Passing over a stagiaire position with Leopard Trek in the hope of a full deal with Saxo Bank SunGard, young Danish talent Christopher Juul-Jensen’s patience has paid off with the signing of a two year contract.
The 22 year old was confirmed today as joining the team until the end of 2014, thus stepping up from his current Glud & Marstrand – LRØ squad. He has taken several important results in recent seasons, securing the attention of Saxo Bank SunGard team owner Bjarne Riis.
In 2009 Juul-Jensen finished 17th overall in the Tour of Denmark, despite being just 20 years of age. Last year he took eighth overall in the espoir Liège-Bastogne-Liège and sixth in the Ville Saguenay Coupe des Nations event in Canada. He was also second on a stage of the latter.
He returned to the same race this year and confirmed his progression when he triumphed overall.
“This is certainly the culmination of a great year,” he said of the contract. “I still don't quite get the whole thing as this is really a dream come true. Now I just can't wait to get started.
“I know there's a lot of hard work waiting, but I'm ready for that. Obviously the first step is to get to know my team mates and prove to them, that they can rely on my work and then just continue my development as a rider.”
Juul-Jensen has been on the team’s radar for quite some time. He has been a guest on three training camps, most recently in July in the French Alps. His Glud & Marstrand – LRØ team has long had links to Saxo Bank, with several of its riders progressing to the pro ranks with Riis’ team.
"I really look forward to start working with Christopher,” said Riis. “We have closely monitored his development and his results, and I see him as one of the greatest prospects in Danish cycling. He is still young, but at the same time he has the right attitude and is very professional.”
Juul Jensen is currently competing in the Tour of Denmark with Glud & Marstrand – LRØ.
He lived in Ireland with his parents until 2006, representing the country in the 2005 European youth Olympics. His family relocated to Denmark and since then he has progressed, gaining strength and experience and now being set for what should be a strong pro career with the country’s top team.