Tinkov’s spokesman says no agreement yet between Russian businessman and any team
Although a second sponsor has yet to be confirmed, Team Saxo Tinkoff has decided to take back on directeur sportif Tristran Hoffman, just over a week after the news that his contract with the team would not be renewed.
The former pro has confirmed his re-signing to TV2.dk, saying that he had been told that he would be retained after all.
“It is true,” he stated. “Perhaps he [team owner Bjarne Riis] found some money. I've had some good talks with him, and I had the opportunity to return, so I am happy and satisfied with that.”
In early November both Hoffman and fellow directeur sportif Dan Frost were told that they would be losing their positions. Riis’ team has been under pressure ever since current co-sponsor Oleg Tinkov said that he was not continuing with his Tinkoff Bank’s backing in 2014. Riis’ team has been under pressure ever since current co-sponsor Oleg Tinkov said that he was not continuing with his Tinkoff Bank’s backing in 2014.
However since that announcement after the Tour de France, he has been linked more recently with a possible decision to stay with the team.
Earlier this month La Gazzetta della Sport reported that he and Riis had hammered out a deal and that the Russian billionaire would be buying the squad.
He has denied that, although his spokesman Stefano Feltrin told VeloNation eleven days ago that there was a chance it might happen.
“After the end of our negotiation with Cannondale we have received several proposals - from existing teams and new projects - and we are working on them,” he told VeloNation. “Oleg’s relationship with Riis has been always ongoing - as he is, among other things, still his current sponsor.”
In light of the news that Hoffman would be coming back on board, VeloNation contacted him again this week to see if an agreement between Tinkov and Riis had been reached.
However Feltrin said that no progress had been made thus far and there was no news yet of a deal with Saxo Bank or any other team.
Whether or not an agreement is reached, Hoffman knows that he has a job for next year. Frost has however told Feltet.dk that he hasn’t been told of any change. “I have not spoken or heard anything from Bjarne. So unfortunately I have not found a new job. I do not expect to be part of the team next year,” he said.
The team has announced the signing of three young riders for 2013, namely Pawel Poljanski, Michael Kolar and Jesper Hansen. Matteo Tosatto has also been given a new two year contract.