Where's Cav Going?

[Rob3rt]

But it is precisely this last year when they started using the Venge. At the speed Cav does, there is probably some real aerodynamic advantages in power performance. Tony Martin also insisted on their bikes is also interesting - these are the guys who have had real experience.

It has also been said recently that Cav is not so concerned about his bike's weight.

He is a sprinter, so it makes sense that bike weight isnt as huge concern as much as power transfer, and if you are a major weight weenie, you are going to have to sacrifice some power transfer through frame flex, this is what a sprinters nightmares are made of. So long as its not silly heavy

TT bikes are very fast, but they arent very light. My full carbon TT bike is heavier than my Alu road bike.

 

[Tompy]

Whatever is holding up his move to whoever, I seriously doubt that it's a preference to keep riding Specialized.

In interviews, Cav is always talking about what he does as his job, getting expsoure for his team's sponsors, etc. I can't see him picking the wrong team just because of their bike sponsor.

Cav might have an image rights deal with Nike but that will be for images of him wearing Nike clothing (either on or off the bike). That can remain in place if he moved to Adidas-sponsored Sky, he just wouldn't make much money from it any more as who would want to pay to use photos of him in old kit.

 

[raindog]

I should think it's just sponsorship details holding up the signing of the contract, but if he really does want to stick with Spesh, then that could be a real stumbling block. I can't see either bike maker happy with a rebadged Specialized. The odinary public would never know, but potential buyers - eg race fans - would, and Pinarello's reputation would take a knock.

 

[Tompy]

I should think it's just sponsorship details holding up the signing of the contract, but if he really does want to stick with Spesh, then that could be a real stumbling block. I can't see either bike maker happy with a rebadged Specialized. The odinary public would never know, but potential buyers - eg race fans - would, and Pinarello's reputation would take a knock.

Pinarello's are pretty distinctive with their asymmetrical design and wavy tube shapes.

Plus, this bike-sponsor situation hasn't changed over the summer so it smacks of rumour. And Pinarello's sponsorship of Sky/British Cycling goes a lot deeper than a few Dogmas for Team Sky.

 

[Rob3rt]

Pinarello's are pretty distinctive with their asymmetrical design and wavy tube shapes.

Plus, this bike-sponsor situation hasn't changed over the summer so it smacks of rumour. And Pinarello's sponsorship of Sky/British Cycling goes a lot deeper than a few Dogmas for Team Sky.

Read as Pinarello's are ugly!

 

[monnet]

I think it looks like a pretty good move, if that's what goes through. Half of HTC are already there. As are couple of the backroom staff. Bikes or not, it looks like a home from home for him. Remember there were some strong rumours of Quick Step before the merger with Pharma was announced. They also need a big name star who can win - Cav will fit that bill, gets his old lead out train and Boonen gets a load of strong men to help him come up short in the classics.

Better for Cav than Sky, IMHO.

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Better for Cav than Sky, IMHO.

I think so too. But I suspect the story about Specialized is simply PR fluff spread by the company itself.

 

[yello]

Yes, I too can't believe the bike would *really* be a sticking point... but what do I know?

 

[raindog]

Omega Pharma-QuickStep

irish - we've been discussing that for nearly two pages

 

[Keith Oates]

I think Cav is planning for a job with the UCI when he hangs up his wheels, so he's dithering around to show his inability to make a positive decision quickly so that they will know he's had good training for the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Scoosh]

I think Cav is planning for a job with the UCI when he hangs up his wheels, so he's dithering around to show his inability to make a positive decision quickly so that they will know he's had good training for the job!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Unlikely - he speaks his mind too readily.

[he's too honest

]

 

[yello]

very good Keith! Made me laugh

 

[raindog]

more on the subjecthttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/sky-confirms-no-signed-contract-with-cavendish

 

[yello]

Careful Mark, you could he end up without a team!

 

[Flying_Monkey]

The final quote from the OP-QS manager is interesting:

"This season I have not yet exchanged three words with Cavendish. I have negotiated with his friend and teammate Bernard Eisel,” Lefevere told Het Nieuwsblad. “He was quite clear to me and said: 'Sorry, but Mark needs to go to Sky for many reasons and I am going along. We have now been signed.' So, to my knowledge Cavendish is no longer free.”

It seems to be the case you often get in football of agents and personal sponsorship deals versus a team's commitments and deals. But if Eisel is committed to going to Sky with Cav then I am pretty sure they will resolve this eventually by throwing cash at the problem...