Top Classics rider and former world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara looks set to remain with the RadioShack Nissan team in 2013, despite indications that he is dissatisfied with the set-up.
Cancellara had a tough season due to the multiple fractures he suffered to his collarbone in the Tour of Flanders, and also the bad crash in the Olympic road race which ruined his chances of winning the time trial. Demoralised, he ended his season early and thus passed over the chance to win a fifth world time trial crown.
However his morale was also impacted by a difficult mood on the RadioShack Nissan team, caused in part by friction between Johan Bruyneel and certain riders, as well as delays in receiving his salary.
According to Blick.ch, his lawyers attempted to find a way for him to end his contract early and move elsewhere, but were unsuccessful. As a result he will stay with the team in 2013.
The Swiss publication states that he will largely work with directeur sportif Luca Guercilena. However Bruyneel’s own future in cycling is very uncertain, with the Belgian facing an arbitration hearing in relation to serious doping charges laid against him by USADA.
These relate to the US Postal Service team and other squads, and could result in him being given a lifetime ban.
Cancellara is one of the strongest Classic riders in the sport and hopes to put the misfortune of this season behind him and return to his best. Now 31, he should have several more years at a high level.
Despite the bad luck of this year he did post some strong results; early in the season, he won Strade Bianche and the Tirreno Adratico time trial, and was also second in Milan Sanremo. He also took the Tour de France prologue and wore yellow for a week.