Tour de France champion Alberto Contador has been confirmed as taking part in Saxo Bank – SunGard’s upcoming training camp, having been given the green light by both the UCI and team owner Bjarne Riis.
The latter confirmed his participation today, saying that although he is suspended from competition, there is no requirement to exclude him from team functions such as the camp. It begins on Sunday.
“I think it is important that we all remember that Alberto is not guilty until a judgment is made that indicates something otherwise,” said Riis. “This has been the message from the UCI, and I think we should all respect that.”
The 27 year old rider tested positive for Clenbuterol on the second rest day of the 2010 Tour de France, showing trace amounts of the banned substance. He has insisted that the chemical entered his system when he ate contaminated beef. The UCI and WADA investigated the matter and have referred it to the Spanish cycling federation RFEC for a disciplinary hearing.
There is no indication as yet as to when that will take place but in the meantime, Riis has verified that he can continue to prepare for the upcoming season.
“We have also met with the UCI, and they have assured us that there are no problems in taking Alberto to our team building camp,” he stated.
The 14 day session will take place at the Payitas camp on Fuerteventura. Riis said that this will be an important group-building exercise.
"It's an incredibly important camp for the team and our entire organization,” he stated. “It is the first time that we all get together and a great chance to get to know each other. This is where we create the complete foundation for our organization. Therefore, we will continue to work with our team building at Playitas.”
The team confirmed today that the roster is now complete, with Matteo Tosatto being the final signing for the 2011 season. It will feature 25 riders, thus closing the door for Michael Rasmussen. The Danish climber had been hoping to secure a slot on the team, and there was a certain degree of expectation that he would get a place.
However he is missing from the final line-up, and must now look for another team.
Riis said he was pleased with the collection of individuals he has put together. “I'm really proud of this group of riders. I'm very much looking forward to begin working with these guys, so we are perfectly ready for next year.”
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Team Saxo Bank-SunGard for 2011:
Juan Jose Haedo (Argentina)
Lucas Sebastian Haedo (Argentina)
Richie Porte (Australia)
David Tanner (Australia)
Baden Cooke (Australia)
Nick Nuyens (Belgium)
Michael Mørkøv (Denmark)
Kasper Klostergaard (Denmark)
Mads Christensen (Denmark)
Brian Vandborg (Denmark)
André Steensen (Denmark)
Jonas Aaen (Denmark)
Chris Anker Sørensen (Denmark)
Nicki Sørensen (Denmark)
Jonathan Bellis (Great Britain)
Matteo Tosatto (Italy)
Manuele Boaro (Italy)
Laurent Didier (Luxembourg)
Marycz Jaroslaw (Poland)
Alberto Contador (Spain)
Benjamin Noval (Spain)
Daniel Navarro (Spain)
Jesus Hernandez (Spain)
Gustav Larsson (Sweden)
Volodimir Gustov (Ukraine)