A new start for cycling [EPIC]
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 20-09-2013 14:41
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Shocking news from the cycling world today. In what seems to be a riot from cycling fans from all over the world, UCI president Pat McQuaid was forcefully removed from office this morning. It is unclear if McQuaid is still alive or what his condition is. A caretaker government has been formed, a spokesman informed us, and they plan a full press conference next week. Their goals seem to be to increase cycling’s credibility, to get rid of the old corrupt officials and to get young riders from across the globe into the professional peloton. For a deeper analysis, we go live to Michel Wuyts.
Michel, as an insider in the world of cycling, what have you heard about the events this morning?
Well, it is clear that all this has been very well prepared. The rioters got access to Pat McQuaid’s office in 5 minutes, though André Meganck has corrected that to 4 minutes 56 seconds. In less than an hour, everything was done. Police arrived but could do nothing. It seems the takeover has been well planned, well executed, and it seems to be very final as well.
What could this mean for professional cycling?
I think the rioters want to get rid of the old corrupt UCI and form a new, clean and transparant organization. They want to get rid of the doping stain in the sport. They want to get rid of team managers who had doping pasts, they want to open the way for young, clean cyclists. Out with the Festina and Armstrong era, and let’s take a fresh start. Personally, I think this will give a lot of opportunities to young riders and new team managers. The events today will make anyone who has ever considered doping say “No!”.
And what are you expecting for the press conference, scheduled for next week?
I’m expecting they will announce all changes they have planned, and they will do it in such a way, there will be no opposition to their proposals. Today we have seen what cycling fans are capable of, it will no longer be a small organization controlling cycling, but power will go to the fans. And if it’s a credible sport they want, it’s a credible sport they’ll get. I’m really looking forward to what they have to say, and even more to the racing in the next season.
Thank you, Michel. We will all be looking forward to next week.
Edited by Ollfardh on 04-10-2013 08:49
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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The Rider |
Posted on 21-09-2013 12:55
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Grand Tour Specialist
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Not sure if I can post but I will.
(PM if you want this deleted).
A big ol' mix up sounds good, can't wait to see the further developments and what changes come up. |
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 23-09-2013 10:51
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World Champion
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UPDATE: We have learned the press conference has been scheduled for tomorrow. We're also hearing reports of several team managers having been banned from cycling for life. Bjarne Riis, Johan Bruyneel, Viatcheslav Ekimov and Alexander Vinokourov are the biggest names so far. Other managers are massively resigning as well. The shock that went through the world of cycling on friday is still going on.
Of course we'll be broadcasting live tomorrow, when the press conference starts. Internet users will also be able to follow a stream on our website.
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 24-09-2013 10:30
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World Champion
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LIVESTREAM
New UCI president:
Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I'll start by making a brief statement about the event of last week, after which you will have the opportunity to ask a few questions
The last few years, a growing number of cycling fans have become unhappy with professional cycling. Once a beautiful sport, cycling got mostly negative attention lately. A generation of cheaters combined with a passive and corrupt governing body has lost cycling its credibility. We wanted to end this negative spiral with a purge, followed by major changes.
These changes will be felt on all levels, as we want to make a fresh start. Things will change for teams, riders, race organisers, the UCI and fans. We'll announce the full details over the next few days, but we'll answer your questions today already.
Q1: Let's start with the question most people want to know, what is to happen next season?
Our aim was to keep teams together and honour all existing contracts. There will be some new team managers though, as some have been banned, and others have resigned. We are also planning to bring in a new generation of riders. There will be some calendar changes as well. And finaly a new point system will be introduced. The details will be announced later
Q2: Was this hostile takeover needed for cycling?
Yes, definitely. But I have to stress no violence was used and everyone is in good health, despite the rumours about Pat McQuaid's status. He is alive and well. Just don't ever expect him to hold another important position in cycling.
Q3: You said something about young riders, where do they come from?
From all over the world, and I really mean all over the world. Including some countries that have little or none cycling history. They're all riders who never had a chance to become a pro before, but they will have their chances now.
Q4: What about the new managers?
We will be taking applicants shortly. We'll have to fill in the open spots before the new season starts. The applications will be open to anyone who wants to step into this new project. Motivation will be a very important part here.
Q5: Can you tell us something about the new calendar already?
Yes, we're trying to go global with cycling. Tour de Gabon and Tour de San Luis will get extra attention, to name 2. We want to give cycling a big boost around the world, especialy in countries or continents where it wasn't that popular yet. But we're not forgeting about the traditional races either. For example, we made sure the budget problems for the Giro del Piemonte have been solved, and the race can take place this year.
Q6: Back about the new riders, when are you planning to present them?
That will likely happen after the managers are sorted out, which is our top priority at the moment.
Q7: What if the changes you made won't work?
That is always a possibility, but at least we can say we tried. Doing nothing was no longer an option. If we will have to adjust things at some point, we will.
Are there any other questions?
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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TheManxMissile |
Posted on 24-09-2013 10:47
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Tour de France Champion
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Took me a minute to figure this out... But very nicely introduced and set up... And i hope this turns out as planned as you have certainly put some thought into it (well 7 thoughts when i last knew )
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Atlantius |
Posted on 24-09-2013 11:16
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Looks very interesting!
I assume the peloton will be cleaned for dirty riders as well?
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Cycleman123 |
Posted on 24-09-2013 11:34
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Good start and good luck! Will be following.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 25-09-2013 09:26
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UPDATE: The UCI has opened manager applications here:
https://pcmdaily.com/forum/viewthread....d_id=31670
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Atlantius |
Posted on 25-09-2013 09:59
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Application sent. I will be looking to save the Basque honour!
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Ad Bot |
Posted on 22-11-2024 08:43
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 25-09-2013 19:17
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World Champion
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It would seem the revamped UCI has become a huge hit. Just hours after the launch, several of the available spots have been filled yet. Fans are celebrating as their favourite teams can continue. Basques have been massing to mountain tops, waving their flags in honour of Euskaltel's new manager.
With most of the World Tour teams in new hands, it is proven the takeover last week wasn't a bad thing for cycling. The UCI says in a press statement they are happy with the progress, and hope to fill the remaining spots by the end of the week.
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Jesleyh |
Posted on 25-09-2013 19:21
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Tour de France Champion
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Looks like a lot of fun, sadly enough, I fear I have to pass this one due to a lack of time, at least at this moment
Feyenoord(football) and Kelderman fanboy
PCMdaily Awards: 12x nomination, 9x runner-up, 0x win.
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The Hobbit |
Posted on 25-09-2013 19:36
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Probably won't be a manager, but looking forward to making riders. |
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TheManxMissile |
Posted on 25-09-2013 19:37
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Tour de France Champion
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Here's extra endorsement:
Ollfardh and i shared a few PM's discussing this idea. Really well thought out, been in development for a while, and with the right support and players it could be really good. JOIN IN
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 26-09-2013 09:11
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To all, thanks for the support. Rider applications will be opened in a few days, when we have enough managers. Riders will need less interaction than managers, so it should suit people with less time.
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 26-09-2013 20:02
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In just over one day, the new UCI has sorted out most of the World Tour teams. Currently, 15 managers have been found for the World Tour, making it almost filled. A few managers for Continental Teams have been found as well. The search for more, continues though. A full overview can be found here:
https://pcmdaily.c...ost_802279
The UCI has also announced the calendar for this year, it can be found a bit lower.
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 30-09-2013 13:04
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After a busy weekend, a slight panic has started amongst the riders of Vacansoleil and Lampre. Both teams have no managers yet, and with time running out, the riders are getting worried about the new season. Lampre is the Italian team of ex-giro winners Michele Scarponi and Damiano Cunego, while Vacansoleil is a dutch team with Flecha and De Gendt as major riders.
According to sources inside the world of cycling, the doping rumours surrounding both teams might be the reason no manager was found yet. Yet with only two world Tour teams remaining, any potential manager that wants to ride a full calendar, has to apply with these teams.
From the Continental Tour, reports come in that the negotiations are going slower. Only 5 teams have found a manager so far. Again it are the Italian teams with dubious reputation such as Vini Fantini, Androni and Bandiani that are having problems, but also the Belgian teams are unsure at the moment, as Accent Jobs, Crelan and Topsport Vlaanderen are without a manager as well. Other major managerless teams include Europecar, the French team of Thomas Voeckler and Pierre Rolland, IAM Cycling of Heinrich Haussler and Colombia of Fabio Duarte.
The UCI hopes more managers will be found this week, and encourages potential managers to apply here:
https://pcmdaily.com/forum/viewthread....rowstart=0
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 02-10-2013 10:07
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World Champion
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The UCI has just confirmed they will be opening spots for young riders later today. We now go live to José De Cauwer, who is in Switzerland to follow the events.
José, what's the situation there?
It's is very busy here. I see reporters from all over the world. Opening the young riders spots was something a lot of people were really looking forward to. I could tell something was going to happen when last night, the new team managers started arriving one by one. None would make a statement though. Over night, a few teams had already started advertising for young riders on their websites, without giving a precise date, but it could be guessed it was today. Now the UCI has officialy confirmed it will be happening later today. My guess would be this afternoon.
We see a lot of people there, José, are they all press?
No, most of the people you see behind me are going to apply as young rider as soon as the applications are open. As I said, this is a highly anticipated event. A lot of them came here by bike, causing huge traffic jams and chaos. But here in the centre of it all, there is only excitement for what is to come.
Did you have a chance to speak to the riders?
Yes, I did. They're all really nice guys, hoping to get a spot in professional cycling. They came from all over the world, not just europeans. Some are climbers, some are sprinters, others prefer the Flemish races. I even met some weird Korean guy who has never been outside his country before, but did not want to miss this opportunity.
Thank you, José. We'll get back to you when the applications open.
Edited by Ollfardh on 02-10-2013 10:07
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 02-10-2013 14:53
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World Champion
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Update: The UCI has started taking applications here:
https://pcmdaily.com/forum/viewthread....d_id=31750
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Ollfardh |
Posted on 03-10-2013 09:45
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World Champion
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What started as an orderly queue, ended in chaos yesterday as the UCI was overwhelmed by young riders applying for a spot in professional cycling. Around 6 PM last night, the UCI decided to close applications for the day, much to the dismay of many riders still waiting outside. Eventually they were let in as well and still could sign up.
Quite some riders have found a team so far. French team FDJ even filled up all their spots. Yet many riders are still looking for a team, and more are expected to turn up today. The UCI is also still looking for more team managers who want to take care of the young riders. More applications are expected later this week.
Changed my sig, this was getting absurd.
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Jesleyh |
Posted on 03-10-2013 19:37
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Tour de France Champion
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Come on guys, we need more managers
Ollfardh, you should change the title so that it's clear that this is from EPIC, or so it's clear they can join
Edited by Jesleyh on 03-10-2013 19:38
Feyenoord(football) and Kelderman fanboy
PCMdaily Awards: 12x nomination, 9x runner-up, 0x win.
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