helmutRoole2 said:That's true. He'll also have the best team -- at least on paper -- in North America.
It'll be interesting seeing them butt heads with Slipstream next year.
helmutRoole2 said:That's true. He'll also have the best team -- at least on paper -- in North America.
Strong contenders definitely but I doubt that they'll be racing as a team tho. It's going to be everyone for himself.helmutRoole2 said:That's true. He'll also have the best team -- at least on paper -- in North America.
Why do you say that? There's enough Tour de fill in the blank's in N. America right now for them to split the season amongst their two big GC threats: Hamilton and Botero. At Philly week, they'll work as a team and could dominate. If they find a way to dope, they'll destroy everyone. I mean, make no mistake, these are super talented riders and they know how to dope. That's a deadly combination.earth_dweller said:Strong contenders definitely but I doubt that they'll be racing as a team tho. It's going to be everyone for himself.
From my understanding very little testing is done at US races, and I don't see it changing. Can't wait to see the welcome Botero, Hamilton et al get from the other racers.helmutRoole2 said:I wonder if WADA/UCI will target test them. I'd bet they will. I wouldn't be surprised to see some positive tests coming out of N. America this year. Right now they almost never test. LeoGrande tested positive at crit nats but I believe the B test came up negative. I'd bet he was later target tested him at Super Week.
Thing is, you know the UCI won't be over here investigating (as opposed to testing), so HGH and blood doping are certainly options. Insulin too. The team bus could be a rolling blood bank.
because I've heard rumors of $$$ attached to winnings - and only for the winning rider and not the team. That certainly does not lead to team work.helmutRoole2 said:Why do you say that? There's enough Tour de fill in the blank's in N. America right now for them to split the season amongst their two big GC threats: Hamilton and Botero. At Philly week, they'll work as a team and could dominate. If they find a way to dope, they'll destroy everyone. I mean, make no mistake, these are super talented riders and they know how to dope. That's a deadly combination.
They'll find a way to split the winnings. Teams always do.earth_dweller said:because I've heard rumors of $$$ attached to winnings - and only for the winning rider and not the team. That certainly does not lead to team work.
I do agree with you that they are talented riders and also talented at doping - a deadly combination.
not true. Some riders are still waiting for winnings in the past.Crankyfeet said:They'll find a way to split the winnings. Teams always do.
A lot of teams have that and still race collectively. It depends on the strength and focus of the DS. But you've got a point. It could turn into a three ringer.earth_dweller said:because I've heard rumors of $$$ attached to winnings - and only for the winning rider and not the team. That certainly does not lead to team work.
You're right. I should have written "Teams with integrity always do".earth_dweller said:not true. Some riders are still waiting for winnings in the past.
When did you hear that? I've heard that Ball has tried to get him out of retirement, but I don't think he was able.italiano said:Was this already posted?
Tuttobici reports an unconfirmed rumour that Cipo too could be riding for Ball in 2008.
Ball said they were mates... any celeb crossing paths with Ball = mate.Crankyfeet said:Ball did say in that original velonews interview that he was going to do something with Cipo eventually though didn't he?
The La Gazzetta dello Sport ticker confirms it. Fanini says that he heard it from the people very closed to Mario and that Mario himself will confirm it soon.earth_dweller said:Wasn't that rumor out awhile ago and then denied by Cipo's people?
edited: should of checked before, but that's what the tuttobici story dated today says.
That sounds about right.thunder said:Ball said they were mates... any celeb crossing paths with Ball = mate.
for cycling folks.Bro Deal said:That sounds about right.
The only way I can see Cipo racing stateside for Ball would be if a large amount of money was paid for a few appearances that would be more like a publicity stunt than being on the team. Paying Cipo to ride California would be a huge PR gain.
They won't? It must be very different down there in Australia.thunder said:and cycling folks wont shell out 250 bucks for jeans they can buy for 100.
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