What to expect this year
With a new sponsor on board and an extremely busy winter of comings and goings to boot, the team formerly known as RadioShack-Leopard have a very different look about them this year. However, it is a familiar name who will lead their charge for glory – in the spring, at least. Fabian Cancellara won three of the four cobbled Classics last year and with Tom Boonen (Omega Pharma-Quickstep) back from injury he is desperate to retain those titles – and his position as King of the Classics.
With an hour record also on the cards, this could be the year Spartacus secures his place in cycling immortality, but he faces a real battle with Boonen and Cannondale’s Peter Sagan if he is to do so. At Grand Tour level, Vuelta winner Chris Horner was not offered a new deal, which leaves Luxembourg’s Andy Schleck as the team’s best hope of success. Re-uinited with his brother after Frank’s return from his doping ban, Andy believes he is still capable of Tour de France success but he will need a big improvement on 2013 if he is to achieve it.
Who’s new for 2014?
Danny van Poppel (NED) from Vacansoleil-DCM, Boy van Poppel (NED) from Vacansoleil-DCM, Kristof Vandewalle (BEL) from Omega Pharma-Quickstep, Fumiyuki Beppu (JAP) from Orica-GreenEDGE, Julian Arredondo (COL) from Team Nippo-De Rosa, Riccardo Zoidl (AUT) from RC Gourmetfein Wels, Fabio Silvestre (POR) from Leopard-Trek Continental, Eugenio Alafaci (ITA) from Leopard-Trek, Jasper Stuyven (BEL) to Bontrager, Fabio Felline (ITA) to Androni Giocatolli-Venezuela, Calvin Watson (AUS) neo pro.
Who has left?
Jan Bakelants (BEL) to Omega Pharma-Quickstep, Maxime Monfort (BEL) to Lotto-Belisol, Ben Hermans (BEL) to BMC Racing, Bejamin King (USA) to Garmin-Sharp, George Bennett (NZL) to Cannondale, Tiago Machado (POR) to Team NetApp-Emdura, Chris Horner (USA) released, Tony Gallopin (FRA) to Lotto-Belisol, Nelson Oliveira (POR) to Lampre-Merida, Thomas Rohregger (AUT) retired, Andreas Kloden (GER) retired.
Riders to watch
Fabian Cancelllara – His battle with Tom Boonen in the cobbled Classics is likely to be one of the season’s defining moments. Do not miss it!
Andy Schleck – He insists a Tour de France victory is not beyond him, and his morale will certainly be lifted by the return of his brother.
Danny van Poppel – Selection for the Tour de France aged 19 last year show Vacansoleil-DCM saw some real talent in him, and Trek obviously see the same having signed him and his brother for this season.
