The Liquigas cycling team boldly signed two lesser-known American riders for 2011 in Tim Duggan and Ted King. The duo have both ridden for Pro Tour level teams in the past, but neither has been able to break through in the victory column on the Euro scene. Presumably each will be asked to work hard for the multiple team leaders on the Liquigas team, while providing a strong American presence at the Amgen Tour of Claifornia and Quiznos Challenge stage races.
Ted King spent 2010 toiling as a domestique of the Cervelo TestTeam. The New Englander has yet to break through with a big win in the European ranks, but he has proven himself a worthy worker for any big team. Known for his tongue-in-cheek persona and overall humble attitude, King is a great ambassador for the sport and a rider as valuable on the bike as in the press room.
Tim Duggan, like King, is a humble and down to earth rider still waiting for his big breakthrough in the ProTour ranks. He spent his entire pro career with Jonathan Vaughters' Garmin squad, where he has developed into a strong all-arounder. After suffering a near career endign crash in 2008, Duggan has proven himself a valuable teammate in stage races and hilly classics. He likely won't have many opportunities for victory, but he'll no doubt have a hand in delivering some of Liquigas' bigger names across the line in first place throughout the year.
Sometimes the best thing for a professional rider is shaking things up and taking on a radical new challenge. Both King and Duggan have done just that in signing with the Liquigas team. They'll be a part of one of the most dominant teams in the peloton, and each will be afforded the chance to learn under some of the best riders in the world. And while each may not have many victories throughout the year, their worth will be measure in their tireless support rather than their individual results. Two throwbacks with selfless attitudes, King and Duggan are just what liquigas needs for their team leaders.
Sometimes the best thing for a professional rider is shaking things up and taking on a radical new challenge. Both King and Duggan have done just that in signing with the Liquigas team. They'll be a part of one of the most dominant teams in the peloton, and each will be afforded the chance to learn under some of the best riders in the world. And while each may not have many victories throughout the year, their worth will be measure in their tireless support rather than their individual results. Two throwbacks with selfless attitudes, King and Duggan are just what liquigas needs for their team leaders.
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