Wikipedia has decided to continue as main sponsor given the team's tremendous success. With only one year in the Pro Tour under their belt, the team shocked many with their 2nd place finish in the Pro Tour. The American team will continue to look for riders around the globe, but retain a soft spot for American favorites, led by World TT Champion Dave Zabriskie.
Squad Leaders Dave Zabriskie Marcus Burghardt Taylor Phinney Tejay Van Garderen Tyler Farrar
Leuitenants Christian Meier Sebastian Ivars Matthieu Sprick Artjom Timofeev
Domestiques Ivan Kovalev Olivier Kaisen Kevin Eeckhout Christoph Mai Remco Broers Daan Rijntjes Danny Pate Chris Barton Matthew Busche Blake Caldwell Aggrey Sebright Ryan Eastman (on loan) Tyler Brandt (on loan)
On Loan at Pirelli Internazionale: Ben Curfs Stelly Robert Nick Kinney
On loan at Yamaha-Greenpeace: Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg
On loan at Petronas-Olympus: Tom Copeland
Edited by dave92 on 29-03-2010 05:08
After sitting down with the sponsors, the manager came to agree to five major goals for the upcoming year.
Team Standings: Top 3
The sponsors are looking for a repeat of the strong overall position of the team from last year. A revamped roster is here to take on the challenge. In Brughardt and Zabriskie we have two strong and tested veterans who have proven themsevles big scorers. Phinney is certainly expected to join the ranks of the elite this season, as American compatriots Tyler Farrar and Tejay Van Garderen will also be looked to for firepower.
Tour de France, Top 5
The Tour has long been the most prominent race in the mind of America, so it is only natural it is a central focus. Phinney should be the man to look for.
Win Tour of California
The American sponsors expect a big performance in the lone American PT race. Of course, Dave Zabriskie has proved up to the task, winning the past two editions. Now, Taylor Phinney has joined and gives the potential for a two pronged attack. Tyler Farrar may well target the spritns for a stage win.
Win Individual TT
With Zabriskie leading the team, we have every chance to nab this one day race and defend his title. Phinney is also more than able.
Win Eindhoven TTT
Again, the sponsors have recognized our strength in the time trials and we can look to Kovalev, Meier, Ivars, and of course the Zabriskie-Phinney tandem.
Edited by dave92 on 28-03-2010 05:34
Continental Tour
Team Standings: 1st
Individual Rankings: 1st, Fabian Wegmann
In the first year, the team had a remarkable debut in the Continental Tour. Fabian Wegmann raced to the top of the individual standings with sterling performances and eventually claimed the crown of top rider. His tremendous success was matched by the rest of the team and saw Tinkoff promoted as Continental Tour Champions.
2009: Wikipedia
Pro Tour
Team Standings: 7th
Individual Rankings: Dave Zabriskie, 4th
As a newly promoted side, the only ambition of the team was to survive. As such, veterans Cadel Evans, Dave Zabriskie, Leif Hoste, and Matteo Carrara were among the big acquisitions of the transfer period that saw an overhaul of the team. Largely on the back of Zabriskie's 4 PT victories (not including stage wins) to compliment his World TT Championship. Evans overcame the dissapointment of picking up an injury in the early days of the Tour de France to win the Deutschland Tour, while Leif Hoste placed a strong 2nd in Paris-Roubaix.
Top Results:
World TT Championships, Dave Zabriskie
Tour of California GC, Dave Zabriskie
Tour of California Points Classification, Dave Zabriskie
Criterium International GC, Dave Zabriskie
Eneco Tour GC, Dave Zabriskie
Deutschland Tour GC, Cadel Evans
Chrono des Herbiers, Dave Zabriskie
Stage 2, Tour de France, Jerome Pineau
Stage 13, Tour de France, Jerome Pineau
Tour de Romandie Points Classification, Matteo Carrara
Giro d'Italia Points Classification, Matteo Carrara
Tour de Suisse Points Classification, Matteo Carrara
Giro d'Italia GC, Matteo Carrara, 7th
South American and Colombian TT Championships, Rigo Uran
Australian RR Championships, Cadel Evans
USA TT Championships, Dave Zabriskie
2010: Wikipedia
Pro Tour
Team Standings: 2nd
Individual Rankings: Rigo Uran 9th, Dave Zabriskie 12th, Marcus Burghardt 23rd, Simon Spilak 25th
Another year saw yet another overhaul in the transfer season. Wegmann, Evans, Carrara, Hoste, and Chavanel left the squad as the manager re-shaped the squad. The biggest new signings were Marcus Burghardt and Simon Spilak, as many overlooked the bargain buy of Jerome Coppel. While the team was only looking for big results in some races and targeting a top-half finish, they managed to surprise everyone once more. On the strength of top riding from Zabriskie and Burghardt, Wikipedia was near the top early on. Surprsingly, the squad was consisten enough in the mountains with youngsters Uran and Spilak to hold onto 2nd place in the final team rankings.
Top results:
World TT Championship, Dave Zabriskie
Tour of California, General Classification, Dave Zabriskie
Monte Paschi Eroica, Marcus Burghardt
Paris-Roubaix, Marcus Burghardt
Volta Ciclista a Catalunya, GC, Points, KOM, and Young Riders Jerseys, Rigo Uran
Eindhoven TTT
Chrono des Herbiers, Dave Zabriskie
Tour de France, White Jersey, Simon Spilak
Tour de France, 3rd GC, Simon Spilak
Tour de France, Stage 4, Dave Zabriskie
Tour de France, Stage 20, Dave Zabriskie
Vuelta a Espana. Stage 8, Rigo Uran
Vuelta a Espana, Stage 20, Rigo Uran
Vuelta a Espana, 5th GC, Rigo Uran
Ronde van Vlaanderen, 2nd place Marcus Burghardt
Edited by dave92 on 27-02-2010 18:31
In a busy opening to the transfer period, American team Wikipedia made their biggest splash by snagging the much lauded Taylor Phinney. In exchange for time trial dynamo Jerome Coppel and Nikolas Maes, the young sensation signed on for the 2011 season. "While i learned a great deal and enjoyed my time with Virgin, I am looking forward to being on an American team," said Phinney. He seems primed for success. He is expecteed to be amongst the favorites at the Tour of California, and may well target the Tour de France. The manager was clearly delighted with the signing. "As an American team, to sign the best American grand tour talent in some time is really exciting, and we look forward to all he can achieve."
Edited by dave92 on 17-03-2010 00:57
In addition to Phinney Wikpedia has brought in a number of riders to strengthen the squad. Evert Verbist, a strong man on the cobbles was acquired for David Herrero Llorente. Olivier Kaisen and an Uzbek climber joined th team and will be expected to perform well as domestiques in many races. Kaisen in particular will be a good asset in ttt's. Speaking of which, Ivan Kovalev was bought to add to the ttt arsenal that is growing behind Zabriskie and Phinney. Could be interesting with the ever improving Jack Wolfskin squad.
Three Americans have also joined the squad. Matthew Busche looks to provide support and come into his own as a young rider. Two other emerging Americans, Ryan Eastman and Tyler Brandt have joined from Mercedes and will look to gain experience. Those three additions mean Wikipedia has eight Americans, and are looking into a few more.
Wikipedia are proud to introduce more new signings:
Tejay Van Garderen
For the first time since Fabian Wegmann ravaged the Continental Tour, Wikipedia will have a true threat in the hills. The young American has been lauded for his potential for some time now, and will look to put it to work this season. Van Garderen will captain the hilly classics and look for some stage races that suit his talents. His addition gives Wikipedia yet another American leader, a definate plus for management and sponsors alike.
Blake Caldwell
A strong rider who will look to help the team in a supporting role, Blake Caldwell has joined after a number of years riding for BMC. Perhaps his most valuable talent is his power in the time trials. Caldwell will add to an already talented ttt squad that will look to take a number of stages through the year.
Matthieu Sprick
Not truly a new addition, Matthieu Sprick has ridden for Wikipedia for two years. He did however decide to explore his options, eventually deciding to return for a third season. His climbing talent is sure to be a big help, especially in the french races. In the Tour de France he will be a valuable helper for Taylor Phinney.
Kevin Eeckhout
Eeckhout is an exciting prospect for the northern classics. Although young, he is more than capable of lending a strong helping hand this year. By next year, he could well blossom into a true strongman. A good one for the future.
Edited by dave92 on 21-03-2010 23:14
Yet another American, sprinter Tyler Farrar, has joined from Quicksilver. Sadly, young climber Yasmani Martinez was swapped, but with Farrar and money coming the way of Wikipedia the manager is more than happy with the deal. Farrar will take the role of primary sprinter for Wikipedia, and he will look to surprise a few folks next year, perhaps with a stronger kick.
Edited by dave92 on 22-03-2010 23:54
The Russian has a great kick of his own, but will primarily be asked to fill the role of leadout man for Tyler Farrar. Once the American sprinter joined, the search was on for a suitable lead out man. Timofeev was the man entrusted with putting Farrar in position to strike.
Christoph Mai
A young German climber, Mai will be of help whenever the road turns up. Given some seasoning, it is thought he will become a very nice asset, ability to help leaders through all but the most difficult of days and even go for some stage wins himself.
Remco Broers
The young Broers is an emerging man in the northern classics. A good domestique now, he can become even better given some time. Learning from Marcus Burghardt can't hurt.
Daan Rijntjes
Another young rider with some room to grow, Rijntjes is another bargain signing. The Dutch rider is valued for his strength in time trials. This will be particularly helpful in adding to the great Team Time Trial strength of Wikipedia.
Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg
The young South African is the latest addition to the squad. Originally offered a place as a stagiare, Wikipedia decided to give him a full spot rather than risk loosing his talent. His time trial talent belies his youth. Given time to grow (possible loan?) he should blossom into quite the force against the clock. He will spend the year gaining experience at Yamaha-Greenpeace in the Continental Tour.
Aggrey Sebright
Always on the lookout for young American talent, Wikipedia signed Sebright to round out its roster. Although inexperienced, he is thought to have great potential in the time trial. It is hoped the great array of time trialists around him will improve his progression. In a few years, this signing may be considered a bargain.
Edited by dave92 on 29-03-2010 03:27
I'm scared yet again that you are going to get a sublime PT result.
Only thing that saves my ass a bit is the fact that Taylor Phinney is your only GT racer, and that he can only do 2 GT's and then 1 or 2 small tours...
Zabriskie will do well in small tours like always, but luckily you lack a 79-80 climber for the remaining tours. But come on it's nice!
Phinney, Zabriskie, Burghardt and van Garderen will be amazing for you!
I was looking for a second climber, but the prices dictated thtat i look for a different rider. Van Garderen was great as he filled my need in the hills which doomed me last year, but is also young and american. If Farrar can step up this year i am hoping for a top 5. Top 3 (the sponsor goal) would be a bit of a reach though in my mind. Not out of the question though. For the first time though, i have a strong rider in every specialty, which should be a plus.
