Riders enjoy the Middle East races - No transfers, good quality accommodation, a variety of different conditions, warmer weathers - Classic guys really enjoy the cross-winds.
Riders enjoy the Middle East races - No transfers, good quality accommodation, a variety of different conditions, warmer weathers - Classic guys really enjoy the cross-winds.
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Formally, the team decides, unless the contract stipulates otherwise.
But it's obviously up for negotiation. So the question then is: How much would you offer in exchange for greater control of your schedule?
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Not that any of those countries would be characterized as you said but the geography and weather make them very artificial. They do have money which attracts the sport's Vampire Class: UCI and fellow travellers. Ask any rider how they feel about going to China and Sandbox races...after they retire.
Riders have been doing Middle East races for 15 years and many have experienced successful seasons - It's good preparation for future goals. And I doubt riders are overly concerned about the countries, especially seeing there are at least four teams who are sponsored or have an association with Middle East countries.
I responded to a post which mentioned why riders could decline participating in these races. I had some suggestions on why they might, since the poster was wondering, not that they necessarily will or that riders shouldnt go to these races.
We are having a completely different conversation and I am not disputing anything you say about it or that those are bad preparation races. For some they might work very well and for some they might not. Everything has pros and cons, you just gotta choose what might be best for you in the moment and evaluate afterwards. Some riders are probably not given a choice and are assigned by their teams to races. Very few can pick and choose.
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To the Middle East issue: I‘m glad the riders can race there (Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE) safely, and don‘t have to fear terrorist attacks or similar. I think (and hope) organizers do a lot for the safety of race and staff.
To Remco in UAE: good race for him probably. He normally will face an Adam Yates there who is in top shape - Yates is almost as fast as Pogacar in these mountains, and so this could become a valuable duel for Remco.
Jais and Hafeet decisive as always - good thing is that the ITT is massively longer than usual (still only 17kms though).
To Remco in UAE: good race for him probably. He normally will face an Adam Yates there who is in top shape - Yates is almost as fast as Pogacar in these mountains, and so this could become a valuable duel for Remco.
Jais and Hafeet decisive as always - good thing is that the ITT is massively longer than usual (still only 17kms though).
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Yeah, there's probably zero concern regarding attacks on riders. As has been said; there's a "buttload" of money there and attackers know who pays their bills, too.
Yates and Remco will have a good go of it on some climbs but generally; the races tend to be long and windy landscapes. I guess it beats doing early season Belgian races for weather, though.
Yates and Remco both should have contracts that grant them specific appearance money in addition to team incentives. Good to make that money and stay warm even it the racing can be boring.
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But how does the money factor enhance his career, now, and at large? He should be racing in Europe and in the worst of conditions: rain, cold, misery. He will need that to beat Tadej.
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- Jul 10, 2014
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Where do you get this shi-t?He's in the desert
- Jul 10, 2014
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And two days ago he was in Paris
View: https://twitter.com/EvenepoelRemco/status/1625394305329205248
View: https://twitter.com/EvenepoelRemco/status/1625394305329205248
- Jan 8, 2020
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Good boy, Happy Valentine's Day, now get on your bike!
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He's been bred to be a Pro. He's not racing Tadej anytime soon and money in the bank is just that. It won't hurt his career.
He knows what it's like to be exiled in injury Siberia and how quick a career can go away, I'd hope. His DS has a long history of finding another New Thing so some dough couldn't hurt.
Also; better not to get sick in cold weather unless the race demands it.
I believe it’s a TTT so not sure if it will be any advantage at all.
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And Pogacar always raced UAE tour before winning the Tour. So it's a proven strategy.
Is there actually a remote chance he’ll do the Tour or are people just daydreaming?
Am I the only one that is concerned about all the commercials and social media he has been doing since he won the rainbow jersey? Feels like the frequency has gone up fivefold and might be causing him to lose focus a bit. Thinking of the attack in Argentina which felt out of character for example. Will be interesting to see how he performs in the UAE tour.
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Has he attacked here or has he been dropped?He's in the desert
He's in the desert
Not that it matters much but I think that picture is from San Juan.
And he wasn't in Paris this week, he was training in Calpe, he just posted that Paris pic on Valentine's day.
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