Conflict of interest

[Gcraenen]

Earlier this year, the Schleck brothers secretely negotiated with a new team, and confirmed they would leave at the end of the season when the news leaked out. Now, Their manager, Bjarne Riis, is negotiating with alberto contador about joining his team next year. To top it all of, Riis' new sponser is runmoured to be specialized, the bike currently conveying team Astana around the french countryside.

What does this all do the Andy and Alberto's psyche?

 

[Barrus]

Really this would apply to any manager in the pro peloton. All of them have conflicting interests concerning riders, sponsors and supporting staff, everyone is partly dependent on one another and people need to remain diplomatic and on good terms with most, for you never know what the future brings and on what team you'll be, or what rider you'll have in your team in coming years.

 

[Gcraenen]

Sure Barrus, but it used to be those things could wait till the world championship / fall classics time of year. The middle of the Tour is a bit early for these shananigans.
If andy feels a bit lonely, he only has himself to blame of course. On the other hand, Riis did a great job with Carlos Sastre in 2008 when it was already known he was leaving for Cervelo.

 

[Barrus]

Sure Barrus, but it used to be those things could wait till the world championship / fall classics time of year. The middle of the Tour is a bit early for these shananigans.

Most of the contract negotiations have already started during or before the tour and most of the deals are being closed or made during the tour

 

[Cerberus]

Obviously if the rumours are true Riis is going to be less disappointed to see Contador win the Tour than he would be otherwise, but I still think he would prefer to have his current riders win the Tour as opposed to his future riders, even if it's a done deal, so I don't think there the conflict of interest is that big. Besides, what is Riis supposed to do? Not try to hire someone to replace the Schlecks?

 

[ttrider]

where has this rumour come from?

 

[Gcraenen]

where has this rumour come from?

The Belgian newspapers. And they know their cycling.

 

[Gcraenen]

I cant blame Riis for going after Cpontador, especialy with a new sponsor who has already shown great interest in Alberto. But will Alberto have the support he needs for a Grand Tour ride on a depleted Saxo Bank > Specialized team?

Would Quickstep be a better option for him?

 

[Susan Westemeyer]

Actually it comes from L'equipe and politiken.de.

Susan

 

[Gcraenen]

Most of the contract negotiations have already started during or before the tour and most of the deals are being closed or made during the tour

Sad but true.

 

[Gcraenen]

Actually it comes from L'equipe and politiken.de.

Susan

Thanks Susan, you are the queen of cycling info.

 

[Straßenrennen]

Would love too see Riis get his hands on Alberto, and watch him thumb it to the shlecks next year, imagine alberto riding behind Canc and Voigt, that would be a sight to make many teams jealous on the flat stages. And in the hills, Riis can hire a moterbike and bring bottles direct to the front of the field, who needs mountain domestiques!

 

[David Suro]

If Riis successfully courts Contador to Saxo Bank, I'm pretty sure they would rebuild a team around him for the grand tours. Astana was able to do it for this season without much trouble. Contador's help from his team has been great, even with Vino's personal ambitions being a wild card at times.

Personally, I would like to see Coontador go with a Spanish team. Footon Servetto has impressed me with their representation in many of the breakaways in this tour.

Call me old fashioned, but I would like to see a Vino lean Astana, Contador lead a Spanish team, Wiggins lead Sky, etc. You get the picture.

A return to true national teams in the tour doesn't seem like a possibility, but the composition of teams led by riders form the nation of origin would be cool.

The Schleck's leading a Lux team is a big step in that direction.

 

[Gcraenen]

Would love too see Riis get his hands on Alberto, and watch him thumb it to the shlecks next year, imagine alberto riding behind Canc and Voigt, that would be a sight to make many teams on the flat stages. And in the hills, Riis can hire a moterbike and bring bottles direct to the front of the field, who needs mountain domestiques!

I agree! It is a little early in his career for AS to play the prima donna like that.

 

[Gcraenen]

If Riis successfully courts Contador to Saxo Bank, I'm pretty sure they would rebuild a team around him for the grand tours. Astana was able to do it for this season without much trouble. Contador's help from his team has been great, even with Vino's personal ambitions being a wild card at times.

Personally, I would like to see Coontador go with a Spanish team. Footon Servetto has impressed me with their representation in many of the breakaways in this tour.

Call me old fashioned, but I would like to see a Vino lean Astana, Contador lead a Spanish team, Wiggins lead Sky, etc. You get the picture.

A return to true national teams in the tour doesn't seem like a possibility, but the composition of teams led by riders form the nation of origin would be cool.

The Schleck's leading a Lux team is a big step in that direction.

I agree with the idea of "national" leaders for the respective sponsors, although clearly the sponsors are trying to appeal to as wide an audience as they can.

I must however object most strongly about your support of Footon Servetto on sartorial grounds. Those flesh coloured unis belong in figure skating, not cycling!!

 

[indurain666]

Conflict of interest why? Unless you are dating your DS (e.g. LA and JB) chances are that you are always keeping your eyes open for other opportunities. This not only applies to professional athletes but any professional engineer, doctor, lawyer, etc. Its part of the game.

 

[AlHooKoo]

If this rumor is true, it could explain why Riis was not overly harsh criticizing Contador's disrespectful actions yesterday.

 

[Gcraenen]

Conflict of interest why? Unless you are dating your DS (e.g. LA and JB) chances are that you are always keeping your eyes open for other opportunities. This not only applies to professional athletes but any professional engineer, doctor, lawyer, etc. Its part of the game.

Not an appropriate comparison. Those professions - except lawyers - are governed by ethical rules designed to elliminate CoI. Behind-the-back negotiations are not acceptable. Which is why I lamented the current trend of negotiating earlier and earlier in the season.

 

[Gcraenen]

Conflict of interest why? Unless you are dating your DS (e.g. LA and JB) chances are that you are always keeping your eyes open for other opportunities. This not only applies to professional athletes but any professional engineer, doctor, lawyer, etc. Its part of the game.

That being said, Lance and Johan do make a cute couple, dont they?

 

[forty four]

If Riis successfully courts Contador to Saxo Bank, I'm pretty sure they would rebuild a team around him for the grand tours. Astana was able to do it for this season without much trouble. Contador's help from his team has been great, even with Vino's personal ambitions being a wild card at times.

Personally, I would like to see Coontador go with a Spanish team. Footon Servetto has impressed me with their representation in many of the breakaways in this tour.

Call me old fashioned, but I would like to see a Vino lean Astana, Contador lead a Spanish team, Wiggins lead Sky, etc. You get the picture.

A return to true national teams in the tour doesn't seem like a possibility, but the composition of teams led by riders form the nation of origin would be cool.

The Schleck's leading a Lux team is a big step in that direction.

fully agree about national teams that would be so cool.

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Earlier this year, the Schleck brothers secretely negotiated with a new team, and confirmed they would leave at the end of the season when the news leaked out. Now, Their manager, Bjarne Riis, is negotiating with alberto contador about joining his team next year. To top it all of, Riis' new sponser is runmoured to be specialized, the bike currently conveying team Astana around the french countryside.

What does this all do the Andy and Alberto's psyche?

the rumors are bs. contador says with astana.

 

[Polish]

Do you think Alberto will miss the Astana "After Tour" Party and spend the time with his new team?

Heck, maybe Vino will not even invite him lol.

 

[Obeeone]

I tend to agree with Ryo... AC does not seem like someone who likes change. Staying with Astana for the 2010 season when he had a green light move, proves this. Although it is tantalizing to see AC with Riis. I also wonder if the other Saxo top men FC et al would move with the Schlecks

 

[Beech Mtn]

That being said, Lance and Johan do make a cute couple, dont they?

Not nearly as cute as Alberto and Vino.
I think AC will stay with Astana next year.

Riis was probably not so gung-ho about Andy because of behind-the-scenes tension in the Saxo camp due to the Schlecks creating that new Lux team with Kim Andersen. Remember before the Tour when Bjarne was criticizing Frank for having been working behind his back since January?

 

[_yngve_]

I agree! It is a little early in his career for AS to play the prima donna like that.

Bear in mind that Barney R was having difficulties locating suitable sponsors when the Shrecks started laying the groundwork for their new gig...