Michael Rasmussen was caught by surprise from statements by his Miche team owner Marco Tozzi about his upcoming racing program. Tozzi commented that the Dane, who is trying to make a comeback after a two-year ban, expects to have big results in the Giro del Trentino, Vuelta a Asturias and the Tour of Portugal.
"I did not know that Tozzi was going to make those statements which were released to the international media. They were just too overwhelming for my taste," Rasmussen explained to Fetlet.dk
The Danish climber was just four days from almost-certain victory in the 2007 Tour de France when he was forced to withdraw over what he later admitted were lies about his whereabouts prior to the race. He claimed he was in Mexico, but was actually training in Italy. His actions would prevent out of competition doping tests from being carried out on him during that period.
Last October Rasmussen competed in the Vuelta a Chihuahua in Mexico for the Tecos Trek team, winning a stage, leading for three days and finishing sixth overall. He spent several months searching for a team, and was finally offered a contract with Tozzi's small Miche team.
Tozzi told Feltet.dk last week that the team wanted to keep Rasmussen on board for next season. In 2006 the team had Pro Continental status, and Tozzi says that they will plan for the same in 2011: "For now we are a Continental team, but we're working on becoming a Professional Continental team in the future so we have a chance to ride in the Giro d'Italia and other major races."
Ramsussen isn't enjoying the added pressure though. "It sounds almost as if I need to fight for victory every time I race, and I'm certainly not in a position to do that," added the 35 year old.
Rasmussen participated in the Trofeo Laigueglia today and was satisfied with his performance.
"There were probably 25 men in the first group on the last long climb, which which was just over six kilometers. It was a good feeling to be there," he told politiken.dk after the race. "It was really a positive day, and now I look forward to racing in the Tour of Sardinia on Tuesday."