Tour de France win number four: That’s the target for world number one Alberto Contador, who has been confirmed as teaming up with Bjarne Riis under the Saxo Bank-SunGard team banner in 2011.
As anticipated in recent days, the Spaniard has signed for the Danish team owner and will transfer from his current Astana team at the end of the season. Riis won the Tour in 2008 with then-Saxo Bank rider Carlos Sastre, and went close this year with Andy Schleck, who finished just 39 seconds behind Contador in Paris.
“Alberto (Contador) is a world class rider and it's with great pride that I can welcome him onboard the team for the next two years,” enthused Riis at today’s press conference in Denmark. “With three Tour de France victories on his resume and a position as number one on the world rankings, he is sure to stay at the very top for several years to come. Alberto will get a solid, strong and loyal team around him to support him in all terrains and I'm sure that this will be a fruitful alliance.”
Contador is pleased to sign the 24 month contract, and will endeavour to increase his Tour tally to five victories in that time. ”I'm very happy and excited about signing a two year contract with Riis Cycling. With the unique philosophy and team spirit the team offers I'm ensured solid support from the sponsors, administration and staff of riders that I'm looking forward to becoming a part of myself,” he stated.
Riis’ squad is known for its strong team-work and while some key riders such as the Schleck brothers and possibly Jens Voigt are departing the squad, it is expected that a large number of strong riders will stay. This contingent should include world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara, providing the whispers of him going to the BMC Racing Team are unfounded. But either way, Contador will have plenty of firepower to back him, including a handful of climbers he will inevitably wish to bring on board. More details of the lineup are expected soon.
The net effect for the 27 year old that he is happy with how things look for the future. “Historically, Riis Cycling has always been successful and together, we will have the ability to play a very important role in the world of cycling in the years to come,” he stated.
One key name to remain on board:
There were rumours that companies such as Siemens and Specialized would take over as title sponsors, joining the already-confirmed SunGard for 2011. However the main backer is one that was expected to leave; Saxo Bank has reversed its decision to back out, and will remain on board for the duration of next season.
“I am very happy to announce Saxo Bank and SunGard as future partners,” Riis said today, thus disclosing those who will back Contador’s bid for success. “With these two companies committed to the team, we have a solid financial foundation for the future. Saxo Bank and SunGard have ensured that the Team can continue its essential role within the world of cycling and will be able to maintain competing at the highest level. With Saxo Bank and SunGard as two strong backers, our future looks very bright.”
Riis had previously announced a new, un-named sponsor during the Tour de France, and said that it would be revealed at a later date. Today brought confirmation that sponsor was willing to step aside, “in order for the team's new plans to materialize.”
Saxo Bank essentially reversed its decision to back out when it learned that Contador would be on board for 2011, thus greatly increasing the media exposure it would achieve.
Co-founders of Saxo Bank Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen said in a joint release that they are excited about the thoughts of the Tour de France champion and world number one being associated with their brand next season. They indicated that it was Contador’s signature that played a key part.
“Bjarne Riis has delivered excellent results over the past couple of years and has an impressive plan for 2011.We believe it's important to recognize an unprecedented opportunity when you see one and therefore, we have decided to continue our sponsorship for one more year,” they explained. “In Saxo Bank, we always aim for the top and we believe Bjarne Riis and his Team can reach that goal next year. While our past collaboration with Bjarne Riis has been fantastic, we also know and trust the new co-title sponsor, SunGard, and that has made this strategic decision an even easier one to make.”
SunGard’s chief marketing officer Brian Robins was similarly upbeat, and knows that if Contador is on form, the company’s name will be getting a lot of exposure in 2011. “The Saxo Bank-SunGard Professional Cycling Team represents a fantastic opportunity to gain visibility for our brand in front of a global audience.”
Apart from winning three Tours, Contador has also clocked up Grand Tour wins in the Giro d’Italia and Vuelta a España, as well as showing his determination in a number of shorter stage races such as Paris-Nice, the Tour of the Algarve and others. He has said repeatedly in the past that he enjoys racing, and winning, and his new partners know that he is likely to be chasing victories throughout the season, not just in July.