karlboss said:
What are the general views on rasmussen?
I was a big fan of Rass when i started watching cycling in 05. Love the KOM comp from the get-go and naturally enjoyed his riding style in the mountains
karlboss said:
Cheat who should never be allowed back, no dirtier than anyone else and should be allowed his chance?
Some would say no dirtier than anyone else, but I do genuinely believe he should be allowed his chance if a team is willing to sign him
karlboss said:
Which team should he go to?
A Pro-Conti Spanish team and target the Vuelta. I assume he speaks spanish, with a mexican wife and all, and this way he gets a crack at winning a GT again.
Alternatively, a Pro-Conti Italian team and target the Giro.
karlboss said:
What are his motivations and why would a team want him?
His motivations, I feel, are he is paying for a crime that some would argue everyone is doing. Similar to other "dopers" who never tested positive but served suspensions due to criminal investigations and other accusations, I think he wants to prove he has got the goods to win a GT.
A team would want him if they believe in second chances and are lacking a GC contender for the Vuelta/Giro. I think if he expects to get a crack at the Tour, he is misguided, as teams get a good proportion of their exposure at the Tour, and signing up Rass for that may not impress the sponsors.
karlboss said:
I think he wants another crack at the tour and i think he knows he can't ask for as much money as before.
Agreed. But I suspect the tour is out of reach now...
karlboss said:
Teams would get a genuine GC contender at a bargain price, but your team is then tainted...what are the opinions as to how he gets back in and with who?
Again, a Pro-Conti team is the most he can expect really, IMO.
Whether thats a Pro-Conti Italian team to have a crack at the Giro, or a Pro-Conti Spanish team to have a crack at the Vuelta I don't know, but I wouldn't think he would be getting a shot in the Pro Tour, at the Tour de France, in a big team.
If he was on a team that potentially could get a wild card for the Tour, I suspect the organisers would not want Rass back. Therefore, his tour days are over unless he gets signed by a top16 Pro Tour team, but I can't see one of those teams buying him. Maybe i'm wrong tho..