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Team CS... uh Saxo Bank: How Will It Play?

Copy_of_pineapple_face_tiny by Chris... on

Putting aside Boonen-gate, it's otherwise a hugely positive day for Cycling. Riis Cycling, owner of the world's top-ranked Cycling team since the invention of the freewheel, will be a going concern for the foreseeable future. My question is, how much will Saxo Bank resemble good old CSC? Let's assume for the moment that Saxo's investment is comparable to CSC's (Bruce? Jens? anyone?), or that Riis will tack on other sponsors in order to enforce something like a status quo with his budget. They're not the most extravagant team already, so I can't picture them scaling back. Anyway, now that there will be a 2009 team, Riis can start thinking about what to do with it.

Every team is due some change in the offseason, and CSC aren't necessarily a prime example. However, they do have some older riders (e.g., O'Grady, Julich, Cuesta, McCartney, Arvesen, Jens!) who won't be riding forever. They also have some potential clouds over Carlos Sastre's position in the team. His window for grand tour supremacy is starting to close. Meanwhile, he's demanding full captaincy of the Tour squad, despite a record that supports Riis maybe keeping his other options close at hand. If Sastre closes the deal next month, he stays. If not, or if Riis starts sending the Schlecks up the road without Sastre's permission, then maybe he's at a point in his career where he should find a lesser Tour team who'll support his last attempt or three at Yellow. [Saunier Duval, anyone?]

If Sastre goes, Riis may give either or both of the Schlecks to fill the Tour GC void. But he does have a hole to fill here and there. While CSC seemed to have cards to play at the Tour of Flanders, Kurt-Asle Arvesen can't really fill the Stijn Devolder role to Fabian Cancellara's Boonen. Meanwhile, there are some guys out there CSC would -- I'm guessing -- take a look at. Juan Antonio Flecha is a good bet to go shopping for a Flanders team, and would make a great 1-2 threat with Fabian. There are also young cobbles studs cropping up everywhere (Terpstra? Maaskant? I'm pulling this from you know where) and eventually (i.e. next offseason or two) someone will take Riis' invitation seriously.

The other big piece, IMHO, is a Giro d'Italia GC rider. Riis may give up on this one, but it wouldn't kill him to hire an Italian climber to give him a presence in the world's second-greatest stage race. Some ideas: Liquigas' hiring of Basso makes Pellizotti and Nibali lieutenants again... until someone else gives them a shot. Also, raiding the continental teams is a time-honored tradition, and while Emanuele Sella is too old to build around, Domenico Pozzovivo isn't. Again, I have no sources, NONE, but I'm confident that Riis will someday repay me for this free advice.

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Sastre and Schlecks

are the players for the Tour for CSC. I was thrilled to see the team finding a new sponsor, hopefully this will become a habit now for all the teams looking for sponsors!

by Bruce Suomi on Jun 10, 2008 4:34 PM EDT   0 recs

Agreed

They might need to get rid of Sastre to bring in younger players and indoctrinate them into the system. Does anyone know if Jens! is going to be back next year or not? If not as a rider, he would be a great DS. Anyways, I like the Jan Anton van Der Pijl pickup, that would be fantastic. I think their Giro captain is already riding for Riis, Andy Schleck. Maybe for the Tour too. But, Pello would be a fantastic pickup. There are so many riders out there that will be looking for a job, they’ll be able to pick and choose. Saxo is going to rock next year either way. I see them picking up some of the Gerolsteiner/Quickstep refugees. Well, once we know that QS aren’t going to pickup a new sponsor next year. Can’t wait.

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

by SpunOut on Jun 10, 2008 4:45 PM EDT   0 recs

Jens! as a DS?

Now there’s a whole other topic. He’d every a guy in every break until they died.

by itswells on Jun 10, 2008 5:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

si

I think maybe Jens! is not the ideal DS. How ‘bout PR-press guy?

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Sounds like Tinkoff

when they animate every stage and come up with nothing.

by dheadrick on Jun 10, 2008 11:22 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Speculatin and all

It’s going to be hard to predict unless you’re in the know… but this should be a pretty wild offseason. Not that I want it to start anytime soon.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 4:48 PM EDT   0 recs

ooooh

can’t wait for the transfer rumors. so fun. this year will be wild. and transfer season pretty much starts with the tour. ha!

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:07 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

As long as we are talking about transfer season...

... now that Slipstream has proven to be the real deal, I’ll be interested to see what other names come into the fold.

by dheadrick on Jun 10, 2008 11:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm more curious about who on the team now

doesn’t have a 2 year contract. Last fall I got the impression most did, almost like, hey – we’re putting together a team and it’s going to take a wee bit of time to work some things out. So they grouped the gang for a two year spell. Anyone know more?

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 11:23 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

hmmm

off the top of my head, not sure. but lemme wander ‘bout and see what i can find.

maybe lyne has some good infos too…

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 11:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Maaskant

is signed for SS through next year. Vaughters realized what he had when he stole him from Rabobank and signed him to a 2 year deal.

"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."

by Drew... on Jun 10, 2008 4:48 PM EDT   0 recs

Yep

And if they’re as clever as I think, they’ll find a way to hang on to him. But it won’t be easy.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 4:49 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It generally takes

a ton of cash to get a rider out of his contract early, and I don’t see anyone paying a severance fee to SS to get him. I’m sure over the winter there will be some renegotiating talks vis a vis beyond the 2009 season.

"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."

by Drew... on Jun 10, 2008 4:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I'm not sure hanging on to guys

for SS will be all that hard if they continue what they’re doing. They’re already being asked about with future openings, kind of like what I remember CSC had been like with guys wanting to be on that team. I could see them doing some internal contract bonuses as well after this year as they’ve really had some solid results for the first year at this level as a team.

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 6:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

OK

sounds great. I’ll wait and see, given their relative newbie status, as to whether they can compete with the biggest team$ for talent. But I will say they’re competently managed.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 6:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's all wait and see. :-)

Some guys I think had better offers and opted to come to this team because of the stance they had and the team being put together. I’m hopeful that the bond and overall atmosphere stays there and continues. Feels pretty good cheering for them right now, that’s for sure.

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 7:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

What cycling needs

is a site similar to MLB, where you can see rider contracts (terms and length). That would be helpful.

"Resistance is futile. You will be assimilated."

by Drew... on Jun 10, 2008 4:57 PM EDT   0 recs

Team Saxo Bank = Team Sexy?

Saxo
er…
Sexy

Kinda seems like the kinda jump the cafe peloton would make.

by ZoeRochelle on Jun 10, 2008 5:06 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Darn

I wanted to be the first to make a Team Sexy -Back reference!

by Katiek on Jun 10, 2008 5:37 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Team Sexy-Back is event better!

The Team that brought Sexy Back to Pro Cycling. Heh.

by ZoeRochelle on Jun 10, 2008 6:05 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

That's pretty good. I already like them

but please… keep the jerseys on!

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 6:36 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

guys

this is pure womans talk…lol :P

by semprenaroda on Jun 10, 2008 7:17 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

well...

at least we’re saying keep the jerseys on

;-)

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:18 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

the hotel I stayed in this weekend

had a wedding reception on the top floor. Word of advice: if you are a 45+ couple getting married, SexyBack is probably not the best choice for an entrance song.

Even in Philly.

by Sui Juris on Jun 10, 2008 6:57 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Ugh, that doesn't sound very pretty.

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 7:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

True

someone has this I think. But I can’t remember where…

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 5:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yeah- Money

What Drew said.

I would also like to know that budget the Saxos are gonna throw around. Losing Sastre would save some bucks but even then, getting Fletcha is gonna be tough as that will take some coin- and if Boonen goes Bweeg (a long shot) then Fletcha would also be a great 1-2 with Devo.

Then in a couple of years it will take some money to resign the Schlecks.

It all comes down to the team budget and we are all in the dark there.

by ursula on Jun 10, 2008 5:09 PM EDT   0 recs

Meh

Flecha will be cheap enough. He’s up there in years, and the only competition for his signature will be a team that’s building from scratch. I don’t see Silence! ponying up. High Road? No vacancies. Liquigas, Lampre… nope.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 5:10 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

You are right about the age thingy

but given that why would Saxo spring for a rider in decline with who has problems with management which would then push back development of their stable of youngsters? I can’t see Saxo signing the guy.

by ursula on Jun 10, 2008 5:41 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

i think Flecha will keep up in Rabo

When one only one spanish leave, the others will leave too, Freire, Flecha, Horrilo. And Freire is the first to decide.

by semprenaroda on Jun 10, 2008 5:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

With CSC and Slippy Sponsored Up (apparently)...

... that leaves HighRoad as the only team still looking for a sugar daddy right?

When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?

by crashdan on Jun 10, 2008 5:27 PM EDT   0 recs

Dream on

Who has a list- as I just can’t keep track.

1) Gerolsteiner. I remember rumors but nothing concrete.
2) Credit Agricole

by ursula on Jun 10, 2008 5:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Quick Step...

Did they lock down anything yet? I thought it was still unconfirmed. Sorry, I average about 6 hours sleep.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 5:33 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I haven't heard anything

But, after events of late, the going just got a little harder.

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

by SpunOut on Jun 10, 2008 5:34 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

QS

Yeah they don’t have anything official down which makes Tornado Tom such a two edged sword. Which way do you think Lefevre jump? A) Firing Tom for drug using with the same spirit he has jumped all over other drug users or B) Do everything to protect the team’s biggest asset ?

by ursula on Jun 10, 2008 5:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I would redirect all comments...

... to that thread over there -> thready

:)

When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?

by crashdan on Jun 10, 2008 5:45 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Right

don’t cross the streams. Very dangerous.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 5:52 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Yeah...

Total Protonic Reversal… Try to imagine all life as you know it stopping instantaneously and every molecule in your body exploding at the speed of light.

When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?

by crashdan on Jun 10, 2008 6:01 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Who ya gonna call? :-)

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 6:40 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Has Slipsteam found a maint title sponsor?

I heard about Saab but nothing else. Is there another sponsor I don’t know about yet?

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

by SpunOut on Jun 10, 2008 6:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I thought SAAB was just the car for here in the US?

I would think some more news could be coming but I think SAAB, as a great plus, isn’t the title one they’re in search for.

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 6:39 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

si

just for the us. they’re hoping to get them for europe too, but it’s just in the us for now.

slippy still needs a title sponsor, as far as i know….

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:09 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

No way SAAB has the money to be title sponsor

They have to pass the hat around at GM headquarters every quarter just to stay in business.

by Jens on Jun 11, 2008 2:15 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Slippy and High Road

Can keep riding next season without a title sponsor. Gerolsteiner is rumored to have found someone, but no deets have shown up. Quicky apparently still needs one. There is a big budg new team rumored to be coming together in Italy – Monte Peschi, the bank in Sienna is the sponosr. Still rumor level, though. That might be a destination for Bettini, actually, since they are Tuscan. Agricole, yes, they need money.

It would probably be easier to list the teams that have sponsors than those that don’t.

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:16 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Is the rumored big budget

team connected with Tinkoff at all?

by kalais on Jun 10, 2008 8:08 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

that would be interesting...

but no, not according to the tidbits i’ve seen. i’ll watch for more.

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:11 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

not that i remember seeing...

but if you’ve seen something? i’m all ears.

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:19 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

It's just my imagination running wild.

I don’t why I thought i read that somewhere.

by kalais on Jun 10, 2008 8:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

I can't imagine...

Oleg the Oligarch sharing title space on that team name. Or changing it to Latin characters from Cyrillic!

When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?

by crashdan on Jun 10, 2008 8:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Agreed

He strikes me as a bit like Richard Branson. Speaking of which, why isn’t there a Team Virgin?

by dheadrick on Jun 10, 2008 11:27 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Now THAT is a damn good question...

... or a Team Oracle for that matter… it seems the sort of thing that’s right up Larry “I Look Like A Suffocating Carp” Ellison’s alley.

When Leipheimer is done mating with his Time Trialing bike... does he bite its head off and eat it?

by crashdan on Jun 10, 2008 11:30 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

no worries...

if i happen to see something, i’ll be sure to post it on up…

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Gazprom is rumored to be linked with Tinkoff

Plus there are rumors of Amica Chips throwing some big money at an italian squad, not sure if this is the same as the Monte Paschi.

by Jens on Jun 11, 2008 2:17 AM EDT to parent up   0 recs

Off topic, but has Pez exploded?

Just tried to get on Pez, but getting TCP error.

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

by SpunOut on Jun 10, 2008 6:13 PM EDT   0 recs

Not literally

but their provider did, last week, in a fire. I suspect they’re either migrating the entire site someplace else, or working with the poor burnt-out guys to get back up. And that’s about 120% of what I actually understand about the inter-tubes.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 6:28 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ah, The Planet

screwing with little bits of my internet everywhere.

by Sui Juris on Jun 10, 2008 6:46 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

How 'bout...

Nibali to CSC. I think he’d fit better than Save Ferris! and he’s younger. Save Ferris! is going to cost someone a whole stack of euros, since he just signed a new agreement with Liqui which he now may want to escape. Me, I’d like to see Nibali get out of Liquigas, and he’d fit well with the time trial friendly CSC scene. Dear Bjarne, Make it so, love gav.

I think Sastre rides out his career at CSC. I’d be very very surprised to see him leave. Very.

I’d expect OGrady to funnel a young Aussie or two into the team, as he did with Goss. And no, I don’t have any specific names in mind.

Phew, I’m just so glad they have a new sponsor.

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:14 PM EDT   0 recs

Two more I meant to add

Why not go after the best young Scandinavians? Lovkvist and Boasson Hagen may well like their current position, and I wouldn’t assume they are interested, or available, blady blah. But if I’m Sexy Bank, I like that idea. Lovkvist may be a tougher get, but Edvald isn’t assured of much of a role at THR yet, with all the other young classics/sprinter guys around.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 7:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

yep

i like both of those options. i thought actually that boasson hagen was going to ride for csc – maybe he did as a stagiare? heh, my brains are all scrambled today. too much flemish press.

i was just trying to find you an italian, since you seemed to want one so badly :-)

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 7:50 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

With that last sentance

I am laughing to my hearts content again. :-)

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 8:44 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

lol

i’m like sooo here for you ;-)

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:47 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

hey first dibs on the italian

Chris can wait for his turn ;)

by lyne on Jun 10, 2008 8:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

lol

hmm, this could get complicated. maybe we share the italian?

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:48 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

But how to decide who get THE Italian?

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

by nikki on Jun 10, 2008 8:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

lol

my mind is sooo going into the gutter right now. one wonders if the boy realizes what he inspires. probably :-P

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

whoever gets to him first

or is that whomever?

by lyne on Jun 10, 2008 8:56 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

heh

i think you want whoever. but my languages are too fucked up today to know for sure.

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:58 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

These days

When I go away for two hours and come back to see 30 new comments, I usually assume someone said something about a hot guy. Nobody can say there’s no love at the Podium Cafe.

"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."

by Chris... on Jun 10, 2008 10:56 PM EDT to parent up   1 recs

lol

we got all the love :-)

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 11:13 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

mmmm depends on the italian, now doesn't it?

what a day to be away from the laptop for hours, do you know how long it takes to catch up with the bazillion of comments on PdC? and then being too late in the conversation to jump in… well maybe that was best for some comments.

Anwyay, I think that Boonen will present a contrite front, do some sort of community work, maybe some rehab, stay quiet and come back next year. Like I said way too much talent. Hopefully, he has learned a lesson and will stay off the cocaine.

by lyne on Jun 10, 2008 8:51 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs

ja

we are being agreeing on this one, boonen, i mean. interesting to see how they play it tomorrow – and how the press reports it. that part i always enjoy. heh. at the risk of being snarky, you should take a look at chris’s update thready about half way through – apparently, we are poorly informed here at the cafe ;-)

today? lots of action. not such a good day to wander off the grid fo’ sho’ though i did for a while, and yeah, there was lots to read when i got back!

by gavia on Jun 10, 2008 8:55 PM EDT to parent up   0 recs