Transfers and Rumours 2015 > 2016

[Valv.Piti]

Re:

Oh, and Rojas isn't really necessary anymore. Much rather keep Javi Moreno. The rise of Juanjo Lobato makes Rojas surplus to requirements really. Paco Ventoso is now past his best and Sanz is only on the team because he's Unzué's nephew, and I'd rather them cut them before Rojas (even though at his peak Ventoso was better than Rojas anyway) but Lobato can make it to the finish on any stage the wingnut can, is faster and - here's the kicker - can actually goddamn win a race. Rojas has won about ten races - most of them in the Challenge Mallorca or in races with no sprinters like País Vasco - in ten years, Lobato has more than that in the last five. Sure, there's not a great difference in the calibre of wins (Spanish one-day races, early season warmup races, the main WT one is the TDU so a stronger sprint field but fewer on form), but it does include wins when he's riding for Andalucía and freaking Euskaltel-Euskadi in 2013 with zero support whatsoever, and also a puncheur finish at the Castillo de Burgos.

According to PCS, Ventoso has one more year left. Sanz is the team's worst rider probably, so glad to see him go. Im not too fond of sprinters on Movistar who cant climb either.

Lobato is definetely a keeper. I had expected more from him this season after his MSR last year, but hopefully that will come. I had hoped for some Giro magic with a stage win and some goodies. In hindsight, I think I hyped that Giro team from Movistar, hoping to see Ruben Fernandez and Quintana in the mountains, if Ion actually could ride a GC at a high level, Intxausti top 10-ing and Visconti being up to his old tricks in Italy. What really happened was Ion and Benat was nowhere to be found GC-wise and Amador beasting it. And of course Benat sneaky win! I would like to see such a team again since I was so hyped about that team, although they somewhat still disappointed a bit (yeah, I have lofty expectations). Enough storytelling...

Rojas seems to have transitioned into a very solid domestique, pretty much only sprinting when he is freed up to do so. He seems to overall be the better rider in pretty much all terrain perhaps excluding the high mountains, alltho he actually is very decent there imo. It all comes down to the cost tho, but I would prefer Rojas over Moreno and his hilarious win in Andalucia. I dont know what happened.

 

[AA_ESP]

According to basque television, ETB, three more riders have signed extensions with Movistar.

Imanol Erviti for one year, and surprisingly, BOTH Izagirre brothers for two more years.

We'll see, I'd still like a few new faces at Movistar, but glad to see Ion stays.

Just seen this. Wonderful news. Of course won't properly celebrate until actually confirmed. Fingers crossed.

First they were both going to Sky, then one brother to stay and one to Sky, now both to stay, I hope!!

 

[AA_ESP]

Re:

Apparently everyone rumoured to Sky ain't gonna go there eventually!

That's why I always wait for confirmations. As a football fan I know that there are many football transfer rumours and many turn out to be not true at all.

Of the Sky rumours only Peters has actually signed up. Geoghan Hart is definitely staying where he is, the Izagirre brothers look like they are both staying at Movistar. Obviously the two "big" ones (Landa and Kwiatowski) seem almost certain if the whispers from people who should know are to be believed. Up in the air it seems are Golas, Vichot, Moscon and Intxausti.

As a Movistar fan does anyone know what the latest is on Intxausti? He was rumoured to Sky the same time as the Izagirre brothers so I am hoping for a similar outcome.

 

[Moviestar]

According to basque television, ETB, three more riders have signed extensions with Movistar.

Imanol Erviti for one year, and surprisingly, BOTH Izagirre brothers for two more years.

We'll see, I'd still like a few new faces at Movistar, but glad to see Ion stays.

This is great news, al the key riders have prolonged their contracts ( except Intxausti). I think Unzue will resign 1/2 other riders, Rojas for sure and maybe Moreno/D.Quintana. And a couple of new faces with Kudus, Betancur and maybe Valls that's it.

I dont know the background but that tension between Izaguirres and Movistar staff due to late signing won't be good imo.They are great domestiques (Ion even more) but Im not sure it will work.

If there was any tension they would have signed elsewhere already. And the resigning of 2 more years is a sign that they pretty much enjoy their stay at Movistar. Why would you resign with a team where you're not comfortable with, makes no sense to me.

 

[kenk09]

Re: Re:

Apparently everyone rumoured to Sky ain't gonna go there eventually!

That's why I always wait for confirmations. As a football fan I know that there are many football transfer rumours and many turn out to be not true at all.

Of the Sky rumours only Peters has actually signed up. Geoghan Hart is definitely staying where he is, the Izagirre brothers look like they are both staying at Movistar. Obviously the two "big" ones (Landa and Kwiatowski) seem almost certain if the whispers from people who should know are to be believed. Up in the air it seems are Golas, Vichot, Moscon and Intxausti.

As a Movistar fan does anyone know what the latest is on Intxausti? He was rumoured to Sky the same time as the Izagirre brothers so I am hoping for a similar outcome.

Moscon is a definite. Joining for the October Italian races, and signed for the following 2 years.

 

[Moviestar]

Omar Fraile ( Caja) to MTN

 

[TMP402]

Smukulis rumoured to Astana. (Think this may have been said before)

 

[MatParker117]

Re: Re:

Apparently everyone rumoured to Sky ain't gonna go there eventually!

That's why I always wait for confirmations. As a football fan I know that there are many football transfer rumours and many turn out to be not true at all.

Of the Sky rumours only Peters has actually signed up. Geoghan Hart is definitely staying where he is, the Izagirre brothers look like they are both staying at Movistar. Obviously the two "big" ones (Landa and Kwiatowski) seem almost certain if the whispers from people who should know are to be believed. Up in the air it seems are Golas, Vichot, Moscon and Intxausti.

As a Movistar fan does anyone know what the latest is on Intxausti? He was rumoured to Sky the same time as the Izagirre brothers so I am hoping for a similar outcome.

Lefetere has confirmed Kwaitowski.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Re:

Lobato can make it to the finish on any stage the wingnut

Rojas has dodgy views?

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Re: Re:

Lobato can make it to the finish on any stage the wingnut

Rojas has dodgy views?

In an interview with Pedalier Pro a few years ago, he was asked which person he admired over all others, and he answered Francisco Franco. That stigma has stayed with him ever since.

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Re: Re:

Lobato can make it to the finish on any stage the wingnut

Rojas has dodgy views?

In an interview with Pedalier Pro a few years ago, he was asked which person he admired over all others, and he answered Francisco Franco. That stigma has stayed with him ever since.

Jesus. An actual fascist. I'll enjoy his perpetual losing a little more now.

 

[GW15something]

Re:

Omar Fraile ( Caja) to MTN

Is this confirmed?

 

[Moviestar]

Re: Re:

Omar Fraile ( Caja) to MTN

Is this confirmed?

http://www.biciciclismo.com/es/omar-fraile-caja-rural-rga-muy-cerca-del-mtn-qhubeka-05-09-2015

 

[BigMac]

Re: Re:

Omar Fraile ( Caja) to MTN

Is this confirmed?

http://www.biciciclismo.com/es/omar-fraile-caja-rural-rga-muy-cerca-del-mtn-qhubeka-05-09-2015

'muy cerca'. Not confirmed.

 

[dirkprovin]

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

 

[Zinoviev Letter]

Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

Yes, they have the Yates twins going off contract end 2016 and its highly likely SKY will go "all in" to sign them .... unless they have major accidents/shocker seasons. Keeping them may be very hard, but not impossible, and it may well be Chaves (despite not coming from an English speaking or English familiar background) proves the easier retain.

OGE is potentially strengthening its climbing stocks with the signing of 2 young AUS climbers in Haig & Power (likely long-term projects) although I'm not convinced that Txurruka is a wise signing/will deliver any significant value for money.

 

[Libertine Seguros]

Re: Re:

OGE is potentially strengthening its climbing stocks with the signing of 2 young AUS climbers in Haig & Power (likely long-term projects) although I'm not convinced that Txurruka is a wise signing/will deliver any significant value for money.

For a team that has gained some renown for disappearing after the early stages of GTs and has had a bit of criticism for negative racing, signing Txurruka is a guarantor of TV time. Also they're one of the few non-Hispanophone major teams that seems to care about the Spanish calendar in the last couple of seasons and Orica as a company I think have some holdings in Spain, so signing a veteran climber is potentially good for sponsors as well as giving Chaves some support. Also if they want to develop Haig and Power, some more riders with experience and good climbing nous (albeit in Txurruka's case with a book of tactics written by Jacky Durand) will be beneficial. On the current roster, only really Albasini fits that bill - they have some good strong veterans in hilly races but few experienced riders for the big climbs.

Now, as to whether there may be better and stronger riders than Txurruka on the market to that end, that's a separate question. I suspect the likes of Rolland would have greater intentions of the team riding for them though. There are still some useful climbers not tied down though.

 

[yaco]

My understanding is Chavez has a contract for 2016.

Anyway the Yates Brothers and Chavez give OGE opportunities to win GT stages in the mountains in 2016

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

Orica will also have a much freer budget if/when the likes of Gerrans, Hayman, Tuft and Lancaster retire as all are on the wrong side of 35. Then there's Meyer, Clarke, Weening, Mouris and Santamorita leaving, which will free up their budget as well considering that OGE have only brought in Txurruka, Juul-Jensen and two neos for next year. If the "marquee signing" for next year fell through, OGE could have a lot of room to move on salaries at the end of 2016.

 

[TMP402]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

Orica will also have a much freer budget if/when the likes of Gerrans, Hayman, Tuft and Lancaster retire as all are on the wrong side of 35. Then there's Meyer, Clarke, Weening, Mouris and Santamorita leaving, which will free up their budget as well considering that OGE have only brought in Txurruka, Juul-Jensen and two neos for next year. If the "marquee signing" for next year fell through, OGE could have a lot of room to move on salaries at the end of 2016.

If my theory is correct and cyclists age more according to how long they've been pro rather than how old they are, Tuft isn't an immediate candidate for retirement. He turned pro the same year as guys like Roche, Nibali, and Ciolek.

 

[42x16ss]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

Orica will also have a much freer budget if/when the likes of Gerrans, Hayman, Tuft and Lancaster retire as all are on the wrong side of 35. Then there's Meyer, Clarke, Weening, Mouris and Santamorita leaving, which will free up their budget as well considering that OGE have only brought in Txurruka, Juul-Jensen and two neos for next year. If the "marquee signing" for next year fell through, OGE could have a lot of room to move on salaries at the end of 2016.

If my theory is correct and cyclists age more according to how long they've been pro rather than how old they are, Tuft isn't an immediate candidate for retirement. He turned pro the same year as guys like Roche, Nibali, and Ciolek.

Still, I doubt that Hayman and Lancaster are on minimum salary and Gerrans would be the highest paid on the roster until the young guns renegotiate.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

Movistar have a bigger budget, but they are also paying the salaries of some very expensive riders out of that budget. It's obvious that they have more money, but it's not obvious that they have more money to spend on Chaves. And if they aren't offering substantially more money, Chaves would be a fool to go from leadership / coleadership of any race that suits him to playing Robin to Valverde or Quintana's Batman.

From OGE's point of view, holding onto Chaves will be a major priority.

Orica will also have a much freer budget if/when the likes of Gerrans, Hayman, Tuft and Lancaster retire as all are on the wrong side of 35. Then there's Meyer, Clarke, Weening, Mouris and Santamorita leaving, which will free up their budget as well considering that OGE have only brought in Txurruka, Juul-Jensen and two neos for next year. If the "marquee signing" for next year fell through, OGE could have a lot of room to move on salaries at the end of 2016.

They're bringing in 3 neo-pros for next year; Jack Haig & Robert Power (seen as climbers) & Alex Edmondson. The latter is likely to still be part of AUS Teams Pursuit for Rio so he may not be seen much on the road next year but he did win this years Junior RVV which may be a pointer to his direction.

Of their current roster, the following remain "unconfirmed: Albasini, Bewley, Docker, Hepburn, Hayman, Keukeleire, Lancaster & Meier.

Of these, three can be clearly classified as veterans; Albasini, Hayman & Lancaster. Albasini still continues to bring in results every year whereas the other two are primarily workhorses, albeit with valuable experience/tactical nous for younger riders.

Bewley & Hepburn are both from track backgrounds and are big engines for the flat & TTT; Hepburn perhaps with greater upside. Docker is a lead-out man. Meier is another big engine albeit with some climbing prowess. Keukeleire has had a break-out "cobbles campaign" with top 10s at Haralbeke & P-R.

ALL bar Hayman have been long-termers with the team. Of those listed, the most likely to be "courted" by other WT teams are Albasini (who despite his veteran status still wins & collects high finishes at top level every year) & Keukeleire.

 

[Moviestar]

Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

They have, but Chaves isn't on the radar because he has a contract till end 2016. Movistar has currently 20 riders on their roster for next season. Unzue has said that the wants to have a base of 25 riders for next year.
There are also 7 riders who are waiting for resigning: Anton, Capecchi, Intxausti, J.Moreno, D.Quintana, Rojas and Sanz. Suppose Unzue resigns 2/3 of them, there won't be much room for new signings. Maybe Betancur and Valls only.

 

[dirkprovin]

Re: Re:

Does Movistar still have "room" for any more new signings ? Curious as to whether they may throw a sizable offer at Chaves who IS going off contract at OGE. He DOES seem very happy and "at home" at OGE and it may be advantageous for him to stay there another year or two but would they be able to match the $$$ Movistar may offer ..... and would he take it ?

They have, but Chaves isn't on the radar because he has a contract till end 2016. Movistar has currently 20 riders on their roster for next season. Unzue has said that the wants to have a base of 25 riders for next year.
There are also 7 riders who are waiting for resigning: Anton, Capecchi, Intxausti, J.Moreno, D.Quintana, Rojas and Sanz. Suppose Unzue resigns 2/3 of them, there won't be much room for new signings. Maybe Betancur and Valls only.

Is that certain with regards to 2015 as his original deal was a 2 year one which should then expire end of this season ? I've yet to locate anything about any extension.