[Rashadabd]

It looks like UAE are taking their first steps to try to put a stronger team around Pogacar. This choice seems like a good fit for me as long as he can stay strong for that final week.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/majka-joins-uae-team-emirates-as-wing-man-for-pogacar/

There's also a bit of bike swapping going on.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ju...cott-and-team-sunweb-all-swap-bikes-for-2021/

 

[Rashadabd]

Here's a running list of confirmed transfers as well.

https://www.velon.cc/news/2020/7/31/cycling-transfers-2021-chris-froome-and-other-riders-on-the-move

 

[Wetworks]

It looks like UAE are taking their first steps to try to put a stronger team around Pogacar. This choice seems like a good fit for me as long as he can stay strong for that final week.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/majka-joins-uae-team-emirates-as-wing-man-for-pogacar/

There's also a bit of bike swapping going on.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ju...cott-and-team-sunweb-all-swap-bikes-for-2021/

Happy for the bike changes. I really couldn't stand looking at the JV yellow against the celeste of Bianchi, always looked odd to me (I know, weirdo observation).

 

[KoroninK]

One thing to add not fully a transfer but instead a retirement.

Roelandts, currently with Movistar and a good classics rider is retiring at the end of this season. He says a big part of why he's retiring is some injuries over the past couple of years some injuries that he still has effects from and is causing him to be in pain while racing. I hope he'll be able to heal fully and enjoy his retirement.

 

[jetdog9]

What about equipment changes? This thread or a different one?

Jumbo-Visma >>> Cervélo
Mitchelton-Scott >>> Bianchi
Team Sunweb >>> Scott

 

[Rashadabd]

What about equipment changes? This thread or a different one?

Jumbo-Visma >>> Cervélo
Mitchelton-Scott >>> Bianchi
Team Sunweb >>> Scott

This thread is fine in my opinion. I think that is about all we are going to see as far as bikes go. I still think tons of rider movement lies ahead and at least one team NTT is on the verge of a collapse unfortunately.

 

[Rashadabd]

Circus Wanty-Gobert is pulling their team together and focusing on signing WT climbing talent.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vi...gest-challenge-will-be-the-worldtour-demands/

 

[KoroninK]

Ian Stannard retiring due to having RA. I feel for him. My husband has RA and it's not fun. Manageable, but difficult.

 

[Rashadabd]

A bunch of riders still looking for teams are expected to end up with the revamped Team Qhubeka Assos. Aru and Simon Clarke are among the names being mentioned as well as a handful of NTT holdovers. More top come....

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ntt-team-confirmed-to-race-on-as-qhubeka-assos/

Official team announcement:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zFjQ1af8mg&feature=emb_logo

https://nttprocycling.com/team-qhubeka-assos-a-dream-come-true

 

[jetdog9]

Ben King to Rally, per VeloNews.com and probably other outlets.

Edit: Link...
https://www.velonews.com/news/road/ben-king-is-headed-to-rally-cycling-for-2021-heres-why/

 

[Rashadabd]

Ben King to Rally, per VeloNews.com and probably other outlets.

Nice, that's kind of things coming full circle for him with a return to the U.S. domestic scene.

 

[KoroninK]

Movistar should be close to closing their roster for 2021. They currently have 28 riders under contract for next season and are rumored to be talking with Lopez and Nozolo, plus they haven't re-signed Edu Prades. No idea who Prades agent is and that may be why. It will be interesting to see who else they do end up signing and closing out their roster. As for riders leaving Movistar this year: Roelandts retired, Sepulveda signed with a Pro Conti team and Movistar ended the contract with Betancur a few months ago.

At least for Qubeca it appears there are going to be options for them to sign as there are still a number of riders without contracts.

(Although a few like Roelandts and Sutherland are retiring).

 

[Rashadabd]

It looks like Aru will get another shot as he is rumored to be heading to Qhubeka as a grand tour leader.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/fabio-aru-linked-to-qhubeka-assos-as-new-grand-tour-leader/

 

[Rashadabd]

Nizzolo stays with Qhubeka Assos.

https://www.velonews.com/news/giacomo-nizzolo-retained-by-team-qhubeka-assos-for-2021/

They are also vetting and negotiating with multiple riders still on the market.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/qhubeka-assos-have-100-riders-to-pick-from-says-michaelsen/

 

[Rashadabd]

Astana also re-sign multiple riders.

https://www.velonews.com/news/road/...-while-miguel-angel-lopez-keeps-options-open/

 

[Rashadabd]

Lopez to Movistar. That's a really nice signing for them. One year deal. Instantly becomes their best grand tour rider and a legitimate threat to win one with the talent they have to put around him if they play their cards right.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/miguel-angel-lopez-signs-for-movistar-for-2021-season/

 

[Rashadabd]

EF sign Barta. I really like this one. He seems to fit their style and the kind of riders that thrive there. He's still young too.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/ef-pro-cycling-sign-will-barta/

 

[KoroninK]

Lopez to Movistar. That's a really nice signing for them. One year deal. Instantly becomes their best grand tour rider and a legitimate threat to win one with the talent they have to put around him if they play their cards right.

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/miguel-angel-lopez-signs-for-movistar-for-2021-season/

This is also the same rider who criticized the team and apologized publicly the following day and then privately apologized to Valverde. As long as they have all that sorted out, I agree it could be a good signing. I'll go farther in that if there ware any issues between Valverde and Lopez the team doesn't even talk to Lopez. I think the reason for it being a 1 year contract is to basically see if Lopez does fit in with the team or not.
Also don't think Lopez is a better GC rider than Mas is.
Also he won't the leader. He'll be at best the 3rd leader behind Mas and Valverde. Valverde is currently in process of turning over the reins of the team to Mas. Now it appears that Lopez doesn't have an issue sharing leadership of a team. Also being the Spanish team their top leader is going to be a Spaniard.
My guess for next year is the Spanish races will be given to the Spaniards. Lopez will likely get his choice of the 1 week non Spanish races he wants. Lopez likely goes to the Giro with leadership of that team. Then Lopez will join Mas and Soler at the Tour. Mas and Soler will join Valverde at the Vuelta.

 

[Rashadabd]

This is also the same rider who criticized the team and apologized publicly the following day and then privately apologized to Valverde. As long as they have all that sorted out, I agree it could be a good signing. I'll go farther in that if there ware any issues between Valverde and Lopez the team doesn't even talk to Lopez. I think the reason for it being a 1 year contract is to basically see if Lopez does fit in with the team or not.
Also don't think Lopez is a better GC rider than Mas is.
Also he won't the leader. He'll be at best the 3rd leader behind Mas and Valverde. Valverde is currently in process of turning over the reins of the team to Mas. Now it appears that Lopez doesn't have an issue sharing leadership of a team. Also being the Spanish team their top leader is going to be a Spaniard.
My guess for next year is the Spanish races will be given to the Spaniards. Lopez will likely get his choice of the 1 week non Spanish races he wants. Lopez likely goes to the Giro with leadership of that team. Then Lopez will join Mas and Soler at the Tour. Mas and Soler will join Valverde at the Vuelta.

What in the world lol? I will give you that they are comparable riders, but I think Lopez has proven himself significantly more times. He will absolutely be a GC rider and leader. There's no doubt in my mind that's what they are bringing him there for. There also is no evidence out there that any of this is about Valverde in any way shape or form. I don't buy into your assertions that every Movistar decision or move is ultimately about him, not a bit.

Straight from the horses mouth so to speak:

“Miguel Ángel López’s signing marks a really important addition to our men’s team. Having him aboard, we’ll not only enjoy the services of an experienced rider of great results, but also the style of racing from someone who always conceives this sport on the attack, trying to catch the rivals by surprise,” said Unzué. “He’s someone who knows well what it takes to step onto the podium of the Grand Tours, and who’s achieved important victories in one-week stage races. His addition to the team further bolsters our potential for the big tours in 2021.”

https://www.velonews.com/news/road/miguel-angel-lopez-moves-to-movistar/

From Cyclingtips:

"At Movistar, López will join a handful of strong climbers hoping to usher in a new era of GC success for the team that saw Richard Carapaz, Nairo Quintana, and Mikel Landa all depart this season, while Alejandro Valverde is in the twilight years of his lengthy career. Movistar will look to López and Enric Mas to lead the way for the team moving forward."

https://cyclingtips.com/2020/11/miguel-angel-lopez-will-join-movistar-in-2021/

 

[KoroninK]

What in the world lol? I will give you that they are comparable riders, but I think Lopez has proven himself significantly more times. He will absolutely be a GC rider and leader. There's no doubt in my mind that's what they are bringing him there for. There also is no evidence out there that any of this is about Valverde in any way shape or form. I don't buy into your assertions that every Movistar decision or move is ultimately about him, not a bit.

Straight from the horses mouth so to speak:

“Miguel Ángel López’s signing marks a really important addition to our men’s team. Having him aboard, we’ll not only enjoy the services of an experienced rider of great results, but also the style of racing from someone who always conceives this sport on the attack, trying to catch the rivals by surprise,” said Unzué. “He’s someone who knows well what it takes to step onto the podium of the Grand Tours, and who’s achieved important victories in one-week stage races. His addition to the team further bolsters our potential for the big tours in 2021.”

https://www.velonews.com/news/road/miguel-angel-lopez-moves-to-movistar/

From Cyclingtips:

"At Movistar, López will join a handful of strong climbers hoping to usher in a new era of GC success for the team that saw Richard Carapaz, Nairo Quintana, and Mikel Landa all depart this season, while Alejandro Valverde is in the twilight years of his lengthy career. Movistar will look to López and Enric Mas to lead the way for the team moving forward."

https://cyclingtips.com/2020/11/miguel-angel-lopez-will-join-movistar-in-2021/

You forgot about this entire thing from 2019 Vuelta?

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/mo...e-apologies-amid-vuelta-a-espana-controversy/

Valverde has a lot of say in that team and Mas is being handed the keys to the team. Lopez will never get those for multiple reasons including the simple fact he's not a Spaniard. A Spaniard will always be the top leader in that team and currently that is Valverde who has started to hand that over to Mas. It's also fairly well known that Valverde is part of Mr Unzue's inner circle.
Will Lopez be a GC leader, yes, but he'll never be the team leader there.