Lidl-Trek (no longer Radioshack-Leopard Trek)

[Christian]

I'm obviously biased but Jakob is the better rider. He has timed he form quite well after the injury.

I like him a lot and he is a cool guy but he has never shown any domestique qualities

 

[offbyone]

Geez Andy has been sliding off the edge of the world all year and no one really cares. The minute balding Horner doesn't make the Tour team then - Blasphemy!!

I think Hog is a legend for leaving him out along with not telling him and letting him read about it in the paper.

The Hog went hollywood this year and only interacts with his riders through the media.

 

[webvan]

I like him a lot and he is a cool guy but he has never shown any domestique qualities

Not true, he did a lot of lead outs during the 2010 tour, especially on Bales (Chaingate) and the Tourmalet, but I must admit I never found him very impressive and I don't see him winning a GT.

 

[thehog]

It's obvious he was unaware of the implications in not riding Suisse. Funny team that one.

 

[Anonymous]

The latest version of events from Bruyneel.

I'm sure there will be another by tomorrow.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/bruyneel-clarifies-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

 

[Christian]

Not true, he did a lot of lead outs during the 2010 tour, especially on Bales (Chaingate) and the Tourmalet, but I must admit I never found him very impressive and I don't see him winning a GT.

The way I remember it he did some fine lead outs but always had to sit up way too early, I don't think he can lead a group up a mountain for a longer period of time and force a selection

 

[webvan]

Agreed, that's what I was hinting at with "not impressive", still he took his domestique job seriously, he just lacked the efficiency of say an...EBH or a Richie Porte, at least on the Dauphiné.

The latest version of events from Bruyneel.

I'm sure there will be another by tomorrow.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/bruyneel-clarifies-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

Sounds fairly reasonable to me, Horner's story didn't really make any sense, Bruyneel has given us a lot of reasons to be hated here but he's certainly not crazy or irrational. Looks like there was a bit of communication breakdown between Gallopin and Horner though about the impact of skipping the TDS...

On the other hand Horner can now go fight it out on the Vuelta with Bertie.

 

[BillytheKid]

I like him a lot and he is a cool guy but he has never shown any domestique qualities

Horner's raced for years as a domestique for the likes Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Vino, Contador, Brajkovic (the only guy he had in the mountains with him when he won the Dauphine two years ago).

I thought that was impressive.

So why would he keep getting the pay and the show in big races if he did not impress at least as a domestique. They usually do never show much of a guy hauling the water.

Bruyneel now says it was made clear at the beginning of the year that one had to ride either Dauphine or the Suisse to ride the Tour.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012...s-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

But I guess it never was reminded of him when he was given time for his back issue after California (which he has had for several years). If you read Bruyneels words here carefuly and they are accruately reported, he's mincing his them. He says "for me that's giving up the Tour."

But was it made clear again or was the issue confused when he was given the time off? Bruyneel had only briefly talk with Horner before California and not about this issue.

 

[BillytheKid]

The way I remember it he did some fine lead outs but always had to sit up way too early, I don't think he can lead a group up a mountain for a longer period of time and force a selection

Dauphine 2010, Dauphine 2010. Is there a Mod in the room?

 

[Anonymous]

Agreed, that's what I was hinting at with "not impressive", still he took his domestique job seriously, he just lacked the efficiency of say an...EBH or a Richie Porte, at least on the Dauphiné.



Sounds fairly reasonable to me, Horner's story didn't really make any sense, Bruyneel has given us a lot of reasons to be hated here but he's certainly not crazy or irrational. Looks like there was a bit of communication breakdown between Gallopin and Horner though about the impact of skipping the TDS...

On the other hand Horner can now go fight it out on the Vuelta with Bertie.

Smoke and mirrors from Bruyneel.

I'd be willing to bet Chris knew absolutely nothing of this TdS start nonsense.

but he's certainly not crazy or irrational.

That's debatable.

Maybe Chris has Bjarne's phone number...

 

[veganrob]

I don't care for the Hog or Horner really and would not trust either as far as I could throw them. Horner could get a bit more distance from. But, Hog's explanation is more believable to me than that of Horner.

 

[Polish]

The latest version of events from Bruyneel.

I'm sure there will be another by tomorrow.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/bruyneel-clarifies-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

After Chris's horrific crash last July, I had my doubts that he would even come back and race again. And when Bruyneel announced Chris's 2 year extension with the new Becca team - Chris thanked Johan and said it would help him with his still ongoing recovery back then.

I think after Chris gets over his understandable disappointment with missing this years TdF, he will not be so mad at Johan. Hard to say though.

Thinking back, Chris missed the 2009 TdF because Alberto wanted another one of "his guys" on the team - and Bruyneel agreed. I know Alberto and Andy are BFF's, and I have to wonder if something similiar is happening this year? Who knows.

 

[thehog]

After Chris's horrific crash last July, I had my doubts that he would even come back and race again. And when Bruyneel announced Chris's 2 year extension with the new Becca team - Chris thanked Johan and said it would help him with his still ongoing recovery back then.

I think after Chris gets over his understandable disappointment with missing this years TdF, he will not be so mad at Johan. Hard to say though.

Thinking back, Chris missed the 2009 TdF because Alberto wanted another one of "his guys" on the team - and Bruyneel agreed. I know Alberto and Andy are BFF's, and I have to wonder if something similiar is happening this year? Who knows.

Maybe Chris can lift the lid on the doping in 2009/10 at AstanaShack? Be good to get some clarity on the events.

 

[thehog]

The latest version of events from Bruyneel.

I'm sure there will be another by tomorrow.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/bruyneel-clarifies-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

What's funny is Jen's V didn't ride the Giro, TdS or the D.... and he is on the team is he not?

Hog lying again?

"The Belgian director said he spelled out very clearly to everyone on the team at the beginning of the season that in order to be selected for the Tour, riders had to participate in either the Critérium du Dauphiné, which ended Sunday, or the Tour de Suisse."

 

[cineteq]

Smoke and mirrors from Bruyneel.

I'd be willing to bet Chris knew absolutely nothing of this TdS start nonsense.

I'm with you.
This is why I believe Bruyneel is full of it:

When contacted Monday afternoon, a RadioShack-Nissan spokesperson said that Horner’s back injury was keeping him from the race: “He’s unfortunately struggling with a back injury, which is why he’s also not in Suisse.”
http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/horner-to-miss-the-tour-de-france_223276

Also

Yesterday Bruyneel posts the provisional list on Facebook which doesn't include Horner, fans question that, and Bruyneel posts:

I know everyone is surprised that Chris Horner was not on the pre-selection for the Tour de France. He is struggling with a back injury.

Then

“It’s not that we didn’t give him the option,” Bruyneel said. “Chris was given the choice (to race the Swiss tour), so when he said no, that was the same for me as saying, ‘I also give up on the Tour.’”
http://velonews.competitor.com/2012...s-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

How convenient.
Obviously Bruyneel has been planning this all along - how to get rid of Horner.

 

[Publicus]

The latest version of events from Bruyneel.

I'm sure there will be another by tomorrow.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/06/news/bruyneel-clarifies-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

Reading this article, it makes it clear that Andy shouldn't be on the Tour team. I mean if you want to be LITERAL about what Bruyneel is saying here.

 

[mewmewmew13]

What the heck...I wonder if they , meaning Bruyneel, are finding out that dealing with their issues in the public is of any benefit??
Maybe Johan can slip and slide in this manner , while different versions are being said in private?


It is a weird saga though...
someone is going to be going somewhere at the end of this season!

 

[Ripper]

Wow ... I mean Wow! Just when you think the gong show of Radio Crap is reaching a high, it gets weirder.

While Horner is by no means perfect, in comparison to those on the list, he is not exactly "B" Team material.

Reading this article, it makes it clear that Andy shouldn't be on the Tour team. I mean if you want to be LITERAL about what Bruyneel is saying here.

Correcto-mungo. This is yet another straw dog. Everything that comes out of this team to the press is BS. Seriously.

I don't know if I feel bad for this team, embarrassed, or happy to see the spectacle!

 

[Ripper]

...

Just to add - I don't think Jens! was in any of these 3 races

 

[Eusebio Kino]

Horner's raced for years as a domestique for the likes Robbie McEwen, Cadel Evans, Vino, Contador, Brajkovic (the only guy he had in the mountains with him when he won the Dauphine two years ago).

I thought that was impressive.

So why would he keep getting the pay and the show in big races if he did not impress at least as a domestique. They usually do never show much of a guy hauling the water.

Bruyneel now says it was made clear at the beginning of the year that one had to ride either Dauphine or the Suisse to ride the Tour.

http://velonews.competitor.com/2012...s-radioshack-stance-on-horner-decision_223554

But I guess it never was reminded of him when he was given time for his back issue after California (which he has had for several years). If you read Bruyneels words here carefuly and they are accruately reported, he's mincing his them. He says "for me that's giving up the Tour."

But was it made clear again or was the issue confused when he was given the time off? Bruyneel had only briefly talk with Horner before California and not about this issue.

The TdF omission of Chris Horner is a political move, nationalism, or Horners' age, or a combination thereof. It is not about Horners' capabilities. For the forum to get panties in wad, well friends this is sports, and the international sports world. We all get old. Age is not kind. Sponsors need to be satisfied.

 

[Galic Ho]

Thinking back, Chris missed the 2009 TdF because Alberto wanted another one of "his guys" on the team - and Bruyneel agreed. I know Alberto and Andy are BFF's, and I have to wonder if something similiar is happening this year? Who knows.

More blatant lies and deliberate trolling. Someone asked for a mod before, how about here?

Name Contador's guys in 2009? Name them. AC had one guy on the entire team. Paulinho. A guy who switched allegiances when the team split. Contador had next to nobody on the bloody team in 2009. Quit playing the muppet card and give some relevant real info for once. The 7 other guys on Astana, were Lance's picks. Oh he's your hero right? Do everyone here a favour and kindly remove the blinkers next time you hit the keyboard.

 

[Ripper]

The TdF omission of Chris Horner is a political move, nationalism, or Horners' age, or a combination thereof. It is not about Horners' capabilities. For the forum to get panties in wad, well friends this is sports, and the international sports world. We all get old. Age is not kind. Sponsors need to be satisfied.

What wad?

Keep in mind part of the reaction is related to this being Radio Crap and the season of the soap opera

 

[Eusebio Kino]

What wad?

Keep in mind part of the reaction is related to this being Radio Crap and the season of the soap opera

In situations like this I always think of the scene in Pulp Fiction, the scene entitled the payoff. This is boxing,err...cycling isn't it.
Bruyneel, Armstrong and Chris knew what a hard hit Chris took in his fall in the Tour last year.
I think Chris was contracted this year by RSNT for his W.T. points. Astana hired Vino this year for similar reason, plus Vino is a hero in his native land. Chris is a little long in the tooth for the 2012 Tour. IMO. Great guy though I hope he remains in cycling in some function.

 

[Galic Ho]

That's funny. Horner is probably the most selfless rider you have ever had the privilege of watching race.

This is likely a political move. When I said leadership I'm talking Becca and Bruyneel. I stand by that.

Also, they won't win a road stage, probably won't win a single stage, will struggle for a top 5 in GC and probably have their best chance with a team GC.

Bruyneel will spin this to be a big deal.

Ok on the leadership. I understand now. I thought you meant on the road. Not in the bus and car.

No doubt though this is a political move. Hard to say who is making the call, but it's definitely in favour of team Schleck. Kloden naturally would be the assumed alternative plan. Add in his grudge with Horner, the Schleck's getting their boys (Cancellara, Voigt, Fuglsang and Monfort) then you have two places max. They'll go to Zubeldia, Rast and Popovich with one to miss out. It's no doubt politics. Having to ride the Suisse or Dauphine, but Voigt isn't but gets preselection!

As for selflessness. I don't know. As I said it depends on the rider who is leader. Horner wasted the 2010 Tour helping a massively inferior Armstrong. I said in 2009 Horner should have gone to the Tour over Lance. He was better that season performance wise. Worked effortlessly for Evans as well. So correct there. Recently though, I just don't see it as well. Kloden and his beef, that's about who was leader. Horner and Levi...same deal. I think there are certain types of riders Horner will follow and work for. Guys he believes are superior. Guys he doesn't or at least questions...I think there have been issues. Which in this team environment, is sadly not playing to his favour. It's actually a detriment.

Whoever made the call IMO can see this and knows that it'll be a potential detriment to whatever team harmony is their and the psyche of the leader (who will be Andy Schleck). I think he represents to much of a wild card...will he help or will he, if you send him up the road on a mountain stage, just keep going and not wait for Andy if he makes a late attack on the peloton? I'm not saying he deserves this treatment, just trying to understand what is really going on. Andreas represents a rather passive guy who dislikes leadership, he may not be Schleck clique, but his nature and attitude mean he's no threat. Horner, especially the last two seasons has grabbed every win he can, even if a team mate lost out. The team noticed and remembered.

I still think they'll win a stage. With Franck or Andy. I still think they can easily top 5 on GC with one guy, maybe even two. Franck's form actually seems to be quite good. PR spin...when isn't Bruyneel spinning his PR machine? He's always saying two things and spinning hyperbole and contradictions. If Lance were still here, he'd be racing. Heck Levi would still be on the team. Lance isn't. Maybe Chris hasn't realised that yet. As for the stories about communication issues in the team...honestly I tend to take what both sides say with a pinch of salt as I believe both tend to exaggerate what's going on.

 

[webvan]

A wild card he definitely is! It will be interesting to see if he comments on that TDS/CD requirent especially after he finds out about Voigt.

I don't remember him stealing any victory from a teammate, he had better legs than Levi on Sierra Rd so he went for it, can't really be faulted for that.