Until recently the overriding theme set to dominate the transfer market was Team Sky. Their previously uncertain future was expected to act as the catalyst for significant changes to rival team rosters. However, the announcement of Ineos as owner and title sponsor has taken some wind out of the market.
Transfers are still being agreed and there is a general hunt for ranking points that secure team places in the WorldTour for 2020-2022. Teams must confirm their intent to be in the WorldTour by April 1 and that means the teams towards the bottom echelons of the rankings, and the well-placed Pro Continental squads with expanding budgets, must act if they are to secure enough UCI ranking points and a place in the WorldTour.
The fact that Team Sky riders - for the most part - are not available also means that the prices for riders who are still on the market remain high due the fact that there are fewer options available.
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The GC contenders
The most high-profile GC riders on the market are Vincenzo Nibali and Nairo Quintana. Below these two are a raft of athletes including Daniel Martin, Wout Poels, Ilnur Zakarin, Esteban Chaves, Enric Mas, Davide Formolo, Louis Meintjes, Jakob Fuglsang and Mikel Landa. Each of those come with strengths and weakness, but only two from the entire list above have won Grand Tours.
Cyclingnews understands that Trek-Segafredo, Astana, Bahrain-Merida and UAE Team Emirates are all looking for potential Grand Tour winners.
Some riders such as Zakarin and Meintjes, are unlikely to move but the remaining riders have different factors determining their futures. For example, Quintana's fate will be linked to whether Landa departs. The indications are that the Spaniard has already discussed a move to Astana and that Quintana is being pursued by UAE Team Emirates and CCC Team. Movistar are already preparing for a world without both riders but will have the financial power to match any offers.
Sprinters
All-rounders
Best of the rest
Additional riders out of contract
You can read more at Cyclingnews.com
via Cyclingnews Latest Interviews and Features http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/transfer-mechanics-alaphilippe-quintana-and-nibali-drive-100-rider-market
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