Vacansoleil ends sponsorship

[Ryo Hazuki]

iam are very rich. I think they will become wt as well

 

[Netserk]

Explains why they're riding in celeste at the ToC. Not a fan of that design though.

Celeste is awesome

 

[brilleaben]

With shirts like that they don't deserve to exist. Unless they sign Der Jan.

 

[karlboss]

uci should never allow more than 12 wt teams anyway. but very strong rumors vacansoleil will continue with different sponsor, but not as a dutch team. blanco is done

We actually agree on something. 12 is a reasonable number.

I think the whole world tour should be made more exclusive. Less races, less teams, less riders in general at that level. Then open more up to wildcards.

IMHO to be a world tour team, you should make an impact (not hope to make an impact) at the 3 GTs, all the monuments, and the big week long races. Interesting you could probably do so with 2-3 names on a team. I can't see it being possible to make more than 12 teams who could do that.

 

[MatParker117]

Trek is rumored to be very close to Sky for 2014 onwards.

Steve Peters and Rod Ellingworth could easily be the shrink and coach to turn Andy around.

 

[argyllflyer]

germans are a joke for shunning cycling but ignoring the real problem.

No doubt IAM will make the step up to world tour if same number of teams applies, they will make some more key signings wouldnt be suprised if they go after some of vacan lads and cancellera.

eurpocar may well be interested as their sponsor is a global brand.

Also heard that bianchi want ste pin as co sponsor of the team.

Europcar seem settled at Pro Continental. They've got riders that attract invites to the events they wish to take part in, and they don't need to attend those races they have little interest in. They have been quite vocal this year in saying that further investment is needed, but whether that's to keep the existing stars or to step up is not clear.

 

[Roude Leiw]

Europcar seem settled at Pro Continental. They've got riders that attract invites to the events they wish to take part in, and they don't need to attend those races they have little interest in. They have been quite vocal this year in saying that further investment is needed, but whether that's to keep the existing stars or to step up is not clear.

It is quite clear, Bernadeau said in an interview with Velo Mag iirc that he would need more money to be able to keep his riders, as they will not all ride just for the beauty of the jersey. Guys a la Rolland, Turgot, Gaudin, Coquard are still young and in heavy demand by other teams. So he has to match at least partly their salary demands.