2011 Geox–TMC season

2011 Geox–TMC season Manager Mauro Gianetti One-day victories 1 Stage race overall victories 1 Stage race stage victories 3 Previous season The 2011 season for the GEO 2011 cycling team, its last, began in February at the Gran Premio della Costa Etruschi and ended in October at the Tour of Hainan. With new financial backers and a greatly improved roster over their meager 2010 season, the team had hoped to retain UCI ProTeam status in the offseason. Instead, they rode as a UCI Professional Continental team, meaning that they had to be selected by the organizers of any UCI World Tour event if they were to compete. This included each of the season's Grand Tours. The team's manager and license-holder was former Liège–Bastogne–Liège winner Mauro Gianetti. Though both Geox and TMC expressed desire to replace him with former MAP manager Álvaro Crespi, since the team did not attain ProTeam status, nothing came of this during the season. Crespi held an official role with the team as a consultant.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gianetti-denies-problems-with-geox-and-tmc Gianetti denies problems with Geox and TMC Stephen Farrand 23 December 2010 26 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited For the second successive year, the team's roster was drastically changed, though in contrast to 2010, many top-level riders joined the team for 2011, including Denis Menchov and Carlos Sastre, who between them had won all of cycling's Grand Tours. The 2011 season added another Grand Tour winner to the team's stable, as Juan José Cobo was the surprise winner of the Vuelta a España. The overall, a stage, and three classifications at the Vuelta provided for the vast majority of Geox-TMC's victories in 2011, as they had not won any race prior to the Vuelta for two months, and only one in the preceding four months. Neither Menchov nor Sastre had any wins in 2011. Geox withdrew sponsorship after the 2011 season, later paving the way for the team to collapse.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/geox-gives-up-hope-of-new-sponsor Geox gives up hope of new sponsor 7 December 2011 26 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011 roster Ages as of January 1, 2011. Tomas Alberio ITA 2011 1 1 1989 3 13 Mauricio Ardila COL 2011 1 1 1979 5 12 David Blanco ESP 2011 1 1 1975 3 13 Matthias Brändle AUT 2011 1 1 1989 12 7 Giampaolo Cheula ITA 2011 1 1 1979 5 23 Juan José Cobo ESP 2011 1 1 1981 2 11 Daniele Colli ITA 2011 1 1 1982 4 19 Marco Corti ITA 2011 1 1 1986 4 2 David de la Fuente ESP 2011 1 1 1981 5 4 Fabio Duarte COL 2011 1 1 1986 6 11 Arkaitz Durán ESP 2011 1 1 1986 5 18 Fabio Felline ITA 2011 1 1 1990 3 29 Xavier Florencio ESP 2011 1 1 1979 12 26 Noè Gianetti SUI 2011 1 1 1989 10 6 Maurizio GoratoRider joined the team on August 1 as a stagiaire. ITA 2011 1 1 1987 11 10 David Gutiérrez Gutiérrez ESP 2011 1 1 1983 4 2 Dmitry Kozonchuk RUS 2011 1 1 1984 4 5 Marko Kump SLO 2011 1 1 1988 9 9 Denis Menchov RUS 2011 1 1 1978 1 25 Matteo Pelucchi ITA 2011 1 1 1989 1 21 Daniele Ratto ITA 2011 1 1 1989 10 5 Carlos Sastre ESP 2011 1 1 1975 4 22 Tino Thömel GER 2011 1 1 1988 6 6 Albert Torres ESP 2011 1 1 1990 4 26 Rafael Valls ESP 2011 1 1 1987 6 27 Marcel Wyss SUI 2011 1 1 1986 6 25 Riders who joined the team for the 2011 season Rider2010 teamTomas Alberiohttp://velonews.competitor.com/2010/10/news/hunt-appollonio-land-at-team-sky-two-more-for-geox_147855 Hunt, Appollonio land at Team Sky; two more for Geox 27 October 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Tomas Alberio joins from Trevigiani Dynamom Bottoli while Daniele Ratto moves from Carmiooro-NGC.neo-proMauricio Ardilahttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5340/Mauricio-Ardila-and-Dmitriy-Kozontchuk-follow-Denis-Menchov-to-Team-Geox.aspx Mauricio Ardila and Dmitriy Kozontchuk follow Denis Menchov to Team Geox Ben Atkins 20 August 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCRAB 2010David Blancohttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5655/Transfer-News-Geox-adds-four-more.aspx Geox adds four more Ben Atkins 13 September 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCPalmeirasJuan José Cobohttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cobo-signs-for-geox-tmc Cobo signs for Geox-TMC Barry Ryan Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 17 November 2010 13 December 2011GCE 2010Daniele Collihttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/geox-announce-four-more-signings Geox announce four more signings Peter Cossins Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 13 September 2010 13 December 2011FLM 2010David de la Fuentehttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5899/Team-Geox-TMC-signs-David-De-la-Fuente-and-confirms-Giampaolo-Cheula.aspx Team Geox-TMC signs David De la Fuente and confirms Giampaolo Cheula Ben Atkins 4 October 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCAST 2010Fabio Duartehttp://velonews.competitor.com/2010/11/news/fabio-duarte-makes-move-to-geox-team-for-2011_151362 Andrew Hood Fabio Duarte makes move to Geox team for 2011 29 November 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc.CEP 2010Xavier Florenciohttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/florencio-joins-geox-tmc-for-2011 Florencio joins Geox-TMC for 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 11 January 2011 13 December 2011CTT 2010Dmitriy KozontchukRAB 2010Marko Kumphttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/transfer-news-geox-signs-duarte-wyss-and-more Geox signs Duarte, Wyss and more Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 8 September 2010 13 December 2011ADR 2010Denis Menchovhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/menchov-signs-with-geox Menchov signs with Geox Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 19 August 2010 13 December 2011RAB 2010Matteo Pelucchineo-proDaniele RattoCMO 2010Carlos Sastrehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/carlos-sastre-signs-for-geox Carlos Sastre signs for Geox Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 16 August 2010 13 December 2011CTT 2010Marcel WyssCTT 2010 Riders who left the team during or after the 2010 season Rider2011 teamJosé Alberto Benítezhttp://www.velochrono.fr/actu/transferts-cyclisme-2010-2011/ Transferts 2010-2011 French Transfers 2010-2011 13 December 2011 Velochrono.fr VelochronoACG 2011Ermanno Capellihttp://www.team-vorarlberg.com/pro/index.php/news-reader/items/team-vorarlberg-2011-offiziell-vorgestellt.htm Team Vorarlberg 2011 offiziell vorgestellt German Andreas Richter Team Vorarlberg 2011 officially launched 13 December 2011 17 March 2011 VBG 2011 Pro-Event Cycling Sports GmbH https://web.archive.org/web/20120426050511/http://www.team-vorarlberg.com/pro/index.php/news-reader/items/team-vorarlberg-2011-offiziell-vorgestellt.htm 26 April 2012 dead dmy-allVBG 2011Manuel Cardosohttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/5435/Transfer-News-Manuel-Cardoso-heads-to-RadioShack-for-2011.aspx Manuel Cardoso heads to RadioShack for 2011 28 August 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCRSH 2011Eros Capecchihttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/liquigas-doimo-and-ag2r-announce-2011-signings Liquigas-Doimo and AG2R announce 2011 signings Barry Ryan Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 1 September 2010 13 December 2011LIQ 2011Markus Eibeggerhttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/6866/Shpilevskiy-and-Eibegger-move-to-Iranian-Continental-team.aspx Bjorn Haake Shpilevskiy and Eibegger move to Iranian Continental team 25 December 2010 13 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCTabriz Petrochemical Cycling TeamTom Faiershttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wonderful-pistachios-signs-former-footon-servetto-rider-tom-faiers Wonderful Pistachios signs former Footon-Servetto rider Tom Faiers Kirsten Frattini Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 1 March 2011 13 December 2011Team Wonderful PistachiosDavid Gutiérrez Palacioshttp://www.gara.net/paperezkoa/20110315/253846/es/David-Gutierrez-Bidelan-Kirolgi-sube-hasta-primera-plaza-Euskaldun- Spanish David Gutiérrez (Bidelan-Kirolgi) sube hasta la primera plaza del Euskaldun David Gutiérrez (Bidelan-Kirolgi) rises to the Euskaldun top spot Gara Baigorri Argitaletxea 15 March 2011 13 December 2011Bidelan-KirolgiEnrique MataNoneIban MayozNonePedro Merinohttp://www.spaziociclismo.it/?action=read&idnotizia=10258 Italian Miche-Guerciotti, ingaggiato lo spagnolo Pedro Merino Miche-Guerciotti, hired Spaniard Pedro Merino Spazio Ciclismo Network TMW 5 April 2011 13 December 2011 Tanino LugaràMIE 2011Michele MerloDER 2011Martin Pedersenhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/wagner-and-pedersen-to-luxembourg Wagner and Pedersen to Luxembourg 26 November 2010 13 December 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing LimitedLEO 2011Aitor PérezLAM 2011Johnnie Walkerhttp://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/cantwell-and-rolfe-headline-v-australia-after-pegasus-collapse_161411 Cantwell and Rolfe headline V Australia after Pegasus collapse 24 February 2011 13 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 7 September 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20110907163435/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/02/news/cantwell-and-rolfe-headline-v-australia-after-pegasus-collapse_161411 deadFly V Australia One-day races Before the spring season and the races known as classics, the team was active in the Vuelta a Mallorca series of one-day races. After the team's best rider outside the top 50 in each of the first two races, Durán featured highly in the Trofeo Inca after pulling away from the main field on the descent of the final climb of the race, the Puig Major, along with RSH 2011 rider Ben Hermans and MOV 2011's Xavier Tondo. With 5 km 1 on remaining, the trio were a minute clear of the field, and were left to fight it out for the race's honours, where Hermans won ahead of Durán and Tondo.Susan Westemeyer http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/trofeo-inca-inca-1-1/results Hermans prevails in Trofeo Inca 8 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 The following day, Cheula was part of a five-man breakaway in the Trofeo Deià that remained out front for 75 km 1 on, but ultimately the race came down to a sprint for victory, which was claimed by MOV 2011 yes's José Joaquín Rojas. Cobo was the best of the team's riders, as he finished in third place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/trofeo-deia-1-1/results Rojas roars to victory on Mallorca 9 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 Ratto finished tenth in the Gran Premio dell'Insubria-Lugano at the end of February,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gran-premio-regio-insubrica-1-1/results Visconti powers to GP Insubrica victory 26 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 before Duarte finished second the next day, in the Gran Premio di Lugano.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/65th-gp-di-lugano-1-1/results Basso prevails in GP di Lugano 27 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 Spring classics Neo-pro Pelucchi took the team's first – and ultimately, only single-day – win at the Clásica de Almería in late February, coming home first in a full field sprint.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/clasica-de-almeria-1-1-1/results Pelucchi takes Clasica de Almeria victory 2011-02-27 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-02-28 In April, Ardila finished tenth in Klasika Primavera,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/57th-klasika-primavera-de-amorebieta-1-1/results Hivert takes sprint from select group Alex Hinds 11 April 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 while Ratto finished second to BEF 2011 rider Santiago Pérez in the Gran Premio de Llodio, and Ardila also finished inside the top ten.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gran-premio-llodio-1-1/results Santi Perez wins GP Llodio 23 April 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 The team also had two riders place within the top six of the following day's race, the Vuelta a La Rioja, as Ratto finished fifth and Felline sixth, within a field of around 20 riders, eight seconds down on race-winner Imanol Erviti for the MOV 2011 yes.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-ciclista-a-la-rioja-1-1-1/results Erviti bests Suarez for Rioja win 24 April 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 26 December 2011 Ratto completed the team's first half of single-day races with eighth place in June's Giro di Toscana.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-della-toscana-2011/results Dan Martin takes Tuscan triumph 19 June 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 The team also sent squads to the Gran Premio della Costa Etruschi, Trofeo Palma, Trofeo Cala Millor, Trofeo Palmanova, Montepaschi Strade Bianche, Milan–San Remo, the GP Miguel Indurain and the Philadelphia International Championship, but placed no higher than 13th in any of these races. Fall races In a full field sprint at the end of July's Gran Premio Nobili Rubinetterie – Coppa Città di Stresa, Colli was the team's best placed finisher, taking eighth place on the line.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-nobili-rubinetterie-coppa-papa-carlo-2011/results Viviani takes sprint victory 15 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 In the following day's Coppa Papà Carlo element to the race, Felline finished 15 seconds down on LIQ 2011 rider Simone Ponzi in ninth position, just beating UHC 2011's Charly Wegelius.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/g-p-nobili-rubinetterie-coppa-papa-carlo-2011/results Ponzi tops Coppa Papà Carlo 16 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 In August, Ratto placed highly in the Coppa Ugo Agostoni and Trofeo Melinda races, taking seventh and fourth places respectively.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/coppa-agostoni-giro-della-brianza-1-1-1/results Modolo sprints to victory at Coppa Agostoni 17 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/trofeo-melinda-val-di-non-1-1-1/results Rebellin wins Trofeo Melinda 20 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 Colli was tenth in the Gran Premio Industria e Commercio Artigianato Carnaghese towards the end of August,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-industria-e-commercio-artigianato-carnaghese-1-1-1/results Visconti prevails in Carnago 25 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 eighth in Paris–Brussels, after Ratto had made his way into the breakaway,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/parijs-brusssel-paris-bruxelles-1-hc-2/results Galimzyanov prevails in Paris-Bruxelles 10 September 2011 Cycling News 27 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited and seventh in the Gran Premio Industria e Commercio di Prato, both of which held in September.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/gp-industria-and-commercio-di-prato-2011/results Sagan outsprints Paolini in Prato 18 September 2011 Cycling News 27 December 2011 Future Publishing Limited The team's last notable results in a single-day race were seventh and ninth places for Felline and Cobo – after a spell in the breakaway – in the Memorial Marco Pantani race,Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/memorial-marco-pantani-1-1-1/results Taborre wins in Cesenatico 1 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 and eighth for de la Fuente in the Coppa Sabatini five days later.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/coppa-sabatini-gran-premio-citta-di-peccioli-1-1/results Battaglin sprints to Sabatini win 6 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 The team also sent squads to Prueba Villafranca de Ordizia, the Clásica de San Sebastián, Circuito de Getxo, Trofeo Matteotti, Tre Valli Varesine, the Coppa Bernocchi, the Grand Prix de Fourmies, the Giro dell'Emilia, the Gran Premio Bruno Beghelli, the Giro del Piemonte, the Giro di Lombardia and the Chrono des Nations, but placed no higher than 11th in any of these races. Stage races The Vuelta a Murcia was the first race of the season for co-leaders Menchov and Sastre. Sastre lost 37 seconds on the flat first stage, but Menchov made all the selections and finished with the overall contenders at the front of the race.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/31st-vuelta-ciclista-a-la-region-de-murcia-2-1/stage-1/results Matthews strikes again in Murcia sprint 2011-03-04 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-08 In stage 2, Alberto Contador beat Menchov and SAU 2011's Jérôme Coppel on a downhill finish, after having been first to the top of the Alto del Collado Bermejo.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/31st-vuelta-ciclista-a-la-region-de-murcia-2-1/stage-2/results Contador assumes lead with stage win 2011-03-05 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-08 Menchov finished third in the final day time trial, securing that same position on the event's final podium. The squad also won the teams classification.Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/31st-vuelta-ciclista-a-la-region-de-murcia-2-1/stage-3-itt/results Contador wraps up overall win in Murcia time trial 2011-03-06 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-03-08 Duarte showed his climbing prowess at the Giro del Trentino, winning stage 3 which finished with the first-category ascent of Fai della Paganella. He also outkicked RSH 2011's Tiago Machado in view of the finish line, as the two of them finished three seconds clear of the next group on the road.Peter Hymas http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-del-trentino-2-hc/stage-3/results Duarte prevails on penultimate stage 2011-04-21 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-26 In July's Tour of Austria, the race splintered on the second stage, a summit finish to the Kitzbüheler Horn. Sastre and Menchov both attacked out of the lead chase group, after a number of riders had reached the bottom of the climb with an advantage of several minutes. Sastre fared better of the pair, as he finished fourth, 1' 22" down on stage winner Fredrik Kessiakoff (AST 2011).Susan Westemeyer Kessiakoff solos to victory http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-2/results 4 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 Wyss tried to take a stage victory the following day, having been part of a 13-man breakaway for much of the stage, but fell metres short and was swept up by a further 23-rider group which included four of his team-mates.Susan Westemeyer Keukeleire sprints to first win this season http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-3/results 5 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 After Ratto placed fifth on stage 6,Susan Westemeyer Van Avermaet wins stage 6 http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-6/results 8 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 Sastre moved into third place overall after BMC 2011's Mauro Santambrogio, a rider not known for his time trial ability, lost sufficient time on stage 7 to fall from second place to sixth overall.Susan Westemeyer Grabsch best against the clock http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-7/results 9 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 Menchov moved into the top five with his time trial placing, and both riders held their respective positions to the end of the race.Bennati sprints to final stage http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/int-osterreich-rundfahrt-2-hc/stage-8/results 10 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 In the Brixia Tour later in July, Felline finished third on the opening stage,Frapporti wins Brixia Tour opener http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/brixia-tour-2-1-1/stage-1/results 20 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 before winning stage 2a, leading home Colli in a 1–2 finish to a 30-rider sprint.Felline leads Geox-TMC 1-2 http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/brixia-tour-2-1-1/stage-2a/results 21 July 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 December 2011 Colli took another second-place finish on stage 3, and a fifth place on the final stage, to win the points classification.http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=149:the-brixia-tour-ends-well&Itemid=38&lang=en The Brixia Tour ends well: red jersey for Colli 25 July 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 27 December 2011August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes At August's Vuelta a Burgos, Menchov took fourth place on the opening stage of the event, losing out in a sprint with Sergio Pardilla of the MOV 2011 yes; Cobo and Blanco also finished inside the top ten, several seconds later.Defending champion Sanchez wins Burgos opener http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-burgos-2-hc/stage-1/results 3 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 The next day, Cobo again finished well inside the top ten, with a fifth-place result, and Felline led home an eleven-rider group for eighth place.Rodríguez reigns in Burgos Peter Hymas http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-burgos-2-hc/stage-2/results 4 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 After an average team time trial in which the squad ranked eighth of the 15 taking part,Movistar rocket to TTT victory http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-burgos-2-hc/stage-3/results 5 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 Cobo placed fifth once again on the fourth stage, with Blanco and Menchov taking their second top-ten placings of the race, in eighth and tenth places respectively.Moreno motors to hilltop stage win http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-burgos-2-hc/stage-4/results 6 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 Cobo made a bid for victory in the final stage, but was out-sprinted to the line by EUS 2011 rider Mikel Landa, but still did enough for second on the stage and an eventual third-place finish overall.Rodríguez wins Vuelta a Burgos http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/vuelta-a-burgos-2-hc/stage-5/results 7 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 The team also won lesser classifications at the Tour of Oman,Cavendish gets off the mark in Mattrah http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/2nd-tour-of-oman-2-1/stage-6/results 20 February 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 23 December 2011 the Tour de Romandie,Sky's Geneva convention guides Swift to victory http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-de-romandie-upt/stage-5/results 1 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 23 December 2011 the Circuit de Lorraine,http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/circuit-de-lorraine-professionnel-2-1-1/stage-5/results Roux does enough on final day to win Circuit de Lorraine 24 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 23 December 2011 and the Tour of Hainan.http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/tour-of-hainan-2011/stage-9/results Iglinskiy wins the Tour of Hainan 28 October 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 23 December 2011 The team also sent squads to the Tour of Qatar, Vuelta an Andalucía, Rutas de América, the Volta a Catalunya, the Settimana internazionale di Coppi e Bartali, the Tour of the Basque Country, Vuelta a Castilla y León, Vuelta a Asturias, Vuelta a la Comunidad de Madrid, the Tour de Luxembourg, the Tour of Slovenia, the Tour of Austria, the Danmark Rundt, the Tour of Elk Grove, the Tour of Utah and the Settimana Ciclistica Lombarda, but did not achieve a stage win, classification win, or podium finish in any of them. Grand Tours As a Professional Continental team, Geox-TMC needed to be selected by the organizers of any of the Grand Tours in order to participate. They were selected to ride the Giro d'Italia and the Vuelta a España, but not the Tour de France. Giro d'Italia thumb|Denis Menchov, pictured at the Tour de Romandie held just before the Giro, was Geox-TMC's team leader at the race. He also finished as the team's best placed rider, as he finished in eighth place overall; his third top ten finish in the Giro. Menchov was the squad's leader at the Giro, with Sastre riding in support,Cycling News http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/menchov-will-lead-geox-tmc-at-giro-ditalia Menchov will lead Geox-TMC at Giro D'Italia 2011-04-19 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2011-04-19 and added help from Blanco, Valls and Wyss.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/05/news/menchov-sastre-headline-geox-tmc-for-giro-ditalia_170952 Menchov, Sastre headline Geox-TMC for Giro d’Italia 3 May 2011 28 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Also named to the squad were the team's Colombian pairing of Ardila and Duarte, Cheula and Kozonchuk. The team's struggled in the stage 1 team time trial, as they came home 18th of the 23 teams, 53 seconds off the winning pace set by THR 2011; as a result, Menchov and Sastre were left handicapped in the general classification, losing time to many of the other overall contenders.Stephen Farrand http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-1/results HTC-Highroad triumphs in team time trial 7 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 28 December 2011 Duarte and Valls kept their two protected riders clear of any danger up to stage five, where Duarte finished second to RAB 2011's Pieter Weening, leading home a number of riders eight seconds behind. Duarte moved up to 13th place overall after his result, and trailed Weening's team-mate Steven Kruijswijk by 15 seconds for the lead in the young rider classification.http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=111:fabio-duarte-second-at-the-finishline-in-orvieto&Itemid=38&lang=en Fabio Duarte second at the finish-line in Orvieto 11 May 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 28 December 2011August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Duarte abandoned the race three days later, as he was physically unable to carry on in the race, after a stage three incident left him with a knee injury that became worse up until his withdrawal.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/8442/Giro-dItalia-Geox-climber-Fabio-Duarte-forced-to-abandon-race.aspx Geox climber Fabio Duarte forced to abandon race 14 May 2011 28 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC A quiet week followed for the squad, before Valls made it into the breakaway on stage 13, as the race headed into Austria to the finish on the Grossglockner. Valls was one of 16 riders to venture out front, but did not last in the breakaway, and ultimately lost almost 19 minutes to stage-winner José Rujano of AND 2011 by the end of the stage. Menchov finished 1' 36" down on Rujano in tenth place, and moved into eleventh place in the general classification, already over five minutes down on Alberto Contador (SBS 2011).Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-13/results Contador extends GC lead as rivals suffer 20 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 Menchov again featured highly the following day, on stage 14 and its finish atop Monte Zoncolan. He was part of a group consisting of himself, AST 2011's Roman Kreuziger, LIQ 2011 rider Vincenzo Nibali and several other riders. Menchov and Nibali both got away from Kreuziger, but Nibali himself attacked Menchov and went clear. Menchov eventually finished the stage in fifth place, losing another 48 seconds to Contador, who was second to EUS 2011's Igor Antón; Menchov's placing allowed him to move up to seventh overall.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-14/results Anton conquers Monte Zoncolan 21 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 On stage 15, after a previous breakaway had been brought back, eleven riders counter-attacked the field including Sastre, and their advantage over the main field quickly extended to nearly ten minutes while on the slopes of the day's second climb, the Passo Cibiana. While the lead pack were on the Passo Giau, a number of riders including Menchov attacked from the front end of the peloton. The remnants of the breakaway were eventually caught by the Passo Fedaia. Menchov eventually finished over four minutes down in eleventh place, but maintained seventh place in the overall classification, nine seconds behind Rujano and twelve ahead of Kreuziger.Les Clarke http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-15/results Two’s a treat for Nieve and Euskaltel-Euskadi 22 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 Menchov maintained seventh overall with a seventh place on the stage 16 individual time trial, 52 seconds on Contador, who won his second stage of the Giro.Peter Cossins http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-16/results Contador time trials to stage win to extend lead 24 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 With Kanstantsin Sivtsov of THR 2011 being part of a successful breakaway the next day, Menchov dropped down to eighth in the general classification.Peter Hymas http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-17/results Ulissi awarded stage after Visconti gets grabby 25 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 Sastre again was part of a large lead group the next day, but failed to make inroads on a small move within the pack, and eventually finished at the rear of the breakaway, along with Kozonchuk, some 80 seconds ahead of the main field.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-18/results Capecchi gets one for Liquigas 26 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 After losing eighth place overall on stage 19, Menchov profited from time lost by EUS 2011 yes rider Mikel Nieve, who had been sixth, to move back into eighth place overall; a position he finished the race in, but over 12 minutes down on Contador.Barry Ryan http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/giro-ditalia-2011/stage-21/results Contador claims second Giro d'Italia victory 29 May 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 Vuelta a España Just like the Giro, Menchov was the squad's leader at the Vuelta, with Sastre riding in support,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/menchov-and-sastre-lead-geox-tmc-vuelta-a-espana-challenge Menchov and Sastre lead Geox-TMC Vuelta a España challenge 16 August 2011 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 and added help from Blanco, de la Fuente and Cobo.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/all-in-for-geox-tmc-at-vuelta_188314 All-in for Geox-TMC at Vuelta 16 August 2011 29 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Ardila and Duarte were again named to a Grand Tour for the team, with Brändle and Kozonchuk completing its nine-rider entry. The squad started with another mediocre performance in the team time trial, coming in second last of the 22 teams,http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-1/results Leopard Trek claims team time trial Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 August 2011 31 December 2011 with only ACG 2011 recording a slower time. Menchov struggled on the third stage, as he gave up nearly 90 seconds on most of the other favourites for the race, by failing to keep with their pace on the day's final climb, the Alto de la Santa.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/08/news/movistars-lastras-wins-vuelta-third-stage_188937 Andrew Hood Double delight for Lastras; Menchov, Kloden lose time 22 August 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. De la Fuente tried to make a late-race escape on stage 6 along with three other riders, but the quartet were quickly caught, as they could only muster a maximum advantage over the main field or around ten seconds.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-6/results Sagan leads Liquigas lashing in Córdoba Stephen Farrand Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 August 2011 31 December 2011 Menchov earned the team's first top-ten stage placing of the race on stage 8, as he finished eighth on the steep hill into San Lorenzo de El Escorial.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results Rodríguez climbs to stage win Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 27 August 2011 31 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130921120126/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-8/results 21 September 2013 The following day, Cobo and Menchov were both present in a small lead group that pulled back the breakaway within the final 10 km 1 on of the stage to La Covatilla. After several moves attempted to get away, Cobo and three other riders bridged up to Dan Martin (GRM 2011) and LIQ 2011's Vincenzo Nibali, and although Cobo could only manage third behind Martin and RAB 2011 yes's Bauke Mollema, the bonus seconds awarded on the line helped Cobo to move into the top ten overall.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529903/martin-wins-as-wiggins-moves-further-up-vuelta-gc.html Martin wins as Wiggins moves further up Vuelta GC Nick Bull Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited 28 August 2011 31 December 2011 Menchov finished nine seconds further back in eighth place, which helped the squad move to the top of the teams classification.http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=172:vuelta-stage-9-geox-tmc-gives-a-great-performance-on-la-covatilla&Itemid=38&lang=en Geox-TMC gives a great performance on La Covatilla 28 August 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 31 December 2011August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Cobo moved up to eighth overall after the stage 10 individual time trial, thanks to a decent showing – 23rd; the team's second best behind Menchov, who was 13thhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-10/results Martin smashes Vuelta time trial Daniel Benson Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 August 2011 31 December 2011 – and the fact that several riders ahead of him in the classification were less proficient in time-trialling; a performance that left Cobo satisfied after the stage.http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=173:vuelta-stage-10&Itemid=38&lang=en The Time Trial helps Geox-TMC get ahead in the Vuelta 29 August 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 31 December 2011August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes Duarte was part of a 19-man breakaway on stage 11, but faltered on the final climb and eventually finished 27 seconds behind the main race favourites, including Cobo, but finished in the same time as Menchov, Sastre and Blanco.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-11/results Moncoutie prevails on Estación de Montaña Manzaneda Stephen Farrand Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 31 August 2011 31 December 2011 A 20-man escape group made a successful breakaway on stage 13, with three of the riders – de la Fuente, Blanco and Sastre – being members of the squad, and de la Fuente earned fourth place in the final sprint to the line, with Blanco also breaking into the top ten positions, with eighth place.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-13/results Albasini claims Vuelta stage in Ponferrada Susan Westemeyer Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 2 September 2011 31 December 2011 As the race began to take shape in the Cantabrian Mountains, de la Fuente again made the breakaway the following day, with 17 riders in attendance as their gap over the main field extended to over seven and a half minutes with 77 km 1 on remaining on the roads.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-14/results Taaramae tackles La Farrapona Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 3 September 2011 31 December 2011 Around 40 km 1 on later, de la Fuente attacked with COF 2011 rider Rein Taaramäe, and the two riders held a healthy advantage of around a minute into the final 10 km 1 on of the stage. Back in the main pack, Cobo – riding in his home region – attacked with KAT 2011's Daniel Moreno in the closing stages, and after dropping Moreno, Cobo linked up with de la Fuente on the road after he had been dropped in turn by Taaramäe. The pair tried to catch Taaramäe but ultimately fell 25 seconds shy of doing so, with Cobo crossing the line second, and de la Fuente third, four seconds in arrears; his efforts on the day were rewarded with the most combative rider honours for the stage. Menchov finished the stage eighth, and helped the squad regain the lead of the teams classification,http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=179:vuelta-stage-14-geox-tmc-a-major-player-at-la-farrapona&Itemid=38&lang=en Geox-TMC a major player at La Farrapona 3 September 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 31 December 2011August 2019 InternetArchiveBot yes with Cobo moving up to fourth place overall, 55 seconds down on leader Bradley Wiggins of SKY 2011.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9648/Vuelta-a-Espana-Cobo-makes-big-move-on-stage-14.aspx Bjorn Haake Cobo makes big move on stage 14 3 September 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 31 December 2011 The race changed again as it went into its final week, with the 15th stage – the queen stage of the Vuelta – to the Angliru, with an average gradient of 10% and a maximum gradient of over 23% at the Cueña les Cabres section of the climb.http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/05092011/58/vuelta-espa-cobo-tames-angliru-red.html Cobo tames the Angliru to take red Felix Lowe Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group 4 September 2011 31 December 2011 Prior to the main field reaching the climb, Sastre and three other riders formed a small group that chased down SKS 2011's Simon Geschke, who had been out front for a period of time.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9660/Vuelta-a-Espana-Juan-Jose-Cobo-solos-into-red-on-the-Angliru.aspx Ben Atkins Juan José Cobo solos into red on the Angliru 4 September 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC 31 December 2011 Sastre attacked at the front building an advantage of over 15 seconds over his companions, and was later joined by Igor Antón (EUS 2011 yes) for a short time before Antón overhauled him and rode off on his own. Cobo was next to make a move, as he accelerated away from the main field on the Les Cabañes section, soon joining Antón at the head of the race.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-15/results Cobo climbs into Vuelta lead on Angliru Les Clarke Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 4 September 2011 31 December 2011 Menchov was part of the group that was behind Cobo on the road, along with several other riders including overall leader Wiggins. Cobo continued to extend his lead on the road, and ultimately soloed to the stage victory. His attack on the climb was also rewarded with the overall lead of the race, as Wiggins cracked on the climb and lost 81 seconds – not including Cobo's 20-second bonus on the finish line – to Cobo, and fell to third overall behind his team-mate Chris Froome, who finished the stage fourth behind VCD 2011 yes rider Wout Poels and Menchov.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/the-sky-is-falling-angliru-kicks-the-legs-out-from-under-bradley-wiggins-and-christopher-froome_191005 Andrew Hood The Sky is falling: Angliru kicks the legs out from under Bradley Wiggins and Christopher Froome VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 4 September 2011 31 December 2011 Menchov moved into sixth place overall, three minutes behind Cobo. A split in the field on the run-in to the finish of stage 16 in Haro meant that Cobo, who finished the stage in tenth, extended his lead to 22 seconds over Froome and 51 seconds over Wiggins.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/529985/haedo-wins-confusing-stage-16-finish-in-vuelta.html Haedo wins confusing stage 16 finish in Vuelta Hugh Gladstone 6 September 2011 31 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited The following day was the last real summit finish of the race, the climb to Peña Cabarga, at an altitude of 565 m ft.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results Froome outduels Cobo on Peña Cabarga Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Les Clarke 7 September 2011 31 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120908010743/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-17/results 8 September 2012 Froome shadowed Cobo on the slopes of the climb, and it was not until the final 1.5 km 1 that Froome and Cobo managed to pull clear of the remaining riders of their group, including Wiggins, after pulling back OLO 2011 yes's Jurgen Van den Broeck. After the duo had pulled clear, Froome attacked Cobo and looked to have gained enough of an advantage to make his way back into the lead of the race, but Cobo managed to bridge back to Froome with around 150 m ft left. Cobo kicked for the line from there, but Froome took the inside line on the final corner and managed to win the stage, but could only gain nine seconds – one second on the road plus eight bonus seconds on the line – on Cobo, to reduce his advantage to 13 seconds.http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cycling/14827719.stm Chris Froome wins Vuelta a Espana 17th stage 7 September 2011 BBC Sport BBC 31 December 2011 thumb|left|With his Vuelta victory, Juan José Cobo earned his first overall win since the 2007 Tour of the Basque Country. Menchov finished the stage ninth, 31 seconds behind Froome, but moved into fifth place overall ahead of LEO 2011's Maxime Monfort. Froome tried to make his move in the Basque Country on stage 19, but was well guarded by Cobo, and resulted in no change in the general classification.http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/anton-wins-19th-stage-cobo-keeps-red-jersey_191568 Andrew Hood Cobo fends off Froome in Basque battle VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. 9 September 2011 31 December 2011 De la Fuente led home a group of 20 riders, in sixth place, 1' 33" down on stage winner Igor Antón, with Menchov also in the group.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-19/results Anton wins stage on home turf as Vuelta returns to Basque country Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Barry Ryan 9 September 2011 31 December 2011 Froome made a decisive error in the penultimate stage, misjudging an intermediate sprint banner, and as a result went for the points and elusive bonus seconds 4 km 1 too soon, and as a result, could not affect Cobo's 13-second lead prior to the final stage.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530031/bennati-wins-vuelta-stage-20-as-cobo-keeps-slim-lead-over-sky-s-froome.html Bennati wins Vuelta stage, Cobo keeps slim lead over Froome Gregor Brown 10 September 2011 31 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited Cobo secured victory at the end of the final stage, a processional affair until hitting the streets of Madrid, with Froome finishing just in front on the stage results.http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results Sagan steals final stage from pure sprinters Cycling News Future Publishing Limited Les Clarke 11 September 2011 31 December 2011 dead https://web.archive.org/web/20130102215145/http://www.cyclingnews.com/vuelta-a-espana/stage-21/results 2 January 2013 Cobo's winning margin of 13 seconds over Froome was tied for the third-closest in Vuelta history,http://www.itv.com/lavuelta/2011/stage-highlights/stage-21/ Stage 21: Circuito del Jarama - Madrid ITV Sport ITV 11 September 2011 31 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20111209194803/http://www.itv.com/lavuelta/2011/stage-highlights/stage-21/ 9 December 2011 dead dmy-all and was his first overall victory in a stage race, since he won the 2007 Tour of the Basque Country for SDV 2007.http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530375/rider-profile-juan-jose-cobo.html Rider profile: Juan Jose Cobo Andy McGrath 6 October 2011 31 December 2011 Cycling Weekly IPC Media Limited As well as winning the general classification, Cobo won the white jersey for the combination classification,http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=188:vuelta-stage-21&Itemid=38&lang=en Huge party in Madrid for Juan José Cobo and Geox-TMC 11 September 2011 geox-tmc.com GEO 2011 31 December 2011 https://web.archive.org/web/20120105001211/http://www.geox-tmc.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=188:vuelta-stage-21&Itemid=38&lang=en 5 January 2012 dead a classification calculated by adding the numeral ranks of a cyclist in the general, points, and mountains classifications. The squad also handily won the teams classification, by over ten minutes ahead of the next closest team, LEO 2011 yes, in what would ultimately turn out to be the team's final Grand Tour race. Team dissolution Despite Cobo's victory in the Vuelta a España, Mario Moretti Polegato, the president of the team's sponsor Geox, stated that he would review his sponsorship of the team at the end of the season.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gianetti-confident-of-keeping-cobo-for-2012-despite-sponsor-doubts Gianetti confident of keeping Cobo for 2012 despite sponsor doubts Stephen Farrand Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 12 September 2011 31 December 2011 On 5 October, it was announced that the squad had not applied for a licence to compete in 2012.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/uci-publishes-list-of-2012-worldtour-applicants UCI publishes list of 2012 WorldTour applicants Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 5 October 2011 31 December 2011 Two weeks later, it was announced that Geox would be pulling their sponsorship from the team, and as a result, did not raise enough capital by a registration deadline in order to acquire a licence for the 2012 season.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/geox-pulls-sponsorship-from-cycling Geox pulls sponsorship from cycling Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 October 2011 31 December 2011 The Union Cycliste Internationale later ruled that as Geox-TMC's licence application was incomplete, riders could freely leave the team and seek contracts with other teams.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/geox-riders-free-to-leave-says-uci Geox riders free to leave, says UCI Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 20 October 2011 31 December 2011 The squad's directeur sportif, Joxean Fernández Matxin, appealed to other companies for their backing,http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/matxin-appeals-for-new-sponsors-for-geox-team Matxin appeals for new sponsors for Geox team Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 22 October 2011 31 December 2011 but later allowed the likes of Cobo and de la Fuente to search for new teams for the 2012 season.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/cobo-free-to-leave-geox-tmc Cobo free to leave Geox-TMC Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 1 November 2011 31 December 2011 Matxin and Gianetti travelled to Venezuela later in November, in the hope of instigating a sponsorship package from the country, primarily with the tourist board of the country.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/could-geox-be-rescued Could Geox be rescued? Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 14 November 2011 31 December 2011 Venezuela – País de Sueño, had been reported to be interested about investing into the sport of cycling as a whole.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10392/Geox-TMCs-future-may-hinge-on-Venezuelan-tourist-board.aspx Geox-TMC’s future may hinge on Venezuelan tourist board Shane Stokes 13 November 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC Ten days later, Gianetti stated that the team had two concrete offers from potential backers, including the Venezuelans, and stated that he was hopeful of concluding a deal for the squad's continuation in 2012.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/gianetti-ive-got-two-sponsorship-options Peter Cossins Gianetti: I’ve got two sponsorship options Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 23 November 2011 31 December 2011 On 6 December, team management were reported to have given up on finding a sponsor for the 2012 season, and decided to focus their attentions of finding their riders an alternative team to ride for.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10585/Bad-news-for-Geox-TMC-riders-and-staff-team-looks-set-to-stop.aspx Bad news for Geox TMC riders and staff, team looks set to stop 6 December 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC Matxin originally stated that he wished to continue looking for sponsors until the end of the year,http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10654/Geox-TMC-Matxin-says-hell-fight-on-until-the-end-of-December.aspx Shane Stokes Matxin says he’ll fight on until the end of December 14 December 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLC but backtracked a week later, giving up on the search for a new backer.http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10706/Joxean-Fernandez-Matxin-officially-calls-time-on-Geox-TMC.aspx Ben Atkins Joxean Fernandez Matxin officially calls time on Geox-TMC 21 December 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLChttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/matxin-throws-in-the-towel-at-geox Peter Cossins Matxin throws in the towel at GEOX Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 21 December 2011 31 December 2011 UHC 2011 team director Mike Tamayo later confirmed that Gianetti had approached him in November to consider a potential merger between the two teams, but plans did not materialise.http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/geox-and-unitedhealthcare-talked-on-possible-merger Daniel Benson Geox and UnitedHealthcare talked on possible merger Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 25 December 2011 31 December 2011 Riders' 2012 teams Rider2012 teamTomas Alberiohttp://www.ciclismoweb.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=9532:tomas-alberio-approda-al-team-idea&catid=183:notizie&Itemid=129 Italian Tomas Alberio approda al Team Idea 28 March 2012 28 June 2012 Ciclismoweb PubliWeb Italia Spa Tomas Alberio arrives at the Idea TeamTeam IdeaMauricio Ardilahttp://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/wai/noticias-ficha.asp?id=45824 Ardila, líder del Comcel-Colombia: "Es un proyecto espectacular que quiero aprovechar y vivir" Biciciclismo Gurenet Teknologia S.L. 17 December 2011 31 December 2011 Spanish Ardila, leader of Comcel-Colombia: "It is a spectacular project I want to take and live"Comcel-ColombiaDavid Blancohttp://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=48742 David Blanco ficha por el Efapel-Glassdrive Biciciclismo Gurenet Teknologia S.L. 14 March 2012 28 June 2012 Spanish David Blanco signed for Efapel-GlassdriveEFG 2012Matthias Brändlehttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10515/Matthias-Brandle-leaves-Geox-TMC-for-NetApp.aspx Shane Stokes Matthias Brändle leaves Geox TMC for NetApp 28 November 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCAPP 2012Giampaolo Cheulahttp://www.spaziociclismo.it/?action=read&idnotizia=17037 Cheula passa in MTB: "Ricominciare quasi da zero mi piace" Italian 8 February 2012 14 February 2012 Spazio Ciclismo The Daily Network Cheula goes to mountain bikes: "I like to start again almost from scratch"Retired to compete in mountain bikingJuan José Cobohttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/30122011/58/cobo-joins-valverde-movistar.html Cobo joins Valverde at Movistar 30 December 2011 31 December 2011 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group ReutersMOV 2012Daniele Collihttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/9865/Team-Type-1Sanofi-continues-to-build-by-adding-Colli-to-team.aspx Xylon van Eyck Team Type 1–Sanofi continues to build by adding Colli to team 22 September 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCTT1 2012Marco CortiDavid de la Fuentehttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/de-la-fuente-completes-caja-rural-roster-for-2012 De La Fuente completes Caja Rural roster for 2012 Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 4 January 2012 14 February 2012CJR 2012Fabio Duartehttp://velonews.competitor.com/2011/10/news/fabio-duarte-to-join-colombian-backed-coldeportes-for-2012_196647 Fabio Duarte to join Colombian-backed Coldeportes for 2012 30 October 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Andrew HoodCOL 2012Arkaitz Duránhttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/duran-returns-to-amateur-ranks Duran returns to amateur ranks Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 29 December 2011 31 December 2011Telco'm-Conor Azysa Rider2012 teamFabio Fellinehttp://www.velonation.com/News/ID/10430/Felline-signs-two-year-deal-with-Androni-Giocattoli-CIPI-team.aspx Felline signs two year deal with Androni Giocattoli – CIPI team 17 November 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNation VeloNation LLCAND 2012Xavier FlorencioKAT 2012Noè Gianettihttp://velonews.competitor.com/2012/05/race-result/tour-of-somerville-2012-results_221781 Tour of Somerville 2012 results 29 May 2012 28 June 2012 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc.XRG 2012David Gutiérrez Gutiérrezhttp://www.eldiariomontanes.es/v/20120316/deportes/ciclismo/david-gutierrez-gomur-hasta-20120316.html David Gutiérrez, al Gomur hasta el final de temporada El Diario Montañes Vocento 16 March 2012 28 June 2012 Spanish David Gutierrez, Gomur until the end of season Marco G. VidartGomar-Cantabria Deporte-FerroatlanticaDmitry Kozonchukhttp://62.50.72.82/ucinet/default.asp?page=UCITeamsdetail&discipline=ROA&continent=ALL&teamscategory=&teamstype=PCT&year=2012&teamnameid=3363&npage=&search=&l=ENG RusVelo (RVL) – RUS 14 February 2012 UCI Continental Circuits Union Cycliste Internationale dead https://web.archive.org/web/20120407122455/http://62.50.72.82/ucinet/default.asp?page=UCITeamsdetail&discipline=ROA&continent=ALL&teamscategory=&teamstype=PCT&year=2012&teamnameid=3363&npage=&search=&l=ENG 7 April 2012 RVL 2012Marko Kumphttp://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=45571 Marko Kump pasa al Adria Mobil Biciciclismo Gurenet Teknologia S.L. 8 December 2011 14 February 2012 Spanish Marko Kump goes to Adria MobilADR 2012Denis Menchovhttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12122011/58/russian-menchov-joins-katusha.html Russian Menchov joins Katusha 12 December 2011 31 December 2011 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 Group ReutersKAT 2012Matteo Pelucchihttp://en.teameuropcar.com/cycling/duo-complete-new-arrivals_sto3022482/story.shtml Chtioui and Pelucchi complete new arrivals 10 November 2011 31 December 2011 EUC 2011 Europcar International S.A.S.U.EUC 2012Daniele Rattohttp://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/23112011/58/six-new-faces-liquigas-canondale.html Six new faces at Liquigas-Cannondale 23 November 2011 31 December 2011 Yahoo! Eurosport TF1 GroupLIQ 2012Carlos Sastrehttp://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/carlos-sastre-retires_192472 Carlos Sastre retires 15 September 2011 31 December 2011 VeloNews Competitor Group, Inc. Agence France-Presse 14 March 2012 https://web.archive.org/web/20120314010852/http://velonews.competitor.com/2011/09/news/carlos-sastre-retires_192472 deadRetiredRafael Vallshttp://www.cyclingnews.com/news/valls-signs-with-vacansoleil Valls signs with Vacansoleil Cycling News Future Publishing Limited 8 December 2011 31 December 2011VCD 2012Marcel Wysshttp://www.biciciclismo.com/cas/site/noticias-ficha.asp?id=46775 Marcel Wyss (Geox) regresa al Atlas Personal Biciciclismo Gurenet Teknologia S.L. 21 January 2012 14 February 2012 Spanish Marcel Wyss (Geox) returns to Atlas PersonalAtlas Personal-Jakroo Season victories Date Race Competition Rider Country Location February 20 Tour of Oman, Combativity classification UCI Asia TourMarko Kump SLO February 27 Clásica de Almería UCI Europe TourMatteo Pelucchi ITA Almería March 6 Vuelta a Murcia, Teams classification UCI Europe Tour The riders on the squad were Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre, David Blanco, Juan José Cobo, Fabio Duarte, Arkaitz Durán, and Rafael Valls April 21 Giro del Trentino, Stage 3 UCI Europe TourFabio Duarte COL Fai della Paganella May 1 Tour de Romandie, Sprints classification UCI World TourMatthias Brändle AUT May 22 Circuit de Lorraine, Young rider classification UCI Europe TourFabio Felline ITA May 22 Circuit de Lorraine, Sprints classification UCI Europe TourMatthias Brändle AUT July 21 Brixia Tour, Stage 2a UCI Europe TourFabio Felline ITA Brescia July 24 Brixia Tour, Points classification UCI Europe TourDaniele Colli ITA September 4 Vuelta a España, Stage 15 UCI World TourJuan José Cobo ESP Angliru September 11 Vuelta a España, Overall UCI World TourJuan José Cobo ESP September 11 Vuelta a España, Combination classification UCI World TourJuan José Cobo ESP September 11 Vuelta a España, Teams classification UCI World TourThe riders on the squad were Juan José Cobo, David Blanco, David de la Fuente, Fabio Duarte, Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre, Mauricio Ardila, Matthias Brändle, and Dmitry Kozonchuk October 28 Tour of Hainan, Mountains classification UCI Asia TourMaurizio Gorato ITARiding as a stagiaire (trainee) October 28 Tour of Hainan, Teams classification UCI Asia TourThe riders on the squad were Giampaolo Cheula, Daniele Colli, David Gutiérrez Gutiérrez, Xavier Florencio, Marko Kump, and Maurizio Gorato Footnotes N References 30em Category:2011 road cycling season by team