Which disco riders are best fit for Evans TdF team.

by flying dog on Aug 11, 2007 7:19 AM EDT

Cadel Evans just got some great news, Disco won't be racing against Predictor-Lotto in next years TdF. Add to that the fact that so many of their riders are now available. Who do you pick if you can have two of these guys to help you out next year?

My first pick would be Popovych. I think he's a terrorist on two wheels. Gotta have him working for you, not against you.

Second pick would be a rider who would do the heavy road work. Cadel hasn't worn the yellow so his team hasn't had to lead the peleton for hundreds of kilometers on the open roads. The guys doing this kind of work never get much TV time but it helps out the climbers/escorts on the mountain stages immensely. For this job I'd pick Benjamin Noval.

In any case it'll be interesting to see which former Discovery riders play signifigant roles on new teams next year. So who do you think would help Evans the most or even someone else.

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Devolder sounds as if he's going to Preggers

He would be a superdomestique for Evans in the TdF. Let him be co-captain in the Flanders-races, lieutenant in the Tour and ride as captain in either the Vuelta or some smaller stageraces. He's going to give value for money.

by Jens on Aug 11, 2007 7:51 AM EDT reply actions

Didn't Devolder turn down a chance

to ride in this years tour. He wanted to be a captain and not tied down as a supporter.

Anyways my question was trying to avoid being too practical for the team's yearlong strategy, but instead more like Cadel on the beach daydreaming about his tour support for next year.

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Aug 11, 2007 8:42 AM EDT up reply actions

When Stijn has been humbled

at this years Vuelta, trying to be a "real" GC captain and has come to terms with the limits of his abilities he will be the domestique Cadel dreams about.

by Jens on Aug 11, 2007 8:54 AM EDT up reply actions

Stijn? Not lead? Preposterous!

That kid sure has a huge ego. I don't see a little thing like a Grand Tour humbling him!

No seriously, P-L, with their budget, needs better helpers than the thick headed Devolder. I would first look at Danielson and see if his form is really back as he could cover Evans' back in the mountains. If TD isn't back then I'd look to some of the other helpers like Egoi. Maybe Gusev. Popo will be too expensive.

by ursula on Aug 11, 2007 10:49 AM EDT reply actions

Package deal

You can get Devolder + Demol (The Dynamic Duo, The Tactical Titans, The Addled Attackers) for 200 000$. If you just want Devolder the price is 300 000$.

by Jens on Aug 11, 2007 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

Ha!

lol

by ursula on Aug 12, 2007 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

TdF payout almost a given with Evans.

And now the market is flooded with quality talent so prices are going down, and a protour team/sponsor dissappeared. Paychecks are getting smaller as we speak. The money looks good for riders on the winning TdF team. Popo can pay for himself.

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Aug 11, 2007 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions

Isn't McEwen gonna demand a leadout?

There go 4 spots already if Robbie stays on the team. Also, if the tour brings back the TTT, Disco boys could be in even bigger demand since it seems they typically excelled at that discipline.

by bobinson on Aug 11, 2007 10:50 AM EDT reply actions

Robbie isn't too greedy (with his team mates)

Robbie just needs someone to put him on the wheel of a really fast guy for the last 200 meters. Actually it's amazing that Cadel doesn't have/need more help than he has gotten so far. But putting Noval on the team I think Cadel gets experienced help on the flats, they need to prepare their team for being on the front and defending the jersey.

The S. Obedient Flying Dog Boy

by flying dog on Aug 11, 2007 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions

KnockedUp-Lotto can't afford any of those guys

Their budget is strained as it is with both McEwen and Evans and trying to support both of them. Unlikely that their sponsors will ante up more money to increase the budget "in the current environment", as they say.

Evans' best bet would be to be on a TdF squad that isn't also trying to support a sprinter and green jersey contender. Then his team could afford a few riders who would help Evans' maillot jaune quest, riders like Popovych or Savoldelli.

by socal @ Podium Cafe on Aug 13, 2007 11:07 AM EDT reply actions

Wasn't there a rumor

back during the Giro that one Giancarlo Ferretti was courting an italian company to sponsor and new "super" team in 2008. Some of the combatants named on his wish list were Evans and Popo...that could be a dangerous duo to deal with on the country roads of France. Knowing the kind of team "Ferron" is famous for, a crew of well drilled deputies will marshal the two sheriffs around.

by 1km2go on Aug 13, 2007 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

Saw some more recently

Rumors, that is. Apparently there is a super team in the works based in Varese. I think this is the same project, with Ferreti involved.

by Jen See on Aug 13, 2007 7:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Aussie Sponsor Rumor?

I saw a story about an Australian sponsor for an Aussie super team not too long ago (I don't recall where). Even though a scheme like that sounds crazy, it could work. And there are several Aussie companies with piles of cash laying around these days.

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 13, 2007 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions