Morkov and Rasmussen
Storming the charts
By Edward Swier
Even though they are only at the brink of their career, Michael Morkov and Alex Rasmussen have already had to deal with a big set back. At the end of 2009, the International Olympic Committee decided to take the Madison off the Olympic Program. And it is in this discipline that the Danes are the current world champions. ,,It is the absolute worst decision they could possibly take'', says Michael Morkov.
In 2009, the Morkov-Rasmussen duo took the Madison world title home from Poland. This past winter the fresh faced Danes and their rainbow jerseys could be admired during Sixday races all over Europe. They were able to snatch the win in the Ghent Sixday, amongst others. The fair haired Morkov and dark Rasmussen are rapidly making their way to the top of the pack. They both admit that Tacx is in part to thank for their success. ,,As members of team Saxo we already use several Tacx trainers. I’m very satisfied with their performance, they really help us pros prepare for a race'', tells us Morkov, the youngest one. ,,If I want to measure my output on the road I ride the Bushido ergotrainer, and – when warming up for a time trial for instance – on the Satori.''
The magic word
The magic word during Sixdays is Antares though. If you ask Morkov (April 30, 1985) what he associates the Antares rollers with, he will give you a surprising answer. ,,They make me think of winter'', the Danish world champion says with a smile. When he is enjoying a break during the Rotterdam Six, Morkov is willing to explain this further. His face bears the traces of a crash that he was involved in earlier in Ahoy'. ,,It is just bad luck, it’s all part of the game'', Morkov admits smilingly. ,,The Olympic letdown is much worse.'' His slightly older partner Alex Rasmussen (born |
June 9th, 1984) keeps reading. During the winter season he devours many a book. Morkov: ,,In winter I often use the rollers to do a good warm up, it is not always easy to do this on the track. But Antares is very well suited to keep your speed up to par, you can maintain a very high cadence, and that is just what you need to get the right feel in your legs.'' The Dane says he is ,,really impressed'' with the Antares. ,,I had ridden many other machines. But Tacx has given the rollers a whole new meaning.'' The talented duo, also a member of the Danish pursuit squad, has one main goal for 2010: to strike gold at Worlds, which is held in their own country. ,,We want to defend our title anyway of course.'' Then another adventure awaits Morkov. ,,With Saxo I will ride more road races, and probably the Giro also. A wonderful opportunity to show I am more than just a track specialist.'' |
