WT team just for van der Poel?

[JoJoJo]

I just read that the good old Katusha team will be folded and the main sponsors Canyon & Alpecin leaving for the current Corendon-Circus -> the one that Mathie van der Poel represents.

So basically Russia will probably loose their WT team and van der Poel will jump into the top level with his current team taking over from Katusha -> becoming the new star of pro cycling with access to all the top races. Katusha's GM will make announcement during the first rest day. Thoughts?

[Sagan97]

(07-11-2019, 08:00 AM)JoJoJo Wrote:  I just read that the good old Katusha team will be folded and the main sponsors Canyon & Alpecin leaving for the current Corendon-Circus -> the one that Mathie van der Poel represents.

So basically Russia will probably loose their WT team and van der Poel will jump into the top level with his current team taking over from Katusha -> becoming the new star of pro cycling with access to all the top races. Katusha's GM will make announcement during the first rest day. Thoughts?

I'm super excited to see vdPoel as a WT full-timer; reminds me of the times when Peter came into pro cycling with his dominant power at such young age

[Zviedrs]

Lets see what the news will bring this week. My guess is that it will happen as written and van der Poel will get his team + WorldTour level + Katusha will be out.

[Sagan97]

Just read that Zakarin (their Russian wonderkid) is also leaving Katusha. Meanwhile the team owner Makarov himself is willing to throw in much cash in order to keep Katusha running.

[Zviedrs]

Katusha will merge with Israel Cycling Academy instead: "Katusha merger opens way to WorldTour".
ICA were very determined to get to that top level and this might be it. One of the most pleasant teams out there.

[Zviedrs]

Alright, Katjusha is now switching to womens cycling: https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/katusha-to-title-sponsor-womens-cycling-team-in-2020/