Rabobank left hanging as Menchov joins Geox
After six years of riding for Erik Breukink, the director of team Rabobank, 2010 Tour de France podium finisher Denis Menchov has announced his separation from the Dutch cycling team. The 32-year-old Russian, with three Grand Tour victories under his belt, has signed on for Team Geox, which will be known as Footon-Servetto until the end of the season when it’s major sponsorship changes to Geox.
“We had him for six years and he had some great results with us and signed off with a great Tour,” said Breukink to Cyclingnews. “If you look at the history books he’s the best grand Tour rider we’ve had.”
Menchov’s split from the team also means he will no longer be supported by Robert Gesink, who played an integral part in securing a third-place finish for Menchov at this year’s Tour de France. The 24-year-old Gesink who finished sixth overall and second in the young rider’s classification behind Tour runner-up Andy Schleck, will remain with Rabobank, his hometown team, in 2011.
“You don’t put pressure on a guy like Gesink,” said Breukink. “He’s developing and he’s shown that he can go well in the Tour de France and we’ll keep on working with him.”
Rabobank has signed Matti Breschel and also has been in talks with Luis Leon Sanchez, who will rider this season’s Vuelta a Espana with team Caisse d’Epargne. Menchov and Sanchez will compete in the third Grand Tour, which begins on 28 August and will be Menchov’s last competition before joining Goex.
"We're very happy to see Denis Menchov understood fast how deep the project we have in mind at Geox is," said General Manager Mauro Gianetti. "He'll be forming up a very competitive pair with Sastre for the big stage races, giving a higher point for the team when it comes to team strategy in 3-week races.”
2008 Tour de France winner Carlos Sastre is also switching to Geox from the Cervelo Test Team. Also rumoured to make the switch are Damiano Cunego and Chris Horner.
“The trust that they‘ve placed in me since the very first conversation has been the most important factor that has pushed me towards this new project, but the background and experience of its leaders has also had an influence as they’ve been in cycling for years and years", said Sastre.
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