Transfers / Rumors [Ongoing Open Thread]

by Koppenberg on Nov 27, 2007 7:31 PM EST Comment 67 comments

As Lombardia/Veulta/Worlds approach and the action switches from the road to the contract negotiations, this is when rumors start to fly.

Two really good places to keep track of who is riding where next year are:

http://www.wvcycling.com/transfers.php

and

http://www.velo-club.net/article.php?sid=32287

Apart from that, post your transfer rumors here!

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One from today:

Devolder confirmed to Quick Step

by gavia on Aug 28, 2007 5:03 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's some serious firepower

for the cobbles. Devolder can launch Tom like Pippo did back in the 2005 Paris-Roubaix.

-K-

by KevinK on Aug 30, 2007 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sure

but will he want to?

"Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. "

by Drew on Aug 30, 2007 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like how they have

Tommy D going to "sleapstream"

by CannonDowell on Aug 28, 2007 5:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Zzzzz...

Feeling Sleapy...

On the subject of Slippy, Tyler Ferrar is also confirmed.

by gavia on Aug 28, 2007 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Egoi Martinez is headed back to

the Basque homeland. Euskadi-Euskatel

by flying dog on Aug 28, 2007 6:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hincapie

What is the story on him? Velonews reports the T-Mobile singing as it is fact but nothing has actually been released.

by australopithecine on Aug 28, 2007 7:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

TMobile is planning a public presentation of next year's roster at the end of September, sometime around Worlds. I believe this is why none of the riders rumored to be going to the Mob have been confirmed. Both Hinky and Brajkovic have been all but confirmed. I'd guess it's a done deal, but TMobile management wants to make a big splash out of their roster announcement rather than letting it dribble out in bits and pieces.

by gavia on Aug 28, 2007 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Believe it, the DSC website

confirms it:
http://www.thepaceline.com/members/featureditem.aspx?cid=3564

by Ruthann on Aug 28, 2007 8:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

T-Mob

Interesting that The Paceline has Hink with T-Mob but not Brajkovic- yet. And supposedly their list was updated as of yesterday. For those who don't want to click on the Paceline link, they have:

Tony Cruz, BMC
Tom Danielson, Slipstream
Stijn Devolder, Quick Step-Innergetic
George Hincapie, T Mobile
Trent Lowe, Slipstream
Egoi Martinez, Euskaltel-Euskadi
Matt White, Slipstream (DS)

by ursula on Aug 29, 2007 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Slipstream Building an impressive list

From the transfer link above:

Magnus Bäckstedt Liquigas
Christophe Laurent Crédit Agricole
Thomas Voeckler Bouygues Telecom
David Millar Saunier Duval-Prodir
Christian Vandevelde Team CSC
David Zabriskie Team CSC
Daniel Martin -
Julian Dean Crédit Agricole
Martijn Maaskant Rabobank CT
Tyler Farrar Cofidis
Christopher Sutton Cofidis
David Cañada Garcia Saunier Duval-Prodir
Thomas Danielson Discovery Channel
Trent Lowe Discovery Channel

These two are listed as possible:

Bradley Wiggins Cofidis
Christophe Moreau Ag2r

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Aug 29, 2007 11:24 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Also

Huub Duyn extended, and I'd bet there's some others (Danny Pate, Jason Donald, etc.) who also extend with Sleapstream

by BDBrian on Aug 29, 2007 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah

that could be, all I have seen so far has been new guys coming in not who is staying.

Coup De Pot Rouleurs

by Clydesdale on Aug 29, 2007 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Last I saw...

Slippy was s'posed to be keeping at least nine of their existing roster. Pate and Creed were among those with contracts if they wanted them, though I don't know for sure who the others are.

by gavia on Aug 30, 2007 8:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Creed

Isn't in. This is according to his site over at missingsaddle.com.

http://www.mikecreed.missingsaddle.com/2007/08/05/insert-funny-title-here/

by australopithecine on Aug 30, 2007 10:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that

is a username.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Aug 30, 2007 10:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not too surprising

Even good sources are sometimes wrong :-)

Creed's been a bit of a lost soul for too long. A solid season of racing here in the States would be fun to see.

by gavia on Aug 30, 2007 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Freddy Rodriguez to T-Mob

is an interesting rumor. Both sites confirm that he's leaving Predictor, but no confirmation yet on exactly where he'll land.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Aug 29, 2007 11:39 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey Forum Authorities:

(Chris et. al.)

Anyway to keep this thread, or a transfer/rumors thread promoted near the top of the blog for a while? There will be plenty of misinformation and even some straight dope in the coming months and it would be nice to collect it all in one thread rather than having to search several for the "Hushovd to Bouyges Telekom" rumor.

Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste

by Koppenberg on Aug 29, 2007 5:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Sure

By putting it back in the diaries after today. Will do.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Aug 29, 2007 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Oscar Pereiro Sio listed as

a possible for Quickstep.

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Aug 30, 2007 10:13 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Methinks

Lef denied that one. I seem to recall that making headlines for a few days, only to be followed by a swift and sure denial from QS.

It would have been fun, though.

by gavia on Aug 30, 2007 8:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Horner?

Anyone heard anything? I did not see him on the list of departing Predictor riders, so...

Also, Popo to QS? Confirmed?

by 72andSunny on Aug 30, 2007 10:27 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Horner

I'd like to see him on Slipstream so he could ride more in the US, but I think Horner is looking for a good payday as his career is winding down.

I think he would have a lot to teach younger riders - he knows the tactics of racing as well or better than most and he's a heck of a rider.

I saw where Bruyneel is linked to move to Astana. That seems interesting and not in line with the notion that Disco was stopping because they were tired not b/c they couldn't get a sponsor.

by John.. on Aug 31, 2007 8:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Bruyneel claims to have been contacted

Apparently his manager was contacted and he having just returned from vacation doesn't know any details. I wonder if JB wouldn't be better suited for politics, I'm sure there's more he could say but this way he's got lots of room to wiggle.

Not the brightest light on the x-mas tree.

by flying dog on Sep 1, 2007 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My question about Slipstream

...and maybe some could help me out here, but who's gonna win races for them?

They've built a team of solid, likeable guys --- but who're the big guns gonna be? Dave Millar? Zabriskie? Magnus? I guess Tommy D. has shown he's got the firepower, but am I the only one underwhelmed by the collective riders' performances this last season? Who's got the best '06 palmares? (As-yet rumored) Moreau? Wiggins?

by 72andSunny on Aug 31, 2007 10:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

they lack the true superstar but have a ton

of potential now. My bet is that they establish themselves next year as a solid team better than any except the top 5-6 ProTour teams next year and then land someone big by the end of next season. I am going to go ahead and start the rumor now that it will be none other than the back from the dead F.L. and he will be looking for vengeance against the European establishment. Not to mention how good it would look for him to be on a team that is so clearly anti-doping.

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Aug 31, 2007 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

oH, the drama

That would be sweet to watch play out.

by CannonDowell on Aug 31, 2007 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not even saying "superstar,"

--- I'm just wondering who they've got who can bring the heat at a race, any race --- stage win, stage race, one-day, whatever. I guess Maggie's got a Paris-Roubaix, but I don't know that I see any real closers.

Remember, coffee's for closers only.

by 72andSunny on Aug 31, 2007 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

Dave Z and Millar can win a TT (Millar can go any kind, Dave can do a long one with some technical stuff and even hills).

I have faith that Julian Dean can probably take a stage win in some kind of PT event, and he can help out Maggie in P-R.

And, of course, the Moreau rumor just has so many kinds of intrigue to it. 45 minutes left now.

by BDBrian on Aug 31, 2007 1:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Pretty nice video connection

sound just went live and they are saying that the press conference starts at 2:00 eastern not 2:30.

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Aug 31, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It is on now.

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Aug 31, 2007 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wiggins

To T-Mob. VN report as of this morning. I like the sign of the clean guys choosing to race for clean teams. I guess he didn't like getting tossed from the Tour this year.

by australopithecine on Aug 31, 2007 11:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

And it's comforting to me.

I agree with many of you. I've had a lot of personal revelations this year, in my love for Pro Cycling, and I'm feeling a sense of relief in the way things are shaking out this transfer season.

I'm still uneasy with Yaro-pop to QST, though...IMHO, of course. May they prove me wrong at Paris-Nice next year...

by Ruthann on Aug 31, 2007 11:18 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Diluca to Lampre?

CN has it from the Italian press. Still in the rumor stage.

Diluca and Cunego on the same team? Yoiks.

by gavia on Aug 31, 2007 12:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

It will work

The little prince wants to have another go at the TdF next year and DiLuca only wants to concentrate on the Giro.

"Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. "

by Drew on Aug 31, 2007 1:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

totally forgot

Forgot 'bout Cunego's plans to go French next year. You're right, it could work.

And it would free up Pellizotti to race for himself a bit. I like that guy.

by gavia on Aug 31, 2007 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ballan to Liquigas (rumor)

they just commented on live ticker at CN.

I was thinking that Lampre and Liquigas were just getting used by the riders but they should have caught on by now shouldn't they? Anyways if Bennati and Ballan are really good friends then it would make some sense.

Not the brightest light on the x-mas tree.

by flying dog on Sep 1, 2007 10:37 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Latest: Ballan stays put

final contract later this week? As in tomorrow?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Sep 6, 2007 4:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Meersman to Francaise des Jeux

confirmed today.

by DZI on Sep 1, 2007 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Bennati signs with Liquigas for 2 years:

From Eurosport:

Liquigas sign Lampre's Italian sprinter Daniele Bennati for the 2008 and 2009 seasons.

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Sep 4, 2007 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Anthony and Brian mentioned ,

during this morning's c.tv coverage, that Yaro-pop's going to Pred-Lotto next year, not QST. Imagine Yaropop attacking for Cadel in next year's Tour, with Horner at his back? Sweet.

by Ruthann on Sep 4, 2007 4:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Popo to Lotto

Yes, it's true.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/gerolsteiner-stops-bernucci-out-popo-to-predictor-12329

This makes a hell of a lot more sense than Levi to Lotto, and is exactly what the doctor ordered for Evans. This is the perfect fit for everyone involved. Also, with Fast Freddie going elsewhere, and Robbie's tantrum over not being on this year's Vuelta squad, it isn't surprising to see Lotto's priorities shifting from Green to Yellow. If Horner stays, or they can add one more support rider to replace him if he leaves, this team is looking pretty good for The Tour next year.

by Eric V on Sep 4, 2007 5:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Also,

Maarten Pieter Tjallingii, from Skil - Shimano, going to Predictor-Lotto. He's a Dutch rider, 2nd in the Tour of Belgium and 6th in the 4 Days of Dunkirk GC this year. He's been in a lot of breakaways this year, we've heard his name a lot.

by Ruthann on Sep 4, 2007 4:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A&B also mentioned

that McGee will be leaving FdJ... likely to AIS

America is all about speed. Hot, nasty, badass speed. -Eleanor Roosevelt

by ELVISGOAT on Sep 6, 2007 8:51 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

McGee

had a thingy on his website about leaving FDJ.

He didn't say where he was headed, though.

Intriguing.

by gavia on Sep 6, 2007 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lovkvist to TMobile

Confirmed today.

I was hoping he'd go to CSC...

by gavia on Sep 9, 2007 12:04 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Meh

Not sure what to think. It's a serious team with high ambitions but I can't really figure out where he fits in. They already have Gerdeman who is the same age and basically the same type of rider. Glad to see he's making a move though, the change will do him good, no doubt.

by Jens on Sep 9, 2007 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

ITT specialist??

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Sep 10, 2007 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

he climbs a little too

Lovkvist is s'posed to be a future stage race hope, though he hasn't shown much at FDJ. Hopefully things go better for him at TMobile. It's not a bad choice for either side, really. I just wanted to see him go to CSC ;-)

by gavia on Sep 10, 2007 3:33 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes but

will T-Mobile give him a role doing so?

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Sep 10, 2007 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

excellent question...

...as always :-)

Dunno how it will work out there. A girl can hope, right?

by gavia on Sep 12, 2007 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Have CSC announced any new signings?

If so, I missed it. I hope they aren't missing out (I think lots of us fans were expecting Lokvist to sign) Levi to CSC? You can make a case for it - GT (Giro?) weight off Sastre's shoulders, bridging GC contender before the Schlecks come up, American to replace DZ and CVV and so on . . . Let's start the rumour here . . .

by ianmcw on Sep 10, 2007 3:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

CSC

They've signed a few younger riders, but no big names. I don't suspect there are any huge signings in the works, but I could be wrong. The budget is probably not up to too many hijinx. Bjarne paid out big to end Basso's contract: recall that the allegations against Basso had not yet been proven when he and CSC parted ways. That means CSC ate the penalty of ending the contract. Also, the Damsgard thingy isn't coming cheap. The team hasn't added any new sponsors, and indeed, has lost at least one in MAN.

There are some pretty high-priced riders currently on the roster. I doubt very much the team can afford to add any more big names.

by gavia on Sep 10, 2007 3:32 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Ballan stays at Lampre

With a two year agreement. He won't be following Bennati to Leaky Gas.

by gavia on Sep 12, 2007 3:16 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

That's a good place for him

and he can continue building his spring resume.

"Weaseling out of things is important to learn. It's what separates us from the animals ... except the weasel. "

by Drew on Sep 12, 2007 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

He has his pick of the one day races at Lampre. With Pozzato in the house, things would be a lot less clear at LG.

Good signing. Hope they gave him a stack of euros. I like that guy.

by gavia on Sep 12, 2007 5:01 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

One of my real faves right now, after his Flanders ride. He should have the team to himself, though he'll need to replace Bennati as his ace helper. I regard Bennati's pull into Geraardsbergen as maybe my favorite move of the year.

Got a problem? Va fa Napoli!

by Chris... on Sep 12, 2007 6:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Very class

That move from Benna was super sweet.

I'm not sure who Lampre has to play the gregario. Wonder if there's anyone else headed thataway.

Transfers. So fun.

by gavia on Sep 12, 2007 8:03 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Non PT transfers

Candido Barbosa (winner of the Volta a Portugal) and Ruben Plaza to Benfica

by BDBrian on Sep 13, 2007 8:29 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Non PT transfers

They are two big signings for Brnfica. Both of them allyed to José Azevedo will make a very strong trio.

Ps: Candido Barbosa is not the winner of The Volta a portugal. Xabier Tondo is.

by Celso on Sep 13, 2007 5:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

cross posted from txbra

for what it's worth . . .

Re: a post about how slipstream appeared to be working for Leipheimer at the US Champs:

That wasn't what Slipstream was doing in Greenville. A member of that team [any guesses as to which skinny texan this is likely to be?] told me that the team's strategy didn't pan out like they wanted (especially since they had 14 guys at the start), and in a sense Hincapie's complaints were legitimate. The Slipstream guys who should have jumped on with Levi or worked harder with Hincapie to bring Levi back, just didn't have the legs that day. In any event, the top Slipstream riders didn't want Levi to win ... Hincapie didn't want Levi to win ... but it happened anyway. As to the mystery rider, I asked but the current and future TS rider didn't have a clue who JV was eyeing. But if it is Levi, that will be a surprise to the other guys on the team and I gathered not a pleasant one.

by R Mc on Sep 13, 2007 5:50 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I was standing ten feet from Levi

when he was asked at the sign in table about his next team and he stalled and then said he could or would not say but everyone should know within a "few days"

Los Cabra Montesa's

by Clydesdale on Sep 13, 2007 6:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs