The internationalisation of cycling is continuing to move forward with the news that the Saxo Bank-SunGard team has decided to sign up the Japanese rider Takashi Miyazawa on a one year contract.
The 33 year old has been competing with the Farnese Vini squad this season and was fifth in the 1.HC Paris Brussels. He also won the Belgian race Izegem Koerse and was sixth in the 1.1 GP Nobili Rubinetterie/Coppa Citta di Stresa.
According to Bjarne Riis, he is capable of competing as one of the top teams in the sport. “In my opinion Takashi is a rider that has proven to be worthy of a chance to become part of a World Tour team,” he said. “He has a very professional approach to his sport, he is always willing to contribute to the team and at the same time he is a genuine guy. He is an aggressive rider and has solid abilities as a puncheur. So I'm happy to welcome him onboard.”
Miyazawa is currently back home in order to ride the Japan Cup as part of a national team. He will hold a press conference there today to discuss the signing, but has already given his initial reaction.
“I'm thrilled to become part of a team competing at the top level of professional cycling, and I'm even more thrilled that the team is Saxo Bank-SunGard,” he said. “I really like the focus on team spirit and riding aggressively. I also believe I can learn a lot from working with Bjarne Riis and the sport directors.
“This is my first go at a World Tour team, but I'm not a rookie after years of racing in Europe. Of course my main goal for next season is to keep improving and do my very best to contribute to the team, but if I get the chance to win a race, I'll certainly go for it. Now I'm just looking forward to get started.”
Miyazawa will be one of those competing alongside Alberto Contador, and will meet his new team-mates in the winter training camps. Riis will have a number of new signings for 2012.