Good idea with the Colombians

[Eric8-A]

Did the organizers of the USPRO Cycling Challenge make a good move with inviting the two Colombian teams to the race? EPM-UNE's Rafael Infantino podiumed in the TT today, he was also in the break yesterday. Another EPM rider is the king of the mountains. Segio Henao finished second to Levi in stage 1. If you tell me, they race much better than the American domestic teams.

What's you take on this?

 

[Jamsque]

Of course it was a good idea. They have looked a bit tired in Colorado but they were fantastic in Utah.

 

[Deagol]

Of course it was a good idea. They have looked a bit tired in Colorado but they were fantastic in Utah.

True that. I wish I had a picture of the Gobernacion guy off the back on stage 2. There was a smart@$$ comment in another thread that it may have been the look of boredom, but I bet if you would have told that to this guy and the others, they would not be laughing.

But, yeah, I think it is good to have them here- creates a new dynamic. They seem to be doing a lot better than Skil-Shimano out of the Netherlands, for example....

 

[hfer07]

Did the organizers of the USPRO Cycling Challenge make a good move with inviting the two Colombian teams to the race? EPM-UNE's Rafael Infantino podiumed in the TT today, he was also in the break yesterday. Another EPM rider is the king of the mountains. Segio Henao finished second to Levi in stage 1. If you tell me, they race much better than the American domestic teams.

What's you take on this?

I guess the question for you is If you like exiting and aggressive riders-if you do-then you already know the answer-if you don't then you just realized what North America & Europe are missing out lately..

 

[Eric8-A]

I guess the question for you is If you like exiting and aggressive riders-if you do-then you already know the answer-if you don't then you just realized what North America & Europe are missing out lately..

I do like it

 

[Escarabajo]

They've always been good. IMHO. They have always been cut off because of money, directly or indirectly.

In Europe they faded away almost completely after 1991. It became worst after 1993.

They started to surge again again since 2-3 years ago. They are becoming a powerhouse again.

 

[Eric8-A]

They started to surge again again since 2-3 years ago. They are becoming a powerhouse again.

Sure looks like it. I hope the organizers for the ToC invite them next year.

 

[42x16ss]

Sure looks like it. I hope the organizers for the ToC invite them next year.

That would be great, especially if other North American races follow. This could give a lot to the Colombian cycling community in general if these teams continue to put in strong performances and uncover talented young riders.

If they get things right we could even end up with a Colombian ProTeam (hey we can all dream )

 

[Eric8-A]

If they get things right we could even end up with a Colombian ProTeam (hey we can all dream )

That would be incredible

 

[Eric8-A]

I like how Sky has Uran on their roster and is going to get Henao. I think they see something other teams don't.

 

[Master50]

The organizers had to invite them but it has turned to be a good thing. Maybe a few American teams might come to realize you can get invited to ToC and USAPCC by leading the America Tour. Unfortunately a few years ago when Symetrics was racing the rule did not exist and their lead in the America tour didn't get them an invite and eventually the team folded.

 

[Duartista]

Sure looks like it. I hope the organizers for the ToC invite them next year.

I think they had the right to go this year, but declined for economic/ logistical reasons.

 

[Michele]

It was Movistar if I recall correctly.

 

[Escarabajo]

That would be great, especially if other North American races follow. This could give a lot to the Colombian cycling community in general if these teams continue to put in strong performances and uncover talented young riders.

If they get things right we could even end up with a Colombian ProTeam (hey we can all dream )

It is already in the project. It was a 3-5 year project with Colombia es Pasion. They are already racing in Europe. The problem is that once other teams discover the talent, then they go somewhere else for the money and the Colombian team might fold again. In the 80's they had to up the salaries I think, otherwise they would have been dead. Remember that this is a business and Patriotism sometimes does not go well with many of the riders.

 

[WindLessBreeze]

samurai3

ToC 'invited' Movistar Continental, as the top UCI Americas team at the time. The organizers wouldn't pay for travel, room and board, unlike for Pro-Tour outfits, so they utilized their scarce resources in other fashion. Utah and Colorado had to invite top tier Continental teamsas well. Read the UCI rules. As far as
Livestrong, and other continental squads related to pro teams, read the UCI rules as well.

 

[greenedge]

Infantino did a great ride. This course does not suit Henao so well.

 

[Eric8-A]

It is already in the project. It was a 3-5 year project with Colombia es Pasion. They are already racing in Europe. The problem is that once other teams discover the talent, then they go somewhere else for the money and the Colombian team might fold again. In the 80's they had to up the salaries I think, otherwise they would have been dead. Remember that this is a business and Patriotism sometimes does not go well with many of the riders.

Isn't Colombia es Pasion related to the Cafe de Colombia team? If I recall correctly, they have some cafe tittle in their team name.