Experienced classics rider Gabriel Rasch could be leaving Garmin-Cervélo at the end of the season and heading to Team SaxoBank-Sungard, according to reports. The Norwegian spent the last four years on the same teams as compatriot Thor Hushovd but with the latter making a move to BMC Racing Team, Rasch could also be leaving his current team.
“I am very happy here at Garmin-Cervélo and hope to extend my contract, but the situation with Leopard and RadioShack makes it very difficult. Garmin will also have the young Americans,” Rasch told procycling.no.
“It's true that I have talked to Bjarne Riis,” he admitted. “I would be part of the Classics team for Saxo Bank. I think that suits me fine. Also, I believe I have a lot to teach the younger riders on how to help the team captain in the best possible way.”
If Rasch was to move to the Danish team it would be a good acquisition for Riis who, over the last year, has lost key men such as Fabian Cancellara and Stuart O’Grady for his Classics program. Despite this, the experienced manager showed he has a knack for bringing the right talent on board, as he did with Nick Nuyens who went on to win Tour of Flanders this year.
The 35 year old Rasch is said to have inquired with fellow countrymen Kurt Asle Arvesen about the environment at SaxoBank-Sungard. Asle Arvesen previously spent six years on Riis’ team before moving to Team Sky.
“It has always been a dream to ride for Bjarne Riis. Kurt has told me much about Saxo Bank and the way the team is put together,” Rasch noted.
SaxoBank-Sungard has so far confirmed the signing of Tour de France stage winner Sergio Paulinho, with Karsten Kroon also said to be heading back to his former team.