Teams & Riders Vincenzo Nibali discussion thread

[red_flanders]

He's been linked to a possible move to Quick Step. I know it's unlikely (PL has been clear that he doesn't like hiring riders with an entourage) but Nibali is exactly the kind of rider who would move to QS and then end up winning two more monuments.

He could also start the Remco Downhill Training Plan in earnest.

 

[DoYouEvenRideBruh]

Now that Sagan is off the table (supposedly) I think a Nibali move to QS is more likely. He doesn't bring that many people with him (hello, Antonio... or bye? ) and I'm sure his salary can be negotiated in a way that is satisfactory to both parties.

Before that happens though I think this thread should get ready for the possibility that he won't be racing at the Tokyo games. The memes are dead before even having a chance at being born.

 

[Red Rick]

Now that Sagan is off the table (supposedly) I think a Nibali move to QS is more likely. He doesn't bring that many people with him (hello, Antonio... or bye? ) and I'm sure his salary can be negotiated in a way that is satisfactory to both parties.

Before that happens though I think this thread should get ready for the possibility that he won't be racing at the Tokyo games. The memes are dead before even having a chance at being born.

The Bag is dead, long live the bag?

Spoiler

Sidenote, golden bags are trashy as *** anyway. Even Federer looked trashy with them

 

[F_Cance]

Think i have found the perfect team for him:

 

[topcat]

Any news on the champ? Is he riding the Italian nationals?

 

[Rollthedice]

Any news on the champ? Is he riding the Italian nationals?

Training with old pal Valerio Agnoli who is now in charge with driving the scooter. Yes, he is riding the nationals.

 

[Rollthedice]

Apparently Cassani will make his final decision on the selection for the OG during Le Tour, most likely on the first rest day, some three weeks before race day in Japan. Initially he wanted to make a decision after the nationals this Sunday. Nibali needs to make a solid impression first week in France, could be interesting.

 

[Red Rick]

I'm sad he's going to the Tour in the first place tbh.

 

[DoYouEvenRideBruh]

I'm sad he's going to the Tour in the first place tbh.

Y?

 

[Ilmaestro99]

So Vincenzo is not training at altitude before the tour? Should be good news in terms of peaking for tokyo, but if he doesn't show his strength in the next 2 week, he won't be there

 

[DoYouEvenRideBruh]

He should go crazy tomorrow in Imola

 

[Rollthedice]

Today the nationals in Italy, a hot day on the same circuit as last year's World Champs. Nibali about Tokyo:

"I've always been part of the extended team of 6-7 riders that Cassani follows. I do a program and I'm 90% sure it works. One because I've done it, two because of my experience, three because it's done in a correct way to arrive at my best for that day".

"Some riders at the Giro went very strong, but the experience of a World Cup or an Olympics changes the performance, totally, just on a mental level. The pressure can destroy you. I don't want to say I'm better, but a trained rider knows how to handle it better."

"With Cassani I talked, even in the last days. The conversation between the manager and the athlete is very personal and it is right that it remains so."

 

[johnymax]

Today the nationals in Italy, a hot day on the same circuit as last year's World Champs. Nibali about Tokyo:

"I've always been part of the extended team of 6-7 riders that Cassani follows. I do a program and I'm 90% sure it works. One because I've done it, two because of my experience, three because it's done in a correct way to arrive at my best for that day".

"Some riders at the Giro went very strong, but the experience of a World Cup or an Olympics changes the performance, totally, just on a mental level. The pressure can destroy you. I don't want to say I'm better, but a trained rider knows how to handle it better."

"With Cassani I talked, even in the last days. The conversation between the manager and the athlete is very personal and it is right that it remains so."

"And in the end of the day, if you are not convinced yet, I can show everybody my trophy cabinet."

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

Yes the trophy cabinet is impressive but not that many recent wins….

 

[johnymax]

Yes the trophy cabinet is impressive but not that many recent wins….

But has a lot of recent bags.
Bags > Wins

 

[Mayomaniac]

Today the nationals in Italy, a hot day on the same circuit as last year's World Champs. Nibali about Tokyo:

"I've always been part of the extended team of 6-7 riders that Cassani follows. I do a program and I'm 90% sure it works. One because I've done it, two because of my experience, three because it's done in a correct way to arrive at my best for that day".

"Some riders at the Giro went very strong, but the experience of a World Cup or an Olympics changes the performance, totally, just on a mental level. The pressure can destroy you. I don't want to say I'm better, but a trained rider knows how to handle it better."

"With Cassani I talked, even in the last days. The conversation between the manager and the athlete is very personal and it is right that it remains so."

He sounds like he thinks he's entitled to it, his manager recently also gave an interview how Nibali deserves to be at the Olympics. Not a great look, imo.

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

He sounds like he thinks he's entitled to it, his manager recently also gave an interview how Nibali deserves to be at the Olympics. Not a great look, imo.

I love Nibali and have respect for his career, but at this point, what will he do in Tokyo? Win a medal? No. Work for others? No. He would take a place of most likely Formolo who is at least someone who wants to work.

 

[Mayomaniac]

I love Nibali and have respect for his career, but at this point, what will he do in Tokyo? Win a medal? No. Work for others? No. He would take a place of most likely Formolo who is at least someone who wants to work.

This, I really like Nibali9 , but just giving him a spot on the team because he's Nibali would be wrong. 2 years ago Formolo finished 2nd in lbl, 1 year ago 2nd in Strade Bianche and this year he was the one who set a pace that cracked Roglic before Pogi made his move in lbl. He also didn't race at all between msr and lbl this year, so he should still have something left in the tank after riding the Giro-Tour double (and he'll be a domestique at the Tour).
Trusting an older guy because of his glorious past instead of a younger one is just such an Italian thing to do.

 

[Rollthedice]

He sounds like he thinks he's entitled to it, his manager recently also gave an interview how Nibali deserves to be at the Olympics. Not a great look, imo.

Caruso said the same but it doesn't matter if Nibali is not competitive and that is what he is trying to prove maybe today and certainly during the Tour. If the legs "from better times" are gone for good then there's no point in visiting Japan. He knows it and Cassani knows it.

 

[SafeBet]

Why do you guys think it's between Formolo and Nibali?

 

[Tinnekeisabella]

Why do you guys think it's between Formolo and Nibali?

I believe it was communicated when Italy made the selection public. That Formolo took Nibalis spot but only to work

 

[Rollthedice]

Why do you guys think it's between Formolo and Nibali?

It's not. Nibali needs to prove he is good, still has some time to do it. I'm sure he'll understand if he is not capable of leading the team and Cassani will take the right decision. Italy has only one chance to win in Japan and that's 2017 fall Nibali, impossible by all accounts.

 

[Red Rick]

It's not. Nibali needs to prove he is good, still has some time to do it. I'm sure he'll understand if he is not capable of leading the team and Cassani will take the right decision. Italy has only one chance to win in Japan and that's 2017 fall Nibali, impossible by all accounts.

Antonio is in his last contract year.

Just sayin'

 

[Carols]

He sounds like he thinks he's entitled to it, his manager recently also gave an interview how Nibali deserves to be at the Olympics. Not a great look, imo.

He IS entitled to it IMO! He rode the Giro with a broken wrist so his results may appear meager but his heart, grit, experience and past results should give him a slot. He has never been afraid to work for the team if he can't take the win.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Why do you guys think it's between Formolo and Nibali?

I hope it's between Nibali, Ulissi and Ciccone.
From what got out a few weeks ago Caruso, Moscon and Bettiol have their spot and Formolo + Ciccone are ahead of the others.
Bringing Nibali instead of Ciccone (who had to drop out of the Giro because of a crash) or Ulissi wouldn't be that bad, as long as his form is improving.