Someone on another forum posits that BMC might sponsor Slipstream next year, just a rumor, but an interesting rumor.

I know that, that is why I asked it as a question. I think everyone knows that Julian Dean is a great rider, if not Thor might sit on you.

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07 Pinarello Paris Carbon
06 Trek Equinox 11
05 Trek 8500
88 Schwinn Prelude Fixie
72 Schwinn Continental
www.cougarcycling.com

If they go for an american bike company, I hope it's Cannondale. I'm not a fan of the Tarmac or Transition from Specialized. The Felt DA is ok, other than the name. But the F1 doesn't do it for me. Felt's website lists the F1 as 14.9 lbs with dura ace and cosmic carbon sl wheelset though... not too bad really (if it's accurate).

As for the team kit, I read a quote from JV saying the argyle would be back next year, but the colors would be a lot bolder.

/\ it isn't about weight with pro bikes now. It is easy to make a light bike, but it is harder to make it good.

And Dean is a great rider. Designated sprinter now?

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BMC SLC01

Visiting South West Australia? Visit Crank n' Cycles!

I think it's a weird mish-mash lineup of "let's buy who we can afford" vs. "let's sign some people who will make a successful team." Zabriskie, Backstedt, Vandevelde have all been close but no cigar for the past season. Dean looks like he could get some good wins, however, as dos Millar. It will be interesting to see how the surviving current Slipsteam riders mesh with these established players.

As for bikes, considering how , erm, bold the Astana BMC's were, I shudder to think what would happen if they became the Slipstream frame sponsor.

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some good points....

it would be bad if they booted some of the guys off the team to make room, but wouldnt that void their contract? (unless they can find a way to cancel it, or it ends soon).

I think the people that can benefit from this is possibly their junior team. If the guys on the junior team can do good they can possibly have a good shot at a soon to be pro tour team (given that they become a pro tour team). I know their juniors are very good (for example Taylor Phinney).

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They're dropping half their current roster.
I don't think anybody had contracts that extended beyond 07. Not sure exactly who they're keeping, but I *think* Taylor Tolleson is out, and I'd wager Peterson, Cozza, Frishkorn, Pate, Euser, Lewis, are staying.

As for the 5280 juniors, if Slipstream goes ProTour, they have to have a development team.

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so a pro tour team has to have a development program? i didnt know about that... whos discoverys?

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Not sure, but I think it's Marco Polo in Asia?

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How long till Taylor Phinney is racing with the big boys?

They did pick up that chinese guy from the Marco-Polo team, plus John Devine from the US U23 squad... Signed mid-way though this season and have a breakout performance at Tour de Georgia this year.

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i think hes 17 now (my age) and hes already winning a bunch of major races... so after next years racing year he'll be racing in elites (in 2009)

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Burrito power is just as good as doping!

What a lucky bastard to have such awesome genetics. Can't wait to see how he develops.

yeah... i kno, exactly i do wish i am at his level of competing.

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