The US Team And A Wiggins Drama Timeline
Sep 25 2009
Now we have confrimation that it’s not just me being a wise-ass: Cyclingnews’ Peter Hymas made an extensive investigation into the United States’ lackluster Men’s Elite Road Race performances. While his explanations (long seasons, pressure to be fit for California, opportunities for young/domestic riders) and mine (low intestinal fortitude, Interbike, lack of focus) differ, I think it’s safe to say we both agree that the US needs more top tier pros “willing to respect the race and start for [their] country” like Tyler Farrar.
You can help in motivating this effort by attempting to pick the place of the best US finisher. You might even win a t-shirt! Here’s an excellent course preview for those of you who still can’t make up your minds.
Elsewhere—no, actually, beginning on those very same Mendrisio roads—Brad Wiggins has been stirring up all sorts of trouble. We all sympathized with the Briton’s unfortunate technological misfortune, but were also a little startled when he referred to the silver medallist not by his proper name, but as simply “numb nuts” in a post-race interview.
The fun continued when Wiggins later made an analogy that appeared to cast his current Garmin-Slipstream team as a plucky but outclassed Premier League squad, while he needed Manchester United-level support to win the Tour de France.
Wiggins then called the story “Bollocks“—British slang for “testicles”, but meaning “nonsense”, last time I checked—apparently forgetting that he had said this in front of a camera, in a jacket zipped up to not-so-subtly display the UK team’s sponsor Sky, with whom it’s rumored Wiggins has already signed for next season.
There was then backtracking and a claim that it was “out of context” (despite the nearly seven minutes of interview surrounding the quote). It will be exciting indeed to see how this whole rigmarole plays out—though I, and I think some other commentators, would like to exploit the drama for lulz just a little bit longer.
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Much has been said of the Jacket with Sky written on it, but I think that’s a load of bollocks. They’re sponsors of the national squad and that’s about it. Methinks this hype about Wiggo’s team next year has gotten a little out of hand.
Man United? I may be wrong, but I don’t see a first year Sky Team being Manchester United to Garmin’s Wigan. They have signed some terrific talent, and will no doubt have success next year. Probably something like Cervelo this year. But Cervelo didn’t have what was needed to support Sastre in a grand tour this year, and I don’t see Sky having the fire power needed to put Wiggins on the podium next year.
Not necessarily the “step up” that Wiggins thinks he needs.
@LDR: I made a similar observation on Twitter today, and someone suggested that perhaps Team Sky was not his Man U…
Wow, that was really a d!@k move. The guy signed a two year deal, honor it. Maybe JV should have left him at Colombia were he could have been part of his “mate’s” lead out train. Oh, I forgot he doesn’t like him either. Who’s the common denominator here??
In support of Peter Hymas article on USA mens elite pros, explanations for not riding the worlds road race [pressure to be fit for California etc,etc] We have Cancalellara winning the opening prolog of the Tour of California and finishing the season with a win in the World Championships.