Clearly upbeat about his new signing, the upcoming general manager of RadioShack Johan Bruyneel has predicted a big 2010 for Gert Steegmans.
“Steegmans is a talent. If he is in an environment where he can train strongly and feel well cared for, how can it go wrong?” he said in Knack magazine.
The 29 year old Belgian is a two-time stage winner in the Tour de France, sprinting to victory in Ghent in 2007 and Paris in 2008. He had hoped for a strong 2009 season, but a disagreement with his Katusha team over its anti-doping policies saw him essentially forced out of the squad.
He’s got a deal with Radioshack and Bruyneel sounds confident. “Steegmans will win at least ten races in 2010, mark my words. For us, the transfer of Steegmans is an opportunity.
“He is no Mark Cavendish, who an entire team must be built around. But he is someone who one day can beat Cavendish.”
He is also seen as a rider who could win Classics. Many such specialists start off as sprinters and then shine in the longer one-day races once they gain strength and experience.
Steegmans is training hard for the new season and is determined to get back on track. If Bruyneel’s predictions are correct, he could be on the verge of his best year to date.