GEOX is getting friggin' screwed

[slisk]

I think it is crap that they have been snubbed for three big races today. I feel for Menchov, I'm sure he wishes for the days of Rabobank again.

[Ypsylon]

Great message to all the sponsors out there. Invest your money in a cycling team, we'll make sure nobody sees it on TV.

[pritchet74]

I don't know if its a message or not, but for the wildcards they chose a couple small French teams. I ain't French, but in my opinion the TdF should have French teams as the wildcard teams.

I do feel bad for Sastre and Menchov though. They should have gone to teams that were ranked better to have a secured start at the big races. Just sayin'.

And who would have EVER thought that there would be 4 American registered teams in the Tour?!? Crazy.

[Fibre-Lyte]

Did anybody see what happened in the Tour down Under today? There was a news item on our tv that said Cavendish was unhappy as the police had opened roads to the public as soon as the main peloton had passed meaning he was ducking and weaving and being stopped by traffic?

[slisk]

I don't know if its a message or not, but for the wildcards they chose a couple small French teams. I ain't French, but in my opinion the TdF should have French teams as the wildcard teams. .

Sure a couple...but every last friggin' one? Really stupid move on Prudomme's part in my view. Saur - Sojasun has no business at this race if a team such as GEOX sits. I'd be willing to bet that this big money sponsor will not last two years if the snubs continue. They should have just settled for 4 French teams total and make sure they had every quality GC contender at the race. He should be bitch slapped for this decision.

...and those French teams will do nothing at the tour besides placing Voekler at the front in the day's break with maybe a few others.

[Boonen]

How can they leave out the only Tour winner since '96 that hasn't been heavily involved in doping scandals together with a big contender like Menchov in favour for a team like Saur - Sojasun ...

Anyone know when they will announce the Giro teams, don't think I've seen anything about that yet?

[dunlinii]

It does seem a bit crazy. For me, the tour with sastre winning was one of the best I have watched. An yeah, I swear half teh small french teams will just get in the way....

[slisk]

I really have no problems with Europcar, Cofidis, and FDJ in the race, they all have a rider or two that might actually get some TV time.

[FAQinc]

Well this is so not a discussion but more of a mutual agreement I think.

Aren't these wild cards supposed to make things more interesting but all we saw last year that some of the wild card teams were responsible for the crashes in the beginning.

I think some back door dealing is to blame as I think nationalism might not play such a big role.