Transfers and Rumours 2015 > 2016

[Valv.Piti]

Well, Izaguirre and Visconti arent the type of guys to sit into a deep final at L-B-L. Surely Moreno is a upgrade there, Valverde was extraordinary this year by closing the gap, but he doesnt turn up like that every year and having Moreno by his side to either close or attack in the final could prove crucial. And if Betancur suddenly showed up to be that guy in this first year at Movistar, I'll be damned. But who knows, the guy has it in him, but I think the first year primarily will consist of him getting in the groove again.

I would still have preferred Valls, or keeping Intxausti, but Moreno's contributions in the Ardennes where Valverde's support has been relatively lackluster since Rodriguez, could prove to be a very good signing by Unzue.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Re:

Well, Izaguirre and Visconti arent the type of guys to sit into a deep final at L-B-L. Surely Moreno is a upgrade there, Valverde was extraordinary this year by closing the gap, but he doesnt turn up like that every year and having Moreno by his side to either close or attack in the final could prove crucial. And if Betancur suddenly showed up to be that guy in this first year at Movistar, I'll be damned. But who knows, the guy has it in him, but I think the first year primarily will consist of him getting in the groove again.

I would still have preferred Valls, or keeping Intxausti, but Moreno's contributions in the Ardennes where Valverde's support has been relatively lackluster since Rodriguez, could prove to be a very good signing by Unzue.

Last year, though, Štybar was there helping out in the final run-in; Izagirre is at least as functional a climber as that, although I expect he'll probably be peaking for País Vasco. If the race is raced really hard, then yes I guess Moreno is an upgrade, but it hasn't been so hard that I couldn't buy Ion or Gio being up there late on for a few years now.

 

[Valv.Piti]

Re: Re:

Well, Izaguirre and Visconti arent the type of guys to sit into a deep final at L-B-L. Surely Moreno is a upgrade there, Valverde was extraordinary this year by closing the gap, but he doesnt turn up like that every year and having Moreno by his side to either close or attack in the final could prove crucial. And if Betancur suddenly showed up to be that guy in this first year at Movistar, I'll be damned. But who knows, the guy has it in him, but I think the first year primarily will consist of him getting in the groove again.

I would still have preferred Valls, or keeping Intxausti, but Moreno's contributions in the Ardennes where Valverde's support has been relatively lackluster since Rodriguez, could prove to be a very good signing by Unzue.

Last year, though, Štybar was there helping out in the final run-in; Izagirre is at least as functional a climber as that, although I expect he'll probably be peaking for País Vasco. If the race is raced really hard, then yes I guess Moreno is an upgrade, but it hasn't been so hard that I couldn't buy Ion or Gio being up there late on for a few years now.

I dont really think Izaguirre got any upside in classics such as L-B-L, but sure, he could do the work of Stybar which really didnt was what I meant when I said 'deep final'. I mean, no guy at Movistar could play the role of Moreno this year and thats hopefully what they get (if they indeed have signed him), but as you point out, age is a factor and after the season he has had, he definitely isnt coming cheap.

Im a little skeptic and fear an Anton-case, but Moreno-2015 surely is welcomed. Especially in the Ardennes, but also the Vuelta.

 

[MellowJohnny]

They just had an interview with Bernhard Eisel on Austrian television, where he practically confirmed Cavendish and him to be at Dimension Data next year. He said nothing is signed yet, but it looks good.

I find it odd how little we're hearing about Renshaw. Maybe Lefevre has offered him better money to mentor Gaviria?

Think Renshaw might be struggling for a job, it makes sense for the now Dimension Data to take Eisel rather than Renshaw. Eisel may captain the GT squad and will be an option for the classic. Renshaw is simply a lead out man. I'd predict that Renshaw may be more suited to GreenEdge leading out someone like Michael Matthews. Let's face it he ain't gonna be getting any help from Gerrans anytime soon

 

[jaylew]

Re: Re:

Well, Izaguirre and Visconti arent the type of guys to sit into a deep final at L-B-L. Surely Moreno is a upgrade there, Valverde was extraordinary this year by closing the gap, but he doesnt turn up like that every year and having Moreno by his side to either close or attack in the final could prove crucial. And if Betancur suddenly showed up to be that guy in this first year at Movistar, I'll be damned. But who knows, the guy has it in him, but I think the first year primarily will consist of him getting in the groove again.

I would still have preferred Valls, or keeping Intxausti, but Moreno's contributions in the Ardennes where Valverde's support has been relatively lackluster since Rodriguez, could prove to be a very good signing by Unzue.

Last year, though, Štybar was there helping out in the final run-in; Izagirre is at least as functional a climber as that, although I expect he'll probably be peaking for País Vasco. If the race is raced really hard, then yes I guess Moreno is an upgrade, but it hasn't been so hard that I couldn't buy Ion or Gio being up there late on for a few years now.

I have no idea what they're paying him so I can't really speak to bang-for-buck, but I'm not convinced those guys you mention will there in a one-day finale, something Moreno has proven he can do. I would have liked for them to keep Beñat but I don't think that was an option. Also, Froome says it's never bad to poach one of your top rivals' lieutenants.

 

[TMP402]

Howard and Naesen confirmed to IAM. Naesen is good at accumulating top 10s and the odd victory in cobbled 1.1 races, maybe they're trying to develop him for the classics. The team still look like the odd ones out in the WT. Reichenbach and (the past glories of) Chavanel are leaving. Next season, as in this one, their best two cards will be Pelucchi and Braendle, but both are occasional winners. At least Jumbo and Cannondale have had unquestionably quality riders, even if those riders have had lean seasons.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re:

Howard and Naesen confirmed to IAM. Naesen is good at accumulating top 10s and the odd victory in cobbled 1.1 races, maybe they're trying to develop him for the classics. The team still look like the odd ones out in the WT. Reichenbach and (the past glories of) Chavanel are leaving. Next season, as in this one, their best two cards will be Pelucchi and Braendle, but both are occasional winners. At least Jumbo and Cannondale have had unquestionably quality riders, even if those riders have had lean seasons.

Pretty "meh" about Howard finding another WT ride but its now up to him to prove himself worthy of one. He showed some promise at HTC but he's degenerated into a M.Harley Goss Mk2 with regards to attitude at OGE.
IF he takes of advantage of this life-line then fair play to him.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Howard and Naesen confirmed to IAM. Naesen is good at accumulating top 10s and the odd victory in cobbled 1.1 races, maybe they're trying to develop him for the classics. The team still look like the odd ones out in the WT. Reichenbach and (the past glories of) Chavanel are leaving. Next season, as in this one, their best two cards will be Pelucchi and Braendle, but both are occasional winners. At least Jumbo and Cannondale have had unquestionably quality riders, even if those riders have had lean seasons.

Pretty "meh" about Howard finding another WT ride but its now up to him to prove himself worthy of one. He showed some promise at HTC but he's degenerated into a M.Harley Goss Mk2 with regards to attitude at OGE.
IF he takes of advantage of this life-line then fair play to him.

Howard's still young enough, and when motivated, fast enough, so wait and see. He's also good friends with Haussler and Tanner, so that may help too.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re: Re:

Howard and Naesen confirmed to IAM. Naesen is good at accumulating top 10s and the odd victory in cobbled 1.1 races, maybe they're trying to develop him for the classics. The team still look like the odd ones out in the WT. Reichenbach and (the past glories of) Chavanel are leaving. Next season, as in this one, their best two cards will be Pelucchi and Braendle, but both are occasional winners. At least Jumbo and Cannondale have had unquestionably quality riders, even if those riders have had lean seasons.

Pretty "meh" about Howard finding another WT ride but its now up to him to prove himself worthy of one. He showed some promise at HTC but he's degenerated into a M.Harley Goss Mk2 with regards to attitude at OGE.
IF he takes of advantage of this life-line then fair play to him.

Howard's still young enough, and when motivated, fast enough, so wait and see. He's also good friends with Haussler and Tanner, so that may help too.

Fair points, esp with regards to having "friendly faces" in the new environment. Fast enough, not 100% sure that he has. His only wins in recent years have been early season Majorca Trophy races. He just lost me somewhat when he openly "bottled" some sprint opportunities a few years back and when he started cracking the mopes at Tour of Cali.

Will be very happy to be proven wrong about him and if he "makes good" with this opportunity at IAM

 

[Finn84]

Jussi Veikkanen retires and he joins FDJ staff.

 

[Moviestar]

Re: Re:

Well, Izaguirre and Visconti arent the type of guys to sit into a deep final at L-B-L. Surely Moreno is a upgrade there, Valverde was extraordinary this year by closing the gap, but he doesnt turn up like that every year and having Moreno by his side to either close or attack in the final could prove crucial. And if Betancur suddenly showed up to be that guy in this first year at Movistar, I'll be damned. But who knows, the guy has it in him, but I think the first year primarily will consist of him getting in the groove again.

I would still have preferred Valls, or keeping Intxausti, but Moreno's contributions in the Ardennes where Valverde's support has been relatively lackluster since Rodriguez, could prove to be a very good signing by Unzue.

Last year, though, Štybar was there helping out in the final run-in; Izagirre is at least as functional a climber as that, although I expect he'll probably be peaking for País Vasco. If the race is raced really hard, then yes I guess Moreno is an upgrade, but it hasn't been so hard that I couldn't buy Ion or Gio being up there late on for a few years now.

I dont really think Izaguirre got any upside in classics such as L-B-L, but sure, he could do the work of Stybar which really didnt was what I meant when I said 'deep final'. I mean, no guy at Movistar could play the role of Moreno this year and thats hopefully what they get (if they indeed have signed him), but as you point out, age is a factor and after the season he has had, he definitely isnt coming cheap.

Im a little skeptic and fear an Anton-case, but Moreno-2015 surely is welcomed. Especially in the Ardennes, but also the Vuelta.

This is also my fear. The previous returns to the stables were also flops with Bruseghin and Karpets.

 

[janraaskalt2]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

 

[MatParker117]

Where's Siutsou going? Could be useful at Tinkoff.

 

[LaFlorecita]

Am I blind or there is no mention of Viviani?

 

[janraaskalt2]

Re:

Am I blind or there is no mention of Viviani?

They forgot to add him to "Under existing contract", but just did.

 

[MatParker117]

Re:

Am I blind or there is no mention of Viviani?

He's mentioned in the link as under contract.

 

[MatParker117]

Gonna be interesting next year to see how teams deal with Sky's strength in depth, this roster is the most well rounded in a while.

 

[pastronef]

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

I hoped he could snatch another year with them

 

[MatParker117]

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

I hoped he could snatch another year with them

He'll probably end up at Drapac or One.

 

[DBotero]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

Dumb move to let Siutsou go I'm happy that "the road captain"is leaving,strange that they preferred to renew Zandio and let go Sutton.I suppose Landa might have something to do with this.

 

[MatParker117]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

Dumb move to let Siutsou go I'm happy that "the road captain"is leaving,strange that they preferred to renew Zandio and let go Sutton.I suppose Landa might have something to do with this.

Golas is also a road captain:

"To be a road captain you need to have a feel for the race, for how it moves and to identify who the strong riders are," Golas told the magazine. "You also need to have some character so that everybody in the team likes you. You have to keep the atmosphere at a high level. It's also important that the other riders have respect for you and listen to what you decide to do."

Plus as a climber he can stay with Froome longer.

 

[Pricey_sky]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

Dumb move to let Siutsou go I'm happy that "the road captain"is leaving,strange that they preferred to renew Zandio and let go Sutton.I suppose Landa might have something to do with this.

A shame to see Suitsou leave, however with the riders coming in there isn't much room for him in the major races.

 

[b.broadhurst]

Earle, Eisel, Pate and Porte as expected. Zandio stays at 38? I guess they want as many Spaniards as possible to help Landa settle in.

Surprised Siutsou has gone considering they have 1 spot left and didn't fill in all races this year. Glad Sutton has gone as he has done nothing in recent memory but they are lacking in the classics department.

This is all the cobbled classic riders they have:

Moscon (Finished 2nd in U23 Flanders) Van Poppel Knees Rowe Stannard Fenn Puccio Thomas (If he doesn't focus on GT racing?) Viviani

 

[TMP402]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

Dumb move to let Siutsou go I'm happy that "the road captain"is leaving,strange that they preferred to renew Zandio and let go Sutton.I suppose Landa might have something to do with this.

Golas is also a road captain:

"To be a road captain you need to have a feel for the race, for how it moves and to identify who the strong riders are," Golas told the magazine. "You also need to have some character so that everybody in the team likes you. You have to keep the atmosphere at a high level. It's also important that the other riders have respect for you and listen to what you decide to do."

Plus as a climber he can stay with Froome longer.

Sitsov has a Giro top 10 in the last five seasons, and even with all the antics going on he managed 26th this year. He's always been able to climb, Sky just didn't use him that way.

 

[MatParker117]

End of Sky discussion


New signings:

Michal Golas, Benat Intxausti, Michal Kwiatkowski, Mikel Landa, Gianni Moscon Alex Peters and Danny van Poppel.

Contract renewals:

Ian Boswell, Philip Deignan, Sebastian Henao, Peter Kennaugh, Vasil Kiryienka, Christian Knees, Mikel Nieve, Luke Rowe, Ian Stannard and Xabier Zandio.

Under existing contract:

Andrew Fenn, Chris Froome, Sergio Henao, Leopold Konig, David Lopez, Lars Petter Nordhaug, Wout Poels, Salvatore Puccio, Nicolas Roche, Ben Swift, Geraint Thomas and Elia Viviani.

Departing riders:

Nathan Earle, Bernhard Eisel, Danny Pate, Richie Porte, Kanstantsin Siutsou and Chris Sutton.

Read more at http://www.teamsky.com/teamsky/home/article/67052#fhsYlGJgJ40W9C3Z.97

Dumb move to let Siutsou go I'm happy that "the road captain"is leaving,strange that they preferred to renew Zandio and let go Sutton.I suppose Landa might have something to do with this.

Golas is also a road captain:

"To be a road captain you need to have a feel for the race, for how it moves and to identify who the strong riders are," Golas told the magazine. "You also need to have some character so that everybody in the team likes you. You have to keep the atmosphere at a high level. It's also important that the other riders have respect for you and listen to what you decide to do."

Plus as a climber he can stay with Froome longer.

Sitsov has a Giro top 10 in the last five seasons, and even with all the antics going on he managed 26th this year. He's always been able to climb, Sky just didn't use him that way.

I'm surprised they let him go but with Sky's depth of climbing and TT talent there's little space for him on GT teams. A team like Tinkoff, Trek or Giant could make much better use of him.