Daniel Navarro determined to help Team Saxo Bank in the absence of Alberto Contador and Nick Nuyens
It appears as if Contador’s ban from professional cycling is not the only setback for Team Saxo Bank as the team has now lost their star rider Nick Nuyens.
Nuyens crashed during the opening stage of Paris-Nice and was treated immediately after the race.
The scans and tests showed no major injuries and it was believed that the cyclist will be back on his bike to ride the Tour of Flanders.
He briefed after the crash, “My preparations for the Tour of Flanders are only in danger if I'm unable to complete Paris-Nice, so I'm really hoping that I'll be back in the saddle tomorrow”.
The 31-year-old had an ideal opportunity to fill in for Alberto Contador but could not fight his fate. The crash has now raised suspicions about his participation at the Tour of Flanders 2012.
Contador was accused of consuming clenbuterol during the Tour de France 2010 and CAS handed him a two-year ban earlier in February 2012.
He is not only banned from professional cycling but has also been disqualified from all the victories since the 2010 edition of the French Grand Tour.
Most of the points earned by Team Saxo Bank in the past season came through Alberto and his exit has raised a big question mark on the Danish team’s World Tour license.
It appears as if the Belgian has to wait a little longer than expected to bag his first win of the new season.
Team Saxo Bank's Director Tristan Hoffman briefed that Nuyens' injury is a big blow to the team. The pressure has now been transferred on the young shoulders of Daniel Navarro.
The Spaniard is leading the team at Paris-Nice and is currently at the 28th overall position after the stage 3 classifications.
The Danish team is holding the 21st spot and is at the second last position at the team’s classifications after the third stage.
Navarro stated, "After a physically demanding training camp I'll try to make a good result in the Paris-Nice GC".
"I've had a solid build-up for the race with plenty of kilometres in perfect conditions and I hope the effort will bear fruit here and the races to come," he said.
With Nuyens participation still doubtful at the Tour of Flanders, Navarro has an ideal chance to claim some important wins for the team.
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