Looks like Carlos likes his Cervelo too much:
http://www.teamcsc-saxobank.com/ny_news.asp?lang=uk&n_id=2083
.
Carlos was awesome at the TdF, but without the team that he had, he is at best number 4-6 in most Grand Tours.
WE are agreed on that, Dev. I found it amazing that he would move teams in what has the potential to be the most lucrative season of his career.
It’ll be interesting to see who the other riders in the team will be and whether there will be more big name signings.
On the Eurosport coverage a couple of days ago they said they had heard rumours that a. Sastre would be joining Cervelo and b. he would be joined by several big name signings, 3 or 4 of whom would be British.
Assuming Cavendish is tied to Columbia, I am thinking Olympic champions Wiggins and Geraint Thomas might be possibles, maybe Froome (also ex Barlowold and now British)? Not sure Thomas or Froome count as ‘big names’ though, certainly not outside of the UK.
No point in asking me as I was told in a previous post that any riders in protour contracts are locked in and even challenged to name 10 that have changed team whilst in contract!
Cancellera signed up for another 3 years during the tour http://www.teamcsc-saxobank.com/ny_news.asp?n_id=2004
The only British signing that is confirmed so far is Jonathan Bellis who whilst no well known is certainly a prospect for the future just as Cav was pre-tdf.
sastre’s contract expires this year.
he is not breaking his contract.
that is assuming the team even gets invited to any of the grand tours.
I didn’t say he was.
I think He knew that no matter how he does at the Vuelta, that hewould be riding next year as reigning TDF champ in complete support of others ie. Schleck’s ect.
you can see on the CSC team website how long each team rider is under contract. Cancellara and Voight are in for next year with Saxo-Bank. I think Voight’s expires at the end of '08
Wiggins is reported to have signed with Garmin for next year and is not available.
With the collapse of Gerolsteiner, Saunier Duval/Scott-American Beef and Credit Agricole, there are lots of good riders without contracts for next year so the new Cervelo team could still be quite credible, although not the powerhouse that CSC was.
CSC-Saxo-Bank directeur sportif Scott Sunderland is also going with Cervelo Test team.
http://cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2008/sep08/sep05news3
I would put my money on Bernard Kohl as the next big name to sign with Cervelo. He will announce his new team on Monday.
Francois in Montreal
Sounds like a solid basis for the team. I wonder who will pick up title sponsorship.
Looks like Carlos likes his Cervelo too much:
http://www.teamcsc-saxobank.com/...ang=uk&n_id=2083
I was hoping that would happen. Things are looking good for Cervélo TestTeam!
Sergio
Quite, it’s an exciting prospect. I heard a rumour that Bikesport Michigan are in talks to be the title sponsor 
They are already mentioned on the Cervelo website.
Guaranteed they will get invited everywhere with the defending Tdf winner on board. Even if the team they build around him is average the people that run the tours understand the draw that the Tdf winner is.
The Cervelo tam just signed their entry ticket to the 2009 Tdf. I hope they build a great team now.
that’s not true.
my bet is Cervelo bought the yellow jersey and will not have the dough for much more.
sastre is nothing without a good team. he went for the big check since he only has a few years left.
I think He knew that no matter how he does at the Vuelta, that hewould be riding next year as reigning TDF champ in complete support of others ie. Schleck’s ect.
Thats my take too. Saxo bank is now team Schleck Bros. for the Grand Tours. Of course as awful as those two guys (especially Frank) are at TT’s, who knows if they will ever win one. Top 3 yes, but win??? I dunno. Think about a close race then Contador and Evans, Leipheimer. Menchov, Kirchen and who know what other young guns who can TT and climb…