Cycling: The Bahrain – Merida team was actually founded a few years ago for Vincenzo Nibali. But now the Italian is leaving the team with some compatriots. Together with the new sponsor McLaren, the team management now has to master a change that is not so easy.
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Bahrain – Merida 2019: That was far too little
Despite 17 wins this season, 2019 from Bahrain – Merida must be described as weak. The hoped-for successes in important races in the WorldTour did not materialize. Dylan teuns won the sixth stage of the Tour de France, Vincenzo Nibali could that 20th part decide for yourself. But the big hit - playing at the top of the overall ranking - didn't materialize. The Bahrain-Merida team is only #13 in the UCI WorldTour ranking, although leader Nibali finished second in the Giro d'Italia. Pros: The Italian Sonny Colbrelli could also make a step forward, like the Ukrainian Mark Padun. Also Dylan Teuns and Matej Mohoric underlined that they are not a flash in the pan and that they can also achieve success in the years to come.
Transfers: Nibali & Dennis are irreplaceable
The fact that 2019 did not go according to plan for Bahrain – Merida can be seen in two personal details in particular. Vincenzo Nibali only celebrated one win of the season. He lost the overall victory at the Giro d'Italia through arguments with Primoz Roglic. And Rohan Dennis although he became world champion in the time trial at the end of the year, he rode equipment that was not part of the team. This is another reason why Bahrain – McLaren, as the team will be called in 2020, parted ways with their two stars. Also goes with Dominic Pozzo alive another strong and very experienced climber. The other departures are not particularly difficult. Bahrain – McLaren has signed some well-known professionals for this. With Mikel Landa from Team Movistar and Wout poels Ineos not only weakens the competition, but also strengthens its own squad for a Grand Tour. Both pros have already shown that they can finish in the top 10 even at a major national tour. Now they will be given a captaincy role in Team Bahrain – McLaren. will be there to help you in the mountains Eros Capecchi, Pello Bilbao and Rafael Valls, who are also new to the team. For the sprints Mark Cavendish obligated.
Bahrain – McLaren 2020: improvement not guaranteed
Even if the departures of Vincenzo Nibali and Rohan Dennis weigh heavily, Bahrain – McLaren has strengthened its staff for the coming season. With Mikel Landa and Wout Poels you can ride at the front of the big national tours. Strong climbers were also brought in. Purely on paper, the new squad speaks for a better season. However, this improvement is not guaranteed when we look at the consistency of the newcomers. Just at Mikel Landa we never know in what form he will take part in a tour. Wout poels will start as a captain in a major national tour for the first time. And the best times of Sprinter Mark Cavendish seem to be over. But maybe the German can Phil Bauhaus learn something from him. If the squad grows together quickly and the younger professionals develop well, the 2020 season can be a success. But everything will depend on whether the well-known newcomers deliver what they promise.
Check out the full Bahrain – McLaren squad here.
First thoughts on the new kit? 😍#TeamBahrainMcLaren @LeColUK pic.twitter.com/9BIvEMyhTn
- Team Bahrain Merida (@Bahrain_Merida) December 9, 2019