Saxo Bank-SunGard denies Astana merger rumour
Danish team says new signings may be announced before Worlds
Saxo Bank-SunGard has denied media rumours that it is planning a merger with Team Astana in 2012.The team is putting together its plans for the 2012 season, and they do not involve a merger, a team spokesman said.
“Saxo Bank-SunGard has no current plans to merge with anyone,” spokesman Anders Damgaard told sporten.tv2.dk. “It is the season for speculation and the merger between Leopard Trek and RadioShack has not made the rumours any less.”
The Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf reported the rumour on Tuesday, saying that mutual bike supplier Specialized was encouraging the deal. The discussion were said to have started after the Tour de France stage to Alpe d'Huez.
"We are working these days to put together the team for next season and we hope soon we can announce something," Damgaard said.
One of those announcements is rumoured to be Christopher Froome of Team Sky, who finished a surprising second in the Vuelta a Espana. Froome held informal talks with Riis at the end of the Vuelta and would replace Australia's Richie Porte, who will ride for Team Sky in 2012.
"I cannot confirm whether we are in negotiations with Chris Froome. I can only say that we are working intensively to find one or more new riders for the team. But what will happen, time will tell,” Damgaard told sporten.dk.
“Perhaps there will be news to report even before the World Championships,” he hinted. Froome said he is likely to decide his future this week but also has other offers, including a five-year deal from Team Sky.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The only new signing that Saxo Bank-SunGard has announced so far is new professional Christopher Juul-Jensen. Three riders have said they are leaving: Porte and fellow Australians Baden Cooke and Luke Roberts. Cooke has signed with GreenEdge, with Roberts also being linked to the new Australian team.
Thank you for reading 5 articles in the past 30 days*
Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read any 5 articles for free in each 30-day period, this automatically resets
After your trial you will be billed £4.99 $7.99 €5.99 per month, cancel anytime. Or sign up for one year for just £49 $79 €59
Join now for unlimited access
Try your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1