Garmin-Transitions team CEO Jonathan Vaughters has dismissed media reports that world road race champion Thor Hushovd could compete for a different team next year. He was responding to a story which originated today on the Krant Van West Vlaanderen site, quoting Hushovd’s soigneur Bart Brackez as saying that the Norwegian had spoken to Pegasus Racing CEO Chris White, received an offer and was considering it.
“That is the first I ever heard of that,” said Vaughters, when contacted by VeloNation. “Perhaps there’s a possibility that Chris White wants him on the team – many do – but Thor has a contract and it has already been filed with the UCI.
“I called him to congratulate him on his world championship victory, and he didn’t mention anything about that at all. In fact, Thor just called me today to ask if he can come to the Tour de France presentation with us, as we will be his team next year. So, no, I don’t think those reports are accurate.”
Hushovd has competed with the Cervélo TestTeam for the past two seasons, but learned this summer that the team would stop prematurely at the end of the year. Cervélo has agreed a partnership deal with Garmin, and several of its current riders will move across to the American ProTour team. Hushovd will be accompanied by Roger Hammond, Heinrich Haussler, Andreas Klier, Brett Lancaster, Daniel Lloyd and Gabriel Rasch.
The Canadian bike manufacturer is on board until at least 2013 and apart from being a co-sponsor, it will supply equipment to the squad.
Hushovd’s win at the world championship was a big boost to Vaughters, who will have two world champions on his team next year. The Briton Emma Pooley won the time trial title, and will form part of the Garmin-Cervélo women’s squad.
White previously stated that he wanted to sign Hushovd, but the rider agreed terms with Vaughters. The Australian has also said that he is interested in world time trial champion Fabian Cancellara, plus other big names. His team was due to lodge its complete ProTour application with the UCI by October 1st, but didn’t appear on the released list of teams.
White has said that a glitch delayed his application, and that he is confident that everything will be resolved soon. His title sponsor and rider lineup had been due to be released last week during the world road race championships. It has been delayed, with reports stating that the Alberto Contador positive test led to the announcement being put on hold.
The team is vying to become the first-ever Australian ProTour squad.