Wherefore Damiano Cunego? Il Piccolo Principe at Career Crossroads

Damiano Cunego turned professional in 2002 and almost immediately made a huge impact despite his young age. He showed prowess as a strong one day rider capable of riding away from the best in the biggest races. Riding as a part of the powerhouse Saeco team, Cunego learned under the legendary Gilberto Simoni, as his fellow Italian taught him how to prepare for each race.

Suddenly, after only two years as a professional, Cunego broke through with his first major victory. It was at his home tour, the Giro d'Italia, where the Italian upstaged his teammate Simoni and took the overall win at the Giro. On his way to the GC title, the brash Italian also won four stages in the race. Later in the year, he won his first classic at the Giro di Lombardia. His total season tally stood at 11 victories. Suddenly, the world of Italian cycling seemed turned on its head: there was a new prince in town.

However, as quickly as he emerged as a major threat, Cunego steadily faded from the front of races beginning in 2005. That year he managed only 4 victories and was well out of contention in defending his Grio d'Italia title, where he finished in 18th place on the GC.

From 2006 through 2008 Cunego had mixed results. He added two more Giro di Lombardia titles to his palmares as well as a win at the Amstel Gold race and he placed in the top 5 overall at the Giro on two occasions, but he just didn't seem to be the dominant rider he was in 2004. Some whispered that perhaps Cunego had been a less than clean athlete in 2004 and was now feeling the burn of competing without chemical assistance.

The 2009 season was passable for Cunego, but he notched only 4 wins throughout the year, and was once again well out of contention at the Giro. Gone was his prowess in the high mountains, as Cunego was frequently dropped by the other GC contenders in the highest mountains. In fact, were it not for a late season surge at the Vuelta where he took two stages, Cunego's 2009 season was shaping up to be his worst in years.

2010 was supposed to be a big year for Cunego. He finally admitted that grand tour success was less likely and that he would begin to focus solely on one day races and stage hunting in the grand tours. It seemed as though he was primed for a year that would feature at least ten wins. Unfortunately for Cunego though, thus far 2010 has been his worst as a pro.

He has yet to win even a single race in 2010. His teammate Alessandro Petacchi has upstaged him throughout the year, and his Lampre team have not offered him a contract for 2010. With only a handful of races left in the year, Cunego is running out of time to erase the goose egg on his 2010 palmares. He'll likely ride hard at the Vuelta and will again be a favorite for the Giro di Lombardia, but if he fails to shine in either race 2010 could be the first time in his professional career that Cunego goes without a win for the entire year.

If Cunego can net a win at the Vuelta or at Lombardia, then all is forgiven for the 2010 season. His season will be remembered as underwhelming, but a monument win or a stage at a grand tour holds a lot of sway with any team manager and it will buy Cunego some credit toward negotiating his 2011 contract. If he fails to win a race between now and the end of the year though Cunego will have to take what he can get. Without a win, interest from other teams will be marginal at best.

Rumors have it that HTC has taken a look at signing Cunego, as has Garmin-Transitions and Lampre. The Goex team too has been mentioned, so the interest is clearly there. One thing is certain though: Wherever Cunego ends up in 2011, he will have to earn his spot on the team. The days of assuming he'll be the leader in a one day or stage race are gone. Only his results early in the year will assure him of more opportunities to lead in bigger races.

Many riders have changed teams and seen their career boosted by a change of scenery. Perhaps in signing with a different team Cunego will be rejuvenated. A savvy coach could be just what Cunego needs, someone capable of re-inventing a slumping rider. Jonathan Vaughters stands at the top of the list alongside Bjarne Riis, while being on HTC among so much talent could have a similar affect. Cunego must choose his 2011 team carefully, as one or two more down years could spell the end of his career. How far the prince has fallen.

Cervelo TestTeam's Transition: After Leaving Riis Cycling, Consistent Success Elusive for Gerard Vroomen's Squad

The Cervelo TestTeam, in a surprise move, decided to strike out on their own as a team and end their long standing relationship with Bjarne Riis back in 2008. They signed a multitude of strong riders, including the then reigning Tour de France champion Carlos Sastre. Other big names that signed for Cervelo included Heinrich Haussler, Thor Hushovd and Thoe Bos.

Now a full two years old, the Cervelo TestTeam has had mixed results as a separate entity. As a part of Bjarne Riis' team, the Cervelo product was front and center throughout the year at the world's biggest races. Fabian Cancellara was strong in all of the early season cobbled classics, while the Schleck brothers were strong at the hilly one days classics and grand tours. All in all, the Cervelo partnership with Riis could be considered only as a smashing success.

As they struck out on their own for the 2009 season though, things went good, but not great for Gerard Vroomen's new team. The season started well with early wins at the Omloop Het Niewsblad, and a near miss by Haussler at Milan-San Remo saw the Cervelo team as a new force in the world of cycling. At the Tour in July Hushovd narrowly edged out Mark Cavendish for the green jersey, but GC leader Carlos Sastre deflated, finishing only 17th overall.

2010 meanwhile has been far more subdued for the Swiss-registered team. Both Hushovd's and Haussler's early season campaigns were derailed by sickness and injury, and until the Giro the Cervelo team was not heard from at the top of the results sheet. Sastre, despite a tough crash rode strong at the Giro to finish in the top 10 overall, but again the Spaniard faltered at the Tour, finishing out of the top 20 overall. Add to that the fact that Hushovd couldn't hold off a resurgant Alessandro Petacchi for the green jersey, and Cervelo's 2010 Tour campaign was officially underwhelming.

All of this begs the question: Would it have been a better decision for Gerard Vroomen to have stuck with Bjarne Riis as his partner? The 2010 results sheet would suggest yes. While Cervelo had a tough 2010 year, Riis' squad was among the best teams in the world. Fabian Cancellara, above the crowd in the early season, took three major spring classics (Flanders, E3, Paris-Roubaix). Matti Breschel, ever improving under Riis' tutelage, added the Dwars door Vlaanderen semi-classic, and Frank Schleck added the Tour de Swiss overall title. A stage win at the Giro primed the pumps for a Tour assault in July, where Andy Schleck missed out on winning the overall due to a badly timed mechanical. Schleck finished second overall and spent time in the yellow jersey while Cancellara won two stages and wore the yellow jersey as well.

By the end of the Tour, it was clear that Riis once again had his riders ready to dominate the world's biggest bike race. Cervelo TestTeam meanwhile were not heard from in the overall picture and Hushovd's near miss for the green jersey was the only real highlight for the team.

As the Tour ended and the transfer season heated up, Riis watched both of the Schlecks announce that they were leaving Riis Cycling. It seemed for a few days that Riis was in dire straights, but as usual the stoic Dane had an ace up his sleeve. Alberto Contador, fresh off his narrow Tour win, announced that he had signed with Riis for the 2011 season. Back in business, suddenly Riis once again is in the driver's seat for the upcoming season . . . and beyond.

The Cervelo team meanwhile did not offer a new contract to Sastre and the Spaniard has taken his services elsewhere, signing on as the GC leader for the Goex team (formerly Footon-Servetto). For the 2011 season, the team will have to rely heavily on Hushovd and Haussler for early season success. Then, in the grand tours, the team will probably have to search for stage wins and the green jersey instead of the GC, as they don't have any legitimate GC riders left on the team.

Although the Cervelo TestTeam are still a strong squad capable of good things in 2011, undoubtedly they are less powerful than when they were a part of Riis cycling. Often times it looks easier than it really is to be among the greatest, and Riis proves this fact year in and year out. It will be very interesting to see how the Schleck brothers fair in 2011 without Riis' guidance. Ditto for Jakob Fuglsang, Matti Breschel and Jens Voigt. Riis Cycling meanwhile rolls on, primed for another banner year in 2011.

A Matter of Time: Tyler Farrar a Future Green Jersey Winner at the Tour de France

Tyler Farrar got back on track today, taking the Vattenfall Classic race for the second year in a row. He is the only two time winner of the event in the history of the 15 year race. Farrar has had a good season thus far, taking two stage wins at this year's Giro d'Italia as well as an impressive 5th place at the Tour of Flanders. Unfortunately for the American, he crashed hard early on at the Tour de France and was unable to properly contest the sprints on the flatter stages.

Farrar had come into the Tour as a favorite for at least one stage win and the points jersey, but his crash doomed his chances for success at the biggest race in the world. However, like most top-flight cyclists, he has been able to bounce back quickly and his win at Vattenfall speaks to his status as one of the best sprinters in the world. Without a doubt he will one day wear the green jersey at the Tour as best sprinter. In fact, he'll probably win the classification more than once before his career is over.

Due to his crash at the Tour, it is easy to forget that Farrar was poised to likely take his first stage win at the French race for his Garmin-Transitions team. He'll once again have to wait for another shot at taking his first Tour stage in 2011, but with the remainder of 2010 still on the horizon, he could still hope for a big showing at the Vuelta a Espana and then perhaps the world championships in Geelong, Australia.

In missing the Tour, Farrar will be fresh for the Vuelta, where he'll likely get a chance to contend for both stage wins and the points competition. He will probably have some serious competition to contend against as many of the top sprinters will be gearing up for the world championships, but seeing him take a few stage wins in the Veulta is not beyond the realm of possibility.

As for his chances at world's Farrar has as good a shot as any other American at taking the rainbow bands. Many riders and national coaches have said that the world's parcours are tougher than they seem on paper, but that shouldn't scare Farrar. He is built in the mold of a rider like Oscar Freire, Matti Breschel or Bernard Eisel, that of a strong sprinter capable of dealing with moderate climbs. The Geelong course features a stiff ascent on each of the finishing circuits, and if Farrar can maintain contact with the front of the race, he should be one of the stronger riders in the small finishing group. One thing is for sure: If Mark Cavendish has hopes of winning this year's rainbow jersey, Farrar can have similar hopes.

Finally one note about my lack of posts. I know I don't have a ton of readers, but those that do follow me often please know that I have been very busy prepping for impending fatherhood. When you have a blog that is a labor of love, it sometimes must take a back seat to more important issues like family. I still have many opinions and observations regarding the world of cycling, but am finding less time to express them. I'll hope to get things back on track sooner rather than later. As usual, thanks for reading, thanks for your comments and most of all thanks for sticking with Euro Peloton.

Outside the System: Going Sometimes Tough for Riders Seeking Glory On New Teams

You see it every season in cycling. Riders coming off a successful year decide to sign with new teams in hopes of having the chance to be leaders in more races for the following season. Money and power are always going to be big temptations for athletes looking to leave their mark on their sport, and so the desire to switch to a different team is understandable. But does it usually end up working out or do we more often see riders flame out on their new teams.

In 2009, HTC-Columbia saw many of their top riders sign with rival teams. Thomas Lovqvist and Edvald Boasson Hagen both signed with the Sky team for the 2010 season, but neither rider had a particularly great season. Lovqvist, after having won the Monte Paschi Eroica in 2009, switched to Sky and failed to win even one race this year. Boasson Hagen meanwhile had a decent early season, but injuries derailed the meat of his 2010 after having had an amazing 2009 season.

There are several riders striking out on their own for 2011 that are all talented, but whether they'll enjoy the same success on their new teams that they did with their old ones is yet to be known.

First on the list of riders are the Schleck brothers, who leave Bjarne Riis to start their own team for 2011. Both of the Schleck brothers had excellent results as a part of the CSC/Saxo squad, and whether they'll be able to replicate their past success on a new team is any one's guess. Add to the problem that Alberto Contador is now a part of Riis' stable and the Schlecks have their work cut out for them.

Also striking out on his own is Andre "Gorrilla" Greipel. The German, tired of playing second fiddle to Mark Cavendish on the HTC-Columbia team, joins the beleaguered Belgian Lotto team, hoping for a chance to win stages at all of the grand tours. Greipel once again had enjoyed a successful season as a part of HTC, but he wants all of the spotlight, not just some of it. He joins a Lotto team that has not had a top-flight sprinter in their midst since Robbie McEwen. Greipel may find the going rougher as a part of Lotto, but of all the riders who found new teams to ride for, his move seems the most justified.

Matti Breschel, formerly of Saxo Bank, inked a deal with Rabobank this week for 2011 and beyond, and the young 25 year old will join only his second team of his pro career, having ridden exclusively for Riis six years. Now, Breschel will be called on for top placings in the cobbled classics and as a second option beside Oscar Freire in the sprints. Will he be up to the challenge? Or will he go the way of Nick Nuyens, signing with Rabobank and then becoming increasingly irrelevant as the seasons progress?

Roman Kreuziger too is searching for sole leadership duties, and the promising 24 year old Chech heads to Astana where he'll be the stage race leader. A huge move for Kreuziger, his switch to Astana mirrors that of a young Alejandro Valverde in 2005, then 25 years old, who penned a deal with Illes Balears-Banesto (now known as Caisse d'Epargne) and became the face of a franchise for the next five years. Providing he continues to progress, Kreuziger could very well have found his home for the next 5+ years as well. A brash move for the youngster, joining Astana will give him his chance to lead, but it will also bring huge pressure to perform as the Kazakh squad has few options for stage races. Sure Vino is around for another season, but it would be hard to believe he could manage a podium at a grand tour at the age of 37.

There will surely be more riders making the jump to new teams for 2011 and how each fares may largely depend on the pressure they are asked to bear in their new environment. Some riders rise to the challenge of leadership, while others crumble. And if the team management is weak, as is the case at Rabobank, Lotto and other teams, riders could actually regress in leader roles. Hopefully for the riders above that won't be the case in 2011.

Riis Signs Alberto Contador, Already Talking About Grand Slam

So Bjarne Riis announced today officially that Alberto Contador will ride for him the next two years at least. The Spaniard jumps ship from Astana and joins one of the brightest minds in cycling in Bjarne Riis. Riis meanwhile, ever steady, watched the Schleck brothers leave to make their own team in 2011. All in all, the swap was a good one for the Dane, as he once again has an excellent stage race leader to refine into one of the best of all time.

Already Riis has begun the big talk, namely around the possibility of Contador winning all three grand tours in the same year, the cycling grand slam. This has never been done before, but leave it to Riis to set the bar high for the only rider today capable of even trying such a feat. It is however audacious of Riis to even entertain the idea this early in their collaboration. The Saxo Bank team will drastically change in the coming months and humongous expectations for Contador or the team should be left alone until the dust settles on the Saxo roster.

Some of Saxo's most trusted workhorses are rumored to be following the Schleck brothers to their new team. Jens Voigt has been mentioned, as has Stuey O'Grady. Both Voigt and O'Grady have been worth their weight in gold for Riis over the years, but their departure may not hurt the Saxo team as much as it would seem.

While some of their talent surely will leave, Riis' team will be more than fine for the 2011 season considering those riders they already have under contract for 2011. Richie Porte will ride for Riis in 2011, as will Jakob Fuglsang, the talented climbing domestique. Contador meanwhile will likely bring along some of his Spanish teammates from Astana, rounding out the Saxo grand tour squad. All in all, the make up of the Saxo team will be as good or better than the 2010 version.

In signing Contador, Riis has likely changed the course of cycling for the next few years. Fabian Cancellara will lead the team in the spring classics, while Contador will spearhead their efforst in the grand tours. With emerging stars like Porte and Fuglsang, Saxo has weapons to deploy for the shorter stage races as well. The only thing the squad is truly missing is a hilly classic specialist. Perhaps Riis will reach out to Damiano Cunego for Saxo captainship in the hilly classics? Likely not, but if anyone can turn a now foundering Cunego around, it is Riis.

For Contador meanwhile the move was the right one because he'll now be assured of having the best equipment, team and management around him for the prime of his career. Riis will surely elevate Contador to another level, and the Spaniard will be harder than ever to beat in the grand tours. Wherever Andy Schleck is, he better hope he has all his ducks in a rwo for his new team. If not, he could find himself dominated at next year's Tour.