Svein Tuft delays retirement, joins Rally Cycling for 2019
Veteran rider leaves Mitchelton-Scott after eight seasons
Although he indicated that he would be retiring at the end of the season, Canadian hard man Svein Tuft has signed with Pro Continental side Rally Cycling for 2019 after eight seasons with Mitchelton-Scott.
Eleven times Canadian time trial champion, Giro d’Italia pink jersey wearer, Tour de France lanterne rouge and silver medalist in the 2008 World Road Championships chrono, Tuft said earlier this season that the Giro d’Italia would be his last Grand Tour. Rally’s performance director Jonas Carney persuaded the 41-year old not to hang up his casquette yet.
In a statement released by his new team, Tuft said, “The chance to ride for a North American team with a bunch of Canadians came along in Rally Cycling and I couldn’t refuse. Sharing all that I have learned is what motivates me these days, and I couldn’t imagine a better team to do that with. One of the aspects I’ve really enjoyed on my current team, Michelton-Scott, has been sharing my years of experience with the younger fellas. The chance to do that with my fellow North Americans making that jump to Europe was very appealing to me.”
Rally has Canadians Pier-Andre Coté and Nigel Ellsay signed for next season. Canucks Ryan Anderson, Rob Britton, Adam de Vos, Matteo Dal-Cin and Ellsay rode for Rally this season.
Tuft recently raced the WorldTour Binck Bank Tour for Mitchelton-Scott. He will help drive the squad’s team time trial unit at the Innsbruck Road World Championships on Sunday. Right now it’s unclear what will be his last race for Mitchelton-Scott.
