justcycling.myfastforum.org

I know it's a bit early, but the rumours are starting already.

Sticky??

Cav to Sky?

Castroviejo and Nieve to Movistar? (Shame for EE)

Astana have offered Liquigas 6 million euros for Nibali. Liqui have turned it down.

Sky have been linked with a few:

Sergio Luis Henao's ('10 Vuelta a Colombia) agent said he was on the verge of signing, though the trail has gone somewhat cold.

Luke Rowe (Academy Rider; winner of the '09 & '11 ZLM Tour) has signed a pre-contract for 2012.

Andy Fenn is likely in the same boat. Currently Racing for An Post/Sean Kelly, but from what I've heard that's more like a loan deal from the Academy.

Sebastian Langeveld has allegedly signing, too.

I expect Sky to have a bit of a clear-out over the winter. I imagine a lot of the older-heads were signed on two-year contracts that are due to expire. Plus a few of the Aussie's will no doubt be off to the Australian PT team, if it ever gets off the ground.

Personally, I'd like to see some recruitment from the domestic scene, but I'm not sure if the talent's there.

Endura have a clutch of decent riders: Rob Partridge, Jack Bauer & Alex Wetterhall, being the picks, probably. But none are as good as Russ Downing, who's likely the threshold for consideration.

Wetterhall (won the Ras last year) spent a short time with Cervelo before they went under so has good pedigree, but hasn't shown much this year.

Zak Dempster (Rapha) is also up there after winning the Rutland Classic in March & has been the best rider domestically. But he's Australian, so...

Gilbert has narrowed down to 5 teams: Sky, Omega Pharma, Lotto, BMC & Quick Step

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/g...ble-teams-for-next-season-to-five

Valverde to a pro-continental squad? He'' be nowhere near as attractive to movistar if he can't win pro tour points.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/f...nds-contract-with-vacansoleil-dcm

romain feillu must have been told he's guuaranteed a place in 10 days time

2 people who won't be moving:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/k...-and-ten-dam-extend-with-rabobank

Hushovd moving?

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/e...ms-interested-in-hushovd-for-2012

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/q...d-omega-pharma-to-become-one-team

Lefevere confirms QS bid for Gilbert.

http://www.velonation.com/News/ID...p-offer-for-Philippe-Gilbert.aspx

rumours of geraint thomas leaving sky.
maybe he doesn't want to sacrifice his own opportunities to be the 5th man in a possible cavendish lead out.

for me, i really like geraint thomas. he's very much in the same making as Jens Voigt.
i will say something controversial. for me, he is the best/most rounded british rider in the peloton and if i was a directeur sportif, i'd be on the phone to his agent

BBC Sport currently saying he's just signed a new contract with Sky.

It's on CN that he's signed with Sky for 3 years!

exclusive

the agent of Geraint Thomas meets Sky for negotiations of Thomas' contract at the start village of a stage of the Tour de France

Agent: Hey Dave Brailsford, how are you doing.
DB: Yes i'm just looking at renewing Geraint Thomas
Agent: You look like a smart man. What will it take me to put your name to renewing Geraint's contract.
DB: That sticker price is a bit high and off putting
Agent: Yes but it's a very high quality rider.
DB: Yeah but at that price, it's offputting.
Agent: Well take it or leave it. Oh my god, is that Patrick Leferve coming this way. He's coming to sign this rider right now.
DB: Really?
Agent: Yes he's just heading this way
DB: Let's do a deal right here.
Agent: And there's Roberto Amadio heading right over here. I was talking to Roberto just last night and he told me to save the big one for him.
DB: If we sign right now, I'll give 10% more then the asking price.
Agent: Well let's go into the back room and make it official.

Glengeraint Glenross!