Fabian Cancellara: 'My future is with Trek, but not as a sports director'
Fabian Cancellara wants more than 'waving and shaking hands' when he retires, saying he wants to help develop the Trek-Segafredo youth riders
Fabian Cancellara's career as a professional cyclist is almost at a close, but the Swiss Classics legend doesn't see his time in the sport coming to an end just yet.
Like many former pros, Cancellara plans to move behind the scenes to help develop the next generation of Grand Tour and Classics winners, but not necessarily from behind the wheel of a support car.
The three-time Paris-Roubaix and Tour of Flanders winner confirmed he won't be working as a sports director with the team next year, but is confident of finding a role that suits him with Trek-Segafredo next year.
"I can now deny that I will be a sports director next year at Trek. I see more of a future for myself in the second line of the sport," said Cancellara, quoted in Sporza.
"Making decisions in a car is not for me. Of course I still love cycling and my future definitely lies with Trek. What [role] or how, we will have to see.
"I want to do something constructive. Appearing in quotes, some waving and shaking hands is great, but it should be something more. A form of youth [development] is something I see myself doing."
Cancellara could find himself working alongside former CSC ProTeam team-mate Ivan Basso at Trek next season, who is following Alberto Contador from Tinkoff to take up a technical role.
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
The Italian, who retired soon after successful treatment for testicular cancer diagnosed at the 2015 Tour de France, will work with Trek's young riders and development squads.
Trek-Segafredo have signed Giant-Alpecin's John Degenkolb to lead the Classics team in 2017, with Contador coming in to improve the team's chances in the Grand Tours next year.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.
-
Small Cost, BIG Features | Is This Indoor Training Platform Worth The Switch?
icTrainer costs 9x less than the market leader but this indoor training platform is still jam packed with features
By Sponsored Published
-
Remco Evenepoel in race against time for 2025 season, will miss 'big goals' after training crash
Belgian suffered fractures to his rib, right shoulder blade and right hand after being 'doored' by a Belgian postal vehicle last week
By Adam Becket Published
-
‘I couldn’t quite believe it’ - Charlie Quarterman on his rags to riches Giro d’Italia selection
The British rider spent a year at amateur level with Philippe Wagner Cycling before heading back to the top with Corratec
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
‘Giving up the Giro breaks my heart’ – Trek’s Giulio Ciccone forced out of home tour by Covid symptoms
Italian was relishing leading Trek’s challenge at Giro that starts in his home region
By Peter Cossins Published
-
Lizzie Deignan to return to racing at Flèche Wallonne, is a possibility for Liège–Bastogne–Liège
Trek-Segafredo finalise roster for Wednesday's Ardennes Classic, with Deignan returning for the first time since 2021
By Tom Thewlis Published
-
Lizzie Deignan: 'It’s a shame someone can’t see the value of the Women’s Tour'
The Women’s Tour’s only double winner expresses her disappointment after the cancellation of the 2023 race
By Owen Rogers Published
-
‘She said she wanted to cry’ - Elisa Longo Borghini lauds team-mate after dominant Jebel Hafeet win
The Italian duo rode clear of the peloton at the UAE Tour to take a memorable one-two
By Tom Davidson Published
-
All the 2023 kits: EF Education-EasyPost share latest collaboration with Rapha
American WorldTour team become latest to release their new 2023 kit, here's the rest
By Adam Becket Published
-
Van Vleuten confirms her superiority with Ceratizit Challenge GC victory
Elisa Balsamo takes the final stage bunch kick on the Madrid circuit after consummate work from Trek-Segafredo
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Trek-Segafredo win the Ceratizit Challenge by La Vuelta team time trial
Elisa Longo Borghini led the American squad home and will take the leader's red jersey into the remaining four stages
By Owen Rogers Last updated