In addition to being the biggest race in cycling, the Tour de France is also the prime marketplace for pro riders. All the big teams and agents come together for the race, and the event is a superb gallery for riders to show what they can do.
As is the case each year, a number of big name riders have been linked to transfers at this time. The UCI has set an official date of August 1st, before which teams and riders are not allowed speak about moves from one squad to another, but some interesting links have already been made.
One of these is a transfer of not one but two major names to the BMC Racing Team squad of Cadel Evans. According to Procycling.no, Classics king Philippe Gilbert and current world champion Thor Hushovd are both heading to the American ProTeam for 2012.
When asked by its writers about the news, Hushovd declined to comment and said that he couldn’t speak about his plans until August 1st. His agent Alex Carera also wouldn’t confirm. “Thor concentrates on the ongoing race, and is very pleased with the Tour de France so far. His future will not be resolved until after the Tour.”
Europcar is one of many teams linked to chasing his signature. He competed in French teams for many years and hasn’t ruled out a return to a squad from that country. Hushovd is currently with the Garmin-Cervélo team, which has said it wants to speak to him about extending.
Gilbert has been rumoured to have been of interest to many teams, including Sky Procycling. Most recently Quick Step’s manager Patrick Lefevere said he wanted to bring him on board, and had made him an offer.
Meanwhile with no news on whether or not HTC Highroad has succeeded in finding a new sponsor for next season, its riders are also said to be on the market. Several weeks ago Mark Cavendish was said to have signed for Sky Procycling, something the team hasn’t denied, and now another from the team is also said to be moving. According to Velochrono, a ‘source close to the rider’ has said that Kanstantsin Siutsou has signed a two year deal with the team.
It also confirms the signature of the Italian amateur Salvatore Puccio. He won the Espoir Tour of Flanders this year, and placed fourth in the Toscana Nations Cup race.