Tuesday's announcement of the departure of Omega Pharma stalwart, Leif Hoste, was certainly good news for Katusha, but the latest in a critical string of riders that are leaving Belgium's other top team. The list stands at three now: Mickael Delage is leaving for FdJ, while promising young sprinter Greg Van Avermaet is destined for BMC, and finally, the aging Leif Hoste is heading to Russia's superteam for 2011.
Omega Pharma team manager, Herman Frison, admitted that his team will need to do some restructuring to make up for the loss of three riders, but he isn't too worried.
"It means we will have to restructure the core of our spring around Gilbert and Roelandts a bit. It's not like the team does not function anymore though," said the 49 year old Belgian.
Frison is looking for one certain type of rider in particular: work horses.
"The additional riders should meet the profile of domestique. We already have our leader, so now we need guys who can work and ride hard. For clarity, Monfort, Nuyens, and Weylandt are not options. They do not fit the profile."
While Omega Pharma will rue the loss of three big talents, the team can count the signature of an even bigger talent: Andre Greipel. Greipel will more than make up for the loss of at least Van Avermaet, and will also bring a number of top riders with him as part of his deal. Frison is confident that these new additions will be instrumental in the Omega Pharma spring attack.
"Undoubtedly, they will be useful pawns for the big work at the Classics. In any case, we continue to scour the market."
With the ever improving Philippe Gilbert slowly ascending into the stratosphere and vying for the title of World's best Classics rider, the team that forms around Gilbert could be just as important, if not more so, than the fitness of the Walloon come April 2011. A strong, supportive cast around the Amstel Gold winner will not only be good for his chances in the Classics, but also for his satisfaction in the team. If Omega Pharma cannot supply a team worthy of Gilbert's capabilities, it won't be too long before the 2009 Giro di Lombardia winner will be looking for greener pastures.