Monday Musette – On Judgement

Fotoreporter Sirotti

Here’s today’s Monday Musette

1. If you don’t already read The Inner Ring, you need to start.  Matt published a fine run-down of the Team Lux situation—it’s definitely worth your time.

2. And speaking of dubious new teams, check-out today’s What’s New from Competitive Cyclist.  There’s also the added bonus of a video from the 1996 finale to Milan-San Remo.

3. So it appears as if Mark Cavendish has his eyes set on next year’s World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark.  According to the Manxman, the course looks harder than advertised.  Any doubts that Thor Hushovd will be looking for a repeat victory in front of a friendly Scandinavian crowd?

4. Cavendish’s former teammate, Michael Rogers, has officially announced his move to Team Sky.  If they don’t completely undo all the progress he made at HTC (like they did with Edvald Boasson Hagen) look for Rogers to deliver a weeklong stage race victory or two in 2011. Let’s hope Sky’s delusions of grand tour GC glory don’t cloud the Aussie’s judgment. Does the move mean we’ll see the boys in black and blue at the Tour of California to defend the Australian’s title?

5. Speaking of judgment, here’s a textbook case of a rider coming to his senses.

6. And is this one a bit delusional?  I think not. He certainly will be leading a stronger team than his Swiss former colleague—assuming Cancellara finally pulls the trigger and heads to Team Lux.  If all goes as planned, look for Breschel to have a breakout 2011.  A cobbled classic and a world title are certainly within his reach.

7. With Ivan Basso targeting next year’s Tour, look for the 2011 Giro to provide the most exciting 3 weeks of racing we’re likely to see next season.  As if the course weren’t exciting enough, Vincenzo Nibali and Roman Kreuziger are making the grand tour their first major objective of the year.  Expect fireworks—and worldwide server crashes as poor souls like myself drain bandwidth trolling for live streams.

8. In effort to improve its riders’ bottle throwing skills, Quick Step has signed Tom Steels as a trainer and part-time DS; while Team Sky has signed Servais Knaven and Nicolas Portal to similar roles, the latter signing proof that sometimes its less costly to give a rider a job than a roster spot.

9. Like it or not, Floyd Landis has started a bit of a comeback to racing, competing in New Zealand at the Powernet Tour of Southland.  Say what you want about Floyd, but you can’t deny that his return to form could certainly make things interesting—and uncomfortable—for more than a few individuals—on and off the bike—in 2011.

10. Last but not least, thanks to everyone who has expressed interest in our as-yet-to-be-released 2011 team kit.  We’re finalizing the new design and should be releasing ordering information in time for the holidays.  Feel free to send an email to paveblog@gmail.com if interested in getting on board!

Have a great week—share your comments below!