What Goes Around Comes Around
It's August, and the silly season in the world of cycling. A fun but demanding time. Riders are being signed, and unfortunately, some riders must be let go. Market values are discussed from all sides, and things are heating up on the home stretch. However, for the most part, most rounds end with the parties in good agreement.
Market value. When I say that a rider is too expensive, it doesn't necessarily mean that we can't afford to pay what the rider demands. It means that we believe the rider is too expensive in relation to what we get in return. We are committed to a responsible wage policy where pay is tied to performance. It should be aligned with what other riders on the team are receiving. If we mess this up, it affects the team's dynamics, weakens us financially, and we end up in a vicious cycle. Salary isn't everything. Pension, insurance, vacation pay, equipment, access to a nutritionist and a mental trainer, close and personal follow-up from a physical trainer, the possibility of private sponsors, and more. Especially in the men's team, we can offer a locker room where a Danish or Norwegian rider can speak their native language. It's good friends on a journey striving to perform together. Team culture and unity are our greatest strengths. Not the salary budget. If someone wants to come here in pursuit of money and a job, unfortunately, it's not a match. But, and this is a big "but," we are competitive when we can be, and we want to be.
By the way, remember that a distinction must be made between employed and self-employed; UCI allows for two models. In the employed model, the team covers pension, vacation pay, mandatory insurance, etc. When the rider is self-employed, the rider is essentially responsible for everything themselves. Keep in mind that the minimum wage is over 1.6 times higher for a self-employed rider compared to an employed rider. This isn't discussed much when rumors about sums drop.
In this round, I'll focus on the men's team; in the next round after the Tour of Scandinavia, we'll discuss the women's team. We have chosen to let these pro riders go before 2024:
Kristoffer Halvorsen. 3 years at Uno-X. A good guy who has faced many setbacks. Became U23 World Champion in 2016 and achieved a UCI win with us. Kristoffer has decided that he's searching for other things – he's retiring as a cyclist. Thanks for your efforts and best of luck with your studies, Doffen!
Lasse Norman Leth. 2 years at Uno-X. The Danish legend became world champion on the velodrome in Glasgow once again and is looking forward to chasing the opportunity to become the most successful Danish Olympian in Paris 2024. It just didn't quite click with us, and there's no drama in that. We'll be cheering for Lasse in Paris – best of luck ahead!
Niklas Eg. 2 years at Uno-X. A great guy who unfortunately has been affected by crashes and longer periods of injury repeatedly. It just didn't quite work out for Niklas at Uno-X, but there are no hard feelings. Niklas is all smiles and has a really good heart. Thanks, Niklas!
Jacob Hindsgaul. 4 years at Uno-X. Turned pro very early, perhaps a bit too early? Jacob has grown a lot as a person. He used to be quiet and reserved, but he's learned to find his place. He's been plagued by injuries quite a bit, and often, his body doesn't cooperate. He secured a great victory for us in Turkey last year, and the years with Jacob have been good. A polite young man who will do well in life – best of luck!
Jonas Gregaard. 2 years at Uno-X. Many excellent performances at Uno-X, with the climber's jersey in Paris-Nice as a highlight. Jonas has a strong opinion and is a clear voice for both the good and the bad. We didn't come to an agreement this time. Over the last 12 months, Jonas received two offers from us for 3 years, both better paid than now. We were clear about our assessment of market value – Jonas was clear about his assessment. Fair enough, and no hard feelings. Jonas wanted to wait until after the Tour, but we said the offer wouldn't change and that we had to consider other options. Jonas has every right to consider alternatives, just as we do. We were in complete agreement about this, in writing too. It's a risk we both take. Uno-X found alternatives at a market value that was favorable for us. So, it is what it is. Jonas is a really good guy, and there's every reason to hope that a new team is waiting for him. We wish Jonas the best of luck!
Torstein Træen. 7 years at Uno-X. Describing Torstein's journey in a few words is difficult, and I don't intend to do that. Perhaps Torstein will have his own post as the season comes to an end. Torstein will be greatly missed, but he's also getting a really good opportunity. He should seize that opportunity with both hands – our doors will be open to him in the future regardless. Torstein is an Uno-X'er.
Anthon Charmig. 3 years at Uno-X. Many fantastic experiences with Anthon, including this summer's Tour de France! A young man who has matured and deserves to continue his journey. We weren't willing to match the agent's assessment of market value, and that's completely fair. That's just how it goes.
Yes, I wish we could keep more riders with Danish citizenship. At the same time, nationality can't override sports and financial considerations; otherwise, we would be in big trouble. But then, we also have some Danes coming in. And it's not just "some." It's Magnus Cort, it's the great talent Henrik Pedersen, and it's Rasmus Bøgh Wallin – all of whom everyone can see deserve the opportunity. So, we'll see how it all ends in the end – in any case, we are a Norwegian-Danish team with a significant presence from both countries in leadership, support staff, and riders. Norwegian-Danish doesn't just concern the riders, it's also all the elements behind the scenes – including our business, which is just as strong in Denmark as it is in Norway. We are proud of our background and our composition.
One last thing on a general basis. We don't just evaluate a rider based on results or good performances, and watt/kg. It's also about team dynamics. How we plan to chase points in the next two years. Where we believe our strength as a team lies. Visibility might play a role, but we're not a team for TV breaks. You can't read about the atmosphere or team dynamics on X or Instagram or any other media channel, but it's something we experience every single day. Every aspect matters when it all comes together.
Thanks for your engagement!
