian one-day races. Now, I’m looking forward to meeting old and new friends.”
Another returning past rider is the Italian sprinter Fabrizio Guidi, who clocked up 40 career wins prior to his retirement in 2007. Those victories include three stages in the Vuelta and two in the Giro, where he also thrice won the Intergiro competition.
”I’m honored and proud to become a part of one of the best cycling teams in the world where I get to develop and shape some of the biggest talents,” he stated. “To have this kind of influence is thrilling and I’ll do my very best to contribute to the achievement of our goals.”
The other two additions are Philippe Mauduit and Nick Gates. Mauduit completed his pro career in 1999, then acted as directeur sportif with teams such as Bouygues Telecom and, more recently, the Cervélo Test Team.
He sees the move as the latest step in his development. “Every year since I started my career as sports director, I’ve set new goals for myself to secure my own development and in this job, aspects like psychology, coaching, fitness, communication, diet, strategy and tactics play a huge role. At the future Saxo Bank-SunGard team, I’ll get the chance to shape the riders while at the same time working with people who can teach me as well,” says the Frenchman.
Former Silence-Lotto pro Gates is also enthusiastic. “I’’m very excited about working with Bjarne Riis and of course the rest of the Saxo Bank-SunGard staff in 2011. After a briefing with team management I didn’t hesitate joining the team which has a unique culture and values I certainly approve.”
Riis is currently waiting to find out if Alberto Contador will be with the team in 2011. The Spaniard is under investigation after testing positive for Clenbuterol, but is hoping to either escape sanction or to be sidelined for a minimal length of time. Depending on what WADA and the UCI conclude, he could face a lengthy break from the sport.
If so, the team’s focus would most likely shift to riders like Richie Porte, who is one of the most exciting new talents in pro cycling.