Will he stay or will he go!

sy

Astana, Sky, Caisse d'Epargne, Saxo Bank and Euskaltel still haven't fulfilled the necessaries to gain 2010 Pro Tour licence.

By UCI regulations, riders of all five teams which have not yet met the requirements for a ProTour license can terminate their contracts if they wish.
The standard UCI rider/team contract (2.15.139 article 8.1.f) states, "if, on 20 October of the year preceding a year of registration covered by the present contract, the UCI ProTeam has not submitted a registration file containing the essential documents," the rider may terminate the contract "without notice or liability for damages"

As Contador has stated that he would rather leave Astana then it seems he now has the perfect opportunity to jump ship. The big question is who will best meet is requirements to take on Lance and Co. next July? Specialized have always geared themselves towards the Spring classics but maybe they feel they need to change tack. Or maybe Garmin can come up with the money and the support riders. Dan Martin would make a nice right hand man for a few years to come and hopefully learn from the champ? Expect announcements very soon

Chips Lovell

He's given every impression of a man who'll jump ship at the first opportunity.

blorg

I thought that myself reading the news reports but now I don't know. I reckon he has a certain nostalgia for Astana, the team that brought him four grand tour victories, and with Lance gone I reckon he will probably stay. The current goings on are just negotiations over the money. He is after fiercely loyal, he is not known as el pastor alemán for nothing. With Vino back and committed to work as a super-domestique with no leadership ambitions I am sure the team will settle down and deliver Bertie a triple in 2010.

sy

blorg wrote: »

...With Vino back and committed to work as a super-domestique with no leadership ambitions I am sure the team will settle down and deliver Bertie a triple in 2010.

Not sure I would depend on Vino working as a domestique with no "leadership ambitions"!? Maybe you had your tongue stuck firmly in your cheek blorg:)

Anybody know anything about Astana's new Director Yvon Sanquer?

Chips Lovell

blorg wrote: »

I reckon he has a certain nostalgia for Astana, the team that brought him four grand tour victories.

Three victories. His first was with Discovery.

sy wrote: »

Anybody know anything about Astana's new Director Yvon Sanquer?

Ex-Festina directeur sportif.

ednwireland

el tonto wrote: »

Ex-Festina directeur sportif.

:eek:


man with a track record then ! wonder why vino picked him ?

Chips Lovell

ednwireland wrote: »

man with a track record then ! wonder why vino picked him ?

In fairness to him, he joined in 1999.

ednwireland

el tonto wrote: »

In fairness to him, he joined in 1999.

ah ok forgot they kept going

blorg

Did French anti-doping officials stuff Astana's trash full of syringes to incriminate Lance?

http://www.modbee.com/sports/story/901218.html
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hSz1i2gNnPQB2cHQVwl1HKjArPcQD9BEV1180

The plot thickens.

RobFowl

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/astana-contador-meeting-to-be-held

By:Hedwig KrönerPublished: October 23, 12:16, Updated: October 23, 10:43 Alberto Contador is interviewed.

Future of two-time Tour winner still in limbo
After the announcement of the International Cycling Union (UCI) that the Astana cycling team has not yet met the ProTour Licence Commission's standards, the squad's leader Alberto Contador may be free to go to another team.
As reported earlier, a clause in the current UCI rider/team contract (2.15.139 article 8.1.f) allows the rider to terminate his contract "if, on 20 October of the year preceding a year of registration covered by the present contract, the UCI ProTeam has not submitted a registration file containing the essential documents."
If he thus signed a standard UCI contract, the two-time Tour de France winner could leave the team early, without paying damages. Contador's brother and manager, Fran, confirmed this to Spanish webite AS. "If this clause exists, we will look at the options that it offers," he said on Friday morning.
While honouring his present contract with Astana through 2010 remains a possibility, Fran Contador did not discard opting for another squad with a stronger rider roster to support his brother in the bid to win a third Tour next year.

lukester

He has been saying through his brother/agent that he wants to leave Astana since the end of the Tour, no way he'll stay there if he can leave.

If he does really have an out now, will be interested to see if he'll go to Garmin. If he does, can see Garmin let Wiggins leave for Sky. With Contador on board they would have their chosen GC man, and Wiggins and Contador on the same team could be counter-productive- Wiggo has his own ambitions to pursue.

sy

Thought Wiggins went to Sky?

blorg

sy wrote: »

Thought Wiggins went to Sky?

It's not finalised AFAIK, there has been an offer of €2m to Garmin for him which it is speculated Vaughters would add to the Contador-buying fund.

I checked Wiggins' twitter to see if there was any update and found this gem:

bradwiggins wrote:

Why do people on cycling forums never go under their real name? it's always Cock46 or Dickpenis75? funny ain't it?
11:51 PM Oct 20th from web

lukester

sy wrote: »

Thought Wiggins went to Sky?

No, still with Garmin. Vaughters keeps saying he's under contract for another year. Can't see them letting him go without a GC replacement.

ROK ON

It strikes me that in any form of society, sports, business etc that where there is a will there is a way.

From what I have been reading, here is my understanding (rather limited) of the entire thing.
UCI dont really want Astana in protours,
Bertie doesnt really want to be Astana,
Wiggo wants to be at Sky,
Garmin want Contador.

Theory of reflexivity - there more something is talked about, the more likely it is that it will happen.

I know next to nothing about cycling, but that is my take.

BTW, when is the deadline, is it Oct 31. That is after that, any rider can leave a team if the team has not secured its license??

Chips Lovell

Still think that Contador is most likely to go to Caisse of the three teams courting him.

ROK ON wrote: »

BTW, when is the deadline, is it Oct 31. That is after that, any rider can leave a team if the team has not secured its license??

It was October 20 actually.

lukester

el tonto wrote: »

Still think that Contador is most likely to go to Caisse of the three teams courting him.

Probably a more fitting team for him than Garmin. :rolleyes:

RobFowl

lukester wrote: »

Probably a more fitting team for him than Garmin. :rolleyes:

They'll need another doctor though, Valv Piti keeps the existing ones busy enough

Chips Lovell

Valv.Piti mightn't have much on next year if his CAS cases go against him.

lukester

RobFowl wrote: »

They'll need another doctor though, Valv Piti keeps the existing ones busy enough

I hope CONI come to their senses and let the Vuelta champ have a crack at the Giro this year.

@Tonto Do you have any hope of CAS finding him guilty? I've kind of given up hope at it happening.

ROK ON

If he goes to Caisse, would Valverde have to move on?

Raam

el tonto wrote: »

Still think that Contador is most likely to go to Caisse of the three teams courting him.

What about the new team with Alonso? Has that died a death?

Chips Lovell

lukester wrote: »

@Tonto Do you have any hope of CAS finding him guilty? I've kind of given up hope at it happening.

There's a DNA match, so it's hard to argue with that. Valverde is arguing on technicalities really, that CONI didn't have the jurisdication to take the case. Given that he has raced in Italy and would have again this year if not for the ban, they might have a solid argument on that front. First case is in November, which is his appeal against the CONI ban. The second case will be later on, which is the UCI/Wada's appeal to extend the ban worldwide. It is normally up the Spanish federation to do so, but they have refused.

ROK ON wrote: »

If he goes to Caisse, would Valverde have to move on?

Not necessarily. For a start, Valverde could be facing a two year ban. But secondly, he's really more suited to the hilly classics and shorter stage races. He's always disappointed in the Tour. It's more than possible for the two to carve up the calendar between them.

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

What about the new team with Alonso? Has that died a death?

Last I heard is that it won't get off the ground until 2011.

ROK ON

@ Tonto. Yo really should think about writing a blog to keep us all informed.

Raam

ROK ON wrote: »

@ Tonto. Yo really should think about writing a blog to keep us all informed.

I really loved the Giro pieces. Actually, were they the last entries?

Chips Lovell

Raam wrote: »

I really loved the Giro pieces. Actually, were they the last entries?

Yup. Barely had time to ride my bike after that let alone write about it. Should be easier to get around to it in the next few months though.

lukester

Looks like he's staying.

Dang, was hoping for some transfer shenanigans.

Chips Lovell

lukester wrote: »

Looks like he's staying.

Dang, was hoping for some transfer shenanigans.

I think that's Astana blowing smoke to be honest.

lukester

I hope so. I can't see them letting him go easily though.

niceonetom

I haven't even been trying to keep abreast of developments, but does the danger that an astana team without berto would not be shoo-in for the TDF not mean that astana will be very keen to keep him no matter what other teams are prepared to pay?* Do astana need him in order to get to the starting line?

*I've tried to figure out a more awkward way to phrase that but I don't think it's possible.

Raam

niceonetom wrote: »

I haven't even been trying to keep abreast of developments, but does the danger that an astana team without berto would not be shoo-in for the TDF not mean that astana will be very keen to keep him no matter what other teams are prepared to pay?* Do astana need him in order to get to the starting line?

*I've tried to figure out a more awkward way to phrase that but I don't think it's possible.

My guess is that it's just Vino who will be persona non grata, or however you say it.

lukester

Astana without Contador will be a non-team IMO. No invite to the TdF, and no meaningful competitors for anything of note.

If the UCI statement was correct, I imagine they'll be working every possible angle to keep Contador, including throwing vast sums of money at him, although I don't think that would be as much as a motivation for him as winning the Tour next year.

The sooner they're flushed down the toilet the better.

ednwireland

wish they'd judt get on with it, getting really bored with the "speculation" at this stage

DirkVoodoo

ednwireland wrote: »

wish they'd judt get on with it, getting really bored with the "speculation" at this stage

I agree, this is reaching "Ronaldo moving to Madrid" levels of boring.

E@gle.

lukester wrote: »

Astana without Contador will be a non-team IMO. No invite to the TdF, and no meaningful competitors for anything of note.

If the UCI statement was correct, I imagine they'll be working every possible angle to keep Contador, including throwing vast sums of money at him, although I don't think that would be as much as a motivation for him as winning the Tour next year.

The sooner they're flushed down the toilet the better.

They still have vino, he should be inform by nextr year and be able to punish any puny oppisition that opposes him

lukester

E@gle. wrote: »

They still have vino, he should be inform by nextr year and be able to punish any puny oppisition that opposes him

That's true, I speculate he's working on a new training 'method' currently, and is getting expert training 'advice' from several leading doctors.

lukester

Latest on Contador- Apparently he has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave if Astana don't get entry to the Tour, or if a single Astana rider is done for doping. (Via VeloMag on Twitter)

sy

+1 on a request for el tonto to get back to his blog "Ride it like you stole it"
All that house decorating must be near finished at this stage.

Tom has made a good point re Astana needing Bertie so they get invited to this year's Tour (Vino will do his utmost to be there) however still see him leaving. Caisse would seem the most natural home for him but still have a sneaking suspicion Garmin will come up with the goodies. Lots of GPS's to sell.

Speaking of Vino, apart from the obvious what do people think of this guy as a bike rider?

PS In my OP I mistakenly referred to Quick Step as Specialized. Seems those bikes always leave a subliminal impression!

ROK ON

Looks like this will drag on. Read a report this morning that Astana have until 20 Nov to resubmit for a pro tour license.
Bertie has said that it will take a long time for his lawyers to work thru the details on where his future lies.

According to a newswire feed in Bloomberg.

horizon26

I hope he goes to garmin,wins the tour on a felt bike.Then Trek under radio shack will not be the best bike in the pro peloton.Well it still might be but it would do wonders for felt,raise the profile because I think the felt bike is just as good.It look a much nicer bike to me:D.

E@gle.

horizon26 wrote: »

I hope he goes to garmin,wins the tour on a felt bike.Then Trek under radio shack will not be the best bike in the pro peloton.Well it still might be but it would do wonders for felt,raise the profile because I think the felt bike is just as good.It look a much nicer bike to me:D.

Where in felt do you work?

horizon26

I dont work for felt,but trek get giant to make there carbon frames.At least felt make there own.

blorg

horizon26 wrote: »

I dont work for felt,but trek get giant to make there carbon frames.At least felt make there own.

That is factually incorrect, most carbon Madones (5.x and 6.x) are made by Trek in Wisconsin. Only the 4.x (and indeed the aluminium bikes) are made in Taiwan, I believe by Giant. This is actually unusual as most brands do farm out their high end carbon to Taiwan/China and as you allude Giant are the largest manufacturer, manufacturing for a lot of other brands.

Having said that the fact that a carbon bike is made in Wisconsin rather than Taiwan or China would make no difference other than the cost, most carbon bikes are made in Asia and they know how to do it. All Cervelo, Specialized, and Orbea bikes (to choose just three) are made in Asia, doesn't stop them being good bikes.

BTW as for Felt, this source disagrees:

Felt - Felt was started by motocross guru Jim Felt. All production comes from Asia.

Still very nice bikes and I would be happy to ride one. But honestly, it's the rider not the bike - even less the country of origin.

sy

Contador offered €8 million euro by Astana over 4 years.
Alberto wants two clauses included in his contract. Love the second condition Talk about a kick in the b****

1. If any member of team produces a positive test he is free to leave for a "cleaner" team
2. Vino can't ride this years TDF !!

Captain Havoc

sy wrote: »

Contador offered €8 million euro by Astana over 4 years.
Alberto wants two clauses included in his contract. Love the second condition Talk about a kick in the b****

1. If any member of team produces a positive test he is free to leave for a "cleaner" team
2. Vino can't ride this years TDF !!

Brilliant, I think Vino is a böllöx anyway.

niceonetom

sy wrote: »

• Vino can't ride this years TDF !!

Without Berto I can't see astana getting an invite for the tour, and now if they retain him Vino won't be allowed ride it... which is the whole reason astana still exist at all... no win really. I actually feel a little sorry for Vino here.

I'd quite like to see them all there. Who wouldn't want to see Basso, Berto, Vino, LA, the Chicken, Sastre, the Schleks, Valverde, and Evans, everyone, all on different teams duking it out in the mountains? If it was up to me I'd be starving and transfusing Ullrich back into form just to make the spectacle complete.

RobFowl

http://www.lequipe.fr/Cyclisme/breves2009/20091119_200417_contador-va-rester.html

He's staying until the end of the 2010 season !

With a few conditions
«L'accord de principe conclu inclut une série de conditions pour que Contador reste chez Astana, notamment que l'équipe garde sa licence ProTour, qu'elle respecte scrupuleusement le code éthique et le système antidopage interne mis en place par les nouveaux dirigeants»

niceonetom

en englais si on ne peux pas parler francais. (or something)

No mention of Vino there. Are we to take it that he'll be allowed ride? As a domestique?

JacksonHeightsOwn

niceonetom wrote: »

Without Berto I can't see astana getting an invite for the tour, and now if they retain him Vino won't be allowed ride it... which is the whole reason astana still exist at all... no win really. I actually feel a little sorry for Vino here.

I'd quite like to see them all there. Who wouldn't want to see Basso, Berto, Vino, LA, the Chicken, Sastre, the Schleks, Valverde, and Evans, everyone, all on different teams duking it out in the mountains? If it was up to me I'd be starving and transfusing Ullrich back into form just to make the spectacle complete.

isn`t that the core route to all the aboves problems, LOL

sy

niceonetom wrote: »

en englais si on ne peux pas parler francais. (or something)

No mention of Vino there. Are we to take it that he'll be allowed ride? As a domestique?

I can't see them excluding Vino from Astana but then can't see the TDF authorities welcoming him with open arms. I have to say
Vino was one of the strongest (physically) riders in the peleton over the past 10 years however sadly lacking in grey matter. ( yes he doped but then who didn't in that period and no I'm not condoning it) By the way when is Floyd due back:rolleyes: