Swiss powerhouse Fabian Cancellara has confirmed he will ride for Trek Bicycle’s recently-announced WorldTour team, which makes its debut in 2014.
Classics specialist Cancellara, 32, currently rides with RadioShack-Leopard Trek and took to Twitter to announce he would be staying with Trek after they revealed they will acquire Leopard SA’s WorldTour licence from next year.
RadioShack-Leopard Trek will continue under current management until the end of the year but Cancellara – the 2013 Ronde Van Vlaanderen and Paris-Roubaix champion – is excited for what the future holds.
“I think it’s hard to overestimate the importance and necessity of a company like Trek taking on such a huge role in cycling,” he said.
“Bike brands have always been around, but what Trek is doing is great for cycling. To me, it shows courage and a big sense of responsibility to do this. I want to be part of this new project and I have no doubt that it’s going to be great.
“Trek has been very close to me over the last three years, for example in the development of the Domane. This is a big opportunity for me as a bike rider and it will allow me to develop even more on the sporting side.”
Cancellara has signed a three-year contract with the new team and will lead their charge in the Classics, as he bids to add to his six Monuments wins and six further podium finishes.
Although not part of this year’s Tour de France, the Swiss star won the prologue in the 2012 race – his eighth stage win – and held the yellow jersey through to stage six before eventual champion Bradley Wiggins replaced him.
However, Trek vice-president Joe Vadeboncouer wants Cancellara to spearhead the team’s efforts in the early-season spotlight from next year.
“We’re looking to build a team that is a perennial force in the Classics, and who better to work with than the King himself?” said Vadeboncoeur.
“‘Great Athletes Ride Trek’ is something we believe in and Fabian exemplifies the type of athlete that we are looking to partner with.”
