All of your cycling news – December 8, 2009

December 8th, 2009 by Al Fresco View Comments

In today’s news, Allen Lim will be poking and probing Lance Armstrong and Levi Leipheimer, Milram in sponsor hunt, Fly V Australia on De Rosa and more…

Garmin team physiologist Allen Lim is making a move to Team Radio Shack for 2010. He cites the “opportunities and challenges” that the move presents as part of the attraction, but it was also a move that will involve less travel as well. Lin had been with Slipstream Sports, the managing company for Garmin, since its inception in 2005.
Vincenzo Nibali has denied rumors that place him at Omega Pharma-Lotto for 2010. He confirmed that he was approached by Team Sky, but he intends to fulfill the last year of his contract with Liquigas, before eventually running for a foreign team in 2011.
Yesterday, Milram announced that they’ll use biodegradable bottles. Today, Francaise des Jeux said that they’ll be using an organic jersey in 2010.
Milram will be looking for a new sponsor after next season. Nordmilch AG, who owns the Milram brand will withdraw their supprt. Team manager Gerry van Gerwen says that the team will do everything in their power to find a new sponsor and hopes that the team can remain German, saying “I’m not very nervous about this quest.” Milram is currently the only German Pro Tour team in the peloton.
Serge Pauwels has been to Team Sky’s first training camp and says that the team is “hyper professional”. He looks forward to a new role as a team leader and is hoping that the team gets a wildcard invitation to the Tour de France.
Thomas Lövkvist is new with Sky as well. He thinks that the team will get into the Tour and expects to take the early part of his season a little easier, skipping the Tour of Californian and investing a little less effort at Tirreno-Adriatico.
Citing frustration with the UCI points system, bureaucratic requirements and high costs, the owners of US Cup MTB Event Management have announced their intention to withdraw as organizers of the 2010 Pro XCT series. (VN)
The International Olympic Committee is expected to announce their decision on track events this week. They are considering recommendations from the UCI that would eliminate individual pursuit as well as the points race and Madison.
Phillipe Gilbert has received a rider of the year award from international cycling journalists. The honor is for ethics and performance, but especially for accessibility to the press.
No retirement for Pereiro. Astana announced today that he has signed a one year contract and with the team, ending a battle of contract breaches and threatened retirement.
Fly V Australia will ride De Rosas in 2010. Equipment will include the new King 3RS and Merak frames as well as the classic Neo Pro and the Formula Crono. The bikes will be set up with SRAM Red and Force group sets.