Simon Geschke and Marcel Kittel not content with Oleg Tinkov’s comments
The racing season might be over, however the race for the WorldTour licence has gained much attention, as the tussle between Team Argos-Shimano and Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff bank goes on.
One out of the two mentioned teams will be allowed to enjoy the top level of the sport and Team Saxo-Tinkoff’s backer, Oleg Tinkov’s previous comments sparks controversy between the two sides.
Oleg stated that he Alberto Contador, is the best stage race cyclist in the world and he rides for the Danish side, whereas there are no big names in Team Argos-Shimano line-up.
Tinkov also stated that there is a need to change the UCI WorldTour licensing system and some new rules should be implemented.
“Alberto Contador is a superstar, the best racer in the world, and I can't even remember the names of whoever Argos-Shimano have in their squad," Tinkov said to RIA Novosti.
He further added that, "It's absolutely, obviously, a crazy situation. Personally, it's difficult for me to imagine a situation where we don't receive a licence".
Team Argos-Shimano cyclists, Marcel Kittel and Simon Geschke certainly were not happy by the comments made by Tinkov and responded through their Twitter feed.
Kittel noted, "Olé Oleg! Nice interview. You're right: why should cycling need credibility and rules?!”
Simon Geschke’s reply was even more expressive, "Well, i don't know Oleg Tinkoff either, seems to be no superstar..."
Marcel Kittel had an outstanding season with multiple stage victories at the Ster ZLM Toer, Tour of Oman, Eneco Tour and the Tour de I’ Eurometropole throughout the year.
He also managed to claim first place finishes at the Scheldeprijs, Omloop van het Houtland and the Münsterland Giro along with a stage each at the Etoile de Besseges and the Three Days of De Panne 2012.
Team Saxo-Tinkoff had to ride most of the season without their star rider, Alberto Contador after he faced doping suspension and it could not benefit from his UCI points.
Even after his return, an overall victory at the Vuelta a Espana and his other performances to earn 290 UCI points could not do any good to the team, because of the UCI law stating that the points earned by a cyclist returning from a doping ban will not
add towards the team’s total for a period of two years.
UCI will release the list of final teams to enjoy a World Tour status on December 10th, 2012 which will bring an end to this argument.
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