"The 33"-Road Bike Racing - CSC possibly switching to SRAM?

We all know CSC/Saxo doesn't have component sponsors, instead choosing what they deem are the "best" components. Bjarne Riis has a history of being meticulous with his equipment choices. I present, then, pics of Riis riding a Cervelo with SRAM:

http://us4.pixagogo.com/S5k3!ZCYnkO4320NctFceNMwR2QJmxYUDRa9lOJWu5U79PyQghw3EUrwCVJH7aItb6aUVrVrIw-QUivSuaeU513g__/5.jpg

http://us10.pixagogo.com/S5k3!ZCYnkO42EGx0GHCzlS8hH3T9ctKQoQpmUQIpxQCMqiBMEURetzimJCWdWrEG2R0dIs-B1vyjuiqN3a1twlg__/9.jpg

If they don't have a sponsor, wouldn't the riders choose for themselves?

Yes and no.

Riders have chosen various cranks (SRM/FSA/3T) and forks (3T/Alpha Q), but the shifters and cassettes have been primarily Shimano Dura-Ace.

Sastre on a 3T fork: http://www.tdwsport.com/imagedesk/pic.php?dir=20082250&file=20082250-93931.jpg&thumb=0

Andy on an Alpha Q fork: http://www.tdwsport.com/imagedesk/pic.php?dir=20082250&file=20082250-93952.jpg&thumb=0

Yea you wouldn't want everyone to have their own choice it would be trouble for the mechanics and for spare wheels and bikes.

Wasn't there video of Riis riding SRAM before they released it a couple years ago? He rides up to the side of the team car on a training ride and is telling them about what he liked and didn't like when he f---ks up and rides into a ditch.

maybe 60 percent is trying to woo the wooable component co's into late summer schwag

I thought Cervelo set it up on one of their bikes for Riis to demo, don't know if it was anything more than him trying it out.

Unlike most teams, CSC pays for their Shimano stuff so as to not create a conflict with sponsor FSA.

So a switch to SRAM isn't outside the realm of possibility.

Riis is a complete gear head. He will probably be trying out Campagnolo Super Record too. If you get a Shimano drivetrain sponsorship, everything, down to the wheels, has to be Shimano. That's not the case with Campagnolo or Sram. Saunier run Mavic wheels, I think, and one of the French teams uses Stronglight cranks. I forget which one.

Ugh that top photo of Bjarne is technically awful, I'd be pissed.

We all know CSC/Saxo doesn't have component sponsors, instead choosing what they deem are the "best" components. Bjarne Riis has a history of being meticulous with his equipment choices. I present, then, pics of Riis riding a Cervelo with SRAM:

http://us4.pixagogo.com/S5k3!ZCYnkO4320NctFceNMwR2QJmxYUDRa9lOJWu5U79PyQghw3EUrwCVJH7aItb6aUVrVrIw-QUivSuaeU513g__/5.jpg

http://us10.pixagogo.com/S5k3!ZCYnkO42EGx0GHCzlS8hH3T9ctKQoQpmUQIpxQCMqiBMEURetzimJCWdWrEG2R0dIs-B1vyjuiqN3a1twlg__/9.jpg

Where can I find more pics of their bikes. I see they are using the new 3T bars and I am interested in buying them but cant find pics anywhere. Thanks

Where can I find more pics of their bikes. I see they are using the new 3T bars and I am interested in buying them but cant find pics anywhere. Thanks

All of them are on the 3T Rotundo (http://www.competitivecyclist.com/road-bikes/product-components/2008-3t-rotundo-pro-alloy-handlebar-4888_28_TRUE.html) Alloy bar.

Riis is a complete gear head. He will probably be trying out Campagnolo Super Record too. If you get a Shimano drivetrain sponsorship, everything, down to the wheels, has to be Shimano. That's not the case with Campagnolo or Sram. Saunier run Mavic wheels, I think, and one of the French teams uses Stronglight cranks. I forget which one.

Barloworld uses Shimano Dura Ace shifters and rear derailleur, Mavic wheels, FSA front derailleur, FSA chain, FSA cranks, FSA brakes, FSA bar and stem, FSA seatpost.

http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/tourbikes/5.html

Barloworld uses Shimano Dura Ace shifters and rear derailleur, Mavic wheels, FSA front derailleur, FSA chain, FSA cranks, FSA brakes, FSA bar and stem, FSA seatpost.

http://www.bicycling.com/tourdefrance/tourbikes/5.html

Shimano is not a sponsor. Mavic is, though.

http://www.teambarloworld.com/partners.php?l1=1&l2=3