Friend passed along Eurosport’s call for RadioShack’s line up in 2010: Armstrong (surprise, surprise), A Schleck, Nibali, Leipheimer, Horner, Hincapie, Zubeldia, Chavanel, B Feillu. I don’t believe this is “hard” news, but is speculation, albeit somewhat informed, I’d venture.
I’m most surprised to see George’s name even being mentioned. I thought he was enjoying building an identity apart from Lance. Also, even though RadioShack will no doubt be strong in the TdF, I’d be surprised if it will be ready to mount a spring classics campaign as well in year one which I would think is George’s biggest priority right now since he really only has one shot left at either Flanders or Roubaix (and even that seems a bit of a stretch at this point no matter how much any of us would like it to happen).
When I first heard about the team I said that Schleck and Nibali would be great additions. I’m suprised not to see Kloden there, and I think that Frank would be good to go along with Andy. It will be a hell of a tour team in the mountains, that is for sure. Now they just need Zabriski or better yet, Cancellera for the TTT… Anyone know if they are doing that race again in next years tour?? That one stage alone can make or break many of the contenders depending on what team they are on…
Lance maybe only has 1 TDF left - A Schleck signing would set him and the team up for success far into the future, even if he isn’t #1 option next year…
Leave it to Lance to take care of sibling loyalty… He’ll fly Andy out to LA to party with models and stars, and say, “Man, you were so close to beating Contador. And you’ve given your brother enough already. You let him win at le Grand Bonard when everyone knows you were the strongest rider that day. You held back on Ventoux to try to get him onto the podium. It’s time to think about yourself. And it will be better for Frank because he can lead Saxo next year. Come with me to the darkside and we’ll control the universe.”
You held back on Ventoux to try to get himself onto the podium. It’s time to think about yourself. And it will be better for Frank because he can lead Saxo next year.<<
And there is anything wrong with Andy thinking of himself? If he’s thinking long term for his career, then I think it’s a good move. He might actually learn to TT good enough to hold his position. And that gives Frank the freedom to be the man at Saxo.
As for Hincapie, I’m guessing he could be happy with either team. He seems to like mentoring the younger guys at Columbia, but to close out his career with guys he’s been with forever (Lance/Johan) has to also be very tempting.
I certainly didn’t mean to suggest that there was anything wrong with Andy thinking about himself. I think it’s definitely better for both of them. My comment was based on the fact that I saw a quote by Andy in which he said he didn’t want to leave Frank. Obviously, Lance settled things on that front.
Wow - all huge names. Lots of help in the hills for Schleck (and Lance) with Nibali and Leipheimer. Not sure about the TT potential of Chavenel and Feillu, but they are very good all arounders. I was hoping he’d pull in Greg Rast if he wasn’t still under contract with Astana - love to watch that under appreciated workhorse.
Agreed that it’s better for both of them. Wonder if there might be some kind of a handshake deal to bring Frank over at a later time? Both of their contracts with Saxo are up in 2010.
Cyclingnews, I believe had a interview with Andy last week that said he is staying with Saxo. I think the OP is passing on Eurosports “guess” as what the fastasy RadioShack would be.
-mb
Turquoise has no place in the pro peloton. Your opinion shouldn’t come as a big surprise, though. Engineers have never been known for their fashion sense.
