The brief mention and resulting hoopla in the news about World Champion, Thor Hushovd's, possibly not heading to the Garmin-Cervelo team did have some real basis in truth. The Norwegian and World Champion confirmed some of this on Norway's TV2, but Riis reveals more in a recent conversation with ProCycling.no.
In the days leading up to Hushovd's World Championship victory and soon after the announcement of the demise of the Cervelo Test Team, Riis stepped up to inquire about the possibility of getting the signature of Hushovd for his Saxo Bank team.
"Yes, I asked him about where he stood when his team was about to disintegrate. I was obviously interested, because Thor is a good rider."
The Saxo Bank/SunGard manager had nothing but good words for the Classics specialist and former Green Jersey winner.
"I think he is a worthy champion. He is a strong rider and a serious athlete - one who deserves to win big races. This is something that excited me."
At the time that Riis began talking to Hushovd though, the deal was done with Garmin-Cervelo and the talks were basically a moot point. Hushovd, along with Haussler, Rasch, Lancaster, Hammond, Klier, and Lloyd had all signed for the new superteam.
Hushovd would have been a magical addition to the ranks of the Saxo Bank team, but instead, Riis and his troops are looking out at a new year with very different prospects.
"We still have a good team, although we lost Fabian Cancellara. We'll be ready when the season starts."
It wouldn't be a conversation with Bjarne Riis right now without mention of the fate of his star signing, Alberto Contador. Riis continues to hold out for hope, but is already looking to what life might be like without the five-time Grand Tour winner.
"We'll see what happens with Contador first, and find out if he can race or not. If he is suspended, this may be a good opportunity to build a new generation at Saxo Bank."