Team Sky's Kurt-Asle Arvesen has had a forgettable season in his first year with Team Sky. The six-time Norwegian national champion moved over to Team Sky amid much fanfare as a big one day threat, but has had little to show for his move in 2010. Arvesen was not selected for the Team Sky Tour de France team or Vuelta team, and most recently, he was not selected for the Norwegian Worlds team either. His best finish in 2010 has been an 8th place at his National Championships road race, otherwise a 53rd at the Tour of Flanders and a 54th overall at the Eneco Tour are all that he has to show for 2010. In short, it has been a forgettable year.
Team Sky, while probably not terribly worried about Arvesen's capabilities in 2011, have given the Norwegian a second possibility for next year: a move to the director's car.
Speaking with Norway's TV2, Arvesen was undecided on his next move. "I may have some good years yet, but I have to end at some point."
"I love cycling and would love to remain in the environment, so it is a good alternative to become sports director. We will see."
Arvesen came into the season with a lot of expectations, but almost immediately, it went downhill. The winner of both the E3 Prijs and Stage 11 of the Tour de France in 2008 got off to an immediately horrible start when he broke his collarbone at the Tour of Qatar in January. After that, it has been one setback after another for the former Danmark Rundt winner.
Arvesen concedes that his hard luck season has been a blow to his drive.
"It's hard to motivate myself for less racing when you've been racing for as many years as I have."
The 35 year old will have a spot on Team Sky next year regardless if he takes the director's role or not, because he penned a two year deal with the British team. Recent rumors have linked Arvesen with the new Luxembourg project in the capacity of a rider or a director, but it would be difficult for Arvesen to see himself out of his contract with Sky.
The future looks a bit blurry for Arvesen at the moment, but he isn't ready to give up just yet.
"I have not reached an agreement with myself yet, but as things stand now, I will race next year."