He’s had a career shaped mainly by his riding for others and now Gabriel Rasch has been confirmed as a future directeur sportif for the Sky team, once again helping riders to chase their goals. The British team has today announced that he will take up that role in 2014, but not before riding the Classics for one last time.
“I'd always hoped to become a Sports Director once my riding days had come to a close and this is a big chance for me to do what I’d love to do with a team that I love,” said Rasch, speaking about the plans.
“It’s great that Team Sky give riders like me a chance to develop and I’d like to thank Sir Dave Brailsford and the management for all their support. I’m looking forward to repaying their trust in me. I have good relationships with my team-mates, management and the coaching staff and I’m sure they’ll help make my move to a Sports Director as smooth as possible.
“No one ever wants to stop riding but this is the right time and the right opportunity to pass on some of my experience. However, I’m not hanging up the bike just yet; I plan to fight for my place up until Paris-Roubaix and after that I will become a full-time DS for the team. I can’t wait to get started.”
The 37 year old Norwegian raced as a stagiare with Team Fakta in 2003, then later turned pro with Credit Agricole in 2008. After a season there he spent the next two years with the Cervélo Test Team, then moved to Garmin-Cervélo for the 2011 season and FDJ BigMat for 2012.
He moved to Sky prior to the start of this season and, according to performance manager Rod Ellingworth, settled in very well.
“We recognised early on that Gabba had a lot of the qualities that we look for in a Sports Director. He has an excellent work ethic, great cycling experience, and a calm and considered approach,” he said. “He knows exactly how the team works and we know he’ll do an excellent job for us.
“Gabba will join the DS team fresh from the bike which will make all the difference and will help him settle in quickly. This is an opportunity for him to pass on the huge amount of racing knowledge that he has accumulated over the years and pass it on to the younger riders – which I know he will relish.”
Before then, though, he said that the team is happy to support his ambitions to race in the Classics.
“He’s going to be a great addition to the DS team and we’re all looking forward to working with him in the 2014 season.”
Rasch helped the team to five wins in 2013, including Chris Froome’s Romandie success and Edvald Boasson Hagen’s Tour of Norway success.