T-Mobile retain sponsorship

http://eurosport.yahoo.com/09082007/...onsorship.html

I know what some folks on this forum will say (the T Mobile lies continue) but I'm glad this team didn't fold. This year they sacked Honchar, busted Sinkewitz, kept on a DS who admitted he had doped as a rider (that's distinctly the opposite of the previous omerta policy of isolating anyone who confesses), put a vocally anti-doping young German in yellow, and brought the bright hope Cavendish to the world's attention. They are not perfect, nobody, no one team is - but I reckon the sport would be worse off without them.

It's good that T-Mobile don't flee when cycling needs help. I would be easier to left in a such situation. It's good for others teams who are seeking for sponsors.

This should be good news for everyone. You might think of T-Mobile, Aldag, Sinkewitz etc. whatever you want, but in the end, without sponsors there won't be much racing to watch. Along the same line, I hope some new sponsor will pick up the old Disco team.

Most important thing Stapleton said on the question if TM will support the UCI was: "Pro cycling need new structures."

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I can't believe there was no mention of the true reason T-Mobile decided to remain in cycling.... Stapleton successfully signed a 2008 Tour de France GC contender with George Hincapie!

really? (I don't doubt not the contender bit, that's been true for years ) But they signed him? Are T Mobile looking for someone to publicise the fact that they have increased their cell phone reception in ditches across Europe?

Why shouldn't they stay? They are in control ,politically.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

T Mobile aren't in it to play the power politics game cycling. It's about publicity and they have many riders on their books who are part of the alleged new young, clean generation. If the team was the old team with the likes of Ulle, Klodi, Vino etc they would be waving goodbye. These new, young, clean (allegedly) riders are fresh, ripe assets that can be milked for publicity.

It's the same thing.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

So you mean, their assets mean they have political control within the cycling world and can therefore use it to their benefit to gain further publicity? If that's what you mean then I agree (). I just don't think they'd stick around to play a political game for the sake of the game; there needs to be an end result for them and that needs to be positive publicity.

T-Mobile - defenders of youth and innocence, enemy of doping, defenders of truth, saviours of cycling. Think I might change phone networks...

Yes we are pretty much in agreement. It's all about the money and always will be.

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Dope,when training and talent just aren't enough.

My wife bought me a TMO jersey for my birthday this year : she knows nothing about cycling, I might add !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.."But finally the last thing I’ll say to the people who don’t believe in cycling, the cynics and the sceptics. I'm sorry for you. I’m sorry that you can’t dream big. [I]I'm sorry you don't believe in miracles. You should believe in these athletes, and you should believe in these people. I'll be a fan of the Tour de France for as long as I live. And there are no secrets - this is a hard sporting event and hard work wins it" - Armstrong 2005 TDF
morelike hypocrisy.

1. Sponsors are in cycling for exposure. They could give a flying fig about controlling the UCI.

2. I am happy they are staying on. A big name sponsor is good for cycling.

3. It is obvious to all that they are 100% clean. They have young riders who say they would never dope, so it must be true.

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Irony I guess, but I'll bite anyway .

Not 100% clean I agree. But my impression is they are trying to be, atleast. That is more than some other teams, and should be applauded.

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