Thor, Vaughters and the Vuelta
No_Ta_Doctor
Posts: 14,652
So Thor isn't riding the Vuelta. This seems to be because Vaughters needs to make sure Garmin accumulate ranking points to ensure their status rather than any nastiness, though I'm sure it's disappointing for Thor and cycling fans.
Can anyone walk me through the points system as to why this is happening? Have the UCI shot themselves in the foot, again?
Can anyone walk me through the points system as to why this is happening? Have the UCI shot themselves in the foot, again?
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I'd imagine if Thor is leaving and his points won't count for Garmin, JV can substitute him with a rider who will be with the team next year who can (hopefully) get points. It's about the riders you have on the team that year, not the team they rode for last year.
So a team of Evans, Contador Schleck would have loads of points for their ranking, even thought they've all been on different teams this season0 -
Are all team points rider based, nothing at all from team performance in the preceding season? That seems just a touch crazy, especially given cycling's unique individual-team structure.Warning No formatter is installed for the format0
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No tA Doctor wrote:Are all team points rider based, nothing at all from team performance in the preceding season? That seems just a touch crazy, especially given cycling's unique individual-team structure.
Since when have the UCI done anything sensible?0 -
It is clear that there is little love between Thor and JV.
Thor couldn't leave Garmin fast enough.0 -
Wasn't there some issue with Vaughers not paying a bonus to Hushovd for winning the Worlds? I assume it's now been paid, but proabably didn't get them off to a good start.0
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greasedscotsman wrote:Wasn't there some issue with Vaughers not paying a bonus to Hushovd for winning the Worlds? I assume it's now been paid, but proabably didn't get them off to a good start.
The explanation I've read is that Thor had agreed a contract. After winning the worlds he then demanded extra money. The compromise agreement was that if Vaughters could find another sponsor he would give Thor the money. He hasn't found any additional sponsors.
I hate to say this because he seems to be one of the good guys in the peloton, but this season I've got an overriding impression that Thor's ego may be out of control.
On a side note, I've seen it suggested that not riding the Vuelta could mean that Thor ends up in the Tour of Britain. Has the race ever had the current World Champion taking part?0 -
greasedscotsman wrote:Wasn't there some issue with Vaughers not paying a bonus to Hushovd for winning the Worlds? I assume it's now been paid, but proabably didn't get them off to a good start.
Yes, money and Thor was pretty critical of Garmin's tactics during the classics.0 -
RichN95 wrote:squired wrote:
On a side note, I've seen it suggested that not riding the Vuelta could mean that Thor ends up in the Tour of Britain. Has the race ever had the current World Champion taking part?
Yes. He even won a stage (and signed a jersey for me).
Look at the chubby kid lagging behind Boonen in that photo, how times change!"I have a lovely photo of a Camargue horse but will not post it now" (Frenchfighter - July 2013)0 -
inkyfingers wrote:RichN95 wrote:squired wrote:
On a side note, I've seen it suggested that not riding the Vuelta could mean that Thor ends up in the Tour of Britain. Has the race ever had the current World Champion taking part?
Yes. He even won a stage (and signed a jersey for me).
Look at the chubby kid lagging behind Boonen in that photo, how times change!
Good spot
"That's it! You people have stood in my way long enough. I'm going to clown college! " - Homer0 -
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RichN95 wrote:squired wrote:
On a side note, I've seen it suggested that not riding the Vuelta could mean that Thor ends up in the Tour of Britain. Has the race ever had the current World Champion taking part?
Yes. He even won a stage (and signed a jersey for me).
There's another good photo from that year where Boonen's suddenly aware of this whiper-snapper at his heels on the finish line. From his expression he's thinking "who's this kid?"0 -
What on earth is going on with Vaughters, O'Grady and Baden Cooke on Twitter? Seems very odd that two riders who have never been on Garmin have suddenly taken offence that Thor has been left out the Vuelta team.0
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afx237vi wrote:What on earth is going on with Vaughters, O'Grady and Baden Cooke on Twitter? Seems very odd that two riders who have never been on Garmin have suddenly taken offence that Thor has been left out the Vuelta team.
Thor and O'Grady rode together at Gan. I'm guessing Baden Cooke was part of the same anglophone training group back in the 90s. The community of English speaking pro cyclists back then was pretty small.0 -
ShinyHelmut wrote:afx237vi wrote:What on earth is going on with Vaughters, O'Grady and Baden Cooke on Twitter? Seems very odd that two riders who have never been on Garmin have suddenly taken offence that Thor has been left out the Vuelta team.
Thor and O'Grady rode together at Gan. I'm guessing Baden Cooke was part of the same anglophone training group back in the 90s. The community of English speaking pro cyclists back then was pretty small.
You know which other Anglophone rode with them back then?
Vaughters.Twitter: @RichN950 -
Good point.0
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Perhaps Stuart O'Grady's not the right guy to talk about doing the Vuelta and team work?0
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Kléber wrote:Perhaps Stuart O'Grady's not the right guy to talk about doing the Vuelta and team work?
I think he did great team work at the Vuelta last year. He ordered the beer to stop any awkward questions for Andy AND was in charge of the lighter.
Good team work.Fckin' Quintana … that creep can roll, man.0 -
This seems like a massive non story."I have a lovely photo of a Camargue horse but will not post it now" (Frenchfighter - July 2013)0
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It's no supraise he isn't riding. But I would have though Garmin would have more then enough points to need to worry about excluding Thor?0
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O'Grady, Cooke and McEwan are close friends and they know Vaughters well so will appreciate what he's like.
seriously, can you imagine having to spend months at a time with that guy?
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