Transfers and Rumours 2011 > 2012

[roundabout]

Yeah, I'd imagine that given his good season Van Avermaet would fancy a chance of being a leader even if I am somewhat doubtful that he can be a genuine threat in Flanders/E3. With Lotto he would have a better chance at that.

 

[taiwan]

Devolder and Van Avermaet to Radioshack-Nissan?

"According to our information, Bruyneel has two fellow countrymen on his list. In Belgium they are speculating that the Ronde Van Vlaanderen winner of 2008, Stijn Devolder, as well as the recent winner of Paris-Tours, Greg Van Avermaet, could soon put themselves in the service of Radioshack-Nissan. Stijn Devolder was already with Bruyneel at the US Postal and Discovery Channel teams"

http://www.tageblatt.lu/sport/story/Bruyneel-jagt-weitere-Top-Verstaerkungen-24331413

Better than Van Avermaet staying at BMC with Gilbert, IMO. Gives a non-Schleck option for the Ardennes. Having said that, It's still a team with two clear leaders for hilly classics, so maybe not the hugest improvement.

 

[Christian]

Better than Van Avermaet staying at BMC with Gilbert, IMO. Gives a non-Schleck option for the Ardennes. Having said that, It's still a team with two clear leaders for hilly classics, so maybe not the hugest improvement.

In a recent interview Andy also named Fuglsang among classics riders, so I wonder whether that was part of the deal for him staying

 

[Michielveedeebee]

Well, Van Avermaet openly hates Gilbert and BMC's classics team will be way better RadioShack's, how it looks now..

He doesn't, he just wants his own chances and at Lotto, Gilbert didn't give those to Van Avermaet... Their relationship has improved over the past year.
And Greg still has a contract for the next season. But I must say I'd rather see Greg get his own chances than domestique for Gilbert

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Say what?

1999: Kim Kirchen
2001: Bradley Wiggins
2004: Andy Schleck
2006: Geraint Thomas
2008: Tejay Van Garderen (2nd)
2011: Bob Jungels (3rd)

Not so bad for the last couple of years I would say ... the tour de liege also has great winners but none of them became pro because of that race nor did anyone in your list because of that race



With Kirchen they were not willing to keep him on the team and sort out his health problems so good for Hoste

I'm not talking about winners but about the race not meaning much to pro teams

 

[Ryo Hazuki]

Say what?

1999: Kim Kirchen
2001: Bradley Wiggins
2004: Andy Schleck
2006: Geraint Thomas
2008: Tejay Van Garderen (2nd)
2011: Bob Jungels (3rd)

Not so bad for the last couple of years I would say ...



With Kirchen they were not willing to keep him on the team and sort out his health problems so good for Hoste

none of the riders in your list became pro because of a win there that's the point

 

[auscyclefan94]

GVA ain't leaving...at least I don't think he will.

 

[Luke Schmid]

Bruyneel should sign Ballan, those two would get along extremely well. However if van Avermaet leaves I guess Ballan is staying. It would be surprising on both counts.

 

[WillemS]

You guys seem to think Devolder is doomed and will never get back to his 'old' level. I am not so sure. He has the talent. I think he could use a change of team. As far as I can see, it never seemed to work, Devolder & Vacansoleil-DCM. However, I think he still has a year to go with Vacansoleil, so we'll see.

 

[Midnightfright]

He's has talent there's no denying that love him or hate him will he get back to potentially winning RVV im not so sure but to perform better than he has done this year I think he will. Coincidentally he's the only rider I've had a real long chat with on a train travelling from Barca to Vienna. Seemed real cool. I asked him what should I do to get better on the bike and he actually had a very detailed discussion with me.

 

[Havetts]

He's has talent there's no denying that love him or hate him will he get back to potentially winning RVV im not so sure but to perform better than he has done this year I think he will. Coincidentally he's the only rider I've had a real long chat with on a train travelling from Barca to Vienna. Seemed real cool. I asked him what should I do to get better on the bike and he actually had a very detailed discussion with me.

Stijn Devolder has always struck me as a nice guy, I really don't see why alot of the Belgian people on this forum, and outside this forum, dislike him. Is it because he won the Ronde twice and didnt do 'anything' after it?

A friend of mine actually said this, it is because he only races well at two races in the season: the Belgian national RR and the RvV and nothing else. But isnt that just the same as peaking for like a GC in Paris-Nice for example, peak for what suits you best and what you like best?

 

[Midnightfright]

Stijn Devolder has always struck me as a nice guy, I really don't see why alot of the Belgian people on this forum, and outside this forum, dislike him. Is it because he won the Ronde twice and didnt do 'anything' after it?

A friend of mine actually said this, it is because he only races well at two races in the season: the Belgian national RR and the RvV and nothing else. But isnt that just the same as peaking for like a GC in Paris-Nice for example, peak for what suits you best and what you like best?

I can't say enough good things about him. I openely admit I'm biased but he was friendly and to the point. He even sent me and e-mail 2 months later to see how I was getting on. Was very forward with me as well. I've met dozen of pros and altough I've never had a chance to spend with the others as I did him he was by far the most likeable. Saying that of all the guys I've met only 1 was less than freindly. GT even asked for my xbox username so he could play me at Gears of solid.

 

[hatcher]

I can't say enough good things about him. I openely admit I'm biased but he was friendly and to the point. He even sent me and e-mail 2 months later to see how I was getting on. Was very forward with me as well. I've met dozen of pros and altough I've never had a chance to spend with the others as I did him he was by far the most likeable. Saying that of all the guys I've met only 1 was less than freindly. GT even asked for my xbox username so he could play me at Gears of solid.

Nice to hear that.

 

[Midnightfright]

Nice to hear that.

I will admit I did gasp and clasp my hands together when I GT so.he may just of been talking pity of me

 

[Parrulo]

I can't say enough good things about him. I openely admit I'm biased but he was friendly and to the point. He even sent me and e-mail 2 months later to see how I was getting on. Was very forward with me as well. I've met dozen of pros and altough I've never had a chance to spend with the others as I did him he was by far the most likeable. Saying that of all the guys I've met only 1 was less than freindly. GT even asked for my xbox username so he could play me at Gears of solid.

thats a very nice story man, i also never understood the devolder hate tbh tho it may be because belgiums simple prefer tom boonen and they know that the 2 wins devolder has are 80% boonen and they think boonen should have those wins on his palmares. i honestly understand them on that

 

[Midnightfright]

thats a very nice story man, i also never understood the devolder hate tbh tho it may be because belgiums simple prefer tom boonen and they know that the 2 wins devolder has are 80% boonen and they think boonen should have those wins on his palmares. i honestly understand them on that

I will be totally honest with u after speaking to him I can why ppl aren't sure on himhe was quite abrupt with me and it could of came across as rude to some people but when I free table came up on the train he called me across to sit with him and chat. Yes I'm aware I'm coming across as a bit of a fanboy.

 

[Havetts]

I can't say enough good things about him. I openely admit I'm biased but he was friendly and to the point. He even sent me and e-mail 2 months later to see how I was getting on. Was very forward with me as well. I've met dozen of pros and altough I've never had a chance to spend with the others as I did him he was by far the most likeable. Saying that of all the guys I've met only 1 was less than freindly. GT even asked for my xbox username so he could play me at Gears of solid.

Pretty cool that Devolder actually you remembered you two months after that, surely not alot of pros would do that and certainly not alot of them would react. Because of Devolder always comes over like a nice guy he had me secretly rooting for him in the classic, I guess what you say, Parrulo, might be true but I really can't see why that would lead to hating on a rider who did nothing wrong..

 

[Parrulo]

Pretty cool that Devolder actually you remembered you two months after that, surely not alot of pros would do that and certainly not alot of them would react. Because of Devolder always comes over like a nice guy he had me secretly rooting for him in the classic, I guess what you say, Parrulo, might be true but I really can't see why that would lead to hating on a rider who did nothing wrong..

Belgians are just weird

i also like devolder tbh so . . .

 

[Midnightfright]

Pretty cool that Devolder actually you remembered you two months after that, surely not alot of pros would do that and certainly not alot of them would react. Because of Devolder always comes over like a nice guy he had me secretly rooting for him in the classic, I guess what you say, Parrulo, might be true but I really can't see why that would lead to hating on a rider who did nothing wrong..

That's very true I just remember to stick up my Devolder avatar for the new season

 

[The Hitch]

I can't say enough good things about him. I openely admit I'm biased but he was friendly and to the point. He even sent me and e-mail 2 months later to see how I was getting on. Was very forward with me as well. I've met dozen of pros and altough I've never had a chance to spend with the others as I did him he was by far the most likeable. Saying that of all the guys I've met only 1 was less than freindly. GT even asked for my xbox username so he could play me at Gears of solid.

Awesome story man, awesome story.

Love the one about Thomas too. You can tell hes a great guy just by the video clips he does.

In Froome and Thomas Sky have guys that will cancel out all the sins of Wiggins and Cav.

Belgians are just weird

i also like devolder tbh so . . .

Funnily enough, the biggest Devolder hater on the forum, as if you couldn't guess, is of course Pisti.

 

[The Hitch]

Funnily enough, the biggest Devolder hater on the forum, as if you couldn't guess, is of course Pisti.

 

[just some guy]

That's very true I just remember to stick up my Devolder avatar for the new season

Until your Tony one after P-R

 

[Midnightfright]

Until your Tony one after P-R

I'm confident otherwise.

 

[ingsve]

Vegard Stake Laengen (Joker-Merida) who was 4th in Tour de l'Avenir and 7th in U-23 RVV has an offer from Team Type 1 for next year and is currently in negotiations with them. He is expected to make a desicion fairly soon. http://www.procycling.no/article3250230.ece

 

[canyonball]

According to portuguese newspaper Record, Bruno Pires (ex-Leopard-Trek) will join Saxo Bank-Sungard LINK