The Olympic champion and two-time world time trial champion, Fabian Cancellara, will in future support the Laureus Foundation Switzerland as an ambassador. Together with other Laureus ambassadors, Fabian Cancellara is lending his support to improving the prospects of disadvantaged children and young people through sport. Fabian Cancellara is one of the most successful Swiss cyclists of all time.

Cancellara, who was born in 1981, was twice world junior time trial champion (1998 and 1999) and also won the professional title in 2006 and 2007. Cancellara also made it onto the podium twice in the Olympic Games in Beijing: as the Olympic time trial champion and as bronze medallist in the road race.

With a total of 15 days wearing the maillot jaune (Tour de France 2004, 2007 and 2009), Fabian Cancellara lies ahead of even Ferdy Köbler (11 days). To mark the start of his voluntary commitment for the foundation, the winner of this year's Tour de Suisse will donate his winner's jersey as an object for auction at the Laureus Charity Night on 12 September 2009.

Through this donation, Fabian Cancellara will help to procure additional funds; the proceeds from the auction will be used entirely for projects run by the Laureus Foundation Switzerland. “I cannot imagine life without cycling.

Sport is an important part of life. Unfortunately there are many children, even here in Switzerland, who have no access to sport, which is why I want to lend my support and help to the Laureus Foundation as an ambassador”, said Cancellara when handing over the jersey to Urs Lehmann, president of the Laureus board of trustees.

The latter will take part in the non-stop “Tortour” bicycle race in a few days on the Laureus team. “Of course, it would have been perfect to line up at the start with Fabian”, said Lehmann, “but we are delighted that an athlete is taking time out to volunteer their services during their career.” Alongside Fabian Cancellara, 17 other highly-regarded Swiss sports legends and individuals also lend their support to the national foundation.