Bjarne Riis asked more from his young side, Team Saxo Bank

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Bjarne Riis asked more from his young side, Team Saxo Bank
Bjarne Riis of Team Saxo Bank Sungard admitted his sides disappointing performance during the first Grand Tour race of the season.
The team is riding without their star cyclist Alberto Contador and his absence was clearly felt during the Italian race.
The Spaniard was accused of using clenbuterol during the 2010 edition of the French Grand Tour and the final decision on his case was made in 2012.
The jury was convinced that the cyclist used unfair means to enhance his performance during the race and handed him a two-year ban.
The ban prevents him from riding all the major cycling races of the season including the Giro d’Italia, Tour de France and the 2012 Olympic Games.
The only Grand Tour race he is allowed to ride in the 2012 season is the Vuelta a Espana and his absence is deeply felt in the Danish side.
Riis shared his distress through an article in Ekstra Bladet newspaper, “I had obviously hoped for more than we got but we struggled with what we had,” he noted.
“When in the coming days I evaluate the events in detail, I must also be realistic in terms of what we went into the Giro with”.
“We knew it would be difficult to bring home good results,” he said, while pointing out the team gained experience from the race,” he concluded.
He appreciated the performances of Juan Jose Haedo and Manuele Boaro for their splendid performances at the Giro d’Italia 2012.
“At the Giro, JJ was able to practice even more to gain the maximum benefit from the sprinter train, as his teammates bring him into an optimal position in the sprint”.
“And we have further views on how JJ should improve”.
Team Saxo Bank finished the race at the 21st overall position after the final team’s classifications.
Team Lampre-ISD, Team Movistar, Team Sky and Team Astana occupied the top four positions in the respective order.
Team Saxo Bank is now eyeing the Tour de France as the next big goal of his 2012 season and Chris Anker Sorensen will lead the side at the most prestigious race of the season.