Saxo keeps licence!!!

[42x16ss]

Really? It reminds me most of Garmins kit. Am I missing your point?

AC is wearing Sportful - Saxo's clothing sponsor - from head to toe.

 

[Carols]

I guess Alberto will have to start towing teamates and gifting them stages at the Vuelta so Saxo can get some points....

 

[Caruut]

The UCI have such a messed up set of rules. I hope WADA try and take them on á la British Olympic Association, and rule that this is an extra punishment. Making everything depend so heavily on these stupid points really messes around with the real business - the riding.

 

[I Watch Cycling In July]

The UCI have such a messed up set of rules. I hope WADA try and take them on á la British Olympic Association, and rule that this is an extra punishment. Making everything depend so heavily on these stupid points really messes around with the real business - the riding.

This. If WADA stops this arbitrary uci nonsense and Bert smashes the Vuelta, things will look very different. Riis will be working on plan b though too I expect.

 

[richwagmn]

Official UCI press release.

It would be a kick in the teeth to all sponsors if the UCI yanked Saxo's license. They've been a good supporter of pro-cycling and given the current lack of sponsors, you don't need to lose someone like Saxo.

That and we know the UCI's decisions are all arbitrary anyway. At least they did the right thing.

No idea if AC comes back to Saxo. IMO, he owes Saxo for standing by him and for the fact he was dishonest when he signed a contract and didn't tell them about his TDF positive.

 

[Ferminal]

The UCI have such a messed up set of rules. I hope WADA try and take them on á la British Olympic Association, and rule that this is an extra punishment. Making everything depend so heavily on these stupid points really messes around with the real business - the riding.

This. If WADA stops this arbitrary uci nonsense and Bert smashes the Vuelta, things will look very different. Riis will be working on plan b though too I expect.

Yes, we've heard all about this "points don't count" but haven't actually seen it yet. I will believe it when it happens and when it gets the all clear from CAS. If the UCI try to enforce it we will probably see Riis/WADA vs UCI.

 

[skidmark]

Riis is kind of between a rock and a hard place, in the sense that his team as it stands probably can't get enough WT points for next year anyway without the points that someone like Contador could get for him at the Vuelta and maybe some other end-of-year races (will Conti race Lombardia?)

Of course, if Conti's points don't count, strategically it might be best for Saxo's survival if they just get him back anyway, and if they're not WT they can get wildcards because who wouldn't want the chance of Contador in their race?

The above scenario doesn't take into account Contador's best interests himself, but certainly seems like the best option for Saxo being able to race high level races.

 

[LaFlorecita]

No idea if AC comes back to Saxo. IMO, he owes Saxo for standing by him and for the fact he was dishonest when he signed a contract and didn't tell them about his TDF positive.

Actually, Alberto signed a contract around August 1 and was told about the positive on August 24th.

 

[Cimber]

The dilemma still remains - if they re-sign AC and his points do not count at the end of the year they will not make the World Tour cut. The question is will AC be happy hoping for wild cad invites.

I think it boils down to the fact, that Berto's market value has decreased so will he accept a pay-cut which allows Riis to sign other rider with enough points? Or will Saxo Bank increase their sponsorship so they can sign those riders with points besides Alberto? Or will Riis have to dump Alberto and use the budget on other riders (with points), and would that mean Saxo Bank would leave as sponsor? (since they only stayed cos of Contador last time around)

 

[LaFlorecita]

Of course, if Conti's points don't count, strategically it might be best for Saxo's survival if they just get him back anyway, and if they're not WT they can get wildcards because who wouldn't want the chance of Contador in their race?

I'm gonna say it again: if they're gonna go the wild card way they won't get an invitation for the Tour.

 

[therealtimshady]

I'm gonna say it again: if they're gonna go the wild card way they won't get an invitation for the Tour.

I agree the aso are notorious for doing that re pantani, Astana, menchov, sastre etc

 

[T-Nielsen]

Confused

I am still confused over this "points won't count" thing. Would it not be illegal for UCI, not to let them count.

 

[Vino attacks everyone]

I am still confused over this "points won't count" thing. Would it not be illegal for UCI, not to let them count.

according to some yes, but im not a lawyer so i can't say for sure.
I do think that it is a law that says you can't give an extra penalty after the 2 years are done? but im not sure

 

[Zam_Olyas]

CEO of Saxo Bank Lars Seier: "Everything considered, the decision is pleasant and fair"

 

[Kazistuta]

I agree the aso are notorious for doing that re pantani, Astana, menchov, sastre etc

I disagree.... since this case is different:

The outfit of Riis has been a prominent part of Tour De France for many years now. ASO knows how strongly he feels about their race.

Contador has not been found guilty in deliberate drug use according to the verdict from CAS.

Astana got two riders caught for doping DURING the tour.

Geox was built on the foundation of Saunier Duval, an outfit that also disgraced Le Tour in 2008, and still with the "amazing" Gianetti behind the steering wheel.

Pantani was left out due to TWO doping incidents in 2½ years, haemotocrit and insulin.

IF Saxobank should go non-WT next year, I'm pretty sure they will get a tour wild card if they have Contador under contract.

 

[LaFlorecita]

CEO of Saxo Bank Lars Seier: "Everything considered, the decision is pleasant and fair"

 

[Carols]

I'm gonna say it again: if they're gonna go the wild card way they won't get an invitation for the Tour.

I have to agree with this....they will not get an invite based on past experiences.

Alberto should sign for the remainder of 2012 with Riis and then go to a team assured of a 2013 Tour start. He may still be barred by ASO even then

 

[LaFlorecita]

I have to agree with this....they will not get an invite based on past experiences.

Alberto should sign for the remainder of 2012 with Riis and then go to a team assured of a 2013 Tour start. He may still be barred by ASO even then

Finally, someone that understands me.

 

[Peccio89]

I don't think that Aso can afford to refuse an invite to Contador, because he is clearly the best GC guy around with no discussion, and not letting him race would reduce the prestige of The Tour.

 

[LaFlorecita]

I don't think that Aso can afford to refuse an invite to Contador, because he is clearly the best GC guy around with no discussion, and not letting him race would reduce the prestige of The Tour.

ASO care more about money than their race.

 

[Carols]

I don't think that Aso can afford to refuse an invite to Contador, because he is clearly the best GC guy around with no discussion, and not letting him race would reduce the prestige of The Tour.

Didn't stop them from barring Ulle or Il Pirata...they will do whatever they want But you are correct if he isn't there the field will by no means be the best the sport has to offer.

And Andy still won't win...

 

[DominicDecoco]

ASO care more about money than their race.

Alberto in the Tour would definitely bring more money than if he stays home.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Didn't stop them from barring Ulle or Il Pirata...they will do whatever they want But you are correct if he isn't there the field will by no means be the best the sport has to offer.

And Andy still won't win...

I just hope the peloton will go on strike. That'd be awesome.

 

[Peccio89]

Yes i guess rating will drop if Contador won't be there.
What's so exiting about waiting for a Schleck attack till a couple of km from the finish, with the tour decided in a time trial

 

[LaFlorecita]

Yes i guess rating will drop if Contador won't be there.
What's so exiting about waiting for a Schleck attack till a couple of km from the finish, with the tour decided in a time trial

Nothing but ASO don't care about excitement you can see it in the parcours they design year after year.

Also ASO are chauvinistic (or nationalistic or whatever else) as ****.