While Anders Lund might not be the first name that pops up as a potential member of the Leopard Trek team this coming July at the Tour de France, it appears that the possibility has not been shut down entirely by the young Dane's new team.
"If I play my cards right, I have the potential to be a part of the Tour de France team. But of course, I also have to be realistic - I'm probably not the first or second choice for a spot, but it isn't unlikely either. If I continue my development from last season, there is certainly a possibility. I'm certainly not there yet, but I hope that I can manage more," said the Dane to feltet.dk.
The 25 year old's progression continued in 2010 with a solid season highlighted by two Grand Tour finishes - the Giro and the Vuelta. Lund also netted his first top ten Grand Tour stage result, 6th, in Stage 10 of the Vuelta out of the day's break behind Caisse d'Epargne's Imanol Erviti.
Lund had his chance to shine in races outside of the Grand Tours as well in 2010. He took 8th in Stage 1 of the Tour de Romandie, 6th overall at the mountainous Tour of Slovenia, 3rd in the Danish National Championships road race, and 8th at the Japan Cup to cap off a respectable season.
Since netting second place behind the Netherlands's Kai Reus at the World Junior Road Championships in Hamilton, Canada, Lund has been on a consistent upward path toward the Tour de France.
After three seasons with Team GLS, Lund got the call up to Denmark's top team, CSC, where he spent four seasons plying his trade. In 2010, he enjoyed his best season yet, and then made even more headlines when he formed part of the Saxo Bank exodus to Leopard Trek.
What Lund may lack in outright results, he more than makes up for as a strong teammate and in ambition. Lund is thinking big thoughts for 2011, and while a Tour de France start by itself would be a huge triumph considering the firepower within the confines of the Leopard Trek camp, he even posits the idea of a double Grand Tour year - with the Tour and the Vuelta.
"It is clear that if I do not race the Tour de France this year, then I very much hope to race the Vuelta. It's a good prerequisite, three weeks of racing in Spain, for a good World Championships, so I would love that. But it's still not the Tour. If everything goes well, then it may be that I can fit in both races."
Every year, riders come out of seemingly nowhere to surprise. Lund's pedigree is undisputed, but the results have only been sparing since turning pro. Bjarne Riis had no doubts about the young talent though, and perhaps 2011 will be the year that his flower blooms.
"He's still got his first pro victory ahead of him, but I know he's a major talent, who can go far - so it's only a matter of time," said the Saxo Bank manager back in the summer of 2008.