Cost of having a team in the TDF

[cc]

Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
to send a team to the TDF.

I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
(I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
--
| Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.

[John Staines]

I was under the impression that you had to be invited or teams had to
have a certain amount of points (which riders have accumulated over the
year).

It costs millions of Euro's to run a team for a year (ie US Postal,
Basso Bortolo, Quick-Step) there are alot of smaller teams that manage
on a smaller budget Lampre, Kelme etc)

cc wrote:
>
> Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> to send a team to the TDF.
>
> I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> --
> | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.

[John Staines]

I was under the impression that you had to be invited or teams had to
have a certain amount of points (which riders have accumulated over the
year).

It costs millions of Euro's to run a team for a year (ie US Postal,
Basso Bortolo, Quick-Step) there are alot of smaller teams that manage
on a smaller budget Lampre, Kelme etc)

cc wrote:
>
> Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> to send a team to the TDF.
>
> I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> --
> | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.

[Steve Reynolds]

In article >,
says...
> > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...

It would also be the only national team... As far as I'm aware there are
no national teams in the TdF.

[Steve Reynolds]

In article >,
says...
> > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...

It would also be the only national team... As far as I'm aware there are
no national teams in the TdF.

[Marvin Martian]

TdF used to have some years it was run with national team races .. of coz
big bucks, sponsorship and stuff ... it went back to commercial teams like
what we have now.

Yeah you can't just send a team into TdF .. the top ranked teams get
automatic qualification. 1 to ... not sure how many then the last 5 or so
places are wild card n chosen at the discretion of the TdF organisers. Even
a team with a top sprinter in Mario Cipollini missed out cos the organiser
chose some other team instead. So shows lots of factors involved to get a
team into the TdF



"Steve Reynolds" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> says...
> > > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
>
> It would also be the only national team... As far as I'm aware there are
> no national teams in the TdF.

[Marvin Martian]

TdF used to have some years it was run with national team races .. of coz
big bucks, sponsorship and stuff ... it went back to commercial teams like
what we have now.

Yeah you can't just send a team into TdF .. the top ranked teams get
automatic qualification. 1 to ... not sure how many then the last 5 or so
places are wild card n chosen at the discretion of the TdF organisers. Even
a team with a top sprinter in Mario Cipollini missed out cos the organiser
chose some other team instead. So shows lots of factors involved to get a
team into the TdF



"Steve Reynolds" > wrote in message
...
> In article >,
> says...
> > > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
>
> It would also be the only national team... As far as I'm aware there are
> no national teams in the TdF.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 29.07.03 schrieb John:

>I was under the impression that you had to be invited or teams had to
>have a certain amount of points (which riders have accumulated over the
>year).

That's right. You can't send just a team to the TdF. You've to be invited.
Only 22 Teams with 9 riders at each team are allowed.

>It costs millions of Euro's to run a team for a year (ie US Postal,
>Basso Bortolo, Quick-Step) there are alot of smaller teams that manage
>on a smaller budget Lampre, Kelme etc)

There many team which don't have millions. The TDF invits tradionanlly
many GS II-Teams from France. Only the TOP GS I is automatically invitedt
to the tour.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 29.07.03 schrieb John:

>I was under the impression that you had to be invited or teams had to
>have a certain amount of points (which riders have accumulated over the
>year).

That's right. You can't send just a team to the TdF. You've to be invited.
Only 22 Teams with 9 riders at each team are allowed.

>It costs millions of Euro's to run a team for a year (ie US Postal,
>Basso Bortolo, Quick-Step) there are alot of smaller teams that manage
>on a smaller budget Lampre, Kelme etc)

There many team which don't have millions. The TDF invits tradionanlly
many GS II-Teams from France. Only the TOP GS I is automatically invitedt
to the tour.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 29.07.03 schrieb g:
>I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
>invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.

>Cadel Evans - GC rider
>Michael Rogers - GC rider
>Baden Cooke - sprinter
>Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
>Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
>Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
>Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
>Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
>one more domestique

That's only 8, but you need 9 riders.

BTW: The green jersey went the second time to an australian rider.
Congratulations. - Seems, that Zabel has no more interest to go for the
green.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 29.07.03 schrieb g:
>I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
>invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.

>Cadel Evans - GC rider
>Michael Rogers - GC rider
>Baden Cooke - sprinter
>Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
>Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
>Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
>Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
>Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
>one more domestique

That's only 8, but you need 9 riders.

BTW: The green jersey went the second time to an australian rider.
Congratulations. - Seems, that Zabel has no more interest to go for the
green.

[g]

Stefan Drüke > wrote:

> am 29.07.03 schrieb g:
> >I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
> >invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.
>
> >Cadel Evans - GC rider
> >Michael Rogers - GC rider
> >Baden Cooke - sprinter
> >Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
> >Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
> >Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
> >Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
> >Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
> >one more domestique
>
> That's only 8, but you need 9 riders.

Yes, thats why I named #9 "one more domestique"
I'm thinking Mat White because he has had Tour experience.

> BTW: The green jersey went the second time to an australian rider.
> Congratulations. - Seems, that Zabel has no more interest to go for the
> green.

I wouldn't say that, he gave it a good shake infact. But he, like
O'Grady, has slowed with age..

GK

[g]

Stefan Drüke > wrote:

> am 29.07.03 schrieb g:
> >I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
> >invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.
>
> >Cadel Evans - GC rider
> >Michael Rogers - GC rider
> >Baden Cooke - sprinter
> >Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
> >Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
> >Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
> >Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
> >Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
> >one more domestique
>
> That's only 8, but you need 9 riders.

Yes, thats why I named #9 "one more domestique"
I'm thinking Mat White because he has had Tour experience.

> BTW: The green jersey went the second time to an australian rider.
> Congratulations. - Seems, that Zabel has no more interest to go for the
> green.

I wouldn't say that, he gave it a good shake infact. But he, like
O'Grady, has slowed with age..

GK

[Andy G]

"g" > wrote in message
...
> I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
> invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.
>
> Cadel Evans - GC rider
> Michael Rogers - GC rider
> Baden Cooke - sprinter
> Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
> Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
> Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
> Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
> Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
> one more domestique
>
>
most of these riders would already be under contract and would be difficult
to secure without extra $$
sorta like football transfer fees.
even so, you would miss out on some.

A good team has a stable of well over nine riders including the odd
'apprentice' and up-and-comers.

In my "fosters" team I would include some european riders, to translate at
the very least!

And start as cat 3 team and wory your way up via results!

[Andy G]

"g" > wrote in message
...
> I think a team of all Australia's best racers would definately get an
> invite. LeBlanc likes teams that can make a contest.
>
> Cadel Evans - GC rider
> Michael Rogers - GC rider
> Baden Cooke - sprinter
> Brad McGee - TT & Sprint Leadout
> Stuart O'Grady - Sprint Leadout & breakaway specialist
> Scott Sunderland - Head Domestique
> Nathan O'Neill - TT & Domestique
> Henk Vogels - Domestique & breakaway specialist
> one more domestique
>
>
most of these riders would already be under contract and would be difficult
to secure without extra $$
sorta like football transfer fees.
even so, you would miss out on some.

A good team has a stable of well over nine riders including the odd
'apprentice' and up-and-comers.

In my "fosters" team I would include some european riders, to translate at
the very least!

And start as cat 3 team and wory your way up via results!

[SH]

It could be a better idea for a large Aussie sponsor to assist an existing
team that is already looking after Aussies. Quickstep for instance already
has an association with the NSW institute of sport and has help in the
devlopment of Aussie riders
The Fosters/Quickstep team sounds good to me.
"cc" > wrote in message
...
> Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> to send a team to the TDF.
>
> I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> --
> | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
>

[SH]

It could be a better idea for a large Aussie sponsor to assist an existing
team that is already looking after Aussies. Quickstep for instance already
has an association with the NSW institute of sport and has help in the
devlopment of Aussie riders
The Fosters/Quickstep team sounds good to me.
"cc" > wrote in message
...
> Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> to send a team to the TDF.
>
> I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> --
> | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
>

[Stefan Drüke]

am 31.07.03 schrieb Andy:

>most of these riders would already be under contract and would be
difficult
>to secure without extra $$
>sorta like football transfer fees.
>even so, you would miss out on some.

Most contracts over one or two year. I don't think that's much difficult,
if you pay more than the geradt european GS 1 teams.

>And start as cat 3 team and wory your way up via results!

You can do that, or you can "buy" riders with many points, so that you
become automatically a cat 1 team, e. g. Coast did it in the first year.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 31.07.03 schrieb Andy:

>most of these riders would already be under contract and would be
difficult
>to secure without extra $$
>sorta like football transfer fees.
>even so, you would miss out on some.

Most contracts over one or two year. I don't think that's much difficult,
if you pay more than the geradt european GS 1 teams.

>And start as cat 3 team and wory your way up via results!

You can do that, or you can "buy" riders with many points, so that you
become automatically a cat 1 team, e. g. Coast did it in the first year.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 05.08.03 schrieb John:

>Yep they sure did and look where it got them.

There was another problem with coast. The boss of the company coast wanted
to do everything himself, but had no experience in cycling and in the end
the team was destroyed.

But don't forget Once won't be there next year and some other sponsors
said that they won't engage in cycling sports anymore. If you wan't to set
up your own time, there is a good chande in 2004 :-)

[Stefan Drüke]

am 05.08.03 schrieb John:

>Yep they sure did and look where it got them.

There was another problem with coast. The boss of the company coast wanted
to do everything himself, but had no experience in cycling and in the end
the team was destroyed.

But don't forget Once won't be there next year and some other sponsors
said that they won't engage in cycling sports anymore. If you wan't to set
up your own time, there is a good chande in 2004 :-)

[John Staines]

Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
cycling.

Stefan Dr=FCke wrote:
> =

> am 05.08.03 schrieb John:
> =

> >Yep they sure did and look where it got them.
> =

> There was another problem with coast. The boss of the company coast wan=
ted
> to do everything himself, but had no experience in cycling and in the e=
nd
> the team was destroyed.
> =

> But don't forget Once won't be there next year and some other sponsors
> said that they won't engage in cycling sports anymore. If you wan't to =
set
> up your own time, there is a good chande in 2004 :-)

[John Staines]

Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
cycling.

Stefan Dr=FCke wrote:
> =

> am 05.08.03 schrieb John:
> =

> >Yep they sure did and look where it got them.
> =

> There was another problem with coast. The boss of the company coast wan=
ted
> to do everything himself, but had no experience in cycling and in the e=
nd
> the team was destroyed.
> =

> But don't forget Once won't be there next year and some other sponsors
> said that they won't engage in cycling sports anymore. If you wan't to =
set
> up your own time, there is a good chande in 2004 :-)

[John Staines]

Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?

Whats worrying for me is that alot of the sponsors that are pulling out
are the bigger names and who have been in cycling for extended amounts
of time.

Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
making compete for the few dollars out there.



Gary K wrote:
>
> Sponsors quit every year, most of them plan for a fixed number of years
> anyways. It was all doom and gloom when cyclings biggest sponsor, Mapei
> called it quits last year. Others are always found or 2nd division teams
> move up. No big deal. The peloton rolls on..
>
> John Staines > wrote:
>
> > Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
> > many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
> > cycling.

[John Staines]

Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?

Whats worrying for me is that alot of the sponsors that are pulling out
are the bigger names and who have been in cycling for extended amounts
of time.

Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
making compete for the few dollars out there.



Gary K wrote:
>
> Sponsors quit every year, most of them plan for a fixed number of years
> anyways. It was all doom and gloom when cyclings biggest sponsor, Mapei
> called it quits last year. Others are always found or 2nd division teams
> move up. No big deal. The peloton rolls on..
>
> John Staines > wrote:
>
> > Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
> > many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
> > cycling.

[John Staines]

sorry for typo's should have been "making them all"

John Staines wrote:
>
> Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
> and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
> they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?
>
> Whats worrying for me is that alot of the sponsors that are pulling out
> are the bigger names and who have been in cycling for extended amounts
> of time.
>
> Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
> making compete for the few dollars out there.
>
>
>
> Gary K wrote:
> >
> > Sponsors quit every year, most of them plan for a fixed number of years
> > anyways. It was all doom and gloom when cyclings biggest sponsor, Mapei
> > called it quits last year. Others are always found or 2nd division teams
> > move up. No big deal. The peloton rolls on..
> >
> > John Staines > wrote:
> >
> > > Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
> > > many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
> > > cycling.

[John Staines]

sorry for typo's should have been "making them all"

John Staines wrote:
>
> Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
> and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
> they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?
>
> Whats worrying for me is that alot of the sponsors that are pulling out
> are the bigger names and who have been in cycling for extended amounts
> of time.
>
> Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
> making compete for the few dollars out there.
>
>
>
> Gary K wrote:
> >
> > Sponsors quit every year, most of them plan for a fixed number of years
> > anyways. It was all doom and gloom when cyclings biggest sponsor, Mapei
> > called it quits last year. Others are always found or 2nd division teams
> > move up. No big deal. The peloton rolls on..
> >
> > John Staines > wrote:
> >
> > > Yeah Banesto are reportedly also calling it quits. It's worrying that so
> > > many sponsors are deciding not to continue there connection with
> > > cycling.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 08.08.03 schrieb John:

>Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
>and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
>they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?

That's right. Bicanci is still looking for a second sponsor. For this year
the have enough Euros, but they are not sure what'll happen next years.

>Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
>making compete for the few dollars out there.

Most roadcycling races are in Europe and in that case, I think primarly
european companies schould be interested in sponsoring a cycling team.
Okay there is US Postal from USA.

Once and IBanesto won't be sponsors next year. That both were spanish
sponsor. There will be no big team from spain next year - it looks like
that at moment.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 08.08.03 schrieb John:

>Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
>and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will
>they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?

That's right. Bicanci is still looking for a second sponsor. For this year
the have enough Euros, but they are not sure what'll happen next years.

>Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is
>making compete for the few dollars out there.

Most roadcycling races are in Europe and in that case, I think primarly
european companies schould be interested in sponsoring a cycling team.
Okay there is US Postal from USA.

Once and IBanesto won't be sponsors next year. That both were spanish
sponsor. There will be no big team from spain next year - it looks like
that at moment.

[John Staines]

It's funny you should mention Bianchi because there have been some
reports that they are having some financial troubles. They have of
course denied it as Coast did countless times before. As they say "where
there's smoke there's fire".....Fingers crossed that this isn't the
case.

It's worrying when Once and iBanesto decide to leave
cycling....especially in the current climate but I thought Euskaltel
Euskadi were a Spanish Team, no? Sadly their promising cyclist Mayo
would seem to be heading for greener pastures.....Oh and there's
Kelme......I know they are considered a small budget team hence the
reason they struggle to keep hold of the talent they continuely find.

Cheers

John =


Stefan Dr=FCke wrote:
> =

> am 08.08.03 schrieb John:
> =

> >Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
> >and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will=

> >they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?
> =

> That's right. Bicanci is still looking for a second sponsor. For this y=
ear
> the have enough Euros, but they are not sure what'll happen next years.=

> =

> >Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is=

> >making compete for the few dollars out there.
> =

> Most roadcycling races are in Europe and in that case, I think primarly=

> european companies schould be interested in sponsoring a cycling team.
> Okay there is US Postal from USA.
> =

> Once and IBanesto won't be sponsors next year. That both were spanish
> sponsor. There will be no big team from spain next year - it looks like=

> that at moment.

[John Staines]

It's funny you should mention Bianchi because there have been some
reports that they are having some financial troubles. They have of
course denied it as Coast did countless times before. As they say "where
there's smoke there's fire".....Fingers crossed that this isn't the
case.

It's worrying when Once and iBanesto decide to leave
cycling....especially in the current climate but I thought Euskaltel
Euskadi were a Spanish Team, no? Sadly their promising cyclist Mayo
would seem to be heading for greener pastures.....Oh and there's
Kelme......I know they are considered a small budget team hence the
reason they struggle to keep hold of the talent they continuely find.

Cheers

John =


Stefan Dr=FCke wrote:
> =

> am 08.08.03 schrieb John:
> =

> >Yeah Gary....but all reports state that sponsorship is getting harder
> >and harder to find. I agree that other sponsors will be found but will=

> >they be able to chip in with the big $$$ required?
> =

> That's right. Bicanci is still looking for a second sponsor. For this y=
ear
> the have enough Euros, but they are not sure what'll happen next years.=

> =

> >Sport in general is suffering from the lack of sponsorship and this is=

> >making compete for the few dollars out there.
> =

> Most roadcycling races are in Europe and in that case, I think primarly=

> european companies schould be interested in sponsoring a cycling team.
> Okay there is US Postal from USA.
> =

> Once and IBanesto won't be sponsors next year. That both were spanish
> sponsor. There will be no big team from spain next year - it looks like=

> that at moment.

[John Staines]

Doesn't Australia have some connection with I-Team Nova? They joined up
with a Belgian team?

Cheers

John

SH wrote:
>
> It could be a better idea for a large Aussie sponsor to assist an existing
> team that is already looking after Aussies. Quickstep for instance already
> has an association with the NSW institute of sport and has help in the
> devlopment of Aussie riders
> The Fosters/Quickstep team sounds good to me.
> "cc" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> > to send a team to the TDF.
> >
> > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> > --
> > | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
> >

--


John Staines
Acquisition Department Phone: +61 8 8303 5347
Barr Smith Library Fax: +61 8 8303 4369
University of Adelaide
South Australia
5005

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[John Staines]

Doesn't Australia have some connection with I-Team Nova? They joined up
with a Belgian team?

Cheers

John

SH wrote:
>
> It could be a better idea for a large Aussie sponsor to assist an existing
> team that is already looking after Aussies. Quickstep for instance already
> has an association with the NSW institute of sport and has help in the
> devlopment of Aussie riders
> The Fosters/Quickstep team sounds good to me.
> "cc" > wrote in message
> ...
> > Was wondering what sort of ball park figure it'd cost
> > to send a team to the TDF.
> >
> > I mean if an Australian company were to send a team,
> > (I'm sure someone like TLS or BHP or Fosters could afford to),
> > the exposure would be massive, given that it'd be the only
> > Oz team. that is assuming u can get the top Oz riders...
> > --
> > | Shin: a device for finding furniture in the dark.
> >

--


John Staines
Acquisition Department Phone: +61 8 8303 5347
Barr Smith Library Fax: +61 8 8303 4369
University of Adelaide
South Australia
5005

Email:

CRICOS Provider Number 00123M
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[Stefan Drüke]

am 11.08.03 schrieb John:

>It's funny you should mention Bianchi because there have been some
>reports that they are having some financial troubles. They have of
>course denied it as Coast did countless times before. As they say "where
>there's smoke there's fire".....Fingers crossed that this isn't the
>case.

Everone knows that Bicanci needs further sponsor, otherwise they will have
problems next year. Only for 2003 Binanci gave the money alone.

>It's worrying when Once and iBanesto decide to leave
>cycling....especially in the current climate but I thought Euskaltel

Its a Basque team. The Basquenland is a region in France and spain. But
the people see it as thier basquian team - not as a spanish team. And this
time don't belong to the "big players" like Once or iBanesto.

[Stefan Drüke]

am 11.08.03 schrieb John:

>It's funny you should mention Bianchi because there have been some
>reports that they are having some financial troubles. They have of
>course denied it as Coast did countless times before. As they say "where
>there's smoke there's fire".....Fingers crossed that this isn't the
>case.

Everone knows that Bicanci needs further sponsor, otherwise they will have
problems next year. Only for 2003 Binanci gave the money alone.

>It's worrying when Once and iBanesto decide to leave
>cycling....especially in the current climate but I thought Euskaltel

Its a Basque team. The Basquenland is a region in France and spain. But
the people see it as thier basquian team - not as a spanish team. And this
time don't belong to the "big players" like Once or iBanesto.