There are some news agencies speculating that Johan Bruyneel could lead Team Astana for 2008 and beyond. The Belgian will end his duties at the end the year when Discovery Channel ceases as a team, while at Astana there have been rumours of Team Manager Marc Biver leaving. A communication regarding the Swiss is expected September 5.
Bruyneel could bring with him many Discovery riders, such as Tour de France winner Alberto Contador and Yaroslav Popovych. Further comments from Bruyneel and Astana are expected.
Surely, even brass-necked Bruyneel would realise that any link up with Astana would contaminate his whitewashed Disco history. I suspect that advice emanating from Texas will put the kybosh on this. But then again, these characters are utterly shameless.
OK scratch that and let's just say "I thought I heard Bruyneel was going to retire" then there aren't any other implications. Why bother to spread the rumor anyway. Wait until someone makes a real announcement. It's like during the TDF when the feeding frenzy was on and it was announced that Soleur was kicked out - turned out to be false. The whole "news agencies are speculating" makes it sound sketchy at best.
Disco disbanded b/c increased doping controls risked implicating Disco riders and Armstrong by association.
+1
That "we were 90% of the way to getting a sponsor but we decided not to take their money" excuse was a hoot.
It will be funny watching ex-Disco riders' get busted or have their performance drop through the floor next year. I don't imagine Leipheimer will be winning any more TdF time trials while he is on Slipstream.
That "we were 90% of the way to getting a sponsor but we decided not to take their money" excuse was a hoot.
It will be funny watching ex-Disco riders' get busted or have their performance drop through the floor next year. I don't imagine Leipheimer will be winning any more TdF time trials while he is on Slipstream.
Leipi's ITT result at the end of TDF 2007 was his first stage win in all his appearances at the TDF. He beat most of the field by nearly two minutes - except Cadel. Amazing that after three weeks - he was able to smah all of the superb ITT like Cancellara etc. Must be another miracle.
If Astana net Bruyneel - there'll be more miracles next season.
Leipi's ITT result at the end of TDF 2007 was his first stage win in all his appearances at the TDF. He beat most of the field by nearly two minutes - except Cadel. Amazing that after three weeks - he was able to smah all of the superb ITT like Cancellara etc. Must be another miracle.
If Astana net Bruyneel - there'll be more miracles next season.
Just for my own curiosity Lim, do you know if there was a tail wind in that final ITT at the TDF this year? I know it was running eastwards with the seasonal winds from the west. Otherwise I can't figure out where Levi found an extra 7 kph average compared to his commendable 3rd place 2006 Dauphine Libere ITT performance.
Just for my own curiosity Lim, do you know if there was a tail wind in that final ITT at the TDF this year? I know it was running eastwards with the seasonal winds from the west. Otherwise I can't figure out where Levi found an extra 7 kph average compared to his commendable 3rd place 2006 Dauphine Libere ITT performance.
I hear there is usually a fairly strong wind blowing out of Ferrara, Italy.
Just for my own curiosity Lim, do you know if there was a tail wind in that final ITT at the TDF this year? I know it was running eastwards with the seasonal winds from the west. Otherwise I can't figure out where Levi found an extra 7 kph average compared to his commendable 3rd place 2006 Dauphine Libere ITT performance.
Yes there was a tailwind. Commentators mentioned it several times, that it would be more of a help to Contador than Evans
Im sure you can look up the exact measure yourself
Disco disbanded b/c increased doping controls risked implicating Disco riders and Armstrong by association.
Disco disbanded because the stockholders insisted that the corporation stop wasting sponsorship money on a "sport" where the participants, organizers, and governing bodies spend all their time [censored] in their own bed.
OK scratch that and let's just say "I thought I heard Bruyneel was going to retire" then there aren't any other implications. Why bother to spread the rumor anyway. Wait until someone makes a real announcement. It's like during the TDF when the feeding frenzy was on and it was announced that Soleur was kicked out - turned out to be false. The whole "news agencies are speculating" makes it sound sketchy at best.
This is the closest statement to reality right here. Besides, I heard JB was going to work for the other side -- WADA.
I hear there is usually a fairly strong wind blowing out of Ferrara, Italy.
tailwinds mitigate gains.
have a look at the time splits Levi made. Then multiply by a minimum of 50% if there had been no tail wind.
Then explain why a light weight climber, can put down a power tt on a flat course. Yes, I know he was on a 60x10 gearing ratio. But I want it explained, not told to me, he never got out of a 60x10 cog.
He could have pulled Cipollini's Saeco train for 60 kms.
have a look at the time splits Levi made. Then multiply by a minimum of 50% if there had been no tail wind.
Then explain why a light weight climber, can put down a power tt on a flat course. Yes, I know he was on a 60x10 gearing ratio. But I want it explained, not told to me, he never got out of a 60x10 cog.
He could have pulled Cipollini's Saeco train for 60 kms.
1. He trained really hard this winter when all those other whiny pros were hanging out and drinking beer.
2. He was very focussed.
3. He did a lot of agility training over the winter.
