Ian Stannard

squired

After his period riding for T-Mobile I notice that he's not been named among the riders for next season. With 3 places yet to be filled I guess he still has a chance, or maybe they don't rate him.. Does anybody know what the situation is, as it would be good to have another Brit turning pro?

Ste_S

http://www.veloriders.co.uk/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=60602&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0

Has a bit of info along with the usual slander and gossip

Long of short of it, he won't be getting a place for next year

jimmythecuckoo

Bad news, but there is time on their side. We can take over the international world of cycling bit by bit instead over the next few years.

Spoff

Bit galling that it looks as though Zabel's going back though - hardly one for the future even if you excuse his EPO dabbling.

biking_mongoose

It was a good experience for him, and Ben Swift. They will be stronger for it but should get back down to their winter training and have a good year next season on the continent and maybe get a deal with a cood Continental squad.

Youngsters going into the bigger Protour squads can sometimes be too much too soon. Jamie Burrows for example. Better to have a good first pro season in lesser status races and build a pro reputation rather than come into a bigger team with a hefty amatuer palmares holding you back

vermooten

It's a buyer's market so teams have a hihger standard to pick from. Looks like Stannard didn't make the grade this time.

drenkrom

There's just so many riders on the market this year, it's hard for the youngsters to get a place. Besides, T-Mobile have already racked up a good proportion of the real future jewels for next year. They need some older guys alongside them to guide them also. Hammond and Cavendish are the best example of how that can work wonders.

vermooten

I expect it's only hard for the youngsters who aren't top notch. Cavendish, Ciolek etc haven't had problems maintaining their contracts.