Lidl-Trek (no longer Radioshack-Leopard Trek)

[The Cobra]

I can't see ASO putting their relationship with UCI on the line over this, after all the difficulties over UniBet and Astana. Their contract is on the basis that all WT teams can, and must, participate. Through that out, and I can see other ASO events (Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, La Flèche Wallonne, but probably not Paris–Roubaix and Liège–Bastogne–Liège) dropped from the WT, and therefore lose a lot of their point chasing high profile competitors. Qatar and Oman Tours could lose any licensed status, and Tour of Beijing, which presumably they are only involved in because of a healthy fee from the UCI, would be removed from their control. UCI wields too much power over ASO for them to risk this.

Really? I think ASO has more power. In terms of money in cycing the Tour de France is everything. All ASO has to do is whisper 'breakaway league' and the UCI will **** themselves!

 

[Armchair Cyclist]

This is quite interesting, because technically, Bruyneel is just a consultant for the current Luxembourg based team, right?

He is described on both the RNT site and the UCI WT site as General Manager: parallel to the titles of Brailsford, Shayne Bannan, Ochowicz or Vaughters.

 

[Christian]

He is described on both the RNT site and the UCI WT site as General Manager: parallel to the titles of Brailsford, Shayne Bannan, Ochowicz or Vaughters.

At the UCI website he was not listed at all for a long time, this must have changed not too long ago

 

[patrick767]

Bruyneel did not make them what they are on his own. The potential was there, it was a team effort and they succeeded beyond even their own wildest dreams.

Of course he didn't do it on his own, but as team director it's ultimately Bruyneel's responsibility to make the team work.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Also I am looking forward to seeing how Bloemetje will spin this one to match her "ASO is in love with Andy" theory

May I just remind you that my theory was primarily "ASO hate Alberto".

 

[Froome19]

I can't see ASO putting their relationship with UCI on the line over this, after all the difficulties over UniBet and Astana. Their contract is on the basis that all WT teams can, and must, participate. Through that out, and I can see other ASO events (Paris-Nice, Critérium du Dauphiné, La Flèche Wallonne, but probably not Paris–Roubaix and Liège–Bastogne–Liège) dropped from the WT, and therefore lose a lot of their point chasing high profile competitors. Qatar and Oman Tours could lose any licensed status, and Tour of Beijing, which presumably they are only involved in because of a healthy fee from the UCI, would be removed from their control. UCI wields too much power over ASO for them to risk this.

Exactly the opposite.
The UCI will have to step incredibly carefully around the ASO as the ASO are the ones who hold all the cards.
Imagine a WT calender without all the ASO races discluding the Tour.
The UCI would be in absolute shambles.

Also UCI have to be very careful to please ASO as otherwise ASO will start considering joining with the supposed breakaway league and that would be a total disaster for the UCI.
Effectively the ASO have a total monopoly over the state of professional cycling and it is just a shame they dont heft their weight a bit more

 

[webvan]

I used to like Horner until few hours ago...
Talk about shooting himself in the foot big time
Unless he's set for life, he just made a huge mistske!!!

Same here, I'd been following closely since that impressive Sierra Rd climb last year but he can't be believing what he's saying can he? I don't even see what would motivate him to go out and vouch for LA...unless he's convinced he'll walk again and will make him part of his clique at some point. Pretty sad in any case.

 

[Benotti69]

Horner wants to teach spinning classes next year in the basement of Mella Jonnies

 

[ElChingon]

This is exactly what I said in my post, if you care to read the whole thing. And there is no issue with legality of banning, because there is no banning happened yet except Armstrong. And banning Armstrong is very legit, I don't see any wrong with it.

Here (from USADA letter sets in motion process that could alter the Lance Armstrong record

Q: Why would USADA have jurisdiction over the other people targeted in the letter, none of whom are U.S. citizens?

A: Under UCI rules, the national anti-doping agency that unearths evidence of a nonanalytical violation has jurisdiction over the case, regardless of where the violation occurred or the citizenship of the accused. Bruyneel -- currently the manager of the RadioShack-Nissan cycling team -- and the doctors and trainer could all be barred from any roles in professional cycling if USADA prevails.

 

[PCutter]

Rumours that ASO are considering blocking RaNT from Tour.

Ouch.

Makes sense though now that Andy won't ride. If Andy would ride than I'm sure they wouldn't even consider it.

I wouldn't be so happy - ASO could easily do the same to Saxo next year if they don't manage WT status

 

[BillytheKid]

The sport will circle the wagons. It all going to go legal, and until then, the sport suffers rightly or wrongly.

 

[CQmanager]

Cant believe Horner just said that. I understand that Johan is signing the paychecks but common Chris! This is a sinking ship so why the heck dont you keep your mouth shut? You are not going to save this shipwreck.

 

[Boeing]

Horner wants to teach spinning classes next year in the basement of Mella Jonnies

for a guy who cant find his car keys or wallet anymore that is an opportunity

 

[Boeing]

Cant believe Horner just said that. I understand that Johan is signing the paychecks but common Chris! This is a sinking ship so why the heck dont you keep your mouth shut? You are not going to save this shipwreck.

and I can't believe he said this in same article: "i will keep sending in my training SRM files to the team" in hope of a selection

 

[veganrob]

and I can't believe he said this in same article: "i will keep sending in my training SRM files to the team" in hope of a selection

That boy is seriously, dumb as a box of rocks

 

[avanti]

Ethically Bruyneel, guilty or not, should take an extended vacation from Radioshack until USADA finds cause. His first responsibility should be to the team and sponsors.

 

[maxmartin]

maybe he already was part of the crew of sinking ship, he had to stand out to defend his captain

Cant believe Horner just said that. I understand that Johan is signing the paychecks but common Chris! This is a sinking ship so why the heck dont you keep your mouth shut? You are not going to save this shipwreck.

 

[orangerider]

Cant believe Horner just said that. I understand that Johan is signing the paychecks but common Chris! This is a sinking ship so why the heck dont you keep your mouth shut? You are not going to save this shipwreck.

Agreed. Horner is so fake in his words, so easy to see his transparency in shifting sides at a whim for his own self serving reasons. Johan will definitely keep him off the tour team now. Horner, thought about going into politics ?

 

[LaFlorecita]

I wouldn't be so happy - ASO could easily do the same to Saxo next year if they don't manage WT status

Yes. If you have a look at the Alberto thread you can see that I posted exactly that. In case you don't know, I have been saying ASO will bar either Saxo or Alberto ever since Alberto was banned.

 

[Fidolix]

poor cancellara.. what have you done..

He´s probably dreaming about the glory days when he was with Riis and a team that supported him all the way, the times when he won the monuments, the TT worlds and basically kicked azz on the rode.

Let´s hope he sits comfy in the team bus leather seats tho...

 

[dlwssonic]

Maybe thats why Vino was talking to andy so much in the dauphine.
Schlecks to astana??

 

[Yingge]

I think RSNT should be allowed to start the Tour, but that ASO might treat Johan Bruyneel in the same way that they did Bjarne Riis in 2007 - declare him Persona non grata for the duration of the Tour.

 

[Mellow Velo]

Remember all that hot water that Astana found themselves in, when Bruyneel and his lackeys claimed wages hadn't been paid?
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/radioshack-nissans-tale-of-woe-continues

 

[Fourier]

Remember all that hot water that Astana found themselves in, when Bruyneel and his lackeys claimed wages hadn't been paid?
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/radioshack-nissans-tale-of-woe-continues

cue the faded Leopard kits...

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

cue the faded Leopard kits...

It's hard enough to see the Leopard kits, since they're hardly ever at the front of the race.