How quickly things can change in the sport of cycling. Just a few months after staring bankruptcy in the face, the Danish cycling team Cult Energy-Stölting has revealed a stunning new signing for next season.
The Pro Continental Tour team confirmed today that the 2012 Olympic champion, Lasse Norman Hansen, will join its ranks next season from the World Tour team Cannondale-Garmin on a two-year contract.
“Lasse is undoubtedly one of the biggest talents in Denmark at the moment. When he was only 20 years old, he won Olympic gold. In 2013, he claimed both the Danish national under-23 road race and time trial championships,” said sporting director André Steensen.
“It was only natural for him to step up to become a part of the Cannondale-Garmin team in 2014 where he has gained a lot of road race experience. I’m sure Lasse will settle in perfectly and I’m happy that he will continue his promising development with CULT Energy-Stölting Group in 2016.”
READ MORE: Danish cycling team saved at the finish line
Aiming for Rio 2016
Hansen is currently taking part in the six-day races in London after recently winning a silver medal in the European championships in the omnium – the same discipline he won the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games.
The talent said he was impressed with the team’s work during its first year as a full-time pro team, and he looks forward to winning as many races as possible.
“There wasn’t much doubt in my mind. I think going to CULT Energy-Stölting Group is the right choice for me at this point in my career. I get a chance to focus on both road racing as well as pursuing my personal goals on the track and especially the 2016 Olympic Games where I’m looking forward to defending my gold medal from 2012,” said Hansen.
The team announced in August that it had staved off bankruptcy by merging with the German outfit Team Stölting.
