- Jul 16, 2015
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It's all in this article: https://www.redbull.com/at-de/there...nsgrohe-tour-de-france-roglic-bigham-lipowitz
Netherlands Road Championships: Danny van Poppel pips Olav Kooij to road race victory in photo finish bunch sprint
Lead-out rider beats the big favourite in very tight finish in Ede
www.cyclingnews.com
Congrats.
I´ll do a short transfer prediction for Bora.
What do we know until now? Thornley will get a WT contract for 2026, we have rumors on Vermeersch and Cattaneo as incoming transfers. Rumors on outgoing transfers: Welsford, Adria and Koch.
On contract extensions we had the rumor that Roglic contract was extended until the end of 2026 and Lipowitz signed a multi year contract - don´t know how long this one is valid. Also Moscon signed a longer contract then visible on PCS, but I don´t know for how long. Just heard in an interview. But he will be with the team minimum 2026. This makes 22 riders with a valid contract for 2026. So the core of the team will stay together.
Contracts expiring:
- Adria
- Koch
- Welsford
- Maciejuk
- Mullen
- Palzer
- Sobrero
- Wandahl
Adria is very likely to leave the team and head over to Movistar. This year he is not as succesful as last year, but I would have loved if he renewed his contract. He is a very valuable asset as a domestique and in some races he can ride for himself. But I think he wants more leadership in hilly races and I think thats not possible at Bora at the moment.
There are some rumors that Koch is about to leave to UAE. I would also renew his contract as he is helpful domestique, but it will be his last bigger contract and I see a possibility that he is leaving and with Thornley you already have the perfect replacement with a higher ceiling in the coming years.
Welsford is leaving to Ineos (based on the latest rumors). Outside the australian races he was just not performing at Bora. Don´t know if he is struggling to much with the "european" races or other things are blocking him. With the right schedule - Australian races, smaller stage races he can deliver nice wins but he didn´t made the step to a high class sprinter and so its good that he is leaving Bora.
On Palzer there were some rumors that he will extend his contract, don´t know why. I like him but he missed again to make the next step. Maybe a one year extension to give his spot in 2027 to a youngster? As Palzer is very likely to sign "any kind of contract" (short term and low on salary)
Mullen and Maciejuk are depending on the sprint situation I think. I believe that no big sprint name is coming in. So the sprinters for the next season will be Meeus, van Poppel and Pithie. If you give these riders the right support and the right races they will deliver wins and you don´t need a new expensive sprinter, as there is no top guy on the market (except Kooij who is heading to Decathlon). I´m alright on that, as Bora is unlikely to send a big sprint train to a GT and all of these three guys can be versitail and can score results without big support and when you give them the support they can win even in bigger stage or one day races. Maybe not 10 wins a year, but 3-5 are possible.
Wandahl didn´t made the step due to different reasons. I think its time to part ways for both sides. Bora can no longer give him freedom in some races and he is to young to be a pure domestique. Maybe UNO X would be a good fit?
I would extend the contract of Matteo Sobrero. Medium mountain guy, that is also good in the flat (or vice versa). Perfect rider for a GT as a domestique.
So in my scenario 4 are leaving (Adria, Koch, Welsford and Wandahl) and one new rider is safe (Thornley). So 4 spots left (as Bora had only 29 riders under contract in 2025).
Gianni Vermeersch is likely to join. A classic rider with experience in gravel races (former gravel world champion). He perfectly fills a open spot in the team, he can support the GC leaders in gravel stages during grand tours. Is a experienced guy in the classics that can step in as a leader when needed or advice the younger classic guys in what to do and where to be in the decisive moments.
Mattia Cattaneo is also a perfect fit. Moutain domestique and good TT rider. You can send him to grand tours and he will be a good domestique without ambitions on personal results in these races. This is a spot where Bora struggled these days. Who will ride first in the mountains and sacrifices his own chances? Now you have a rider that can take over this job and still be there until the last climb and then the leaders can race.
Two spots left. For me two more Devo guys will step up. After his very impressive Giro Next Gen I see Luke Tuckwell as WT rider in 2026. Good hilly/mountain rider. The other one should be Lennart Jasch. He made the switch from Ice skating to road cycling, he has an impressive engine and already showed his talent when riding with the world tour squad. Also his performance in the german nationals was quite good. Next week he will start in the sibiu tour as a leader. I believe he can achieve a top 5 GC result here. This can likely be the race where he is securing his WT contract.
No room for a surprising addition from the outside. But you have two riders Mullen and Palzer that you can "sacrifice" for a good opportunity from the outside or for another rider from the Devo team that could step up. Boichis and Putz would be the logical candidates, regarding Boichis I don´t see how he could combine this with MTB and Putz is very loyal but I think a little bit is missing for a contract at Bora.
Finn should ride one more year with the Devo Team. He had to finish school this first half of the year. So he is just starting to fully focus on cycling. Give him some smaller races with the world tour and leadership at Giro and l´Avenir next year and all good (of course just if he already signed a WT contract with Bora for 2027 otherwise sign him in 2026).
If all this is happening (or close to it), then Bora is heading in the right direction in my point of view. Even next year they wont be a super team as UAE, Visma and Lidl, some people do have to high expectations. It will take another year or two. But they will do one step up. Be more competitive in grand tours and classics, because they adressed weaknesses and some riders will hopefully do not have as much bad luck as this first half of the year (Vlasov, Lazkano, Hindley, van Gils, Martinez) and some riders will progress (Pithie, Pellizzari, van Dijke).
And also the staff around the team will learn from this season and hopefully will do a step up in teamwork, classic tactics etc. and who knows maybe we will see more transfers on the staff too.
What do we know until now? Thornley will get a WT contract for 2026, we have rumors on Vermeersch and Cattaneo as incoming transfers. Rumors on outgoing transfers: Welsford, Adria and Koch.
On contract extensions we had the rumor that Roglic contract was extended until the end of 2026 and Lipowitz signed a multi year contract - don´t know how long this one is valid. Also Moscon signed a longer contract then visible on PCS, but I don´t know for how long. Just heard in an interview. But he will be with the team minimum 2026. This makes 22 riders with a valid contract for 2026. So the core of the team will stay together.
Contracts expiring:
- Adria
- Koch
- Welsford
- Maciejuk
- Mullen
- Palzer
- Sobrero
- Wandahl
Adria is very likely to leave the team and head over to Movistar. This year he is not as succesful as last year, but I would have loved if he renewed his contract. He is a very valuable asset as a domestique and in some races he can ride for himself. But I think he wants more leadership in hilly races and I think thats not possible at Bora at the moment.
There are some rumors that Koch is about to leave to UAE. I would also renew his contract as he is helpful domestique, but it will be his last bigger contract and I see a possibility that he is leaving and with Thornley you already have the perfect replacement with a higher ceiling in the coming years.
Welsford is leaving to Ineos (based on the latest rumors). Outside the australian races he was just not performing at Bora. Don´t know if he is struggling to much with the "european" races or other things are blocking him. With the right schedule - Australian races, smaller stage races he can deliver nice wins but he didn´t made the step to a high class sprinter and so its good that he is leaving Bora.
On Palzer there were some rumors that he will extend his contract, don´t know why. I like him but he missed again to make the next step. Maybe a one year extension to give his spot in 2027 to a youngster? As Palzer is very likely to sign "any kind of contract" (short term and low on salary)
Mullen and Maciejuk are depending on the sprint situation I think. I believe that no big sprint name is coming in. So the sprinters for the next season will be Meeus, van Poppel and Pithie. If you give these riders the right support and the right races they will deliver wins and you don´t need a new expensive sprinter, as there is no top guy on the market (except Kooij who is heading to Decathlon). I´m alright on that, as Bora is unlikely to send a big sprint train to a GT and all of these three guys can be versitail and can score results without big support and when you give them the support they can win even in bigger stage or one day races. Maybe not 10 wins a year, but 3-5 are possible.
Wandahl didn´t made the step due to different reasons. I think its time to part ways for both sides. Bora can no longer give him freedom in some races and he is to young to be a pure domestique. Maybe UNO X would be a good fit?
I would extend the contract of Matteo Sobrero. Medium mountain guy, that is also good in the flat (or vice versa). Perfect rider for a GT as a domestique.
So in my scenario 4 are leaving (Adria, Koch, Welsford and Wandahl) and one new rider is safe (Thornley). So 4 spots left (as Bora had only 29 riders under contract in 2025).
Gianni Vermeersch is likely to join. A classic rider with experience in gravel races (former gravel world champion). He perfectly fills a open spot in the team, he can support the GC leaders in gravel stages during grand tours. Is a experienced guy in the classics that can step in as a leader when needed or advice the younger classic guys in what to do and where to be in the decisive moments.
Mattia Cattaneo is also a perfect fit. Moutain domestique and good TT rider. You can send him to grand tours and he will be a good domestique without ambitions on personal results in these races. This is a spot where Bora struggled these days. Who will ride first in the mountains and sacrifices his own chances? Now you have a rider that can take over this job and still be there until the last climb and then the leaders can race.
Two spots left. For me two more Devo guys will step up. After his very impressive Giro Next Gen I see Luke Tuckwell as WT rider in 2026. Good hilly/mountain rider. The other one should be Lennart Jasch. He made the switch from Ice skating to road cycling, he has an impressive engine and already showed his talent when riding with the world tour squad. Also his performance in the german nationals was quite good. Next week he will start in the sibiu tour as a leader. I believe he can achieve a top 5 GC result here. This can likely be the race where he is securing his WT contract.
No room for a surprising addition from the outside. But you have two riders Mullen and Palzer that you can "sacrifice" for a good opportunity from the outside or for another rider from the Devo team that could step up. Boichis and Putz would be the logical candidates, regarding Boichis I don´t see how he could combine this with MTB and Putz is very loyal but I think a little bit is missing for a contract at Bora.
Finn should ride one more year with the Devo Team. He had to finish school this first half of the year. So he is just starting to fully focus on cycling. Give him some smaller races with the world tour and leadership at Giro and l´Avenir next year and all good (of course just if he already signed a WT contract with Bora for 2027 otherwise sign him in 2026).
If all this is happening (or close to it), then Bora is heading in the right direction in my point of view. Even next year they wont be a super team as UAE, Visma and Lidl, some people do have to high expectations. It will take another year or two. But they will do one step up. Be more competitive in grand tours and classics, because they adressed weaknesses and some riders will hopefully do not have as much bad luck as this first half of the year (Vlasov, Lazkano, Hindley, van Gils, Martinez) and some riders will progress (Pithie, Pellizzari, van Dijke).
And also the staff around the team will learn from this season and hopefully will do a step up in teamwork, classic tactics etc. and who knows maybe we will see more transfers on the staff too.
Jasch is a good name but If they want a german (not expensive) rider they should go after Anton Schiffer, he was amazing yesterday and is climbling great this year.
By the way, they have never been interested in Miguel Heidemann for the donkey work, flat and TTs? In my opinion, they've had worse riders on their roster in the past, and perhaps even recently—at least two or three. In fact, he would be a logical replacement for riders like Mullen, Maciejuk, or Koch if they leave or even for Gamper this year.
By the way, they have never been interested in Miguel Heidemann for the donkey work, flat and TTs? In my opinion, they've had worse riders on their roster in the past, and perhaps even recently—at least two or three. In fact, he would be a logical replacement for riders like Mullen, Maciejuk, or Koch if they leave or even for Gamper this year.
Yes thats true and I think there are no big differences between these two, but Jasch is already in the structure you know what you get. The TT set up is done, he knows the staff and the world tour riders. Bora knows his data and the progress he made since he is in the structure. He also rode as a domestique with the world tour guys, Schiffer normally is the protected rider and is riding for own results. So you don´t know how he is transferring his power date (which mostly just shine in mountain races) to a domestique role. And Jasch knows the physical and mental load from pro sports and handled it. in Sibiu they will ride against each other - lets see what the outcome will be.
Regarding Heidemann, yes back in the days without Red Bull this would be a good transfer. But nowadays not. Heidemann has not much room for improvement and I think Bora is beyond the point where they sign riders without big room for improvement. They will sign Talents with room for improvment, proven world tour riders or keep some riders within the structure until they have better riders from the Devo team. But not bringing medium riders from the outside in.
I almost completely agree with your entire analysis and assessment. In my opinion, it could turn out almost exactly like this.
But I come to a different conclusion on one point, so there could be a few changes in the end: This year they deliberately had 29 riders in the team instead of 30 so that they could give the rookies more chances to race with the WT team. I assume that they will continue along this path. Accordingly, there will be one place less.
I also firmly assume that Jasch will switch to the WT. Tuckwell after the Giro should also have a good chance. As for Boichis, I don't know if his performances have been good enough. But apart from a transfer, another year with the rookies would also be possible.
Accordingly, another rider might have to leave. My money is on Mullen and Maciejuk. I don't think anyone was hoping for more from either of them. That would leave enough room.
I also assume that Plazer will stay. With him they are advertising the junior program - also for lateral entrants. He probably acts more as an ambassador. Maybe he's also a great team partner for the youngsters. But that's just a guess.
- May 5, 2010
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I agree as well.
For me biggest weakspots are
1) experience in classics --> Would be solved.
2) Pure mountain domestiques --> Would be added, although I would prefer 2 new pure mountain domestiques.
I think the main improvement will come from the internal team. Many riders have dissapointing seasons so far.
I assume that most of them will have a much better 2nd year in the Red Bull system and the whole team will be more like a oiled machine.
It is just suprising by the talent the team has, how bad the outcome was this year.
Also the talent pipeline will be very important for the team the next years I think. They start to build something really nice there.
For me biggest weakspots are
1) experience in classics --> Would be solved.
2) Pure mountain domestiques --> Would be added, although I would prefer 2 new pure mountain domestiques.
I think the main improvement will come from the internal team. Many riders have dissapointing seasons so far.
I assume that most of them will have a much better 2nd year in the Red Bull system and the whole team will be more like a oiled machine.
It is just suprising by the talent the team has, how bad the outcome was this year.
Also the talent pipeline will be very important for the team the next years I think. They start to build something really nice there.
- May 5, 2010
- 51,691
- 30,239
- 28,180
I don't think Pithie will be of much help... apparently this was his preparation...
(Who doesn't play golf in their cycling kit?)
(Who doesn't play golf in their cycling kit?)
- Sep 12, 2022
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Works well for MVDP thoughI don't think Pithie will be of much help... apparently this was his preparation...
(Who doesn't play golf in their cycling kit?)
- May 5, 2010
- 51,691
- 30,239
- 28,180
Maybe MVDP is just (also) a better golfer than Pithie?
His (Pithie's) own dad didn't seem to impressed by his golfing skills.
- May 5, 2010
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- 30,239
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So, Tim Van Dijke was visiting the race today, which of course leads to the question:
How can we know it won't be him riding tomorrow?
How can we know it won't be him riding tomorrow?
- Sep 26, 2020
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After today they may be wishing all their riders and DSs had twin brothers.
Day 2 of the tour and there are so many worries around RBH again. Missed the first stage sprint and lost time in the classification. Okay, check it off. Today the team was at the front for a long time. But in the end there was no one left. While the other riders in the classification still had several helpers. Lipo then had to close the gap on his own. He then attacked again later (he should be taught not to carry a rain jacket on his back all day 
. In the past, that would have been perfect for Roglic. But just like in the Giro since stage 1, these finales that actually suit him, nothing comes from him. Today again only at the end of the group. That's a great pity.
. In the past, that would have been perfect for Roglic. But just like in the Giro since stage 1, these finales that actually suit him, nothing comes from him. Today again only at the end of the group. That's a great pity.
- Feb 20, 2012
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It's a long standing pattern of Roglic that he's sitting near the front for a long time before a critical junction and then he loses his position right as he needs to be in front.Day 2 of the tour and there are so many worries around RBH again. Missed the first stage sprint and lost time in the classification. Okay, check it off. Today the team was at the front for a long time. But in the end there was no one left. While the other riders in the classification still had several helpers. Lipo then had to close the gap on his own. He then attacked again later (he should be taught not to carry a rain jacket on his back all day
As for Lipowitz, him taking a flyer at the end is perfectly fine. At that point Roglic shouldn't have any trouble not losing time, and in a case of a bad chase, he has a shot at a very big win.
Roglic is almost 36 and not in the best shape... what did you expect.Day 2 of the tour and there are so many worries around RBH again. Missed the first stage sprint and lost time in the classification. Okay, check it off. Today the team was at the front for a long time. But in the end there was no one left. While the other riders in the classification still had several helpers. Lipo then had to close the gap on his own. He then attacked again later (he should be taught not to carry a rain jacket on his back all day
Stage 2 was good and not to repeat myself:
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Page 852 - Teams & Riders - Everybody needs a little bit of Roglstomp in their lives
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What is RBH actually being punished for? Of course you make enough mistakes. But you never get into a mode where things are going well and then everything gets easier. You take an extra sprinter with you. Then you miss the sprint on stage one. And today Meeus lands very hard on the ground. I don't think he'll continue even if he finishes.
A "bonus" on top: Meeus down. Pithie down. Danny with 3rd yellow card in this year as the first rider and relegated.
- Mar 15, 2022
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Next year they should bring even more 2nd tier sprinters to TdF. And one GC guy, just in case.
- Jul 16, 2015
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It was bound to happen. Cycling works in mysterious ways, i.e. in this instance meant Red Bull's bright plan to take a sprinter had to backfire.
The irony of the backup crew who're there to win something when Rogla's crashes out... actually hitting the deck themselves... is what makes cycling such a weird sport.
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