Russian riders Ivan Rovny and Nikolay Trusov will join Team Tinkoff-Saxo in 2014. Both riders have agreed to two year contracts, which will see them stay with the World Tour team until 2016.
Manager Bjarne Riis is happy to welcome the two Russians, who both rode for team owner Oleg Tinkov’s previous team, Tinkoff Restaurants earlier in their careers.
“I believe Ivan and Nikolay will be valuable members of our team. Both of them attended our recent training camp in Grand Canaria, and I got to know them as two great guys. Ivan is coming of a strong season on continental level. I think he deserves another shot at World Tour-level, and I expect he can be a great asset for us in hilly races and a stage races like Giro d’Italia. Nikolay is a big and strong guy, and I see him as a rider, who could fit into our classic team and also a rider, who has the ability to take part in a sprinter’s train. I look forward to work with them,” Riis says.
26 year-old Ivan Rovny joins Tinkoff-Saxo from Ceramica Flaminia-Fondriest as is happy to have another go at World Tour-level after stints with Katusha and Radioshack.
“I am pleased to have another chance at a big team. I believe, we have the best bikes and equipment available and on top of that a great group of staff, managers and directors to work with us. And knowing Oleg Tinkov, I believe this team will be very succesful,” Ivan Rovny says.
28 year-old Nikolay Trusov signs with Tinkoff-Saxo after a stint with Team De Rijke-Shanks.
“For two years I wasn’t part of the World Tour, so naturally I’m just thrilled that I’m now with Tinkoff-Saxo. For me it’s a big chance to return to the big race, and after being part of the first team camp I’m convinced we have the setup and structure needed to achieve the team’s goal to become the best in the world in the coming years. I look very much forward to get the new season started,” Nikolay Trusov says.
Ron Callahan is the chief cook and bottlewasher at Bike World News, doing everything from website design to bike reviews.