BMC

iainf72

As I mentioned in the Transfers thread, it looks like Ballan is off to BMC

But thisarticle also links a few others.

Some of which I knew, some I didn't.

They'd be a solid classics squad and Ballan could have a very good bottle carrier for the cobbles. Obviously they've still got good contacts and judging by Alain Rumpf's tweets the governing body get on well with the team management.

I also really like the bikes. I know many people think they're ugly but I wouldn't mind owning one (if you're reading this Andy Rihs, PM me for address)

frenchfighter

Not quite sure how he 'betters' himself by riding for BMC...

Also Levi linked to BMC.

Maybe with all the big names coming on board they will get greater exposure.

I agree about the bikes and the kit is pretty cool too.

There is also a team: BMC UK Racing
http://www.bmcukracingteam.com/

teagar

Odd that. Ballan's always been very loyal to Lampre.

D'ya think it's just a salary thing?

One of my favourite riders.

blazing_saddles

Columbia, Garmin, The Shed and now, maybe BMC with high "aspirations"....

Is the US set to become the new Italy?

samb01

teagar wrote:

D'ya think it's just a salary thing?

Of course.

Kléber

So Signor Ballan, what were the factors that made you sign a million euro contract with BMC?

They have the makings of an interesting team. John Lelangue is a good guy and was badly burnt by the likes of Landis and others during his time at the head of Phonak. He tried to clean up the team but was so naive that he didn't realise the American was working with Dr Ferrari.

richard wants a baum

Blazing Saddles wrote:

Columbia, Garmin, The Shed and now, maybe BMC with high "aspirations"....

Is the US set to become the new Italy?

It does seem like there are alot of teams that will be fighting for a Pro Tour license for a automatic start in the big races, alot of them american. Is this the whole Pro Tour concept finally starting to do what it was intended to do?

Anonymous

BMC have the coolest bikes and the coolest kit, hell, I'd ride for them!

pottssteve

Hincapie also on board.

bikerZA

They're certainly building a strong team.

No Levi, he's off to the Shack, but they've now signed:

Alessandro Ballan (Lampre), George Hincapie (Columbia-HTC), Marcus Burghardt (Columbia-HTC), Karsten Kroon (Saxo Bank), Steve Morabito (Astana), Michael Schär (Astana)

teagar

bikerZA wrote:

They're certainly building a strong team.

No Levi, he's off to the Shack, but they've now signed:

Alessandro Ballan (Lampre), George Hincapie (Columbia-HTC), Marcus Burghardt (Columbia-HTC), Karsten Kroon (Saxo Bank), Steve Morabito (Astana), Michael Schär (Astana)

BMC to be the Cervelo of 2010 in the spring classics?

I think so.

Sun Dodger

Mmmm - Assos.

Nice.