Chris Anker Sorensen eyes strategic role at the 2011 Giro d'Italia
Danish climber Chris Anker Sorensen will be looking to claim the mountains classification at the 2011 edition of the Giro d'Italia after winning one stage in the race in 2010.
Sorensen, who rides for Bjarne Riis' Saxo Bank outfit, triumphed in the eighth stage of this year's race after climbing the Monte Terminillo in thick fog, finishing 30 seconds ahead of compatriot Simone Stortoni of Colnago-CSF Inox.
"I'll do the Giro where I will try to ride for the climber’s jersey and certain stages," the 26-year-old told
felter.dk about his ambitions for next season.
"I’m not going to ride for the overall because my time trial abilities aren’t good enough. It would be better to go there to try and win some stages, so it's better to save my energy on certain days in order to go on the attack afterwards."
Following the departures of Fabian Cancellara, as well as Andy and Frank Schleck to the Luxembourg Pro Cycling Project, Sorensen will be a key rider for Riis' team in 2011.
The manager will count on Sorensen to provide support for his teammates during the Tour de France in July, which is another reason the climber will not bid for the general classification at the Giro.
"I think that if you ride for the general classification at the Giro, it's then too hard at the Tour," said Sorensen, whose teammate Alberto Contador will lead Saxo Bank in next year's Tour if he is cleared of the doping charges that have been brought against
him by the International Cycling Union (UCI).
After the Giro and the Tour, Sorsensen said he will be targeting the 2011 UCI Road Race World Championships in front of his home crowd.
"I'm really looking forward to it. It's fantastic to be able to ride the Worlds in Denmark. There’s nothing bigger, even if the route isn't ideal for me."
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