Bjarne Riis’s quest to find backing for his team next season has been settled in the most straightforward way possible; the team’s current main sponsor, Saxo Bank, has decided to once again extend.
It was originally due to end its association at the conclusion of the 2010 season but opted to prolong its backing because of the arrival of Alberto Contador. Software firm SunGard also came on board, signing a multi-year deal.
Now, despite the uncertainty surrounding Contador because of his positive test for Clenbuterol in the 2010 Tour, the online trading and investment bank wants to remain part of the setup.
“It is indeed a great day for our cycling team,” said Riis today. “Saxo Bank is an extremely professional company, so I am proud that Saxo Bank has a strong faith in our work and continues to see the commercial benefits in sponsoring our team.
“Since 2008 we have shown in both words and actions, that we are a great match, and I am convinced we will continue to grow together because of the obvious benefits in a long term relationship. The continuity in our partnership also means a lot for the riders and for me personally. Now we can focus all our attention on creating results and the working process of putting together a strong rider group for next year.”
The decision may be interpreted as optimism about the chances that Contador may be cleared, or will receive a reduced sanction. The World Anti-Doping Agency WADA said recently that it was studying the increase in Clenbuterol positives, and that while no general threshold would be allowed, there was a chance they could be handled on a case-by-case basis in future. That said, the vast majority of these positives have occurred in South America and China, where there is a known problem with farmers dosing cattle with the growth promoter. There have been very few cases in Europe, where the substance is much more tightly regulated.
It is uncertain at this point in time if Clenbuterol is the sole consideration in the WADA application to CAS. The UCI has said that it is considering this substance only, but WADA opted not to combine its appeal with that of cycling's governing body, prompting speculation that its case could be argued differently and include different elements.
In the meantime, Contador has tightened his grip on the sport by winning the Giro d’Italia and taking several other race wins. Despite the fact that it has been thirteen years since any rider has managed to do the Giro-Tour double and that he has been complaining of fatigue, he will start the Tour in one and a half weeks as the firm favourite.
“Saxo Bank has always believed it was a sound commercial decision to support Bjarne Riis and the rest of the team but at the same time, it is hard to exaggerate the impact Bjarne Riis has on Danish and international cycling,” said Saxo Bank’s CEOs Kim Fournais and Lars Seier Christensen in a joint statement.
“We have a genuine desire to support Bjarne and provide the team with the necessary resources it takes to stay on top. Bjarne Riis and the team are a huge inspiration and motivation for many young talents, and Saxo Bank is proud to continue to ensure a world class cycling team in Denmark.”
Contador will ride the Spanish championships this weekend, making his return to competition in the time trial and road race.