Fabian Cancellara left Saxo Bank and mentor Bjarne Riis after five years and all signs point to the Luxembourg Pro Cycling project as his next team. Cancellara notes that the signing of Alberto Contador left him little choice but to move on. He is still happy about the time at the Danish team.
Cancellara remembers the good times when talking about Saxo Bank and Bjarne Riis. "Bjarne was really important in my career," he tells Sporza. Cancellara had to look for options, though, when the signing of triple Tour de France winner Alberto Contador was announced. "When Bjarne signed Contador, I knew that there would be a change for me."
Cancellara was worried about his own chances. "I was worried about losing my balance and I can't afford to have a year where I am slightly 'less top'," the Swiss rider said. Cancellara enjoys familiar surroundings. "I learned a lot from Bjarne, but I have to feel well in my skin. Saxo Bank was a superb time and I want to continue with these people."
The last sentence is a strong indicator that Cancellara will join the team around the Schleck brothers Frank and Andy, who also were at Saxo Bank. Several others have been confirmed to move from Saxo Bank to the Luxembourg Pro Cycling project, including Jens Voigt, Jakob Fuglsang, Stuart O'Grady and Dominik Klemme.
Cancellara turned professional in 2001 with Mapei - Quick Step, moved to Fassa Bortolo in 2003, then switched to Saxo Bank in 2006. The master against the clock won the World Championships time trial four times and is also the reigning Olympic time trial champion. This year he won the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix with long solo moves. Other career highlights include the yellow jersey in the Tour de France on several occasions.
In 2007 he defended the general classification lead by winning the stage from Waregem to Compiègne in Belgium, by many deemed a sprinter's stage. Cancellara attacked on the cobbles less than a kilometer from the line and held off the sprinters, led home by Erik Zabel.