Although not at the same level as your list might warrant, I would say that Quinn Simmons in need of a reboot. He also has been hampered with injuries and illness this year. Lidl-Trek now via new signings have a wider list of rider options for the races which suite QS this next year. Quinn needs to perform as to stay relevant and going to the more prestigious races.
Be interesting to see what happens with Pidcock. Undeniable talent, but a bit of a d!ck, apparently. If he’s Ineos’ GC hope now, will others work for him the way they worked for G (who is well-liked, apparently)
I thought about it, but, and this might sound a little kooky, I'm not sure it actually matters. Everyone always has a valid reason for underperforming, very rarely do riders just simply start trying less hard, so, in the aggregate, the only thing that matters is turning things around.
The WorldTour is full of insanely talented riders who got on a bad streak of luck and never recovered to achieve their full potential. This is usually how mid-pack riders are created since everyone is a genetic freak at that level.
Quinn "MAGA" Simmons may get nominated for "Sports tsar" in the tRump administration, so he might not be available for cycling competition during the 2025 season
I feel a little uncomfortable speculating on the political views of early-20 something riders, especially since that is an age where you can have somewhat extreme beliefs that change quite quickly.
Having said that, I would say that any American who decides to take the extremely difficult task of moving to a European country and learning the language probably isn't an America-First believer.
Although not at the same level as your list might warrant, I would say that Quinn Simmons in need of a reboot. He also has been hampered with injuries and illness this year. Lidl-Trek now via new signings have a wider list of rider options for the races which suite QS this next year. Quinn needs to perform as to stay relevant and going to the more prestigious races.
Be interesting to see what happens with Pidcock. Undeniable talent, but a bit of a d!ck, apparently. If he’s Ineos’ GC hope now, will others work for him the way they worked for G (who is well-liked, apparently)
This would be a lot more informative if you included information on why these people underperformed, specifically illnesses and injuries.
I thought about it, but, and this might sound a little kooky, I'm not sure it actually matters. Everyone always has a valid reason for underperforming, very rarely do riders just simply start trying less hard, so, in the aggregate, the only thing that matters is turning things around.
The WorldTour is full of insanely talented riders who got on a bad streak of luck and never recovered to achieve their full potential. This is usually how mid-pack riders are created since everyone is a genetic freak at that level.
Great analysis, Spencer. Thank you.
Quinn "MAGA" Simmons may get nominated for "Sports tsar" in the tRump administration, so he might not be available for cycling competition during the 2025 season
He looked really good in the UCI WRRC, but man, I have a hard time cheering for him. Is Matteo similarly inclined? Idaho not a liberal hot bed.
I feel a little uncomfortable speculating on the political views of early-20 something riders, especially since that is an age where you can have somewhat extreme beliefs that change quite quickly.
Having said that, I would say that any American who decides to take the extremely difficult task of moving to a European country and learning the language probably isn't an America-First believer.
Let's please keep this civil.