Olson to Colavita-Sutter Home

By Kirsten Robbins

After three years of racing for European teams Saunier-Duval, T-Mobile and American based team Bissell, Aaron Olson has returned to his roots with the Colavita-Sutter Home presented by Cooking light squad for the 2009 season.

"I am very happy to be back with the team and family at Colavita," Olson told Cyclingnews about signing with the New Jersey-based team upon the conclusion of his one-year contract with Bissell. "I almost signed with them [Colavita] last year returning from T-Mobile, and looking back it would have been the best team for me. So, this year, after riding for Bissell, I decided I wanted a change back to the team I rode for before going over to Saunier Duval and T-Mobile – It's like a family to me, so that was my biggest reason for joining the team."

The Eugene native had a successful season in 2005 competing with the Colavita squad along side former teammates now racing for Garmin-Chipotle, Will Frischkorn, Rock Racing's Ivan Dominguez, CSC-Saxo Bank's Juan Jose Haedo and former US Pro champion Mark McCormack.

"He showed his best years in Colavita, so why not bringing him back?" said director sportif Sebastian Alexandre. "I believe Aaron is a very strong rider, very complete and he will bring us more horsepower to the races. He is very strong, and we needed a rider like him to help the team keep winning races."

Olson made his dream leap over to European racing with team Saunier Duval - Prodir in 2006 followed by one year in magenta with T-Mobile in 2007. His two year stint offered valuable experience as a domestique for top guns of then Saunier-Duval riders Gilberto Simoni and Marco Pinotti along with then T-Mobile riders Michael Rogers and Kim Kirchen.

However, despite his hard-earned experience, the sport's negative image and tough economic times are making it difficult for even the best cyclist to find a home. "Considering the cycling world now, I feel fortunate to be a part of such a great team," said Olson regarding the team, which took second overall in the US National Racing Calendar standings in 2008.

"It will be great to be a part of the success they have had, especially this past season. Sebastian Alexandre believes in my abilities, and was a huge reason for me coming to the team, I believe he can get the most out of me and the team, and I look forward to riding under his direction next season. Colavita isn't only great Olive Oil, but a great team to be a part of."

In addition to Olson, confirmed returning riders include Argentina's Alejandro Borrajo, Anibal Borrajo and Sebastian Haedo along with American riders Kyle Wamsley, Tyler Wren, Andy Guptill, Dan Vaillancourt and Anthony Colby and Italian riders Davide Frattini and Luca Damiani.