Jens Voigt confirmed for Luxembourg team
The as-yet-unnamed Luxembourg pro cycling project of brothers Andy and Frank Schleck has announced the signing of German cycling veteran Jens Voigt. The 39-year-old German will
make the transfer from Saxo Bank along with the Schleck brothers, managers Brian Nygaard and Kim Andersen, and the expected transfer of several more riders.
"I love the idea of continuing to work with the Schlecks; we work well together and know what we can expect from each other," said Voigt. "I had a great time at my former team and
found a lot of personal and common success, but after seven years, I felt it was time to make a change."
The new team was announced shortly after the Tour de France but the details have been kept under wraps, with the title sponsor and much of the rider line-up yet to be revealed.
Voigt will be entering his 15th professional season with the team and planning to be on the winning team at the 2011 Tour de France.
"I hope to be good enough next year to make the Tour team at least one more time and to help one of the Schlecks onto the highest step," said Voigt. "I'm never going to win the Tour de France myself, but
I am still happy to have chances to race for myself in events like Paris-Nice and the Tour of California. Yes, my ambitions are still strong."
In his 14 years, the German has never had a winless season, with 2010 being the only year he has taken only one victory, a stage at the Volta a Catalunya. He has worn the yellow
jersey at the Tour de France twice and won five Grand Tour stages. While he plans to continue his winning streak, team manager Kim Andersen that he will be more valuable as a mentor than a racer.
"Jens has been around for quite a few years, but he still rides in the group with the excitement of a teenager," said Kim Andersen. "He is good for everyone's morale and you can
always count on Jens, which is a huge advantage. Jens has so much experience and is such a fun guy to be around that all the younger riders will take real pleasure in learning their trade from him."
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