Poor Uncle Bjarne: he played an interesting card last week, announcing that the Tour of Beijing "was worthless".
Well, we all agree with that - cough, splutter, oh, that smog! - but he meant that it wasn't worth sending Contador there, as any UCI points he might win would be wasted if the UCI stood firm on their ruling that post-ban dopers can't accumulate UCI points for their team for two years after the end of their ban.
(It could also be said that it's desperately unfair for Stinkoff to allow their rider - paying Contador the compliment of assuming that he would win - to take points from other riders/teams, for whom a few extra points could make all the difference between keeping their pro-tour status next year, or losing it.)
Although the banned rider is allowed to contribute their points to the National rankings, which is a bit odd, don't you think? Why allow Spain to have an extra 290 points this year, whereas Saxo-Tinkoff banks, who are paying for the team, are denied the points? Very odd. Mind you, does anyone take any notice at all of the country rankings? No, didn't think so.
So what was Bjarne's cunning plan?
He was hoping that the Beijing organisers would put pressure on the UCI to exempt Contador from the 2-year-no-points rule, so that Stinkoff would send him, which would raise the profile of the race.
Alas, Beijing don't seem to care: the no-points-rule still stands, Contador is not going.
Nice try, Bjarne, though.
Is UCI based in Italy? Or has Pat McQuaid got italian granparents? I mean, this rule is so senseless and so typically italian... It would be sad if Saxo didn't get the World Tour license, I'm still close to some ex fellows such as Chris Anker... pity for them! (Yesterday I watched some good videos from Saxo time, and what a good time!)
ReplyDeleteWell, the unlovely Mr McQuaid is Irish.... but yes, it is a pretty senseless rule.
ReplyDeleteI can't quite bear to read through the UCI rules again, in search of a reason: if any Schlecklanders out there feel like having their souls sucked out, do please have a go. Until then, we will assume that it's just a really stupid rule.
With any luck Stinkoff will be all right, Uncle Bjarne has cleverly been buying in riders with points, and even more cleverly has not been announcing them until after the end of the season, to prevent their current teams from preventing them from getting any UCI points - Shack, this means YOU.
(You selfish B**&^$$s, poor Jakob, just because he dared to say that he was unhappy at being badly managed and having his salary not paid in full. Compare this to Team Sky, who have happily allowed Flecha to go to UCI races and win points that he will take with him when he leaves.) Grrrrr.
I know it's easy with hindsight, and I know that people like Andy had to grow up, but it is still a shame that they left Saxo Bank. I suppose if Leopard had worked out (Damn you, Becca!) then all would have been well, but as it is... well, it has not been a good season for many of our favourite riders.
Oh well, the season is nearly over, fingers crossed that next year will be better, for everyone.
Coug