“I’m in it for winning bike races, not sitting out until I retire”
Following yesterday’s news that Fabian Cancellara had been linked to a three year contract with the planned Trek team, an evolution of his current RadioShack Leopard squad, the Swiss rider has confirmed the news.
“There was a lot of speculation around my professional future in the last couple of weeks – even months,” the 2013 Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner stated. “That’s why I’m really happy to confirm that I will stay with the Trek family.
“Trek has been very close to me over the last three years, for example in the development of the Domane. This is a big opportunity for me as a bike rider and it will allow me to develop even more on the sporting side. Because that’s what I’m in for: winning bike races, not sitting out until I retire. I’m motivated to get the maximum out of my career and I’m really proud it’s going to be on a Trek.”
Trek is taking over the WorldTour licence currently owned by Luxemourg businessman Flavio Becca. He has headed the Leopard project for the past three years, but is stepping back amid reports of financial difficulties, but also disillusionment with the team.
While Cancellara has had a successful spring, the team’s expected Grand Tour push with the Schleck brothers has not materialised.
Andy Schleck finished a fine second in the 2011 Tour de France but since then has suffered from injury and poor form. He has shown signs of improved condition but is not believed to be a frontrunner for this year’s Tour title. His brother Frank Schleck tested positive during last year’s Tour and has been sidelined since then.
Blick.ch reported yesterday that the duo will be offered contracts with the new setup, but at a greatly reduced salary. It remains to be seen if they will sign up for that.
Cancellara, though, is on board and sounds enthusiastic about the new ownership. “I think it’s hard to overestimate the importance and necessity of a company like Trek taking on such a huge role in cycling,” continued Cancellara. “Bike brands have always been around, but what Trek is doing is great for cycling. To me, it shows courage and a big sense of responsibility to do this. I want to be part of this new project and I have no doubt that it’s going to be great.”
Trek is now inviting other sponsors to get involved. Further details about the team’s lineup will emerge over the coming months.