[James]

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/vinokourov-returns-in-france-but-not-for-astana

 

[maddog17]

interesting.... the way the reports about him first came out it sounded like he was already on the team and would assume his leader role. not sure why they decided to wait until now to officially say he isn't on the team. so if he's not signed he'll be racing as an independent..... wonder if we have enough time to send him an RM jersey to race in!!

 

[ire]

wonder if we have enough time to send him an RM jersey to race in!!

That would be f*cking awesome! I'm a little shocked he isn't on the team...I wonder if there is an issue with negotiations? I could see him asking for a lot of money and they wouldn't be willing to pony up

 

[James]

That would be f*cking awesome! I'm a little shocked he isn't on the team...I wonder if there is an issue with negotiations? I could see him asking for a lot of money and they wouldn't be willing to pony up

1/1/10 I bet you see him in Astana kit. If not sooner.

Re: money, he's kind of where the money came from, so I think he'll probably get what he's after.

 

[sanjuro]

I'm guessing the time table is that Bruyneel and the rest of the team jumps ship right after WC's, then Astana folds since they were barely able to make payroll this year.

 

[ire]

...then Astana folds since they were barely able to make payroll this year.

Nah, you know the eastern block types....they are stubborn. They'll sell drugs to get the money if need be

 

[maddog17]

I'm guessing the time table is that Bruyneel and the rest of the team jumps ship right after WC's, then Astana folds since they were barely able to make payroll this year.

i was thinking the same thing. but even if they do come up with the cash next year the core of the team is gone. AC will find a new ride, LA, Brun, Levi and hopefully Popo will start team radio shack. probably add Horner to that list too. not much left really and if Vino is planning on a TdF podium they better get him a better supporting cast.

 

[James]

if Vino is planning on a TdF podium they'd better keep dreaming.

Fixed.

No way ASO lets him start anytime soon, if ever again...

 

[ire]

Fixed.

No way ASO lets him start anytime soon, if ever again...

I'd be surprised if they get an invite to any grand tour

 

[James]

I'd be surprised if they get an invite to any grand tour

Not with ASO a minority shareholders in the Vuelta, and with the Giro reeling from a couple of high-profile cases in their last couple of races, I think they'd be gunshy too.

 

[GravityFreakTJ]

Fixed.

No way ASO lets him start anytime soon, if ever again...

sad but true

 

[James]

Wow, that's balls:

 

[Westy]

Ha ha, that is awesome. Balls the size of church bells.

 

[Squeak]

What an ego fuggin maniac

 

[sanjuro]

Of course, there's a difference between Vino and Rossi.

 

[ire]

Wow, that's balls:

wtf??

 

[maddog17]

Wow, that's balls:

he was supposed to be wearing an RM jersey!!!!

 

[CBJ]

Nah, you know the eastern block types....they are stubborn. They'll sell drugs to get the money if need be

Sounds like the perfect sponsor for bike them then