yaco said:
I am surprised MS released the information so early but it's in line with expectations - MS should be able to get at least one podium from one of the GT's - My understanding is MS thought a podium was more achievable at Vuelta and the Giro, hence the way the riders have been split up - GT riders didn't get the races they wanted in 2017, but all are happy in 2018 - Also add in that A.Yates struggles from August onwards ( if he's done a GT ), so the TDF is a perfect fit - Ewan is the interesting case - Was shocked when he was nominated for the TDF because of the TTT in which he is a deadweight - But once the objectives were explained it makes sense - Have no idea about Trentin - Is he riding the Giro or the TDF ? Apparently Trentin is not your usual Italian who prefers to ride the Giro.
Let me play around with GT teams
Giro
Chaves
S.Yates
Kreuziger
Verona
Tuft
Bewley
Trentin
Kluge
TDF
A.Yates
Nieve
Haig
Ewan
Mezgec
Impey
Hepburn
Juul-Jensen
Vuelta
Chaves
S.Yates
Verona
Power
Tuft
Edmondson
Power
Howson
Way too early to be thinking GT line-ups. Puzzling that MS would be showing their cards this early unless there is an element of bluff involved ...... but my estimation of M.White's intelligence considers that somewhat beyond his capabilities given the grand military balls-up he oversaw this year ! Chaves and SY do seem to have a reasonable level of compatibility/ability to co-habit so I have no issue with that call.
Of your line-ups:
- if Chaves at Giro and Vuelta are going to be their main objectives then I most definitely dissent from your selecting Verona. He has shown exactly 3 parts of diddly squat as regards any capacity as a high level climbing domestique let alone produce any results.
- Would select Howson ahead of him for both Giro and Vuelta. In fact, you'd be seriously considering selecting Haig but sending him as pseudo B option at Tour is something I can go with.
- selecting a superannuated engine in Tuft for 2 GTs ? Send him to one, I can go with but I'd prefer the likes of Bewley or Hepburn (both who have excellent relationships with Chaves) to do any "double" as they are younger and better able to back up
- Kluge .... is just a wasted selection. His only utility would be in service to Ewan.
- Power .... has to earn his ticket. As yet, he has given 0 justification for doing so.
- Nieve is somewhat of an X factor. Who will you team him with in lead-up races in order to build up understanding/rapport ? Think he is an interchangable with Kreuziger.