Professional Cycling For the Fans - Vincenzo Nibali - where's the love?

Nibali (and Kreuziger for that matter) rode a fantastic TdF, climbed and TTd with the big guns, but seemed to be ignored completely by the French TV directors, the Versus announcers, and the crowd here. Phil and Paul, for instance, actually skipped over his name whenever reciting the list of stage winners and/or GC standings.

Am I missing something?

:twitchy:


Is this yet another plot of Lance and Johan?

He's on my To-Watch list for '10. Good Tour of California, even better TdF. Definitely a star, along with Tony Martin.

The Tour's media coverage was 95% focused on Astana ...

There seems to be a certain unwillingness to acknowledge that Liquigas has put together a formidable team for Grand Tours. Nibali and Kreuziger are two of the definite up and comers.

Vincenzo Niboli - where's the love?

ironic.

There seems to be a certain unwillingness to acknowledge that Liquigas has put together a formidable team for Grand Tours. Nibali and Kreuziger are two of the definite up and comers.

And not forgetting Pelizzoti.

Until Liquigas changes that kit, I refuse to take any rider on that team seriously.

Until Liquigas changes that kit, I refuse to take any rider on that team seriously.

http://www.uciprotour.com/Modules/SUCI/TEAMS/RiderPicture.asp?TeamId=16&RiderId=349&RefDate=31.12.1899

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vincenzo_Nibali_-_2009_Tour_of_California_(3312117428).jpg

And not forgetting Pelizzoti.

Pellizotti (note proper spelling), is very talented, but at 31 is not the spring chicken that the other two are. Basso has to be taken seriously as well.

There seems to be a certain unwillingness to acknowledge that Liquigas has put together a formidable team for Grand Tours. Nibali and Kreuziger are two of the definite up and comers.

I agree. I was very impressed with the strength of Liquigas in the Giro, and expected good things from them in Le Tour. Bobke made a couple comments about how strong they are too.

Now if they'll only learn to TTT...

:innocent:

Until Liquigas changes that kit, I refuse to take any rider on that team seriously.

Y'ole sourpuss. I like the kit. I can spot one in the peleton...

ironic.

not

if nibali & andy schleck can improve their tt ability just a bit,
they'll give contador a run for his money the next 5 years or
so. tony martin has proven he can both climb and tt but lacks
the consistency of the other two. still, he should figure
prominently in the overall equation. all four are more
exciting gt racers than the previous generation of
menchov, leipheimer, evans & kloden.

not

ironic indeed

Nibali not Niboli...talk about giving him love but you can't even spell his name correctly

Liquigas did have a nice Tour. KOM, 2 of the top 3 young riders, 2 riders in the top ten on GC. There are a lot of cycling fans out there that took note. Unfortunately, the All-Lance, All-Astana Versus coverage didn't even notice.

Niboli (and Kreuziger for that matter) rode a fantastic TdF, climbed and TTd with the big guns, but seemed to be ignored completely by the French TV directors, the Versus announcers, and the crowd here. Phil and Paul, for instance, actually skipped over his name whenever reciting the list of stage winners and/or GC standings.

Am I missing something?

:twitchy:


Is this yet another plot of Lance and Johan?

Franco Pellizotti :thumb:!

ed rader

Remember VS. is mostly going to talk about the american riders. I was paying very close attention to Niboli as he was within striking distance of the podium. I agree, he rode a great TDF.

+1 to Magee. I have a Synapse C3 and there's no f'ing way I'm wearing that kit. I hate saying their name properly. Jeez, I never realized how much lime green makes me want to hurl. :) Just playing, they're an awesome team.

Remember VS. is mostly going to talk about the american riders. I was paying very close attention to Niboli as he was within striking distance of the podium. I agree, he rode a great TDF.

+1 to Magee. I have a Synapse C3 and there's no f'ing way I'm wearing that kit. I hate saying their name properly. Jeez, I never realized how much lime green makes me want to hurl. :) Just playing, they're an awesome team.

That's to be expected, but they went way overboard this year. All-Lance, All-Astana was nauseating. Columbia, Garmin, Liquigas, Saxo Bank all had strong rides this year. But you would have thought Astana was pre-destined to sweep the podium with Lance leading the way if Contador hadn't f'd it all up for them. Sheesh.

I have to agree Orion. Funny that every segment talking about Astana always started with "Armstrong" even after Contador had the yellow jersey. I like the vs. team they make it fun but they need to find a balance. I'm sure the producers were giving them cues and there has to be a lot of teleprompting so it's already decided. I'm going through withdrawals right now as I'd normally be watching / listening to the final extended coverage show listening to Bob laugh about something silly. :) Cheers

Niboli (and Kreuziger for that matter) rode a fantastic TdF, climbed and TTd with the big guns, but seemed to be ignored completely by the French TV directors, the Versus announcers, and the crowd here. Phil and Paul, for instance, actually skipped over his name whenever reciting the list of stage winners and/or GC standings.

Am I missing something?

:twitchy:


Is this yet another plot of Lance and Johan?

Don't read too much into them not reading the name. When they have 5 names on the screen going through the standings, they almost always skip the 3rd or 4th listed. They have done this many many times, and it annoys the OCD part of me.

ironic indeed

Nibali not Niboli...talk about giving him love but you can't even spell his name correctly

http://www.electronicsweekly.com/blogs/gadget-freak/1ApplauseCard.gif

he decends like a madman.

ironic indeed

Nibali not Niboli...talk about giving him love but you can't even spell his name correctly

My bad. I looked it up somewhere to be sure, too... :o


And botto, you can't make a simple correction? Edit: Oops. I see the underline now.


This just proves that I don't have any pre-existing relationship that would make me biased.
:D

Don't read too much into them not reading the name. When they have 5 names on the screen going through the standings, they almost always skip the 3rd or 4th listed. They have done this many many times, and it annoys the OCD part of me.

I'm aware of the practice. But they did it even when he was in the second or even last position. It's like, "The first half dozen times you insult me I can take it as a joke. After that I start to take it serious."

Franco Pellizotti :thumb:!

Not to diss him by leaving him out here - Versus at least talked about him, and noticed what he was doing.

ironic indeed

Nibali not Niboli...talk about giving him love but you can't even spell his name correctly
some people don't even ask for names until they're putting their clothes back on.

He's been one of favorite riders since the 2nd stage of this years AToC...through the rain, wind, mud he caught Mancebo and would have won if the race wasn't called on the last lap. His nickname is "The Shark". Liquigas is a top tier team that don't get their due.