Matti Breschel returns to Slipstream Sports
Oct 25 2017 06:46 pm CET
SUBSCRIBE TO RSS FEEDSSlipstream Sport has announced the return of Matti Breschel. The Dane comes back to the American squad with a one-year contract.
The rider left the team to join Astana for the 2017 season and now his return is set for the 2018 season. Breschel will mainly focus on the classics and Grand Tours.
"It’s great to be back," said the rider. "I’m really happy. I never really wanted to leave the team. I was a bit sad when I’m left, and I’m glad to have the opportunity to return."
Breschel thinks this time the situation at the team is going to be different from the last time he rode there. "We’re a much stronger squad in 2018, especially on the classics side," commented the Scandinavian. "That’s where I fit in, and I’m looking forward to helping Sep (Vanmarcke).
"He’s the guy that can finish it off, and we didn’t necessarily have that the last time I was here. It’s going to be a real challenge to get him up for the win, but I think we’re up for it. We’re one of the stronger teams in the classics on paper – that’s the way I see it at least."
The rider has 21 victories in 14 seasons as a professional, the first and the last having come in the same race: the Post Danmark Rundt in 2007 and 2017. "I would love to start winning again or maybe just one win would be enough," he affirmed. "But if we can win a classic, a big one, or if I can be part of a winning team in a grand tour, that would be great, too.
"I realize those are pretty high expectations, but I’m really motivated. This is a strong squad with some really interesting names on it, and I definitely think we can do big things next year."
Slipstream Sports CEO Jonathan Vaughters also thinks that the future of Breschel in the team will differ from the past. "During Matti’s first year with us, he wasn’t really able to perform to his usual standards," he explained. "He was sick for most of the spring and he crashed out of the Tour. He’s a huge talent, and we’re confident his experience and horsepower will be vital to our young team."
