Transfers "Rumours & Reality" and Young Guns

[lechia]

Various topics

Nibali, Cunego and Ballan won't go to a British team. They'll stay on Italian teams.

As for Columbia, if they really signed so many young guys then obviously they have to let go a bunch of currect riders. I believe there's a 30 rider UCI maximum for each team. I have no idea whose contracts are expiring, but guys like Greipel, Rogers, Barry, Sivtsov, Reynes would be good candidates. The first two mainly for their high price relative to payback. Perhaps Columbia will get rid of all of their GC guys and become a sprint team?

Who's going to be invited to the Tour next year? Armstrong's Team RadioShack is in by default. If Sky has some big name riders, e.g. Wiggins (though he denied it), they'd probably get the nod, too. That's 2 extra teams. I'd presume Skil Shimano would not get the invite then and one other. It won't be a French team. Perhaps Lampre after their lackluster performance and lack of top GC guys and sprinters?

Team Sky would be a good place for Cadel. He's just not fitting well at Lotto.

 

[Bala Verde]

Mr Armstrong denies rumours that the Schleck brothers have been contracted by RadioShack.

He says that, since they are still under contract with Riis, he will not try to peel them off Saxo.

 

[TRDean]

Mr Armstrong denies rumours that the Schleck brothers have been contracted by RadioShack.

He says that, since they are still under contract with Riis, he will not try to peel them off Saxo.

That would seem a really far fetched rumor anyway. I mean it is obvious that the Schlecks are very fond of their team and teammates...at least it seems so. I would be really surprised if they went to the shack. Plus, I don't think Andy would want to ride for LA anyway. Thanks for the update Bala!!

 

[kease7]

Thanks Bala, I heard eurosport talking about this yesterday as well

 

[ThisFrenchGuy]

That would seem a really far fetched rumor anyway. I mean it is obvious that the Schlecks are very fond of their team and teammates...at least it seems so. I would be really surprised if they went to the shack. Plus, I don't think Andy would want to ride for LA anyway. Thanks for the update Bala!!

Another thing to consider is that cycling teams are on limited budgets, even the Astanarmstrong (wages not being paid and all). It's doubtful that Radio Shack and co-sponsors, even with LA star power, would fetch the payroll for this, even though Armstrong would "accept" to share leadership for the TdF (which he won't) on top of the people that are expected to join this team (Leiphemer, maybe Kloden, etc...).

 

[saphblue]

Armstrong's a multimillionaire, so if he doesn't take a salary, I wonder how much top talent they can buy. Like TRDean said, it makes no sense for Andy (plus Frank) to leave Saxo. It would be interesting to see if Hincapie jumps ship. He seems to like where he is, though. Maybe Eki could be coaxed into riding for one more Tour.

Poor Cadel definitely needs a new team. Based on the rumors about Sky I don't think that's where he'll end up. Very intrigued by who the big name rider is that they signed.

 

[Futuroscope]

i heard Thomas Lövkvist could be going to the new sky team.

 

[Futuroscope]

Armstrong's a multimillionaire, so if he doesn't take a salary, I wonder how much top talent they can buy. Like TRDean said, it makes no sense for Andy (plus Frank) to leave Saxo. It would be interesting to see if Hincapie jumps ship. He seems to like where he is, though. Maybe Eki could be coaxed into riding for one more Tour.

Poor Cadel definitely needs a new team. Based on the rumors about Sky I don't think that's where he'll end up. Very intrigued by who the big name rider is that they signed.

andy and frank will never ride for lance.

 

[psychlist]

Is there somewhere to go for current information regarding rider transfers? I figure there will be alot of action soon and I want to be on top of it.

Cyclingnews used to have a section a long tome ago but if they have one now I sure the hell can't find it.

 

[TRDean]

Is there somewhere to go for current information regarding rider transfers? I figure there will be alot of action soon and I want to be on top of it.

Cyclingnews used to have a section a long tome ago but if they have one now I sure the hell can't find it.

I don't know if there is a single site...I think you will find that the info is pretty up to date and forthcoming in this thread. If you do find something let us know!!

 

[kease7]

If you follow cyclingfans.com on twitter then you get lots of updates regarding cycling transfers... http://twitter.com/cyclingfans


Andy Schleck to Radio Shack under negotiation. LA doesn't want Frank, feels it will impede Andy's progress. (L'Equipe)

 

[Bala Verde]

To continue with the A&F Schleque situation.

It's reported that Team Saxo has financial difficulties. The IT factory sponsorship deal fell through, which was supposed contribute 4-5 Million per year. They were replaced by Playitas, but they contribute significantly less...

It is said that some riders will have to leave the team. Van Goolen is somewhat worried.

Kroon is running out of contract, and has already been brought in connection with Vacansoleil.

Here is the link to the 'l'equipe article about the 'advanced negotiations with Andy Schleque'

 

[analo69]

It is wellknown that Saxo bank has financial difficukties. Nobody is trying to hide it. At the start of the year several employees were fired and plans of a new kitchen bus was put to a rest. Some small sponsors have been introduced, but none with big bucks.

Even the CEO of Saxo Bank says that they are looking for a new co-sponsor, so the team will be even more combatible. (How is it even possible. It is among the 3 best team so far this year)

Fortunately there are no realle big contracts that needs to be renewed this autumn. Cancellara, Schlecks, some danish stars all have contracts to 2010.

up for renewal are Arvesen, Goss, Kroon, Nicki Sørensen, Voigt, van Goolen.

Not really the big guns, allthough four of them are former TDF stage winners.

I reckon Riis will have no difficulties preserving a vere good team into 2010, allthoug I don't believe we will se any new signings of big stars this autumn unless a new sponsor turns up.

 

[rolfrae]

If Andy left for Radio Cack, who would be the GC rider for CSC? Frank? Can you imagine Andy and Frank riding against one another?

 

[bjaelkesex]

If Andy left for Radio Cack, who would be the GC rider for CSC? Frank? Can you imagine Andy and Frank riding against one another?

Fabian. There was already talk about making him a competent climber before last year's tour. And with Wiggins' 4th place, that could very well become the scenario within the next two years.

 

[rolfrae]

Fabian. There was already talk about making him a competent climber before last year's tour. And with Wiggins' 4th place, that could very well become the scenario within the next two years.

I wonder if he still thinks that's possible? He seemed to be under the impression he would be able to climb with the GC guys at this year's Tour and then reality bit on the first big climb.

 

[*G*K*S*]

Nibali, Cunego and Ballan won't go to a British team. They'll stay on Italian teams.

As for Columbia, if they really signed so many young guys then obviously they have to let go a bunch of currect riders. I believe there's a 30 rider UCI maximum for each team. I have no idea whose contracts are expiring, but guys like Greipel, Rogers, Barry, Sivtsov, Reynes would be good candidates. The first two mainly for their high price relative to payback. Perhaps Columbia will get rid of all of their GC guys and become a sprint team?

Who's going to be invited to the Tour next year? Armstrong's Team RadioShack is in by default. If Sky has some big name riders, e.g. Wiggins (though he denied it), they'd probably get the nod, too. That's 2 extra teams. I'd presume Skil Shimano would not get the invite then and one other. It won't be a French team. Perhaps Lampre after their lackluster performance and lack of top GC guys and sprinters?

Team Sky would be a good place for Cadel. He's just not fitting well at Lotto.

Greipel? He has sixteen wins so far this season while just turning 27 years old. I'd hang onto him if I was Columbia.

 

[pmcg76]

Would Andy Schleck be foolish enough to go to Radio Shack without guranteed leadership at the Tour after what happened at Astana this year. It is Lances team, either Lance just wants to take Contador down by supporting Schleck or thinks Schleck is stupid enough to support him. If Schleck does go to RadioShack, then he is foolish.

 

[richwagmn]

Would Andy Schleck be foolish enough to go to Radio Shack without guranteed leadership at the Tour after what happened at Astana this year. It is Lances team, either Lance just wants to take Contador down by supporting Schleck or thinks Schleck is stupid enough to support him. If Schleck does go to RadioShack, then he is foolish.

I wouldn't put in past LA to just want to beat AC - no matter what.

And yes, Andy would be stupid to trust LA.

No way he leaves his brother.

 

[TRDean]

I know, not really hot for anyone but me, but does anyone know who Skil is looking at putting on the team next season? I saw they resigned a few riders. I was very disappointed in Hivert in the Tour, as well as Eltink this whole season!!

Any chance they get a good young buck?

 

[analo69]

If Andy left for Radio Cack, who would be the GC rider for CSC? Frank? Can you imagine Andy and Frank riding against one another?

Jakob Fuglsang is riding the Vuelta as the GC hope of Saxo Bank. The Schlecks, Cancellara among others are "domestiques" and preparing for the worlds in Mendrisio.

If he does well, he will be very interesting for next years tour.

But I certainly can't see the schlecks leaving Saxo Bank. Both have with Riis since the start of their career, and none of them will have better opportunities in any race with another team. Saxo bank is a very strong team, both for the classics and for the Grand tours. It is not like they will be any better at time trialing if they switch to Trek and Lance Armstrong.

 

[rolfrae]

Jakob Fuglsang is riding the Vuelta as the GC hope of Saxo Bank. The Schlecks, Cancellara among others are "domestiques" and preparing for the worlds in Mendrisio.

If he does well, he will be very interesting for next years tour.

But I certainly can't see the schlecks leaving Saxo Bank. Both have with Riis since the start of their career, and none of them will have better opportunities in any race with another team. Saxo bank is a very strong team, both for the classics and for the Grand tours. It is not like they will be any better at time trialing if they switch to Trek and Lance Armstrong.

I only think money would be a motivator, esp if Saxo/CSC are having sponsor issues. If Andy moves to Radio Cack he'll be number two, a super domestique, no matter what bull Armstrong is spinning now.

 

[frizzlefry]

Armstrong is on vacation in the Bahamas. Until he confirms this it is just rumor.
Would Andy actually leave to become a domestique? I doubt it. He's on the verge of winning the TdF. Why would he become a domestique for another team. Doesnt make sense. Only way I see him signing with another team without his brother is to become the team leader.

 

[balkou]

Ok, so supposedly you want to bring Andy in your team and your best shot is separate him from his brother Frank because allegedly prevents him from maturing? Sounds sci-fi to me!

 

[Payo2000]

Team Santander

Is there any more news of Fernando Alonso's cycling team? Spanish TV commentators at the Hungarian GP last weekend were suggesting that AC is going to lead "Team Santander".