Almost a year on from his dominant display in the Giro di Lombardia, where he soloed to the biggest victory of his career, Swiss rider Olivier Zaugg has inked a deal to compete with the Saxo Bank - Tinkoff Bank setup from 2013.
The 31 year old comes on board as both a helper to the team leaders and also as a rider who can shine on his day. He said that heading to pastures new would help his focus.
“For me, changing team means I have already found a new motivation to continue to give my maximum for my leaders and teammates,” he stated in confirming the move. “My impression is that Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank offers me an excellent working environment, where I'm happy and appreciated for what I am and what I do.”
Zaugg makes clear that he doesn't see his role as limited to that of domestique, though. “I also expect to still improve as a rider, and I hope I'm able to contribute to getting results for the team and, why not, also on a personal level.”
Having turned pro back in 2004 with the Saunier Duval-Prodir team, Zaugg raced with Gerolsteiner between 2007 and 2008, then spent two years with Liquigas before moving to Leopard Trek in 2011. His Lombardy success saw him retained by that setup this year, the rider competing under the RadioShack Nissan title.
Last year’s Classic win aside, his results also include some very solid performances such as eleventh in the 2008 Vuelta a España, plus fifteenth overall in the 2007 edition of the same race, the 2009 Tour de Suisse and the 2009 Volta a Catalunya,
This year he was fifth on a stage of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge and, once again, fifteenth in two other big races: the WorldTour GP Cycliste de Québec and GP Cycliste de Montréal.
Those results mark him out as a rider who could provide strong support to Alberto Contador and other leaders next year, but also show that in the right circumstances, that he can ride well for himself.
Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank team owner Bjarne Riis recognises this. “Oliver is the kind of rider that every team needs,” he said. “He is experienced, strong and smart, which he proved by winning an extremely tough race like Lombardia last year. But he is also the loyal helper ready to give everything to his team. I believe he is a super signing for us in trying to achieve our goals.”
Riis has made a number of new signings for 2013, including Nicolas Roche and Roman Kreuziger.