Rumours and transfers

[mjr]

If they insist on 17 teams and stick with the muted relegation system, then Dimension Data will need to justify their place against Bora and Bahrain, as they are bottom of the ranking and by some distance. Their problem is they are relying on 4 guys Cav., EBH, Cummings and Siutsou to pick up the vast majority of their WT wins/points. They need to sign more points scorers or guys who can offer more support to those who can score points. I see some significant changes at DD with new signings and a number of current riders not being retained, because even if they escape in 2017 they will face the same issue in 2018.

The team rankings are calculated by adding the points of the top five riders, so relying on those four plus Renshaw is no bad thing. They don't need to sign more scorers unless the new signing will outscore an existing one. They're only 57 points behind Cannondale, which is equivalent to 15th place in the Vuelta or 12th in a major one day race. Eminently doable.

 

[lyn1]

The team rankings are calculated by adding the points of the top five riders, so relying on those four plus Renshaw is no bad thing. They don't need to sign more scorers unless the new signing will outscore an existing one. They're only 57 points behind Cannondale, which is equivalent to 15th place in the Vuelta or 12th in a major one day race. Eminently doable.

As you suggest they may escape by the skin of their teeth (although they are way behind 2 Cannondale riders on Vuelta GC, so unless there is a big change they may loose ground). Equally, the UCI may change their mind on number of teams anyway, but going forward, it would be more sensible to strengthen and avoid relegation issues in future, which is what I think they will do. Additional support for Cav, EBH and a top climber spring to mind.

 

[brommers]

Apparently Scott Thwaites is joining Dimension Data

 

[Flying_Monkey]

Majka to join Sagan at Bora-Hansgrohe...

 

[rich p]

I suppose I ought to post on this thread about the rumour that Konig is going to Bora too

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Meersman to Fortuneo-Vital Concept, a step down but more chance for him to get better opportunities?

 

[brommers]

Meersman to Fortuneo-Vital Concept, a step down but more chance for him to get better opportunities?

Do you think that Dan McLay may be leaving?

 

[mjr]

http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/08/news/riding-guide-2017-transfers_418502 is VN's big list, often updated.

 

[rich p]

http://velonews.competitor.com/2016/08/news/riding-guide-2017-transfers_418502 is VN's big list, often updated.

No mention of Konig going to Bora, so perhaps a false report

 

[smutchin]

No mention of Konig going to Bora, so perhaps a false report

Or perhaps you know something they don't!

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

@rich p's Deep Knowledge of the peloton

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Katusha to become Swiss-registered for 2017, with only 5 Russian riders - according to an interview with Ekimov

 

[rich p]

Katusha to become Swiss-registered for 2017, with only 5 Russian riders - according to an interview with Ekimov

Maybe the fall-out from Russian athletics doping scandal has made their supply line more difficult...

 

[rich p]

Matt Goss to retire @ only 29. His career has been on the wave for years after being Cav's main rival once. Sad.
Frank Schleck too. Not so sad.
And yesterday's TOB stage winner, Jack Bauer, is leaving Canondale for an unknown destination.

 

[Pro Tour Punditry]

Dirty Bertie confirmed for Trek-Segway-Freddo for 2017