J Wakefield

Sunweb have a ridget set way of doing things which isnt for everyone and rather fight the system for both rider and team move on and be happy. Good move for him, definitely hasn't gone sideways.

Its true and as Mntboy said its surpassing they dont line up. Maybe the actual cost of running a team that big and successful is to much for the masses lining up. Lots of companies / people have like 5-10M Euro to play with but when you needing 20+ for a team like QS Im not to sure there many lining up with that ammo to spare for a 2yr + period. Im not saying those riders / staff dont deserve to be paid what they are, they should be paid more in my eyes but the actual finds aren't there maybe.

Not happening, he isnt going to be on QS next season and is on UAE. 1 thing I know is this. Don't know much else.

Link? He is going to UAE for 2019 unless something changed since 6am

Both of those will be 1.5-2M yearly salaries each. thats a lot of ammo and kings of a castle to manage.

Good move. Will have support and a good train etc.

What David has done is honestly amazing, its also in the beginning stages from what I understand so to add and neaten it up is easy going forward. We had been talking to a well known training software company to add some of these features and they simply couldnt or weren't keen to. Well done David this is impressive.

The strava hack wasn't from Intervals.icu. I know people who were hacked without installing it. Changed a chicks weight to 128kg, she was so upset

Then this is a perfect example and well done on the results and approach to getting them. I would say you probably train smarter, not harder and that is the key in todays times.

no bud not at all, was more a tongue in cheek reply - nothing more or less. To answer the question is kinda 2 fold. you will always have athletes who will cheat, from Junior to 70yr old Masters and everyone in-between. However, the stigma that "so many age groupers are dirty" honestly isnt true. No today anyway. In terms of knowing, I do know the % is little and the larger majority are clean. Thats all I can say. You also never know anyone is dirty until they test +, yes, you may have an idea, pick up some info, see a small change in data etc but until that test comes back, suspicion is just that. Also of vets you need to know have ridden since they were kids or early elite, developed and have also learnt to use their race craft - reading a race for example to make the move or simply have 2 big efforts in them and they know when to use them at the right time. This alone will put them in a position for a good result. They also approach their training like their work and are often successful at business, I have age group athletes that put many Elite riders to shame in terms of approach and execution. Again, this is is a very important variable to training and progression. Trust me I know better than most about athletes crossing the line, so I am not defending anyone here but merely taking the time to explain outside variables that play a big part in an athletes results as a age grouper even against the current crop of "Elites" in SA. They not as dirty as the guys being beat think and no, not all are this side of the line.

From the Engen group?

Unfortunately I don't know as it is pointed out.

I unfortunately rode passed / into this I am presuming shortly after it happened and the body was covered and the police had cordoned off road. The car that hit the cyclists (polo) showed evident mark where impact was made and the bike was a mess. I rode to the turn off and actually went home after, mojo was gone and all I thought was how terrible the repercussions are for the family(s) going forward. I also immediately thought drunk driver or similar but we dont know until info is released but in general the road lawlessness in SA is another level of disregard cause as I was riding towards the scene 3 taxis were jumping red lights and racing down the main road. I hope the families are ok going forward involved with the cyclist.

Ok...

Just some info: The vet etc categories aren't as rampant as everyone is lead to believe.

They both ride Spez yes and are best mates but unfortunately they wont be riding Epic as a unit. Matt is still contracted under NAD Pro next year so the combo of him and Nico / Gawie will be the team entered. Alan races Spez factory. I would personally love them to race it as a unit but for now that isnt a option sponsor and team wise.

Should of gone to the bookies on this.

I often agree with you on stuff but this time - and please prove me wrong - but I dont see this being a classics type course that will suite Sagan.

Hes a guy bud. XC MTB. Fixed it for you.

Hermanus and Grabouw I presume sits more central, different routes and easy in terms of set up and logistics with Table Mtn as the standard prologue. Dont quote me though.

Cause tomorrow is Saturday and I have been living for it all week. Don't tell me I am a day ahead of things.

Without getting into to much info and in no way am I defending CSA after the CWG "thing" I had with them but there is a system in place for Tokyo. the position they talking about there is for management. Not athlete. You cant expect SA's best and only chance of a medal at Olympics cycling wise to pay his own way. CSA know this.

I dont know him personally so cant say I know "why" but I do have 1 or 3 personal theories on why from stuff you hear.

Another example of an athlete not delivering what he is possibly capable of.

Aru will be back on form going forward. Team getting a basic overhaul in departments. Remember if a athlete doesn't perform its not just an athletes fault - yes it can be but not always there other variables that add to that. Aru is quality, he has shown that and had a bad season and half. Many do that.