André Greipel Discussion Thread

[GuyIncognito]

He used to win hilly races as a youth.

But as a pro, you have to specialize or risk never winning anything

 

[Lexman]

so will he stay at Lotto-Soudal, Lotto doesn't have a replacement worthy of him, no one (Debuscchere, Debuyst, Hofland,...) is a certainty for some sprint victories...

 

[Samamba]

Re:

so will he stay at Lotto-Soudal, Lotto doesn't have a replacement worthy of him, no one (Debuscchere, Debuyst, Hofland,...) is a certainty for some sprint victories...

They will go for Ewan if they don't find an agreement with Greipel.
If they find some extra money and they get Greipel to earn less, they might even go for Ewan next to Greipel.

 

[Flamin]

So it's not a done deal yet? I hope they go for fresh blood. Kind of seen enough Greipel after all those years.

 

[yaco]

Re: Re:

so will he stay at Lotto-Soudal, Lotto doesn't have a replacement worthy of him, no one (Debuscchere, Debuyst, Hofland,...) is a certainty for some sprint victories...

They will go for Ewan if they don't find an agreement with Greipel.
If they find some extra money and they get Greipel to earn less, they might even go for Ewan next to Greipel.

My understanding is Ewan is more likely to stay at Mitchelton Scott - It's also a case of many teams having a leading sprinter, so there aren't that many opportunities for Ewan to move - Will say that Greipel has chosen an interesting program pre TDF in which he's avoided the leading sprinters - Greipel will need luck to win a stage at the TDF.

 

[Lequack]

Greipel, Lotto-Soudal part ways after eight seasons of success:
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/greipel-lotto-soudal-part-ways-after-eight-seasons-of-success/

 

[jmdirt]

Rumor Alert: He was seen talking with Vaughters. I don't think that they have the money, but...

Disclaimer: Just chatting with someone doesn't necessarily mean anything.

 

[hazaran]

If he's about to sign with Vaughters he should rather retire immediately.

 

[yaco]

EF would be a good team for Greipel - They already have a decent sprint squad - Mitchelton Scott lose Ewan and they could be interested.

 

[IndianCyclist]

rather abrupt departure at a late stage. What the story?

 

[movingtarget]

Re:

EF would be a good team for Greipel - They already have a decent sprint squad - Mitchelton Scott lose Ewan and they could be interested.

A 36 year old sprinter probably doesn't fit in with Michelton's plans. A 25 year old one didn't...........

 

[yaco]

Re: Re:

EF would be a good team for Greipel - They already have a decent sprint squad - Mitchelton Scott lose Ewan and they could be interested.

A 36 year old sprinter probably doesn't fit in with Michelton's plans. A 25 year old one didn't...........

You are missing the point. Ewan was a priority resigning for MS but he chose to leave. They need a sprinter and Ackermann would be a perfect fit.

 

[search]

according to today's Het Nieuwsblad, Ackermann will stay with Bora, and Greipel may sign for Cycling Academy

 

[yaco]

Re:

according to today's Het Nieuwsblad, Ackermann will stay with Bora, and Greipel may sign for Cycling Academy

I am surprised that Ackermann would stay at Bora - How does he test himself at a GT when he's behind Sagan and Bennett.

 

[WKA311]

Re: Re:

according to today's Het Nieuwsblad, Ackermann will stay with Bora, and Greipel may sign for Cycling Academy

I am surprised that Ackermann would stay at Bora - How does he test himself at a GT when he's behind Sagan and Bennett.

Don't underestimate his integration within the team. He's close to Schwarzmann for example and seems to fit perfectly personality wise. He was slowly build by Bora and if they continue that I think he will end up a better Sprinter than Bennett in 2-3 years. Good decision from him, he is doing well and fitting perfectly.
Also he isn't doing a GT this year if i remember an interview with him correctly. So next year it'll probably be 3 Gt's with 3 different Sprinters.

 

[yaco]

Re: Re:

according to today's Het Nieuwsblad, Ackermann will stay with Bora, and Greipel may sign for Cycling Academy

I am surprised that Ackermann would stay at Bora - How does he test himself at a GT when he's behind Sagan and Bennett.

Don't underestimate his integration within the team. He's close to Schwarzmann for example and seems to fit perfectly personality wise. He was slowly build by Bora and if they continue that I think he will end up a better Sprinter than Bennett in 2-3 years. Good decision from him, he is doing well and fitting perfectly.
Also he isn't doing a GT this year if i remember an interview with him correctly. So next year it'll probably be 3 Gt's with 3 different Sprinters.

Well then I can see Bennett changing teams after his contract expires in 2019 - I rate Ackermann highly but it's unfeasible to have three quality sprinters in a team, especially with Sagan a lock each year for the TDF.

 

[Finn84]

Talking about ICA - how likely they are getting wildcards for Grand Tours? This year Giro was no-brainer since it started from Israel.

 

[Tim Booth]

Andre Greipel to ride the Tropicale Amissa Bongo [21-27 January 2019] with his new team Fortuneo Samsic

 

[jmdirt]

I think that it's great that AG is looking to get in breaks looking for wins! Today wasn't a good decision though because he had next to zero chance of winning a stage like this. He should be saving fun tickets for breaks on flatter days.

 

[RedheadDane]

Well, he had some troubles today…

 

[jaylew]

I can't figure out why he chose to go in the breakaway on a day like today. What did he possibly have to gain?

 

[staubsauger]

Greipel is on his farewell tour. It's about showcasing himself and provide some courage!

 

[tobydawq]

Re:

I can't figure out why he chose to go in the breakaway on a day like today. What did he possibly have to gain?

The possibility to sprint without being boxed in?

He still lost to Pasqualon and Politt, though...

 

[yaco]

On form shouldn't be riding the TDF - And Cavendish's is worse.

 

[Nirvana]

Re:

I can't figure out why he chose to go in the breakaway on a day like today. What did he possibly have to gain?

It's not something new for him, in 2016 he was in the break the (half) Ventoux day and he even attacked alone from the break on the hills preceding the final climb.