Team SKY Team Line up TdF 2015

[super_domestique]

Felt that team SKY have ridden the Vuelta this year much better in the way they have done some riding at the front of the peleton, trying to control the race and having decent support for Frooome in the climbs.

Froome was isolated too many times in last years tour, which he still managed to win, of course.

Obviously, the team will be somewhat dependent on form and fitness nearer the time, but who would you pick and why?

Here are my picks:

Peter Kennaugh - fast becoming a star rider. Impresses on the flat and mountains. Merited a place in this years tour -rightly disappointed to be overlooked.

Vasil Kiriyenka - Brilliant at grinding out the miles on the front of the peleton.

Geraint Thomas - Again, fantastic engine to help to protect Froome on the flatter stages.

Christian Knees - as above

Michael Nieve - good climber

Ian Stannard - power in the peleton, good win at Omloop- Het- Nieuwsblad

Richie Porte - his main support in the mountains.

Philip Deignan - useful climber, and proved durable.

Notable omissions: Boasen-Hagen, Henao (Sergio)

 

[LaFlorecita]

The 2015 team hasn't even been confirmed yet

 

[Ricco']

Felt that team SKY have ridden the Vuelta this year much better in the way they have done some riding at the front of the peleton, trying to control the race and having decent support for Frooome in the climbs.

Froome was isolated too many times in last years tour, which he still managed to win, of course.

Obviously, the team will be somewhat dependent on form and fitness nearer the time, but who would you pick and why?

Here are my picks:

Peter Kennaugh - fast becoming a star rider. Impresses on the flat and mountains. Merited a place in this years tour -rightly disappointed to be overlooked.

Vasil Kiriyenka - Brilliant at grinding out the miles on the front of the peleton.

Geraint Thomas - Again, fantastic engine to help to protect Froome on the flatter stages.

Christian Knees - as above

Michael Nieve - good climber

Ian Stannard - power in the peleton, good win at Omloop- Het- Nieuwsblad

Richie Porte - his main support in the mountains.

Philip Deignan - useful climber, and proved durable.

Notable omissions: Boasen-Hagen, Henao (Sergio)

EBH isn't a notable omission since is riding with MTN next year.

 

[super_domestique]

The 2015 team hasn't even been confirmed yet

I know, lol. I just thought the team taken to the grand tours since Wiggo's win in 2012 have failed to provide top level support to the team leader i.e Froome.
Definitely, in current Vuelta, there is some improvement. For Froome to stand a chance in next years tour, I feel he needs, more than ever, a top performing team. I hope SKY don't mess this up again......

 

[super_domestique]

EBH isn't a notable omission since is riding with MTN next year.

Oops, you're quite right! Thanks for the correction.

 

[Ricco']

You have to see that Sky's job to control the race was less difficult in the Vuelta. Tinkoff's team was pure crap in the mountains and no one was really into attacking the race from far way. Less along, Froome wasn't viewed as a strong contender as in last year's Tour. Finally, the lack of multi-mountain stages made it more easy to arrive with a full block at the beggining of the last summit.

 

[super_domestique]

I agree that Tinkoff would have been much, much stronger had Kreuziger and Rodgers been present. I understand your point about the lack of multi-mountain stages making it easier to arrive as a block at the beginning of summits, but this applies to all teams. Either way, I felt the team selection could have been better.

 

[greenedge]

Froome
Nieve
Porte
Roche???
Stannard
Thomas
Kennaugh
Kyrienka
Sergio Henao

That leaves 7 good roulers and two pure climbers.

 

[Sasquatch]

**** Sky!!

 

[Forunculo]

This is useless at the moment, there are important riders linked to SKY like Roche, Poels and Konig.

Once is confirmed his team for 2015 we can think about the TDF nine. If the rumours are true, SKY will be the best GC team at 2015 by far.

 

[darwin553]

I wish porte would hurry up and announce himself as a team leader.

 

[super_domestique]

This is useless at the moment, there are important riders linked to SKY like Roche, Poels and Konig.

Once is confirmed his team for 2015 we can think about the TDF nine. If the rumours are true, SKY will be the best GC team at 2015 by far.

I suppose you're right. I guess what I'm getting at is the GC team is not up to scratch yet. Some new additions a la Poels, Roche etc would be really welcome! Would definitely pick Kennaugh though.

 

[TheGreenMonkey]

Sky could have as many as 9 riders in their squad next year who have finished in the top 10 of a GT.

 

[MBotero]

With those transfers,Sky would be the best team lined up for TDF 2015.But they also need their luck back,cause this year was horrible for them,lots of crashes,many medical problems,plus JTL and Sergio Henao cases.

 

[Cance > TheRest]

What about David Lopez or Dario Cataldo? I know their 2 year-contracts are expiring this year, but they should be resigned imo.
To me it seems like Porte and Nieve are about the same level in terms of climbing. There seems to be a big gap from Nieve to Kennaugh/Kiriyenka though, and especially Lopez could fill that gap, being the 3rd last borg.

Cataldo is self-explanatory. Basically a copy of Kiriyenka. Not extraordinary in the mountains but decent. Good on the flats. Experienced. Huge engine.

 

[super_domestique]

What about David Lopez or Dario Cataldo? I know their 2 year-contracts are expiring this year, but they should be resigned imo.
To me it seems like Porte and Nieve are about the same level in terms of climbing. There seems to be a big gap from Nieve to Kennaugh/Kiriyenka though, and especially Lopez could fill that gap, being the 3rd last borg.

Cataldo is self-explanatory. Basically a copy of Kiriyenka. Not extraordinary in the mountains but decent. Good on the flats. Experienced. Huge engine.

Yeah, have been really impressed with Cataldo and Lopez. Kiriyenka has been immense recently, and showed his form today in the time trial. I loved his breakaway win in the Giro...one of my favorites his year. Porte has had a horrible year, after a great 2013. If he stays healthy he would be a massive asset to Froome. Sky are right to look to strengthen though as they have been too reliant on Richie being on top form.....

The romantic in me would love to see Wiggo help Froome next year but with his track ambitions for Rio I can't see that happening.....

 

[super_domestique]

Oh, any one else think that Dan Martin would be a great signing for SKY? Mind you it'd be a shame to limit him to being a GC bot...I do enjoy his attacks and he's always good for a stage win in the mountains!

 

[Richeypen]

Oh, any one else think that Dan Martin would be a great signing for SKY? Mind you it'd be a shame to limit him to being a GC bot...I do enjoy his attacks and he's always good for a stage win in the mountains!

Would be a great signing for any team. Why would he want to join Sky though?
Monument winner who cant pick and chose the races he leads each year.