You might remember the suggestions on The Inner Ring that new Aussie team Green Edge Cycling might have been resorting to the use of secret pre-contracts with riders. Time for an update.
I’ve been in contact with the team’s backers and this has been denied in clear terms. But in public the riders linked to the story have not given total denials, instead making pledges to race full speed for their team. But that could simply be an honest promise rather than word craft. Let’s assume so.
I could have approached the riders directly but frankly I don’t want to involve them. If they deny I’m not going to write they denies since that would name them and if they said yes then it would only land them in a mess where the blame would lie with the other parties to the contract. Putting them on the spot wouldn’t fix anything.
So what’s left is a cold trail, I can’t really take this any further. If any sports journalist is interested in following up the subject, don’t hesitate to get in touch. But as for now the subject gets parked.
Congrats it was a valiant effort to reveal some very questionable negotiations. I am sorry to see it die. I am guessing that at the very least your story caused some re-consideration of the plan or maybe it just pushed it further under the radar. Either way, it should put the riders who have signed such agreements on notice that they are still under contract until the end of this year. Good work!
Thanks. It was only fair to quote the team reaction and they were good enough to get back to me.
I don't know what else to do so yes, it's on hold. As I say, I didn't want to take it further as this would have put riders on the spot. They suffer enough!