Wednesday 20 August 2014 13:41, UK
Tinkoff-Saxo have continued their recruitment drive by signing Ivan Basso for the 2015 season.
Basso has signed a two-year contract and follows Cannondale team-mates Peter and Juraj Sagan in making the switch to Oleg Tinkov’s outfit.
The 36-year-old, two-time Giro d’Italia winner is likely to play a super domestique role for Alberto Contador and will reunite with Team Manager Bjarne Riis, whom he rode with at CSC between 2004 and 2006.
Basso confirmed the news on the Tinkoff-Saxo website by saying: “I’ve signed a two-year contract with Tinkoff-Saxo. I’m really impressed by Oleg Tinkov’s project. It’s the best team in the world, and I’m proud to be a part of that.
“I will start from scratch with the determination and desire of a new professional, but with the head and experience of a veteran.”
Team Owner Oleg Tinkov added: “With Alberto, Peter [Sagan], Rafal [Majka] and now Ivan we will become the number one team.
“I have always liked Ivan; he was at lunch with me in 2007 as I would have liked him to be with my team already then. Now I’m happy to have him in our team because I know how serious and dedicated he is.
“I believe that he can be an important asset for conquering the Pink Jersey at Giro.”
