Cycling continued

[itsartemis]

Riis's team makes sense for Bert, particularly because of the Specialized link, but I don't really like the idea.

Bert's had the unusual experience of being the best rider in the world, and still having to fight to be recognized as the leader on the team. I have to think wherever he goes, he'll make certain he's the undisputed leader and has a lot of say about who rides with him at various races. He's certainly earned that right and I can see why he wouldn't want another Armstrong or Vino situation, but all of this seems counter to the "team first" attitude that Riis has always tried to instill.

The more I have thought about it over the past few days, the less I like this. I do not like the thought of an invasion of a Spanish armada to Riis's team (ie Contador + Benjamin Noval, Daniel Navarro, David De La Fuente and Jesus Hernandez + masseurs and mechanics).

The rumors have received a pretty lukewarm reception on Danish message boards. The Danes loved Hamilton, Basso and the Schlecks, because they embraced Riis's philosophy of how to run his team.

Now Riis is in a bit of the same situation as he was when he signed Jalabert back in 2000 - stuck between a rock and a hard place. It will be very interesting to see what happens next week.

[lash]

Alberto could go to Caisse, he'd fit in well. I wonder if Sammy Sanchez will ever leave Esukatel?

Wonder what's going to happen with Sky? If they might put a lot less focus on the road teams next year and go back to doing what they do well. Track.


The track displines they excelled at were all races against a clock, hardly any with other factors like other riders and tactics mixed in. They obviously have a lot to learn about road racing, wonder if they'll keep the funding over the years to figure it out.

[itsartemis]

Instead of re-renewing their contracts, both Geox and Cunego will leave Lampre for Footon.

Geox management and Swiss Mauro Gianetti, according to Italian paper La Gazzetta dello Sport, signed yesterday a five-year agreement worth €50 million.

In addition to Geox, Footon and Servetto will continue to sponsor Gianetti's team for 2011.

Lots of money. Maybe Contador will sign with them?

[Garden Kitty]

I hope Footon uses the money to get better kits.

[lash]

I like Footon's kits Tho I heard the best "excuse" for them on another forum. It's the teams subtle (or not?) way encouragine the riders to earn their national champ jersey!

I just can't see Alberto on an Itailian team, their focus might be more on the Giro...and just weird.

[itsartemis]

I just can't see Alberto on an Itailian team, their focus might be more on the Giro...and just weird.

The Pro Tour Licence is Spanish and Gianetti himself is Swiss (who won Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Amstel Gold Race.) If they sign Contador there is no question what their focus will be. I just really do not hope they push Cunego for the GC Giro.

I think Geox will be title sponsor, so they'll have a different kit, thank god! Geox is classy.

[lash]

The Pro Tour Licence is Spanish and Gianetti himself is Swiss (who won Liege-Bastogne-Liege and Amstel Gold Race.) If they sign Contador there is no question what their focus will be. I just really do not hope they push Cunego for the GC Giro.

I think Geox will be title sponsor, so they'll have a different kit, thank god! Geox is classy.

I misread what GK wrote. I thought Contador was considering Lampre since they were losing Cunego. Now I see what she was saying

[Garden Kitty]

Luis Leon Sanchez wins San Sebastian and gets the snappy hat. Vino and Sastre round off the podium. Some crafty riding and mind games among the breakaway and a nice win for Sanchez.

[kedrin]

http://www.jensvoigtfacts.com/

this cracked me up. click on the photo.

[ElizabethAnne]

http://www.jensvoigtfacts.com/

this cracked me up. click on the photo.

Thanks for this. I needed a good laugh!

[Garden Kitty]

Impressive cycling story here about a rider who saved another rider who had crashed.

Riis is supposed to announce his new sponsor tomorrow. Rumors about about whether he'll announce anything else as well.

[itsartemis]

I followed the pressconference. Saxo bank continues their sponsoring. The other unnamed sponsor that was "presented" during the first rest day of the Tour has decided to step aside. Saxobank wanted to be a part of the team because of the plans for the future.

The team will be named: Team Saxobank - Sungard.

And it is official: Alberto Contador goes to the team and his ambition is to win the three Grand Tours in one year.

Riis is looking forward to polish Contador into an even more shiny diamond.

He could not talk abut any new riders at the moment.

More information:

In an interview with Danish TV Riis said the following: (and I have to say I have rarely seen him grin like this. )

• Contador will not be able to bring with him 10 people. It will be quite limited. He will bring with him a core of riders/other support staff. They have not talked in detail about it.

• He still wants the team to focus on riding a full season - meaning the classics are still important. And it will probably not be next year Contador will try to win the 3 GTs - it will possibly be in 2012.

• About the 3 GT ambition: It is a wild challenge that makes him extremely excited.

• He thinks he has a lot to teach Contador. He's seen how he has been lacking tactically. He wants to offer him more fruitful strategies and make him feel secure in a team and wants to be a support to him.

He wishes the Schleck brothers all the best and is looking forward to meeting them as an "opponent". Next year's Tour will be a big show and he knows their weaknesses. When asked "well they know your weaknesses too?" - he grinned and said, "maaaaaaybe".

[Garden Kitty]

Is it too much to ask for next year's TDF to start next month? It will be FUN!

[Garden Kitty]

Wheeee, a seven stage Tour of Colorado!

I've got to give credit to Lance who has been pushing for this event and was integral in making it happen.

[Theatregirl1122]

Board favorite Mark Renshaw won today's stage of the Tour of Denmark. It's nice to see Renshaw get to take the win for once. Mark!

[Garden Kitty]

Nice little interview with Cadel.

[lash]

Board favorite Mark Renshaw

If Renshaw is at the Tour of California next year I will make a banner or chalk the road with

FSU LOVES RENSHAW



Because we do. How can you not?

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/201...ge5005_600.jpg

[Garden Kitty]

Renshaw re-signed with HTC for two years

[Theatregirl1122]

Because we do. How can you not?

http://cdn.media.cyclingnews.com/201...ge5005_600.jpg

I seriously don't know how anyone could help loving him.

[itsartemis]

Just came back from Oslo Grand Prix and saw Andy Schleck, Thor Hushovd, Edvald Boasson Hagen, Richie Porte, Kurt Asle Arvesen and a few other professionals from SKY and Cervelo (+ obviously lots of Norwegian riders). Ryder Hesjedal and Frank Schleck were also supposed to be there, but both pulled out at the last minute.

It is a fun race - last year Lance was here. All the riders ride for free and the profit goes to the Norwegian Cancer Society.

Tens of thousands of people came out, the weather was great, the race was really fast and Boasson Hagen easily beat Andy. Those two rode the last two laps alone in a breakaway and it was really easy for Edvald to win. Thor came 3rd - he really didn't like that.

Just read Contador is going to ride a crit in Herning, Denmark on Friday (Bjarne Riis' home town). I think that is a good move by him, as he needs some good will from the Danes, who obviously need some time to warm up to him.