Thomas Dekker hopeful to find future team as he returns after two year ban – Cycling News
Thomas Dekker has returned to professional cycling after a two year ban as he tested positive for EPO in December 2007 and could not represent his team Garmin at the Tour de France 2009. He has returned to professional cycling on July 6, 2011 and has already
claimed his first win at the Duo Normand along with Johan Van Summeren as they finished the race in a total time of 1:06:48.
Team Gamin’s manager Jonathan Vaughters had the previous record as he teamed up with Jens Voigt in 2001 at the same event. Vansummeren and Dekker have managed to beat Jonathan and Voigt’s record as Dekker mentioned, “Even if Jonathan gave me a difficult
mission, he was and is always there to support me. He came up with the combination Dekker-Van Summeren for Duo Normand. It reminds him of the duo he was with Jens Voigt, when they won Duo Normand in 2001. He challenged me and Johan to beat the time he had
set with Voigt in 2001. And we did it! How cool is that?”
Dekker is striving hard to find a future team for himself and despite the win, there will be no rest for the Dutch rider. He is currently riding for Gamin’s development team, Chipotle-Sugar Labs and is hopeful to secure a place in Pro team Garmin Cervelo.
He has already impressed Garmin’s manager and this might open a door for the rider to represent the team in the coming seasons.
Team Gamin is the best but not the only option for the rider as there are still empty slots in other teams and Thomas is very much capable to fill up the slot at any team. The cyclist has already proved that he has been practicing during the time he has
spent outside as he came back strong and dominated the sport straight away.
The 27-year-old believes that he has strong chances to secure a place at a UCI team as he finished 7th at the Chrono Champenois. He also mentioned that Jonathan Vaughters and the rest of the team Garmin has motivated him and has appreciated his
performances. He has also been advised to go through various physical tests as Vaughters has also suggested him to help WADA, fight against doping.
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