I’ve got one word for you, Benjamin. Just one word. Are you listening? Fuglsang.
Yes, while most of the cycling world was still shaking off its Tour de France hangover, the 24-year-old was out wrapping up his second Tour of Denmark and first major contract extension. Fuglsang’s going so good, in fact, that Andy Schleck was slated to be his domestique at the Vuelta—or at least was, until a crash at Clasica San Sebastian put the remainder of the TdF runner-up’s season in doubt.
Fuglsang, by the way, is a converted mountain biker, which should bring to mind memories of Denmark’s last great GC hope—who coincidentally just happens to be coming back this week. Like the other famous doper getting back into the game this week, Rasmussen doesn’t exactly have a team yet.
But while Vinokourov is widely expected to line up in an Astana kit, The Chicken will be repping Los Locos bike shop, his long-time supporters and managers of his fan club. It’s been a good advertising year for shops in the pro ranks, no?
Fuglsang and The Chicken are regular training partners. As soon as Team High Road / Columbia learned of this, they immediately ceased negotiations with Fuglsang over a contract.
Of course, it didn’t stop Bjarne from stepping in.