Rider transfers for 2013

[Quigley]

It is official, two year deal at Rabo. Disappointing result for OGE, he says that he wants to develop as a road racer and he must feel that Rabo is a better team to do that than OGE.

Bollox. OGE would have hung onto him if that was the reason. He must have had a bust up with someone.

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

Amets Txurruka got dumped from Euska due to lack of UCI points. Euska has changed it's criteria, and from next year will no longer be a Basque only team in a bid to keep their status as a team. Personally I would have preferred them to go to Pro-Conti and keep their philosophy of Basque only. They would still get invites to the Vuelta and the Tour, and wouldn't have to go to Beijing or any of the cobbled races that do not suit them. Hopefully Txurruka finds another home for 2013.

 

[robbo75]

Bollox. OGE would have hung onto him if that was the reason. He must have had a bust up with someone.

I heard via via that there was some friction between team members at the olympics re. Jack's attitude. At least one rider refused to ride with him there. I guess this cold have potentially carried over to riding for GE.

 

[monty1104]

Cav to OPQ!

Also Txurruka (or however its spelt!) and Ivan Velasco to Caja Rural, Filippo Pozzato to Lampre and Jose Rujano to Vaconsoleil

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

Sad day, Euska have signed a swathe of non-Basque riders. One of the most unique and interesting teams in world sport has died due to the UCI's crappy points system.

http://ibanmayoblog.blogspot.com.au/2012/10/7-non-basques-confirmed.html

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

Didn't Greipel go to OPQ to get away from Cav? Must be a bit p*ssed with the signing.

 

[monty1104]

Didn't Greipel go to OPQ to get away from Cav? Must be a bit p*ssed with the signing.

That was my first thought, but he is at Lotto-Belisol. Boonen is at OPQ.

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

That was my first thought, but he is at Lotto-Belisol. Boonen is at OPQ.

Ah, so he is. My bad. All rather confusing when the Belgian teams merged.

 

[monty1104]

Ah, so he is. My bad. All rather confusing when the Belgian teams merged.

Yeah I still get confused with the 2 teams.

 

[monty1104]

Caja Rural signing some experience with Txurruka (god I hate writting that name), Ivan Velasco and David Arroyo. Could they be looking to push for world tour status by 2014?

 

[monty1104]

Cannondale Pro Cycling have signed Guillaume Boivin, the young Canadian sprinter.

 

[chargers 09]

Saxo-Bank team is looking impressive.

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

How are they looking for Pro Team status?

 

[monty1104]

How are they looking for Pro Team status?

Who?

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

Saxo. Thought they were struggling due to Contador's points not counting for them?

 

[chargers 09]

How are they looking for Pro Team status?

You'd think so considering Roche and Kreuziger have transferred to Saxo-Bank.

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

You'd think so considering Roche and Kreuziger have transferred to Saxo-Bank.

I don't think they will have many points, Kreuziger especially. He was very ordinary this year.

 

[monty1104]

I don't think they will have many points, Kreuziger especially. He was very ordinary this year.

They technically finished 15th according to the UCI website, enough to have them elevated
http://www.uciworldtour.com/templates/BUILTIN-NOFRAMES/Template3/layout.asp?MenuId=MTYwNzk&LangId=1

However in this article, also published by the UCI, they have them listed as 16th-20th. In that article, it goes on about the teams finishing 16th-20th being assessed on their "sporting value". Surely with Contador alone, Saxo will be seen to have "sporting value".

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

They won't give it with Riis and Contador as they are fighting doping.

Oh I am funny.

 

[Ichabod Noodle]

I see Mick Rodgers has walked out on Sky and Wiggins and Froome. Heading to Saxo Tinkoff and Contador. Interesting.

 

[monty1104]

I see Mick Rodgers has walked out on Sky and Wiggins and Froome. Heading to Saxo Tinkoff and Contador. Interesting.

Obviously wants to ride with a clean ri........ Oh, never mind

 

[Bond.ShaneBond]

There must be more to this, very strange move.

 

[threenewpadlocks]

On Saxo's side, it's a good move after losing (some) of Contador's Spanish climber buddies. However, I can't help thinking about new Sky Doping rules+Rogers' Ferrari past=Change of team. Interesting.

 

[Caesar]

I see Mick Rodgers has walked out on Sky and Wiggins and Froome. Heading to Saxo Tinkoff and Contador. Interesting.

Maybe he's been offered a chance to ride as leader at the Giro or Vuelta. He is a good enough rider to deserve a crack at a GT, and at 32 you'd have to think his opportunities are pretty much nonexistent if he stays at Sky.

 

[monty1104]

Maybe he's been offered a chance to ride as leader at the Giro or Vuelta. He is a good enough rider to deserve a crack at a GT, and at 32 you'd have to think his opportunities are pretty much nonexistent if he stays at Sky.

I would think Kreuziger would lead Saxo at the Vuelta, given his results there over the past 2 years.