Takashi Miyazawa joined his first World Tour team, Saxo Bank-Sungard, for 2012
Japanese cycling star, Takashi Miyazawa, agreed to sign a one year deal with Team Saxo Bank-Sungard. The cyclist will represent the team throughout 2012.
The 33-year-old is with Team Farnese Vini-Neri Sottoli for the current season. Takashi secured the first position at Izegem Koers and landed at the 5th place at the Paris-Brussels.
Miyazawa started his professional career after joining Team Bridgestone Anchor in 2003. He quickly proved himself as one of the top sprinters and gained worldwide recognition.
Takashi managed to secure the Asian Championships in 2007.
His achievements were enough to impress Bjarne Riis of Team Saxo Bank-Sungard who signed the rider for the coming season.
It will be an ideal time for the Japanese cyclist to show his skills as he will be a part of the league that has the best riders of the sport.
Team Saxo Bank has already signed Alberto Contador, Benjamin Noval, Nick Nuyens, Jesus Hernandez, Daniel Navarro, Matteo Tosatto, Manuele Boaro and Volodymyr Gustov.
This is the first time that Miyazawa will ride for a WorldTour team. Having gained vast experience, he will certainly be a key factor in the team’s success.
He said, “This is my first go at a WorldTour team, but I'm not a rookie after years of racing in Europe. Of course my main goal for next season is to keep improving and do my very best to contribute to the team, but if I get the chance to win a race, I'll
certainly go for it. I also believe I can learn a lot from working with Bjarne Riis and the sport directors”.
Team Saxo Bank added some key cyclists in the team but also lost some important players. Schleck brothers, Anders Lund, Matti Breschel Stuart O’Grady and Jakob Fuglsang, have left the Danish squad for 2012.
It will be interesting to see how Team Saxo Bank performs in the coming season especially after the inclusion of the experienced Takashi. The cyclist is hopeful to perform well in his first WorldTour team and is confident that he will be given opportunities
at the upcoming major events.
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