Director sportif, Kim Andersen, rejects rumors that Rasmussen might be headed to Luxembourg
Michael Rasmussen’s name has been linked often with Bjarne Riis’s Saxo Bank/Sungard team for 2011, perhaps not by Riis’s choice, but certainly due to media speculation. Another possibility, however, seemed to be the new Luxembourg outfit headed by Brian Nygaard and Kim Andersen. The former Yellow Jersey wearer at the Tour de France would seem a solid possibility to support the Schlecks in the mountains, and can also count a past relationship with both Nygaard and Andersen.
Unfortunately for the Dane who seems to be enjoying a previously unheard of popularity at home, Andersen has all but ruled out any chance of the two-time polka dot jersey winner riding for the new Luxembourg based team.
“Because of his age, Michael Rasmussen is just not an issue for us,” said the team’s sport director to TV2 Sport.
Andersen had nothing but good words for the lanky climber though, “He’s a fantastic rider, but we are trying to create a team based on youth, and we already have riders who pull that goal in the opposite direction.”
It is still unknown who will be riding for the Luxembourg outfit in 2011, but it’s certain that both of the Schlecks will be a part of the project. The announcement of the team’s roster should be released in the upcoming weeks.