Wikipedia has decided to continue its sponsorship of the American based outfit that has seen a great deal of success in its first few years. Led by American wunder-kid Taylor Phinney the squad boasts a wealth of American talent mixed with some international flavor that will look to mantain their position as one of the premier teams in cycling.
Squad Leaders
Taylor Phinney
Tejay Van Garderen
Danny Summerhill
Matthew Goss
Juan Van Heerden
Leuitenants
Christoph Mai
Tyler Farrar
Kevin Eeckhout
Christian Meier
Matthieu Sprick
Jimmy Casper
Young Talents
Thibaut Pinot
Reinhardt Janse Van Rensburg
Aggrey Sebright
Darwin Atapuma
Domestiques
Chris Barton
Brent Bookwalter
Blake Caldwell
Dominique Rollin
Edward King
Danny Pate
Loaned in
Richard Cleaver
Ciaran Kelly
Gracjan Lejman
Timothy Vangheel
Jonas Decouttere
Adam Semple
Edited by dave92 on 09-08-2011 20:11
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 23-06-2011 13:55
Wikipedia heads into the offseason with many interesting storylines. Taylor Phinney would seem to be the cornerstone of the team and the manager agrees. "Not only do we want to keep Taylor but we want to go out and find better help for in the mountains as he grows to be one of the premier grand tour riders in the world. We were absolutely thrilled with his riding this year and the steps he took to join the elite."
Another world champion, Tejay Van Garderen is also considered an integral part of the team. "We're really proud to have such a great American talent, and can't wait to see him in the rainbow stripes next year."
Beyond sorting out contracts, there has already been some chatter on the transfer front. California Giant have expressed an interest in Wikipedia mainstay David Zabriskie. The American stallwart is valued highly by the boss but should he wish to take a leadership role in the CT tour a fair deal would be sought for both parties. The active riding of Tyler Brandt and particularly Ryan Eastman for Wikipedia excited the boss and has him tracking there situations closely with an eye to finding help for Phinney.
The American nature of the squad has brough inevitable questions about Danny Summerhill and Dan Holloway. "Those are two of the premier talents in the world, of course i'd love to have them, but we'll have to see how the transfer season shakes out." There are strong indications the Wiki-American sweep at the worlds has only emboldened the manager in valuing American riders. Of course, Wikipedia is global by nature and likes its diverse corps of riders to supplement a strong American base.
With a diverse base of developing talent, both loans and permanent deals wiill be sought with teams like Pirelli who are interested in a bit of youth.
Edited by dave92 on 03-04-2011 00:48
Wikipedia, having continued their sponsorship following a dramatic sweep of the world championships have sat wtih the team boss and outlined their hopes for the new season. As always, they are challenging, but in years past the team has proven themselves up to the challenge.
Overall Team Standings - Top 10
Over the course of the season, the team would like to finish in the top half as a measure of putting itself about in many races. Given the number of quality squads already in the division, and the talented teams promoted from the Continental ranks, this will not be easy.
Win Tour of California
As America's one pro tour race, it is of the utmost importance to have a strong showing here again. Wikipedia have brought home the title three years running, with Dave Zabriskie winning in 2009 and 2010, and Taylor Phinney the defending champion. Phinney will lead the team as is to be expected any time he shows up to race.
Top 5 Tour de France
Last year, Phinney suffered from an early crash, but really came into his own in the last week of the Tour. His strong rides in the mountains and remarkable time trial assuaged any doubts that he can handle a grand tour as he finished in style, moving from 16th to 7th in the final week. A top five is expected as he continues to learn, but it is easy to forget he is only turning 22 this year.
Top 3 Chrono des Herbiers
A traditional strength of the squad, Phinney can do the job here as well. Dave Zabriskie is a past winner, and should be a factor again.
Top 3 Tour of Romandie
A shorter stage race with two time trials and a mix of terrain, Phinney fancies a go. Taylor took home the Tour de Suisse title last year and will be hoping to do the same in the other Swiss tour this year.
Other races that will be targeted are Paris-Nice, the Tour of Northern Europe, Criterium du Dauphine Libere, Paris-Roubaix, and Ronde van Vlanderen. Phinney or a second stage racer may give the french races a go, while Marcus Burghardt would seem to be the man for the cobbles, if Wikipedia can hold on to him amidst the influx of German teams.
The reigning world champion, Tejay Van Garderen, is set to show off the rainbow jersey for Wikipedia in 2012.
Wikipedia is proud to announce they have come to terms with 21 riders ahead of the upcoming transfer season. Taylor Phinney and Tejay Van Garderen, who teamed to sweep the World Championships last year, headline the roster. Marcus Burghardt and Dave Zabriskie, longtime Wikipedia stallwarts were also given new contracts, but may be given the chance to move on in the upcoming transfer window.
The team would like to thank to Olivier Kaisen, Daan Rijntes, and Artjom Timofeev for their contributions to the team last season. A special thanks goes out to Danny Pate for his years of great service to the team.
Early Transfer News: Loans, Loans, and Loans (those Americans never learn)
The team has been quite active early in the transfer season. Wikipedia has loaned in four riders looking to get a taste of the Pro Tour this year. Richard Cleaver is a signing that the team is particularly proud of. "He's a tremendously dedicated rider who you can't help but root for. He'll be a great teammate and despite his age, we will be hoping others on our team learn from his great work ethic."
Gracjan Lejman, another loanee, will be a good helper for hilly races and we hope he can hone his craft with our squad. Timothy Vangheel and Adam Semple will also be spending a year with the team. "Its nice to get some of these younger guys on loan, passing on experience and just giving them that chance is something we stress at Wikipedia. We will continue to explore these areas in the future."
Phinney is undoubtedly one of the greatest young riders in the world. Taylor swept the U-23 World Championships, taking both the time trial and road race. He followed that up by capturing the elite time trial title as well. To top it off he helped teammate Tejay Van Garderen to the road title as well. He finished 3rd in the Pro Tour individual rankings, despite crashing early in the Tour. He fought back well and will be counted on to lead the squad their again, aiming for a top 5 for the sponsors. He will also target a repeat at the Tour of California.
Tejay Van Garderen
Tejay surprised everyone by taking the rainbow jersey last year. He hopes to wear it with pride this year as the undisputed leader for hilly races. Still quite young, we hope he can kick on from last year’s successes. He will tackle the one day classics as well as shorter tours that offer him opportunities for stage wins or even to hang around on GC.
Danny Summerhill
One of this transfer season’s biggest targets, we were delighted to bring him on board. A real strongman, we expect him to ride well in the northern classics. Beyond that, his strength will be invaluable as a superb helper for our sprinters and in the hills. Again, Summerhill is young and will be counted on as a staple of the Wikipedia team for years to come.
Matthew Goss
One of two top end sprinters brought into the squad this year, Goss will be relied upon to provide stage wins throughout the season. His strong rides in the Continental Tour inspired our confidence in his ability. He will likely split Grand Tours with Van Heerden and target other races throughout the year.
Juan Van Heerden
The top scoring sprinter in the Continental Tour, Van Heerden is a strong rider. Given the competition he faced last year, there is no reason to doubt his ability to bring quality results in the Pro Tour. He and Goss will have a great deal of support dedicated to them whenever they ride.
Edited by dave92 on 07-07-2011 04:12
Last year he was asked to be the primary sprinter, but this year he will mostly be there to assist Goss and Van Heerden, with a few opportunities such as California may allow him to go for the win himself.
Jimmy Casper
A late signing after being sacked by Milka, Casper brings a wealth of experience to our very young team. He will be an important lead-out man for Goss and Van Heerden and may get a few chances of his own in French races. We hope he will be able to pass on his wealth of knowledge as well.
Christoph Mai
Christoph has spent some time in the mountains over the winter and should be ready to tackle the high passes this season. As the second best climber on the team, he will be asked to be Phinney’s main helper in the hard stages of the Tour. On other occasions, he will have the chance to race for himself, possibly targeting escapes on mountainous terrain.
Chris Barton
The young American is a very capable helper in the mountains. He is also a good time trialist and will be used in much the same way as Meier.
Christian Meier
He can be a good helper in the mountains and is a past Canadian road race champion. Last season he captured his national title in the time trial. The race against the clock is Meier’s strongest discipline and will be a valuable asset to the team again this year.
Matthieu Sprick
The French climber has been with Wikipedia since its first season in the Pro Tour. He has helped Cadel Evans, Simon Spilak, and Taylor Phinney in the Tour de France, and will be called upon to perform the same function this year. He is always active and is very capable of winning in breakaways, especially in the French races. His veteran leadership will be important in what is a very young squad.
Brent Bookwalter
Brent is an exciting signing for the squad. Already a strong rider who is best against the clock, we feel he has even more room to grow given some time riding at the top end of the support. For a free agent of his talent, we felt 65,000 was a bargain.
Kevin Eeckhout
The young Belgian has progressed greatly after last season. Now he will be looked upon to provide support in the later part of the cobbled races for Danny Summerhill this year.
Edited by dave92 on 12-07-2011 00:02
Talents
The biggest accomplishment of this offseason was securing the signatures of a wealth of talented young riders. Over the next few years they should provide home grown strength and depth to the squad in all terrains.
Thibaut Pinot
Already a valuable helper for Phinney, this young man may well grow into the next French climbing hope. We hope to see him feature in breakaways in the mountains this year when not helping our leaders.
Darwin Atapuma
A young Colombian that, unsurprisingly, loves going up big mountain passes. He will look to learn a lot this year that can help him progress as a rider. He is seen as a future top end climbing helper for a grand tour leader.
Reinhardt Janse van Rensburg
A promising South African time-trialist, Reinhardt spent last year on loan at Yamaha. With a year of professional racing under his belt we hope his overall strength will be a good addition to the squad and he can continue to grow into a quality time trial.
Aggrey Sebright
Aggrey is a promising American time-trialist who will look to grow this season.
On Loan: Andrew Talansky
One of our biggest signings this year, Talansky is the premier American talent to join the pro ranks this year. Securing his signature was a top priority. He is looking to become the next American stage racer that can compete in some of the best races in the world. Taylor Phinney will be a great big brother influence on Andrew. Loaned to Team CSC, he hopes to learn from some of the best.
Jay McCarthy
Jay is one of the greatest talents to come from down under in recent years. He dreams of winning some of cycling’s greatest one day bike races. Along with Matty Goss and Travis Meyer, our Australian presence is growing along with our sponsor’s interest in the area. For now, he will begin his professional career with Koppert this year.
Kenny Elissonde
Another young French talent, Elissonde will be looking to enjoy home roads this season with the French outfit Focused Cycling. There, under a manager renowned for developing young talent, we are sure he will begin to show his potential as a future stage racer.
Nick Kinney
Nick Kinney is looking forward to returning to Pirelli this season, having enjoyed his time there last season. He will look to help Nicolas Roche in the hills, as will fellow loanee Matthew Busche.
Ben King
Ben is looking to develop as a sprinter who is quite strong on the open road. He will get experience with American Continental team California Berry this season.
Travis Meyer
The young Aussie is a strong all-around rider and will get a number of chances this year with Focused Cycling. He could develop into a strong helper in the hills or an all-around strong domestique, given his time trialing and climbing potential.
Andzs Flaksis
A late signing, the Latvian is a developing cobbled rider who will one day be counted on to help Summerhill in some of the toughest races in the world. He will join Busche and Kinney on loan at Pirelli in their promotion push.
Stelly Robert
The young French time-trialist will enjoy some home cooking this year with Focused cycling, where he hopes to gain experience and entertain the French fans.
Edited by dave92 on 17-07-2011 15:56
Andrew Talansky is already starting to fit in here at Team CSC-Orbea, with Americans Craig Lewis and Brad Armstrong. And he will have the opportunity to ride in the Tour of America as well, it should give him a taste of how hard Grand Tours are. And Ivan Kovalev is becoming good friends with Roman Maksimov. So no need to worry about your guys here at CSC-Orbea.
Another American addition, Ted will be a valuable part of our squad in the hills. Finally joining the top end of the sport, he will ride in support of Tejay Van Garderen.
Danny Pate
Our experienced road captain was resigned to pass on his experience and provide some direction to all the kids on the road. Danny has been with the squad since its inception, the only original left after the departure of Sebastien Ivars.
Dominique Rollin
The Canadian is a strong rider who can time trial and work well in one day races. His finishing kick also makes him a good man for the breaks.
The attacking British rider prides himself on taking every opportunity to go on the offensive. Contracted by Rapha Condor, we were delighted to offer Richard a ride in the Pro Tour. We are showing a lot of trust for his renowned racing brain, as he will get a chance to race Le Tour. He will also have a go in the Giro and most one day classics, even popping back home for the East Midlands Classic. We are excited to see him grow over the course of the season, and of course must thank him for our jersey design.
Timothy Vangheel and Jonas Decouttere have joined from Saab-Scania and will be a great help throughout the year. Both are strong riders that will work for leaders but also should have opportunities to get up the road and go for the win.
Gracjan Lejman will be a strong rider in the hills. Ciaran Kelly of Vespa and young Australian Adam Semple of Jayco-Red Bull will also be at their best when the road turns up.
New ProContinental team Evian-MIAT are searching for a Frenchman to lead their team in the Mountains for the upcoming few years, and wonder if there is any chance of Thibaut Pinot being given the chance to ride for a team from his home country?
ING - Cycling Project would like to express it's gratitude towards Wikipedia for the great dealings between the two teams (as pirelli-alfaromeo) over the last 2 seasons.
It would be be great if the good relationship between our two teams will continue, and Matthew Busche was for us a great rider to have, and one we would like to see ride for us yet again! More loan deals with youngsters is also something we can continue to work out of course.
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