Schlecks, Cancellara, Arvesen and O'Grady form experienced Saxo Bank squad
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Alexandr Kolobnev (CSC-Saxo Bank) was delighted to make the podium.(Image credit: Isabelle Duchesne)
It was a close sprint between Breschel and Iglinskiy(Image credit: Fotoreporter Sirotti)
Fabian Cancellara (Saxo Bank) begins his crack at another TT win.(Image credit: Russell Standring)
Andy Schleck has been busy with post-Tour racing engagements.(Image credit: Bert Geerts/dcp-bertgeerts@xs4all.nl)
Andy Schleck and Jakob Fuglsang will start the Vuelta a España at the head of another formidable Saxo Bank line-up. The team will carry a wealth of experience into the race with a number of the team's star riders set to roll down the start ramp in Assen on Saturday.
Last year, Saxo Bank recorded a third place finish overall through Carlos Sastre. With the departure of the Spaniard to Cervélo TestTeam at the end of last year, Schleck and Fuglsang will now lead a two-pronged challenge for a high result on the general classification.
Supporting them will be Andy's brother Fränk Schleck, Fabian Cancellara, Kurt-Asle Arvesen and Stuart O'Grady.
Cancellara will start Saturday's prologue on Saturday as one of the favourites to claim the first leader's jersey of the race. The Swiss time trial specialist will start the Vuelta as part of his preparation for his attempt at a third world time trial championship title next month in his home country.
Alexandr Kolobnev will make his third successive Vuelta appearance for the team, while Matti Breschel will return after a successful participation in 2008. Breschel won the final stage of the race in Madrid last year. The Dane has enjoyed his most successful season to date, with five wins recorded this year.
Dutchman Karsten Kroon, who has been rumoured to leave Saxo Bank at the end of the current season, will also ride in what could be his final Grand Tour for the team. He too will be make his third successive appearance at the Vuelta in Saxo Bank colours.
