Another promising young talent felled by doping, Thomas Dekker, is set to return next season. The former wunderkind from the Netherlands came crashing down to earth just days before the start of the 2009 Tour de France while riding for Silence-Lotto, after a urine sample from December 2007 was retroactively tested and revealed Dynepo, a type of recumbent EPO.
While a frustrated Dekker was given the maximum sentence of two years, the sentence is beginning to near its end. The former Tirreno-Adriatico winner will be allowed to return to racing just before the 2011 Tour de France and could theoretically take part and pick up exactly where he left off two seasons prior, but hopefully a changed man.
One team aiming for a spot in the Tour de France next season is powerful Dutch professional continental team, Vacansoleil. Team manager, Daan Luijkx, confesses in a conversation with Wieler Revue, that the 26 year old would make a compelling addition to the team.
"I think that Thomas, like Ricco, is a global talent. He too has had problems with pressure. Thomas has done stupid things, and Thomas deserves a second chance as well."
Unfortunately, it likely won't be with Vacansoleil. Dekker might have a future in the team if it weren't for the two other ex-dopers they recently signed: Riccardo Ricco and Ezequiel Mosquera.
"Right now, I just do not feel that Vacansoleil can give him that second chance. I do not close doors, but I am afraid that the wrong picture could arise if we did that."
Interestingly, when Luijkx cites recent signees, he only mentions Ricco. Perhaps, he is already writing off Mosquera following his recent positive at the Vuelta, or it could be a mere slip of the tongue. The upcoming publicity nightmare of the Mosquera case will not shine a pretty light on Vacansoleil's signing practices, especially following the signing of another doping sinner, Riccardo Ricco. Luikx seems wise to be worried about the team's image, as they aim for a much better race schedule in 2011.
"Especially after attracting Ricco [we could give the wrong impression], and I find that very difficult to say."
While Vacansoleil will be an unlikely next home for the talent, Luijkx feels that the powerful all-arounder should be given a second try.
"I hope that another team will give him a second chance. For that, he deserves."