Bjarne Riis’ Saxo Bank-Sungard team has seen plenty of changes this year, with many rider leaving and others coming on board. A further addition is the journalist Anders Damgaard, Danish sportswriter of the year in 2008, who is joining as Communications Manager.
“We have been searching for the right profile for the job as Riis Cycling's Communications Manager for quite some time, and I'm convinced that Anders with his background as an experienced journalist fits perfect to our organization, to the team and to me. We are happy to welcome Anders as a part of our team,” said Riis, when making the announcement.
“During the latest months, we have been working on restructuring our organization. As a vital part of this strategy, it's natural for us to strengthen the focus on our communication, externally in relation to our stakeholders and internally at Riis Cycling. I feel confident that Anders can help develop our future media strategy,” says Bjarne Riis.
Damgaard will take up the position on January 1st and will deal with both the Danish and international press. Aside from the internal and external communications roles, he will also handle public relations for the team.
He has covered the Tour de France in the past. The 35 year old has been working for the national Danish news agency Ritzaus Bureau and the daily papers Berlingske Tidende and B.T.
His role will call on him to ensure the best possible image for the team, thus maximising the return for the sponsors via press coverage.
Brian Nygaard, who was the team’s press officer until moving to Team Sky for the 2009 season, is now the general manager of the rival Luxembourg Pro Cycling Team.