Linus Out - Monfort In

by Jens on Oct 29, 2008 6:25 AM EDT

Euro-bag_medium Linus Gerdemann has finally been released from Columbia and will instead ride for Milram next year. This was confirmed today at the same time as Columbia announced that they have signed Maxime Monfort from the downscaling Cofidis. For Columbia this means they are swapping one promising young stageracer for another and also severing yet another link to their german past.

This is the second time in his short career that Gerdemann has jumped teams before the end of his contract in order to ride on a german team. As the dominating presence of Cavendish on Columbia casts doubts on their commitment to GC-competitiveness the move seems a smart one for a rider with Tour-ambitions but it also leaves Gerdemann with a bit of a reputation as a golddigger. His penchant for Gucci-luggage also does little to negate that stereotype.

None the less, as long as Columbia where handsomely rewarded for releasing Linus, this looks like a win-win situation for everyone. With Monfort and Lövkvist on their roster Columbia certainly aren't lacking in stagerace-talent, eventhough neither of them are as charismatic (or promising) as Gerdemann

Source. Radsport-News

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Win-win, yes

I was wondering why Monfort was still on Cofidis and, yeah, Columbia probably earned some coin in these two transactions. Now let’s see what a healthy Linus can do- but does he have enough support? I am asking cause I don’t know…

by ursula on Oct 29, 2008 6:31 AM EDT 0 recs

Milram has signed some decent talent from Gerolsteiner

so he should be well looked after. If he has the qualities to do well over three weeks? I’m not so sure.

BTW Ursula, could you email me at the adress in my profile? I’d like to coordinate som statistics nonsense with you.

Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets

by Jens on Oct 29, 2008 7:05 AM EDT up 0 recs

Not sure about three weeks

I’m not convinced he’s a rider for three weeks either. But he should have a free hand in the races he wants to ride, so probably in that respect a good transfer.

by gavia on Oct 29, 2008 11:52 AM EDT up 0 recs

Regardless of it being a German team

Milram is NOT Columbia. It also shows a complete lack of the ability to commit. He left the best team in the world for Columbia and now this? I hope Bob raked Milram over the coals on this one and made them pay big time.

If I just had one more gear, I...

by SpunOut on Oct 29, 2008 8:50 AM EDT 0 recs

But maybe good to be a big fish in a smaller pond?

Like Ursula, not sure about the depth of support he’ll get, but he’ll certainly have more of the team at his disposal in stage races that Cav would also have been at. I think it cuts both ways.

by Albertina on Oct 29, 2008 9:49 AM EDT up 0 recs

Maybe

If I just had one more gear, I...

by SpunOut on Oct 29, 2008 10:33 AM EDT up 0 recs

I think it's more about nationality

His German heritage seem very important to him and with Columbia’s transformation into an American team Linus didn’t have much of a choice.

by OctaBech on Oct 29, 2008 11:45 AM EDT up 0 recs

It does, doesn't it

He really does seem to want to ride for a German team. Or, follow the biggest salary he can possibly score. I’m not sure which.

by gavia on Oct 29, 2008 11:53 AM EDT up 0 recs

I always chose to see people from their best sides ^^

Unless it’s Cadel, who(m?) I dislike with a passion.

by OctaBech on Oct 29, 2008 12:26 PM EDT up 0 recs

lol

You are a far nicer person than I am ;-)

by gavia on Oct 29, 2008 12:40 PM EDT up 0 recs

Gavia help me, My bike's been delayed.

The Italians are not sticking to their deadlines. I want to cry :-(
Perhaps we could write them a letter at little like the Pinarello one….? It’s so not fair.

by Albertina on Oct 29, 2008 1:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

Awww :-(

You could definitely write them a letter. Maybe it would help.

Patience is so hard where new bikes are involved :-(

by gavia on Oct 29, 2008 1:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

The week after next at the earliest. I'm in such a bad mood.

I don’t want to ride my old one anymore. I want the cute little Bianchi. Plus, if CycleGirl’s new bike comes before mine, I lose our little bet. Boooo hooo hooo.

by Albertina on Oct 29, 2008 1:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

Why yes, I indeed am ;D

by OctaBech on Oct 29, 2008 1:48 PM EDT up 0 recs

Excellent move.

If Linus were to have any GC aspirations in the Tour for Columbia, it was going to be an extremely complicated situation. Of course, Cav was going to need some guys to break wind for him, but then then what about the other GC guys – Kim Kirchen, Mick Rogers, and even Lovkvist? Far too many cooks in the kitchen. Smart move for Linus.

Gerdemann may not be ready to contend for the GC this year, but by 2010 he should. For a more in-depth analysis check out my article on The Virtual Musette, which can be found here. (I know I’ve linked to it before in another thread, but it was buried amongst 200 other posts.)

by The Team Chef on Oct 29, 2008 12:10 PM EDT 0 recs

That must be the pinnacle of laziness

needing other people for breaking wind… what a stinky job that must be by the way.

by OctaBech on Oct 29, 2008 12:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah,

there was supposed to be a “the” between “break wind.” I don’t suppose there are too many pro cyclists who need help farting.

by The Team Chef on Oct 29, 2008 12:33 PM EDT up 0 recs

Oops.

Forgot to add the NOT SAFE FOR WORK disclaimer.

by The Team Chef on Oct 29, 2008 12:53 PM EDT up 0 recs

That should be first. I got the security warning.... again.

I so should maybe someday concern myself with who sees thoughs. LOL :-)

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 29, 2008 4:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

ROFL

oops my office door is still open

by lyne on Oct 30, 2008 9:23 PM EDT up 0 recs

oops my office door was open

by lyne on Oct 30, 2008 9:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

d'oh

Never surf with an open door. Geez girl ;-)

by gavia on Oct 30, 2008 10:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

You think that's tough

would you rather be the guy sitting in tight behind him?

by Monty. on Oct 29, 2008 5:37 PM EDT up 0 recs

Milram

will be a much more all around team next year. They still have some sprinting power in Forster and Ciolek(most likely) and they will also have some good one day racers, especially Wegmann. Now they also have a rider who can go for the overall gc and they will have some helpers in Rohregger and M. Fothen. I’m excited to see what Milram can do next year and i’m excited to see what Linus can do if he stays healthy. I also think that this was a good deal for both sides as Columbia knew they wouldn’t be able to re-sign Linus after next year so they save some money now and Linus gets to go to the German team, were he seems to feel the most comfortable.

by Phil H. on Oct 29, 2008 2:09 PM EDT 0 recs

Endlich

I’ve been all over Milram the last couple years for putting together a ridiculous team that seemed constructed specifically to achieve total irrelevance. But the crop of kids this year made me think someone there knows something. Now, with money, roster flexibility, and a G-8 nation all to itself, they appear to be getting serious and smart all at once. Bears watching…

CQRanking.com, you complete me.

by Chris... on Oct 29, 2008 4:22 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm looking forward to Milram next year

I’ll support Linus as well. He was on my VDS this year I was very disappointed with his early season injury. I love watching him ride.

Remember what the dormouse said, "Feed Your Head, Feed Your Head." ~ Grace Slick

by bethie on Oct 29, 2008 8:14 PM EDT 0 recs

+1

Rotten luck for Linus this year. I like him and wish him all the best. Here’s to a better 2009!

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 5:39 AM EDT up 0 recs

+1

by nickel17 on Oct 30, 2008 9:54 AM EDT up 0 recs

Ciolek transfer to Milram also complete

story at the Milram website. I have to always remind myself not to look at those damn recipes. That is the most tasty cycling website you can possibly have, always makes me really hungry.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 11:41 AM EDT 0 recs

Yum.

Funny how they all contain Milram products. I don’t think i’ve ever seen a Milram product in the flesh….perhaps Aldi sells them.

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 11:58 AM EDT up 0 recs

Plus, there's this great office timewaster

It took me 40 seconds….

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

Apologies for lack of link...

it’s here

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:01 PM EDT up 0 recs

No, 31 seconds.....sorry, can you tell I'm bored?!

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ooh just got 26 seconds

got really lucky though, it is quite an interesting website indeed.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 12:20 PM EDT up 0 recs

Ha! Right, I'm going to beat that if it takes me all afternoon....

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

18. Beat that.

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:35 PM EDT up 0 recs

A competiton I see

well i have nothing to do today so I’ll try to beat 18, it’s so on!

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 12:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

HAHA, Just got 16, Beat that!

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 12:43 PM EDT up 0 recs

No way. You can't prove it ;-)

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 12:45 PM EDT up 0 recs

Well no, I can't prove it

but I don’t really see the purpose of lying about my time in the Milram matching game :-)

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 12:50 PM EDT up 0 recs

I'm getting worse rather then better :-(

I’ll have another assault on your time later! What’s Petacchi still doing on there anyway?!

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 1:03 PM EDT up 0 recs

He must have the record time in the game

or Milram is in denial that they sacked him, seeing that he got them practically all their wins the last few years.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 1:09 PM EDT up 0 recs

Damn - I was so close.

I got 17 seconds on 3rd try but will admit 2 hit were matches with out trying at all so that helped.

I might have to keep that link handy. Keeping your memory in check is a good thing so it could be argued as helping with long-term productivity. I see this as being one fun afternoon filled Milram matching tomorrow when most leave early to get home for the trick or treaters.

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 30, 2008 2:04 PM EDT up 0 recs

I would try again to beat Phil...

….but I’ve just had a wee bit too much red wine to be all that accurate with my clicking! It could be a good brain warm up at the start of a working day I feel….

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 8:25 PM EDT up 0 recs

I can't match my score tonight.

More fun for tomorrow afternoon for sure!!!

"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."

by nikki on Oct 30, 2008 11:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

What is

a FrühlingsQuark?

Remember what the dormouse said, "Feed Your Head, Feed Your Head." ~ Grace Slick

by bethie on Oct 30, 2008 2:46 PM EDT up 0 recs

Don't ask

it would only lose its mystery.

by Monty. on Oct 30, 2008 7:06 PM EDT up 0 recs

Hmm, well Fruhling=spring,

Quark…that’s some sort of particle is it not? Sciencey types will help me out here. Makes no sense at all but no doubt it tastes nice.

by Albertina on Oct 30, 2008 8:28 PM EDT up 0 recs

Quark (pronounced kvark) is German cottage cheese.

by Ruthann on Oct 30, 2008 10:02 PM EDT up 0 recs

Quark is tough to explain in English

as it doesn’t really exist in the US( not sure about Britain) but I wouldn,t really call it cottage cheese. I don’t know of a type of cheese in English that could be called Quark. But for all those who are obsessed about Quark, and who’s not, here’s the wiki page on it

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 10:15 PM EDT up 0 recs

I hope Gerdemann does the Giro next year.

Hearing the RAI commentators call him Lee-noose never gets old :-)

by Tifosa on Oct 30, 2008 7:40 PM EDT 0 recs

Don't forget how they said Gerrrrrdemann

yeah I love how they say his name

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 8:00 PM EDT up 0 recs

ha :-)

Perhaps a memo is in order.

I do heart those guys!

by gavia on Oct 30, 2008 8:24 PM EDT up 0 recs

If you'd like to hear them again

then check out the last few kilometers from Eroica on Daily Motion. Go to the finish to hear them say Lee-noose Gerrrrrdemann, they make it sound so much better than it does in Deutsch.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 9:21 PM EDT up 0 recs

fantastico!

thanks for the link.

You’re right, the Lee-noos Gerrrrrdemann combo is awesome.

by Tifosa on Oct 30, 2008 10:18 PM EDT up 0 recs

Yeah it's a great combo

and I hope he rides the Giro next year too, it would be awesome to hear the Lee-noos Gerrrrdemann combo for 21 stages. I would listen to the RAI stream just for that, and I don’t even speak Italian.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 10:32 PM EDT up 0 recs

If you watch RAI

for 21 stages, you will speak Italian before you know it :-)

I like what they do with Zahbreeeskeee, too.

by gavia on Oct 30, 2008 10:34 PM EDT up 0 recs

I might just start to learn it, wouldn't I

I also might start to learn it while reading all the rumors on the Circloweb Giro route rumor forum, I look into that thing everyday to see if there’s anything knew. The only problem is that Google translator is so bad that it is tough to learn what the Italian words mean.

by Phil H. on Oct 30, 2008 10:39 PM EDT up 0 recs

Listening to RAI while watching the Giro

is a great way to learn Italian. Of course, your vocabulary will center around words like corridore (racer), scalatore (climber), traguardo (finish line), and my personal favorite, brutta caduta (nasty crash), but hey, what more do you really need to know?

by Tifosa on Oct 31, 2008 12:55 AM EDT up 0 recs

What else do I need to learn?

even if i only learn the cycling lingo I’ll still be set for life.

by Phil H. on Oct 31, 2008 1:10 AM EDT up 0 recs

Most of my foreign language knowledge outside of German comes from either cycling or opera...

by Albertina on Oct 31, 2008 9:58 AM EDT up 0 recs

lol, totally

And when Bulba and Cassani get really excited, you won’t really understand anything except that the bike race just got really really really good :-)

@Phil H: Forums are always hard to read, so I’m not surprised the Googler can’t really do it. Native speakers abbreviate and leave stuff out and it can be hard to follow. Tuttobiciweb.it is a good place to go, if you want to start learning – they write very plain, to the point Italian. Gazzetta sometimes gets flourishy, which makes it more complex, though not by much. News presenters are the easiest to understand in any language – they usually speak a very clear straightforward version of the language. Interviews, gah, the devil. There are a few Italian riders that I still struggle to understand – spoken Italian can be difficult because there are a lot of regional variations.

It’s not a hugely hard language to learn as these things go. A grammar book for the verb forms is pretty key, though, since it retains the latin habit of dropping subject pronouns.

by gavia on Oct 31, 2008 11:59 AM EDT up 0 recs

I think I might start to pick up Italian

I find it to be such a beautiful language. If genes run in the family then it shouldn’t be to tough for me to learn a new language, as both my parents are translators and very language gifted.

by Phil H. on Oct 31, 2008 12:06 PM EDT up 0 recs