[Coolhand]

http://velonews.competitor.com/2010...ndez-and-navarro-for-saxo-bank-sungard_134385

On Thursday Riis announced that all-rounder Benjamin Noval, as well as climbing specialists Jesus Hernandez and Daniel Navarro, have also signed two-year deals.

Riis said in a statement: “Having met the three strong and loyal riders, it was a natural and almost obvious move to sign them. They have shown great stamina and loyalty during this year’s Tour de France along with a great will to cooperate and sense of team spirit.”

As expected, the openings from the Saxo departures are being filled by the Spanish Astana contingent.

 

[empty_set]

About when did this large scale transfer start occurring at the request of a single rider? I realize they are probably part of a star rider's contract but I seem to only recall maybe only one or two riders being brought along to a new team.

In more direct pertinence to this thread, I thinks it's a great deal for Contador. I'm sure it's nice to know you'll have at least three teammates to work for you.

 

[den bakker]

About when did this large scale transfer start occurring at the request of a single rider? I realize they are probably part of a star rider's contract but I seem to only recall maybe only one or two riders being brought along to a new team.

In more direct pertinence to this thread, I thinks it's a great deal for Contador. I'm sure it's nice to know you'll have at least three teammates to work for you.

Do you have any indication the other 5 guys to be chosen from the tour team would not?
Most likely specifically: cancellara, Chris Anker Soerensen, Nicky Soerensen, Gustav Larson?

 

[MG537]

About when did this large scale transfer start occurring at the request of a single rider? I realize they are probably part of a star rider's contract but I seem to only recall maybe only one or two riders being brought along to a new team.

In more direct pertinence to this thread, I thinks it's a great deal for Contador. I'm sure it's nice to know you'll have at least three teammates to work for you.

Well Saxo Bank lost
Andy Schleck
Frank Schleck
Matti Breschel
Jens Voigt
therefore it is logical to replace 4 riders with 4 other riders.
Besides, that single rider that requested this, has won the Giro, Vuelta and TdFx3.

 

[MG537]

I would also like to add that the last time we saw such a move happen was in transition 2009-->2010.
Lance left Astana with a handful of riders.

 

[empty_set]

Do you have any indication the other 5 guys to be chosen from the tour team would not?
Most likely specifically: cancellara, Chris Anker Soerensen, Nicky Soerensen, Gustav Larson?

I didn't mean to imply that the other team members would not. They are professionals and are known to do their jobs as instructed. More along the lines of Contador specifically requesting these riders because he trusts them to some extent. Perhaps it's nationality or that they have proven to be there when perhaps former teammates weren't.

 

[empty_set]

Well Saxo Bank lost
Andy Schleck
Frank Schleck
Matti Breschel
Jens Voigt
therefore it is logical to replace 4 riders with 4 other riders.
Besides, that single rider that requested this, has won the Giro, Vuelta and TdFx3.

I'm aware of the Schlecks, Voigt and Breschel moving on and the logic is there to support the replacement, just saying that I think it's a smart move for Contador. See add'l reasoning above.

As for the large transitions, I was just commenting on the increasing number of such large transfers in the last couple of years.

 

[Coolhand]

I would also like to add that the last time we saw such a move happen was in transition 2009-->2010.
Lance left Astana with a handful of riders.

And with certain sprinters and their preferred leadout train members.

 

[albert owen]

Why would these three stay at Astana with Contador gone?

 

[Kram]

Why would ANYONE stay @ Astana w/ Contador gone?

 

[wheezer]

Don't forget while we're duly patting Contador on the back for his achievements that these three turned themselves inside out to keep him in a good position when it really mattered and they deserve to be taken care of with new contracts from solid backers. Navarro in particular was cross-eyed while he poured on the pace on the biggest mountains in the tour and subsequently put even top GC guys in a world of hurt.

 

[empty_set]

Don't forget while we're duly patting Contador on the back for his achievements that these three turned themselves inside out to keep him in a good position when it really mattered and they deserve to be taken care of with new contracts from solid backers. Navarro in particular was cross-eyed while he poured on the pace on the biggest mountains in the tour and subsequently put even top GC guys in a world of hurt.

That's what they were/are paid to do. Even Vino went out as a helper as did other teammates that didn't get the option/opportunity to transfer. I'd say they all busted ass to get the Win for Alberto.

 

[wheezer]

That's what they were/are paid to do. Even Vino went out as a helper as did other teammates that didn't get the option/opportunity to transfer. I'd say they all busted ass to get the Win for Alberto.

Sure. That's why someone like Jens or Fabian have so many fans. Because they collect a paycheck. Re Vino, perhaps I missed the stages where he went as deep as Navarro did so Contador could get his fingerbang on.

 

[empty_set]

Sure. That's why someone like Jens or Fabian have so many fans. Because they collect a paycheck. Re Vino, perhaps I missed the stages where he went as deep as Navarro did so Contador could get his fingerbang on.

Voigt and Cancellara have a ton of fans because they are BAMF. Count me among their legion. I'm not even a fan of Contador but I can appreciate what he's done as well as those that helped him take le Tour. Who can discount Navarro pulling that train like he did?

I'm not saying others worked harder or deserve more. This is a professional sport. People are paid to do what they do. Some do it better than others, some are caught up in their own deals. That's cool. I deal with the same types of folks in my boring work-a-day job.

I think we're all agreeing to the same concept. Saxo Bank-SunGard scored with signing Contador. It's a good deal for them to get people on the team that Contador is comfortable working with. It'll make for a better team. It's better for that trio to go where they are more likely to succeed yet again in our sports biggest and baddest races.

I wish the departed Saxo Bank riders the best in whatever team they happen to scrounge up. I'm concerned that the freires Schleck team doesn't materialize and that core of Andy, Frank, Jens and Matti find themselves adrift. Especially when one considers the rumor mill of Andy and Frank going to Astana (no, I have NO idea what kind of stock to put in that one).

Alas, it is the crazy season.

 

[Don Duende]

The departure of Contador, Navarro, Hernandez and Noval makes Vino the de facto leader and GC man on the Astana squad. It will be interesting to see who the aging Vino can sign to ride for him. I suspect that Katusha will win the bidding war for Menchov.

 

[empty_set]

If the Schlecks, Menchov and/or Krueziger sign with Astana, we can see that team lasting another two years. Without star power, will it collapse?

 

[Coolhand]

If the Schlecks, Menchov and/or Krueziger sign with Astana, we can see that team lasting another two years. Without star power, will it collapse?

Not next year- Vino just re-signed for another year. As the defacto DS, he calls the shots there.

 

[empty_set]

Not next year- Vino just re-signed for another year. As the defacto DS, he calls the shots there.

Here's to another year of Vino doing what he does best.

 

[Coolhand]

Here's to another year of Vino doing what he does best.

Wont be boring. . .

 

[albert owen]

Remember: There are some classy Caisse d'Epargne riders floating around. LL Sanchez would strengthen any team and Uran and Kiryienka are also top notch. So, I am sure that Astana won't end up short of talent
It looks to me like there are some fundamental changes coming up which could make the next two or three years very interesting. Oldies coming back from their bans and youngsters coming to maturity - mouthwatering
Having won in Poland, Dan Martin has become a genuine contender in the shorter stage races for example.
Shame that there doesn't seem to be many/any Americans in the mix.