Team Saxo Bank-Sungard has signed up two more riders for 2011, handing one year deals to the valued Ukrainian all-rounder Volodimir Gustov and the talented Italian Manuele Boaro.
Gustov previously raced with the team between 2006 and 2008, netting 12th overall in the 2007 Dauphiné Libéré and 14th in the 2008 Tour of Luxembourg. However he spent much of that time helping the team’s leaders to victories in races, including two Grand Tours.
“I'm happy to return to the team where I have memories of great performances with Bjarne Riis in the Giro d' Italia in 2006 and the Tour de France in 2008,” he said, referring to the wins by Ivan Basso and Carlos Sastre respectively. “More importantly, I'm looking forward to returning to the team philosophy which has helped me - not only in cycling but also in my personal life. Actually, I'm rather emotional about returning to the team and I'm highly motivated to achieve great results with my team-mates.”
The team announced today that it had also secured the services of Boaro, who was on a trial with the Carmiooro – NGC squad since August. Before that, he picked up a win in July’s Trofeo Citta di Brescia and is ready to aim for a strong career in the pro ranks.
“I'm honoured to get this huge opportunity with Saxo Bank-SunGard,” the former Italian junior time trial champion said. “This is a dream about to come true. I'll do my very best to demonstrate my worth and to repay the confidence that Bjarne (Riis) is showing me by offering me this contract. Naturally, I'm looking forward to meeting my new teammates and the staff around the team.”
Riis is still waiting to find out if Alberto Contador will lead the squad in 2011, as had been planned. If he faces a sanction for his positive test for Clenbuterol, young Australian rider Richie Porte is one of those who might be called on to lead the team in Grand Tours. Gustov will support whoever is the designated leader, while Boaro will learn and develop.