Wiggo AND Froome in next year's TdF Sky team?

[rich p]

Short of Froome joining the Foreign Legion, I can't see anyway that Wiggins will be Sky leader for the tdf. He's only going to be there if he agrees to ride for Froome.

This ^^^ and I'd put good money on that never happening.

 

[neilb1906]

BW will be at the TDF next year, just not for SKY in my opinion.

Movistar or BMC might take a bid.

 

[Buddfox]

I'd be surprised if we see Wiggins at the TdF again. Froome has shown that hands down he is a better rider - close enough in the TTs and more versatile in the mountains. Last year's route played heavily into Wiggins' hands and I am not sure he will see such a favourable route again - and he's getting on a bit. I would expect Sky to take a fairly similar approach to the Grand Tours next year, save that Wiggo won't target the Giro as there will likely be fewer time trial miles. Probably Henao as leader for the Giro? I expect Brad will stay at Sky and target the Classics - I know he doesn't have the same turn of speed up a steep climb as some but his big engine is well suited to the kind of solo effort that will win you a Paris-Roubaix. I'm not sure there's any incentive for him to play second fiddle to Froome at the Tour.

 

[rich p]

BW will be at the TDF next year, just not for SKY in my opinion.

Movistar or BMC might take a bid.

with Rui Costa, Valverde and Quintana (and bro)?

 

[ColinJ]

I wouldn't be surprised if Wiggins decided to retire at the end of this season. He has indicated that he misses being with his young family and struggles to find the motivation to train to GT level any more. I certainly can't see him fancying being Froome's dog!

 

[Pedrosanchezo]

I'd be surprised if we see Wiggins at the TdF again. Froome has shown that hands down he is a better rider - close enough in the TTs and more versatile in the mountains. Last year's route played heavily into Wiggins' hands and I am not sure he will see such a favourable route again - and he's getting on a bit. I would expect Sky to take a fairly similar approach to the Grand Tours next year, save that Wiggo won't target the Giro as there will likely be fewer time trial miles. Probably Henao as leader for the Giro? I expect Brad will stay at Sky and target the Classics - I know he doesn't have the same turn of speed up a steep climb as some but his big engine is well suited to the kind of solo effort that will win you a Paris-Roubaix. I'm not sure there's any incentive for him to play second fiddle to Froome at the Tour.

I keep hearing people saying that Wiggo will target the Classics. Has he mentioned this at all or is it speculation? Seems a bit out there to me.

IMO Wiggins does not posses the qualities that make a Classics winner. He's a TT specialist who can climb reasonably well. That screams GC rider. Todays typical classic rider is explosive, can climb short climbs very well and can excel in a one day race. Wiggins and Sky's forte is more to do with high level of performance over a 1 to 3 week period.

As for Froome, Wiggins and Sky, i fear it will be a long wait and a lot more speculation before we get any answers.

​

 

[perplexed]

BW will be at the TDF next year, just not for SKY in my opinion.

Movistar or BMC might take a bid.

I can't see Movistar being interested. They already have the makings of an excellent GT team. BMC possibly, but they may put Teejay's duff ride down to a one off, and look to bring in support for him.

I think Wiggins, if he carries on at all, and wants to look at GT wins may seek a team who needs the kudos, and this may not be an obvious choice.
AG2R or FdJ anyone?

 

[400bhp]

I'd be surprised if we see Wiggins at the TdF again. Froome has shown that hands down he is a better rider - close enough in the TTs and more versatile in the mountains. Last year's route played heavily into Wiggins' hands and I am not sure he will see such a favourable route again - and he's getting on a bit. I would expect Sky to take a fairly similar approach to the Grand Tours next year, save that Wiggo won't target the Giro as there will likely be fewer time trial miles. Probably Henao as leader for the Giro? I expect Brad will stay at Sky and target the Classics - I know he doesn't have the same turn of speed up a steep climb as some but his big engine is well suited to the kind of solo effort that will win you a Paris-Roubaix. I'm not sure there's any incentive for him to play second fiddle to Froome at the Tour.

+1, but I think his heart/head aren't in it. I believe the pressure he put on himself (which must have had repercussions on the rest of his life from the body language and his words earlier this year) in/before last year's tour and subsequent Olympic TT almost outweighed the TdF/Olympic win.

I don't think he will ride (competitively as in winner) in another GT. He might go for the odd stage win, perhaps with another team as team leader, but I don't know.

IMO, given his style of riding, he just isn't up to winning a classic. I would love to be proved wrong.

 

[rich p]

Cancellara was essentially just a good TTer who could get up the short lumps of a classic and ride away.

 

[Hip Priest]

Team Sky would be insane not to have Froome as undisputed No.1 again next year. And given the meticulous, scientific approach Sky take to the sport, I doubt they're going to think 'Awww, but it's in Yorkshire. We've got to have Wiggo!'

 

[400bhp]

Cancellara was essentially just a good TTer who could get up the short lumps of a classic and ride away.

Coupled with an essential ability to read a race/racing.

 

[tigger]

Coupled with an essential ability to read a race/racing.

Indeed. I suppose Wiggo should just sit on his wheel then!

 

[tigger]

As some others have speculated, there's no guarantee that Wiggins will be at Sky next year. And he may not be moving to one of the current teams either. There's lots of interest in cycling now and sponsorship is still (even with today's bigger budgets) pretty good value for the exposure you get. There's a few ex Sky sporting directors and coaches, plus resource from other teams, to make up a suitable new outfit.

 

[thom]

As some others have speculated, there's no guarantee that Wiggins will be at Sky next year. And he may not be moving to one of the current teams either. There's lots of interest in cycling now and sponsorship is still (even with today's bigger budgets) pretty good value for the exposure you get. There's a few ex Sky sporting directors and coaches, plus resource from other teams, to make up a suitable new outfit.

BMC seems to be where the dosh is and where the golden oldies go...

 

[tigger]

BMC seems to be where the dosh is and where the golden oldies go...

True. BMC are crying out for a rider like Wiggo. Andy Rihs should sack the lot of em!