Re:
yaco said:
So teams are busily preparing their rosters for 2017
At this stage the in's seem to be
Nieve ( confirmed )
Trentin ( strong rumour )
C.Meyer ( strong rumour
Out's
Keukeliere ( confirmed )
Cort ( rumour )
Gerrans ( rumour )
Riders off-contract
Tuft - Apparently its his call.
Hayman - Read Tuft
Albasini - should stay
Bewley - Should stay
Docker - Doubtful
Edmondson - Want to stay
Haig - Want to stay
Hepburn - Should Stay
Juul-Jensen - Should Retain
Plaza - On more year
Mezgec - Vital to stay
Power - Question mark
So now according to confirmed news and rumours it's 3 out and 3 in. Definite question marks on 2 or 3 other riders being there in 2018 - I understand one of the Aussie under 23's has signed/will sign and one may ride as a stagiare - Can see up to 5 or 6 changes in the team.
Whilst sad to see both Keukeleire and Cort leave; sometimes you get an offer that's hard to refuse either on $$$$ or in some cases, promises of being "the number one man". Think this most likely would've been in play with Keukeleire who would certainly have been fielding some serious offers ... as would Cort.
Gerrans ... I would think most likely to retirement unless he is willing to keep racing at a significantly lower level and pay-packet.
My read on "off contracts" basically lines up with yours
Tuft - may be "his call" but in reality, I would rather see him go with the dignity that his long service deserves rather than be blatantly struggling.
Docker - agree he looks to be on the way out
Albasini - one of the best value for money signings the team ever made and he continues to bring in results in WT races every season. If he is wanting to go around again, then I'm in favour although maybe on year by year basis. Would probably look at one-weekers and one day races rather than any more GTs.
Hayman - what I think MAY happen is that he may sign a short term deal that sees him sign off after next year's P-R
Haig - priority re-signing
Edmondson - priority re-signing
Power - likely re-signing but will need to start showing something next season
Plaza - similar age to Albasini and would take a similar line with the exception of GTs where Plaza can still play a productive role
Bewley - keep, both for the Chaves connection but his hard work to widen his range and utility as a rider
Hepburn - keep, similar to Bewley case
Juul - Jensen - would like to keep him, does he want to stay ?
Mezgec - would certainly re-sign, irrespective of whatever the team's plans are re Ewan. Maybe get a few more opportunities for himself but can also be beneficial in Edmondson's development
Therefore, we agree on the "most likely suspects" but differ to varying degrees re the sentencing