As Fabian Cancellara readies for one last peak in his already impressive 2010 season, he isn't taking to a high profile race in preparation for October's World Championships in Melbourne. For the moment, the native of Berne, Switzerland is pedaling for a cause: disadvantaged children. Cancellara will start in the upcoming Tortour on Thursday in Neuhausen, Switzerland - from there, it's 1000 kilometers and 15,000 meters of climbing before his team will arrive back in the same place, four days later.
Following an outrageously successful romp around France, which included two stage wins and six days in the Maillot Jaune, the winner of this year's Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix took a well-deserved rest, but he's back in the saddle now and looking to Worlds in a month and a half.
"Yes, I'm starting the Tortour! This is something totally different for me though. I'm excited about the ride through the night," said the winner of all of the 2010 Tour de France's time trials to Blick.ch.
On the 19th of August, Cancellara will start with a six person team riding for the Laureus Foundation to take on the the 1000 kilometer loop around Switzerland, affectionately labeled, the Tortour, a play on the words torture and tour.
For the second time, the Laureus Foundation Switzerland, is the official charity partner of the race. Cancellara formed an official agreement with the Laureus Foundation Switzerland in hopes of "improving the prospects of disadvantaged children and young people through sport."
The world's best time trialist and Classics riders has not forgotten his roots and the opportunities he received at a young age. "I cannot imagine life without cycling. Sport is an important part of life. Unfortunately, there are many children, even here in Switzerland, who have no access to sport, which is why I want to lend my support and help to the Laureus Foundation as an ambassador."
For the four day event, Cancellara will take to the roads with a very different squad compared to his normal Saxo Bank outfit.
"Our team is comprised of an entertaining mixture of personalities that are all very motivated." The cycling superstar will team up with Georges Kern (CEO of IWC), triathlete Ronnie Schildknecht, and extreme athlete, Martin Schlagenhauff, along with two others.