Showing that it’s letting bygones be bygones, the Danish Saxo Bank SunGard team has confirmed that it is taking Anders Lund back in 2012. He was one of many who left the squad for the Leopard Trek team, a collective move which Bjarne Riis has said that he found very difficult to experience, but will now head back to the same team this year.
“Anders was one of the riders, we were sad to let go last year, so of course we are delighted he is now returning,” said Riis. “He is still pretty young, but despite that he has gained solid experience as a pro bike rider already. He is a great all rounder and a rider, who can compete and play a vital part of a team in almost any race from the cobblestone Classics and the Ardennes Classics to Grand Tours. We look forward to continue his development.”
Lund is a former world junior champion time trial silver medallist and was also runner-up in the European championship for under 23 riders in 2005. He raced with Riis’ team from 2007 to 2010, and is glad of a second chance.
“I must say I feel extremely privileged,” he admitted. “Not only did I find a new team, I found a fantastic team, and this was far from certain because of my situation. So of course I'm thrilled. I have always said I had a great spell with this team, so to return is the best possible outcome for me.”
He is hoping to ride strongly again in 2012; he was eight on a stage of the Vuelta last year, as well as sixth overall in the Tour of Slovenia and eight on stage one of the Tour de Romandie, but this season has been a quieter one in terms of results.
“First and foremost I hope to get back to the level I had last year and show that I can be a great help for my team mates,” he said. “I really want to get another shot at the Classics and a Grand Tour. Then my goal would also be to get that first win as a pro. But now is all about getting back to the level from last year.”
The Danish rider will meet his team-mates at the pre-season get togethers. Details of the first of those is yet to be confirmed.