Garmin Transitions and Cervelo to merge?

[Mambo95]

From Cycling News' report of the confirmation of the demise:
"The team remained Pro Continental in 2010 and were set to carry on as such for next year. However, the UCI modified its rules for participation in the World Calendar races for 2011, and it seems these changes would preclude a Pro Continental team from guaranteed participation in the Tour de France."

So the guaranteed place of teams in the UCI Ranking's top 17 (the great resolution of the rows between the UCI and the GT organisers) bites the dust? BMC will be suddenly more concerned as to getting their PT status, rather than assuming that they have an almost certain wild card.

Or Cycling News have got it wrong. Which seems likely here. I've not seen anything saying that the top 17 thing has been abandoned.

 

[ingsve]

From Cycling News' report of the confirmation of the demise:
"The team remained Pro Continental in 2010 and were set to carry on as such for next year. However, the UCI modified its rules for participation in the World Calendar races for 2011, and it seems these changes would preclude a Pro Continental team from guaranteed participation in the Tour de France."

So the guaranteed place of teams in the UCI Ranking's top 17 (the great resolution of the rows between the UCI and the GT organisers) bites the dust? BMC will be suddenly more concerned as to getting their PT status, rather than assuming that they have an almost certain wild card.

Or it might be that the 18-point system will go live afterall?

 

[Mambo95]

Or it might be that the 18-point system will go live afterall?

That seems more likely.

 

[BroDeal]

I don't get the hate for the Argyle!.... I like it!... It stands out in a world of 'Me-too' jerseys!.... the only thing I don't like is the Orange/Blue combo!

I think exactly the opposite. The blue and orange stands out while the I do not care for the argyle.

 

[Bala Verde]

Cervelo released this a few minutes ago.

McQuaid forced them to cough up the dough for their participation in all the PT races, for which they got wild cards without the PT license? I think CTT were already singled out when the UCI floated the idea of changes to the points and licensing system; they got too much of a 'free ride'.

CTT decides not to play this game and calls it quits?

 

[Cobblestones]

McQuaid forced them to cough up the dough for their participation in all the PT races, for which they got wild cards without the PT license? I think CTT were already singled out when the UCI floated the idea of changes to the points and licensing system; they got too much of a 'free ride'.

CTT decides not to play this game and calls it quits?

Cervelo made so much sense as a sponsor of a cycling team. Sad to see the team disappear.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Yes:
Blame the rapid introduction of the UCI's latest, "pay at the gate" rule change, for Cervelo walking off into the sunset.

http://theinnerring.blogspot.com/2010/08/uci-rules-cervelo-and-subtle-changes.html

Big budget teams eh? Not the first time they have had an adverse effect of the rest of the sport, this season.

 

[Jamsque]

Don't blame the demise of Cervelo on the big budget teams, blame it on the incompetent and corrupt leadership of the UCI.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

I blame it on nepotism, the UCI giving their buddies a leg-up, and some teams just had to make way to make room. Cervélo came into the sport with a pretty good-sized budget so if even they are being driven from the sport because of being unable to compete or not being allowed to compete with moneyed johnny-come-latelys, the sport is broken. The 18-point system is the clearest example yet of McQuaid's intention to turn the sport into an elitist buddy club, and his "globalisation" hasn't extended to anywhere where English isn't the first language, so I question his integrity.

I think Prudhomme, Guillén and Zomegnan need to get their heads together again and have words with McQuaid again.

 

[craig1985]

If Theo Bos ended up at Radio Shack it would be an interesting irony.

Oh what I would give to be the fly on the wall in Impey's house if that transfer happened. Jumping for joy no doubt.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

You kidding? It would be the best possible move for Impey. Bos would never be a rival!

 

[craig1985]

I guess Trent Lowe can kiss his contract with Garmin goodbye if some of these Cervelo riders join Garmin. I'm sure he would be a nice fit at Fly V though.

 

[L'arriviste]

Following Deignan's words, I feel sorry again for those riders that spend much of their careers supporting bigger names, since these latter can always get a deal.

It must be intensely frustrating, especially when you're supposed to have your mind focused on a GT.

The last thing anyone wants to see (except for teams looking for a bargain ) is the market flooded with unfortunates when a lot of the horsetrading is already over.

Garmin could end up with indigestion at this too-big meal of talent coming their way.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Don't blame the demise of Cervelo on the big budget teams, blame it on the incompetent and corrupt leadership of the UCI.

It is a combination of both, I'd guess.

I think the specific big budget team being Geox and maybe Cervelo being unable to match offers from other teams, when it comes to a replacement for Carlos Sastre.
Other than that, I agree with LS's post 100%. McQuaid is determined to have his chosen inner circle. Same as he tried, back in 2006, before the "Big 3" rebelled. Now, it seems, the climate (read ASO personnel) may be more agreeable.
I also think the Radio Shack Giro and Vuelta non-invites have helped to expedite this rule change.

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

So are we going to be back to the UCI telling ASO who they can and cannot invite into their own race?

ACO and other GT organisers agreed with the UCI that the top 17 teams in the previous years rankings would be guaranteed an invite into the 3 week tours. There was no specification that this was limited to the top 17 ProTour teams, or to the ProTour teams in the top 17. It meant that each tour had a free pick (biopassports permitting) of 5 wildcards to make up their field: that is the compromise, and the basis of agreement. Now it seems that that is no be denied them.

Let's imagine that Devolder and Leukemans take important wins in the spring, and Riccó gobbles up the mountains in the Giro: Vacansoleil decide to chance their arm and submit an entry for the Tour even though they know they don't have 9 spare points. ASO want them: bigger sponsors are sniffing around the Belgian team, and Romain Feillu is looking a good bet for the French National championship. Is McQuaid really going to tell ASO that they cannot issue a wild card to them? What will happen if Prudhomme says "stuff you" and invites them anyway?

 

[kurtinsc]

So are we going to be back to the UCI telling ASO who they can and cannot invite into their own race?

ACO and other GT organisers agreed with the UCI that the top 17 teams in the previous years rankings would be guaranteed an invite into the 3 week tours. There was no specification that this was limited to the top 17 ProTour teams, or to the ProTour teams in the top 17. It meant that each tour had a free pick (biopassports permitting) of 5 wildcards to make up their field: that is the compromise, and the basis of agreement. Now it seems that that is no be denied them.

Let's imagine that Devolder and Leukemans take important wins in the spring, and Riccó gobbles up the mountains in the Giro: Vacansoleil decide to chance their arm and submit an entry for the Tour even though they know they don't have 9 spare points. ASO want them: bigger sponsors are sniffing around the Belgian team, and Romain Feillu is looking a good bet for the French National championship. Is McQuaid really going to tell ASO that they cannot issue a wild card to them? What will happen if Prudhomme says "stuff you" and invites them anyway?

I'd guess it's more likely that McQuaid would tell Vacansoleil: "I can't prevent you from asking for a Tour spot, and I can't prevent them from giving you one. But I can direct all of the non-ASO PT races to not give you any spots for the remainder of this season and all of next season. Your choice."

I don't know how big a hammer that is... but it would be what he has. McQuaid wouldn't be telling ASO what to do... he'd be telling Vacansoleil what to do... and using what threats he has to persuade them.

 

[Bala Verde]

It is a combination of both, I'd guess.

I think the specific big budget team being Geox and maybe Cervelo being unable to match offers from other teams, when it comes to a replacement for Carlos Sastre.
Other than that, I agree with LS's post 100%. McQuaid is determined to have his chosen inner circle. Same as he tried, back in 2006, before the "Big 3" rebelled. Now, it seems, the climate (read ASO personnel) may be more agreeable.
I also think the Radio Shack Giro and Vuelta non-invites have helped to expedite this rule change.

Don't forget that money is not the only factor in keeping or attracting a/multiple big star(s) (who previously would have kept the wild cards on the table). A big rider won't sign unless some races are guaranteed. Sastre wants a combination of 2 out of the TdF, Giro and Vuelta, Hushovd needs a PR and Haussler wants MSR and RVV?

To prepare for some of these races, other races are used, perhaps a P-N, Dauphine or TdS, which also cost points?

Under the new system, they can only spend so many points to keep the big guys happy, unless they dish out the money to get a PT license which would ensure entry.

Big Riders = $$$
almost requires a
PT license = $$$

So the budget is forced to swell.

Either you have stars and a PT license, or you don't have either...

 

[hrotha]

I'm still not sure what's in it for the organizers. Okay, I can see the organizers of those Canadian races, Poland, Benelux and others benefitting from being Pro Tour, but most of the rest are well established and they don't need to comply with these UCI shenanigans.

 

[Maxiton]

It is the garmin colour, not the pattern that is a problem.

I think exactly the opposite. The blue and orange stands out while the I do not care for the argyle.

And I offer a third opinion: I like both. More Garmin argyle in blue and orange! It's the one truly distinctive jersey in the peloton and it just screams "wholesome."

McQuaid forced them to cough up the dough for their participation in all the PT races, for which they got wild cards without the PT license? I think CTT were already singled out when the UCI floated the idea of changes to the points and licensing system; they got too much of a 'free ride'.

CTT decides not to play this game and calls it quits?

Don't blame the demise of Cervelo on the big budget teams, blame it on the incompetent and corrupt leadership of the UCI.

I blame it on nepotism, the UCI giving their buddies a leg-up, and some teams just had to make way to make room. Cervélo came into the sport with a pretty good-sized budget so if even they are being driven from the sport because of being unable to compete or not being allowed to compete with moneyed johnny-come-latelys, the sport is broken. The 18-point system is the clearest example yet of McQuaid's intention to turn the sport into an elitist buddy club, and his "globalisation" hasn't extended to anywhere where English isn't the first language, so I question his integrity.

What? You dare question the integrity of Pat McQuaid? Why, the whole world knows him to be an honest broker and a paragon of transparency in cycling. And, lest you forget, he is on a first name basis with Lance Armstrong. Surely you jest.

Oh what I would give to be the fly on the wall in Impey's house if that transfer happened. Jumping for joy no doubt.

Do you think they'd be roommates?

Garmin could end up with indigestion at this too-big meal of talent coming their way.

I've wondered about this, too. The opportunity presents itself to scarf up several highly talented riders, and perhaps you take more than you can comfortably fit, just because the temptation is too great? Still, it must be a good problem to have.

 

[kurtinsc]

I'm still not sure what's in it for the organizers. Okay, I can see the organizers of those Canadian races, Poland, Benelux and others benefitting from being Pro Tour, but most of the rest are well established and they don't need to comply with these UCI shenanigans.

It might make it easier in terms of getting the riders you want without inviting a ton of teams.

If the majority of the top talent is all located on 17-18 teams... then maybe it becomes a bit easier to ensure the top guys end up at your races. If they're spread out over 28 teams... races might have more of a problem getting all the guys they want to their races.

In any sport, expansion of the number of team tends to dilute talent. Today, cycling may not be concentrating the talent enough on the top level teams... so even the Tour might have to invite 20-22 teams just to get the GC and sprint riders they really want in the race. That doesn't leave them a lot of room to get french teams and the animating smaller teams in.

 

[hfer07]

well- it's done deal- Garmin to ride Cervelo bikes next year -and not confirmed yet-they'll get some riders out of the settlement as well...

 

[Mellow Velo]

Don't forget that money is not the only factor in keeping or attracting a/multiple big star(s) (who previously would have kept the wild cards on the table). A big rider won't sign unless some races are guaranteed. Sastre wants a combination of 2 out of the TdF, Giro and Vuelta, Hushovd needs a PR and Haussler wants MSR and RVV?

To prepare for some of these races, other races are used, perhaps a P-N, Dauphine or TdS, which also cost points?

Under the new system, they can only spend so many points to keep the big guys happy, unless they dish out the money to get a PT license which would ensure entry.

Big Riders = $$$
almost requires a
PT license = $$$

So the budget is forced to swell.

Either you have stars and a PT license, or you don't have either...

Indeed. The most vicious of circles. Almost guaranteeing Pat's closed shop.
However, it's the old economic boom or bust mentality and I'm not convinced pro cycling at even the highest level, can find sufficient funds to sustain growth amongst 18 teams.

I am extremely sceptical that European teams and sponsors can supply more than a handful of big budget squads, so, once again, Pat will be hoping to increase the number of US outfits and possibly an Australian team to fill the breach. The imponderable being, how much further can US cycling sponsorship be expected to expand?

The real losers here could once again be the French. Never renowned for huge budgets, several also face being frozen out of their national events.

Will this spark another ASO/UCI turf war, I wonder?

 

[Barrus]

Indeed. The most vicious of circles. Almost guaranteeing Pat's closed shop.
However, it's the old economic boom or bust mentality and I'm not convinced pro cycling at even the highest level, can find sufficient funds to sustain growth amongst 18 teams.

I am extremely sceptical that European teams and sponsors can supply more than a handful of big budget squads, so, once again, Pat will be hoping to increase the number of US outfits and possibly an Australian team to fill the breach. The imponderable being, how much further can US cycling sponsorship be expected to expand?

The real losers here could once again be the French. Never renowned for huge budgets, several also face being frozen out of their national events.

Will this spark another ASO/UCI turf war, I wonder?

I think that as soon the French teams will be under pressure it will spark a turf war, or at least I hope. It all depends on whether the ASO thinks the French audience is more important than the international audience

 

[Henrik]

Hushovd say he has been contacted by 8-10 teams, and that it is far from sure that he will sign with Garmin. He is curently negotiating with several teams...

In Norwegian:
http://www.nrksport.no/sykkel/1.7267185

 

[maltiv]

Hushovd say he has been contacted by 8-10 teams, and that it is far from sure that he will sign with Garmin. He is curently negotiating with several teams...

In Norwegian:
http://www.nrksport.no/sykkel/1.7267185

What I have heard (from Hushovd's trainer, who may or may not be completely mistaken) is that Hushovd has a personal contract with Cervelo for one more year, so no matter what team he choses they will have to use cervelo bikes...which would mean that Garmin in reality is the only option.