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Garmin boss in call for pro-rider transfer system

Jonathan Vaughters speaks following Wiggins' departure to Sky...

A clearly defined 'transfer system' for pro cyclists needs to be introduced, according to the team boss who let Bradley Wiggins go to Sky.

Jonathan Vaughters, head of Team Garmin-Transitions, let Wiggins duck out of the final year of his contract and received a settlement from Team Sky to avoid a legal battle.

He told Sporting Life a recognised system of transfers should be implemented. “I do think there's a need for a more formalised transfer system," he said. “It hasn't been agreed upon amongst all the teams, and it's not because I'm personally upset at Brad leaving.

"Everyone can understand the transfer system, everyone can operate within it, it can be regulated. I think it's a way off, but the impetus is there."

Wiggins's move was announced in December and next month the three-time Olympic track champion will make his Team Sky debut at the Tour of Qatar.

The saga saw Team Sky come under scrutiny for their recruitment methods, with Ben Swift also joining after negotiating his release from Katusha.

Tour de France champion Alberto Contador was also seeking to move on from his Astana team, but has remained with the Kazakh-backed squad for 2010.

* Should cycling go the way of football and introduce the transfer list? Let us know!

 

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demoff | 14 years ago
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The transfer system has to be tightened up for the good of the sport. Specific rules regarding Riders under contract to include severe punitive measures for Teams tapping up riders need to be introduced and enforced. A transfer window is probably the most logical way to go everyone knows were they stand.

The way sky behaved in chasing riders under contract this year was disgraceful.

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