Pro Transfers for 2014

[thom]

There's never been a whiff around Nieve or Anton as far as I know?

Not that I've heard - there's a sad Rouleur article on the demise of Euskadi btw. Sounded like Anton only ever rode for them.
Seems like they had an option a couple of years ago to operate as pro-continental on a reduced budget but with their old financing form regional govt. They opted instead to be dependent on Euskaltel and somehow that choice results in them closing now that Euskaltel withdrew.

 

[laurence]

Not that I've heard - there's a sad Rouleur article on the demise of Euskadi btw. Sounded like Anton only ever rode for them.
Seems like they had an option a couple of years ago to operate as pro-continental on a reduced budget but with their old financing form regional govt. They opted instead to be dependent on Euskaltel and somehow that choice results in them closing now that Euskaltel withdrew.

Euskaltel upped the sponsorship in the hope that staying a pro team would bring something, but it didn't. the extra money used up Euskaltel's budget for the following years and they couldn't continue.

There was local funding due, but (apparently) the regions insisted on having Euskadi written in the native language of that race. they used to have Pays Basq for le Tour years ago, but stopped (probably as it cost too much). the team realised it would cost more in kit than the money coming in. ridiculous.

a lot of the riders have only ever ridden for the team, Samu being one.

Glad Igor has found a good home.

 

[themosquitoking]

Seems odd that it has taken this long for such an obvious link-up. I'd assumed that the Movistar roster was full.

A tip on why you think that was an obvious link up would be appreciated thanks. Still trying to learn the minutiae of the sport.

 

[SWSteve]

I may be wrong, but Movistar are a Spanish team, with a Spanish title sponsor - a strong Spanish rider would work for everybody. But I may be wrong

 

[rich p]

A tip on why you think that was an obvious link up would be appreciated thanks. Still trying to learn the minutiae of the sport.

Not very scientific but, as Steve says, Movistar are a Spanish team who snapped up a few of the Euskaltel team. A lot of the Spaniards seems to prefer to stick in 'national' teams for their careers and Anton was a classy, available rider. He will be an obvious asset to Valverde in the Tour especially now they have lost Rui Costa. Maybe it came down to money.

 

[smutchin]

The only reason I can think of for no one snapping him up sooner is that he's 30 now, so although he's always been there or thereabouts, he's never really been a genuine contender and that's unlikely to change. Still, he'll be a very useful climbing domestique for Quintana, assuming that's the basket they'll be putting most of their eggs into from now on.

 

[smutchin]

He will be an obvious asset to Valverde in the Tour

Oh yeah. I forgot Movistar had him as well. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[rich p]

The only reason I can think of for no one snapping him up sooner is that he's 30 now, so although he's always been there or thereabouts, he's never really been a genuine contender and that's unlikely to change. Still, he'll be a very useful climbing domestique for Quintana, assuming that's the basket they'll be putting most of their eggs into from now on.

I think they're putting their scrambled on ValvPiti for the TdF and their omelette on Quintana for the Giro.

 

[Crackle]

I think they're putting their scrambled on ValvPiti for the TdF and their omelette on Quintana for the Giro.

They've certainly got a team for those options now.

 

[jifdave]

They've certainly got a team for those options now.

plus they signed the little younger quinatna if memory serves... is he as good as (big) nairo? if hes solid thats a mighty team

 

[themosquitoking]

I thought i heard someone say earlier in the season he's meant to be better.
Thanks for the replies on the Anton move btw.

 

[thom]

Unless it has been mentioned somewhere I have not seen, it seems to have gone without note that Europcar have been granted World-Tour status.
So there are as desired 18 world tour teams now, 2 having dropped out and the Katusha debacle having caused an oversupply last year.

 

[rich p]

Unless it has been mentioned somewhere I have not seen, it seems to have gone without note that Europcar have been granted World-Tour status.
So there are as desired 18 world tour teams now, 2 having dropped out and the Katusha debacle having caused an oversupply last year.

Oh goodie! Gurning Tommy in the van in all protour events then! @montage will be pleased!

 

[Crackle]

Unless it has been mentioned somewhere I have not seen, it seems to have gone without note that Europcar have been granted World-Tour status.
So there are as desired 18 world tour teams now, 2 having dropped out and the Katusha debacle having caused an oversupply last year.

Have they. I'm sure I was having a few doubts about Europcar last year, so I shall watch with interest how they do next season.

 

[rich p]

Have they. I'm sure I was having a few doubts about Europcar last year, so I shall watch with interest how they do next season.

Caughtisone?