Transfers and Rumours 2011 > 2012

[ingsve]

Definitely an allrounder. In the African races, he has won pretty much every mountain stage at will - but the question always is how high the level of competition is there.
I'd say he's good in hilly and mountainous races, sprints not so much. He's not hopeless on cobbles either (16th in last year's Ronde U23), but that could also turn out like it did for Popovych (that is, not at all).
In general, he's a very attacking rider, and the style of amateur racing, especially in Africa, fit him to a tee.
The two big issues will be how he will adapt to top professional racing (where the selection is made on the last 10 km, not on the first 30 km) and to the fact that there won't be 20-30 guys you can call real competition in any given race, but 150.

If this sounds very critical, I'll be the first to rejoice if he goes on winning bigtime.

Well, I don't think anyone sees him as the next superstar but I think he will become a nice solid pro.

 

[Frosty]

Di Gregorio to Cofidis? Where does this rumour come from? It would be AWESOME

On the front page now

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/di-gregorio-swaps-astana-for-cofidis

Gallopin is off to RadioShack to join his uncle. Maybe its for people to speculate over in the Clinic but im not sure what the cofidis boss means when he talks about how can anyone believe Bruyneel?

 

[ingsve]

Tobias Ludvigsson (currently stagaire) is now officially signed with Skil-Shimano for 2 years.

 

[thrawn]

If I was a DS I would chew off the arm of the nearest person holding a phone to get into contact with Degenkolb's agent. He wont be without a team for long.

Couldn't agree more. Huge talent, worth throwing a fair amount of cash at on a reasonably long deal.

 

[Frosty]

Who have Astana signed for next year? Could they be interested in some of HTC's big names?

 

[LaFleur]

Who have Astana signed for next year? Could they be interested in some of HTC's big names?

Hearing that Cofidis was seriously interested in even Chavanel means that they have some funds to spare on 1 or 2 big names. So why not get Martin or/and Degenkolb and go for the Pro Tour?

 

[Machu Picchu]

Michal Kwiatkowski and Michal Golas both signed for the 'new' QuickStep team!

Just how many spots does this team have open along with the merger with Omega Pharma?_?

confirmation here

 

[craig1985]

So happy for Teklehaimanot to get a contract.

 

[El Pistolero]

Michal Kwiatkowski and Michal Golas both signed for the 'new' QuickStep team!

Just how many spots does this team have open along with the merger with Omega Pharma?_?

confirmation here

A LOT of Eastern Europians since Bakala came to power. Peter Velits, Martin Velits, Michal kwiatkowski, Michel Golas, Zdenek Stybar. Next they should try and buy Peter Sagan and Roman Kreuziger.

 

[RedheadDane]

So happy for Teklehaimanot to get a contract.

Yeah... could seem like we'll have a new rather difficult name to pronounce.
---
Eeeh...

Katusha
Outs: Andrey Kashechkin (released)

Lampre ISD
Outs: Andrey Kashechkin (released)

How's that possible?

 

[uphillstruggle]

Euskatel are having a great year, 3 non Vuelta GT stage wins and the TDF Polka Dot, pretty sure after the Vuelta they'll be set for WT status.

I was looking at the UCI points allocations for the world tour races but didn't see anything for the mountains, point and youth jerseys only the GC and stages. Anyone know how much the mountains jersey is worth?

 

[ingsve]

I was looking at the UCI points allocations for the world tour races but didn't see anything for the mountains, point and youth jerseys only the GC and stages. Anyone know how much the mountains jersey is worth?

Such rankings don't give any points in the WT.

 

[Bavarianrider]

I don't like Riis but Saxo would probably be the best solution for Tony.
I hope that most riders and mebers of the staff can find a new job.

 

[auscyclefan94]

I want transfer news!

Someone make something up to entertain me!

 

[ingsve]

I want transfer news!

Someone make something up to entertain me!

Valverde is in negotiations with BMC.

 

[dlwssonic]

Valverde is in negotiations with BMC.

LOL unlikely but that would be freaking awesome. However I dont think it will be good as he and evans will have to fight for leadership.

 

[auscyclefan94]

Valverde is in negotiations with BMC.

Don't even joke about that! I think I would have an epileptic fit!

 

[Mambo95]

I want transfer news!

Someone make something up to entertain me!

A bit of gossip via Matt Rendell on twitter:

"Just heard gossip. Eng-speaking team offered Aussie pursuiter big contract w/ clause saying he can't ride 2012 Olympics......"

"....Needless to say he turned it down."


That's a little bit cheeky, I must say.

 

[AussieGoddess]

maybe Vavlerde, Cadel and Gilbert could race each other up Mur De Huy ..... BMC will be 1-2-3

 

[hatcher]

A bit of gossip via Matt Rendell on twitter:

"Just heard gossip. Eng-speaking team offered Aussie pursuiter big contract w/ clause saying he can't ride 2012 Olympics......"

"....Needless to say he turned it down."


That's a little bit cheeky, I must say.

And I'd guarantee 100% untrue.

Anytime Rendell cam throw something out to make Sky (and the BC conflict of interest, not the riders) look bad he will.

 

[auscyclefan94]

I found this interesting to read in an article in the australian.


O'Grady

"Stuey has wanted to be a part of this project since we first went public with wanting to put a team at the Tour de France, back in Adelaide last January," GreenEdge's financial backer Gerry Ryan told The Australian yesterday.

Porte

"I've sat down and listened to GreenEdge's pitch, and while it would be nice as an Australian to be racing for the team and alongside a very good mate in Stuey (O'Grady), I'm leaning towards joining Cadel (Evans) at BMC Racing or moving across to Team Sky next year."

Richie at BMC?!!! That gets the blood running!

 

[auscyclefan94]

And I'd guarantee 100% untrue.

Anytime Rendell cam throw something out to make Sky (and the BC conflict of interest, not the riders) look bad he will.

really? I personally think it is the other way round as rendell is such a fanboy!

 

[hatcher]

really? I personally think it is the other way round as rendell is such a fanboy!

He's a fan of the riders, but he's never shy to take a shot about Sky and the (in his mind) conflict of interest with British Cycling, or a wayward shot about how Sky only bother to support their British riders ("why aren't they riding for Uran?" well, they were).

 

[euanli]

So is he hinting at Garmin or Sky offering a contract for Bobridge?

curve ball, Sky for Rohan Denis

 

[auscyclefan94]

So is he hinting at Garmin or Sky offering a contract for Bobridge?

curve ball, Sky for Rohan Denis

Where did you hear this?