It really is starting to seem like a wagging the dog moment. The Jumbo people clearly want the rumor of this merger out there. Hence to lack of denial, etc. Obviously it drives their price up and makes future sponsors desperate to get a deal done to stop them from going with Soudal. What I don't understand is what's in it for Patrick. Yes, he had the casual denial internal memo thing but if this was way off, he could squash it pretty quickly and easily in public. Why hasn't he? He doesn't have as much to gain from these rumors unless this merger might actually happen.
In a normal year, when the WCs were held in their normal slot, we would still be talking about those races this week, so I guess something had to fill the gap until the Italian races start.omg 17 pages on this fake news
Remco was already offered a lot of cash by Sky/INEOS when he went pro, he declined it back then, he'll decline it again if he feels that Jumbo is able to get him to win the TDF.
How is it any different from going to the tour with roglic. I personally think remco going along with the merger will be better for his ambitions and career in the long run. His been surrounded by yes men at SQS and having to complete everywhere to earn his bonus. He'll get a tailored plan and schedule and can start his first TDF with less pressure.
Mergers are not uncommon in cycling. Quickstep are the outcome of a merger themselves as are several other teams too.
No rider is above the team, this is Jumbo we are talking about. #samenwinnen, Vingegaard won't complain because he knew what he signed up for when he started there. Just because you are now the best and the leader doesn't mean you can now dictate that that position can't be challenged within the team.
If Remco goes to Jumbo, I think the only way he will win the Tour is like Kuss did this year. That's if he can last the course. It seems like it's desperation to get Remco his Tour win at any cost.
I agree, the probability of a Tour win is higher than say being sole leader at ineos. Remco can include a clause to leave should things not pan out.
If he wants to win the tour, he'll have to be better than Jonas anyway, be it in the same team or another.
Team McDonalds-Budweiser-Orio are ready with open arms to contract depressed riders and support them by proper comfort.
Agree with the sentiment, but the counter argument would be that the risk of the team(s) folding at the end of 2024 means a messy merger now mitigates far more uncertainty and the possiblity of a far worse outcome down the road.
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