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Post by naspa on Jul 28, 2018 16:36:12 GMT 1
A new season. And I am back in 2:2. It changed a bit though since last time I was competing here (3 seasons ago). We are having six nationalities here now. No longer Belgium or Dutch teams that dominate. Three from the UK! Two from Italy, two from Holland, two from Belgium, two, well really one from France (ASA no longer being active) and one from Poland. All teams seem to have a mixed age strategy -some with focus at a special age category. And most teams consist out of 30-something riders (up to 38, only Dirks Toppers being a bit small with 25 riders). 5 youthscouts and 3 fitness trainers being active at the moment.
Low Budget Cycling (Danpark) Trainer: 16-16-16-0-16-16 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: no Riders: 35 18-21:7 (1 for sale) 22-25: 20! 26-30: 1 31-35: 2 36+: 3 Last season: 9th in 1:1
Arsenal (Overmars) Trainer: 17-1-17-0-8-16 Fitness trainer: 0 Youthscout: 12-13-10 Riders: 35 18-21:17 (1 for sale) 22-25: 6 26-30: 5 31-35: 2 36+: 6 Last season: 1th in 3:4
Antwerp (Lehnhoff) Trainer: 17-2-17-0-17-18 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: no Riders: 38 18-21:6 22-25: 11! 26-30: 8 31-35: 4 36+: 9 Last season: 5th in 2:2
ASA FUN: not active (NO MANAGER)
Chosen Ones (James Crosland) Trainer: 0-0-0-20-0-0 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: 2-2-2 Riders: 35 18-21:2 22-25: 5 26-30: 19! 31-35: 5 36+: 4 Last season: 2d in 3:2
CSC Cycling (Movida) Trainer: 15-10-16-7-10-0 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: 20-18-16 Riders: 32 18-21:6 22-25:1 26-30:4 31-35:17! 36+:2 Last season: 8th in 2:2
Firle Bostal (nicmarsh) Trainer: 4-0-0-0-10-15 Fitness trainer: 0 Youthscout: 0 Riders: 31 18-21:8 22-25:7 26-30:7 31-35:6 36+:2 Last season: 7th in 2:2
Dirks Toppers (dirk boontjes) Trainer: 15-0-15-0-0-0 Fitness trainer: 15 Youthscout: no Riders: 25 18-21:4 22-25:9! 26-30:3 31-35:3 36+:6 Last season: 3th in 2:2
Joachim1107 (Joachim1107) Trainer: 15-0-15-15-15-17 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: 10-10-12 Riders: 38 18-21:7 22-25:9 26-30:9 31-35:7 (1 for sale) 36+:6 (1 for sale) Last season: 4th in 2:2
Cyclist Devils (Gerald Zablotny) Trainer: 11-0-10-10-15-0 Fitness trainer: 8 Youthscout: no Riders: 32 18-21:16! 22-25:2 26-30:6 31-35:3 36+:6 Last season: 6th in 2:2
Bodi Team (bodenszac) Trainer: 0-2-0-0-0-0 Fitness trainer: 20! Youthscout: no Riders: 31 18-21:13 (5 for sale) 22-25:1 26-30:4 (2 for sale) 31-35:2 36+:9 (3 for sale) Last season: 2d in 3:3
Naspa (Naspa) Trainer: 18-18-19-0-0-16 Fitness trainer: no Youthscout: 17-17-17 Riders: 31 18-21:8 (1 for sale) 22-25:8 26-30:7 31-35:3 36+:4 Last season: 1st in 3:2
(Count roughly done earlier today - can be off one or two. And of course, things can change fast. Especially with Bodi team - bodenszac is bidding quite actively now at the transfermarket).
So, place your bets. What will be the ranking order at the end of the season? My plans or rather hope? Further develop my 18-32's and my leaders. I aim to do well in flat races and hope end up in between place 3 and 6.
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Post by dustin on Jul 29, 2018 19:21:03 GMT 1
Naspa, nice work, I go to follow this topic.
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Post by naspa on Jul 30, 2018 21:43:05 GMT 1
A race is a race is a race, a great poet once wrote. However, the first race in the season is of course a bit more special. Like we say in Holland, having a good start, is half of the work done. Down Under we go with Cadel Evans and his Great Ocean Race. While we still wait for Arsenal to arrive in Australia, we will have a quick look at the starting list.
Royal Antwerp: clearly the 38 year old all rounder Couturier is the man to watch. With his good sprinting skills he could even maybe be favorite when it comes to a group finish.
Bodi: is selling half of his team while racing. Newly acquired star Rambo is probably getting the attack order. He might find it tough competing againg in second div.
Chosen: If it would have been just a sprint race, Vassallo would have been an interesting prospect. Pezin, Louveau, Frechet are all good riders, but seems more like climbers to me.
CSC: strong team where even leader Tirlea could contend for podium. But I guess Wortman and Zeegers will have to bring in some cash.
Dirk: Among some twenty-low-somethings, Bernard is the only rider making the impression to want to fight for a win. But to be honest, a top 5 seems already very unlikely. I am sure we will see some other stuff in the grand tours.
Joachim: Majusiak might be still missing that small but decisive edge. Margolfo might end up top 5, maybe even podium?, though.
Low Budget: the mere team I do not know so much about. 1:1 is out of my league. Coureaux (27) might be a rising star. But I reckon Danpark is not taking any chances and will blast us away with one of the best flat/classic riders in the game. Paramount Favorite to me is the 38 year old Krumrey. And I guess we are lucky newly acquired leader Okimoto only allows for one rider to fully attack.
Firle: a pretty young team - still in development. I fear 29 year old Brochet is not good enough yet to make an impression. Maybe we will see leader Cernea himself in the attack?
Naspa: 38 year old Defrance will get another chance to shine in second division. But he is not better than last time he was there. Podium would be great, place 4 or 5 seems more to be expected.
So, the oldies will still win one. Prediction top 5: Krumrey-Couturier-Margolfo- DeFrance- Wortman... Unless one of Arsenals riders will sneak in.
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Post by punkska on Jul 31, 2018 8:40:24 GMT 1
One of my riders will not sneak in. Andrade my man for the stage today, but he's only 28 and without decent mood. Good work on making the topic Naspa If you didn't I would've made one, but it wouldn't have been as good as yours (I was halfway through scouting the other teams when you made this on Saturday, so you actually saved me a little work too ) Of my 3:4 winning team last year I've still got the best cyclist in the division - Gamalero (35), 2nd - Bergene (38), 5th Blanquet (38) and 9th - Van Odijk (37). I lost 4th and 6th, both mountain / mountain-GC guys so I'm definitely weakened. Beyond the oldies who are useful I've got 5 27-32 y olds, but none of them much good, a couple of 24-25s who I'm hoping can get into white jersey contention when a tour suits them, and then maybe some good u21s. Half of my team is u21 though...It's been a quick few promotions so I've got a lot of cash, but also a lot of squad to build really, and I didn't manage to use any of it to strengthen in the offseason. I'm hoping the oldies still get a few results, the midage guys start to get more use and maybe surprise me in a race or two, then use the rest of the races for experience. I've got a 19year old with 4 leadership, so whenever you see Milea as my captain you'll probably know I'm not serious about winning that race... Good luck all, and enjoy the season! Looking forward to it. Btw - Sorry if I ruin any more of your preview's with late race entries Naspa. I'm a bit of a "morning of the race" specialist I'm afraid Maybe I'll make an effort to do them earlier just for you.
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Post by joachim1107 on Jul 31, 2018 10:15:31 GMT 1
I was 4th last season but I sold 2 of my older stars, so I think I'm a bit weaker then last season. I'm happy that my 39 year old leader still sits arround, because my second leader is not strong enough yet.
Nice preview Naspa. Margolfo is indeed the man for today, but it will not be a win...
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Post by danpark on Jul 31, 2018 10:18:29 GMT 1
Hi everyone, thanks naspa for the great topic!
I still don't know what to do with this season, sell everyone over 30, relegate and just keep training or buy a buch of old riders and try to win something? Let's see what happens in the first weeks.
For today, Krumrey is a bit to old to compete, his skills are falling, I don't know if he can win.
Good luck everyone!
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Post by joachim1107 on Jul 31, 2018 13:02:37 GMT 1
Nice prediction Naspa, 4 out of 5 of the top 5 correct. Margolfo laks some flat for this race and I also had only 4 attack points
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Post by danpark on Jul 31, 2018 13:49:37 GMT 1
Well, it seems I was wrong...
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Post by naspa on Jul 31, 2018 16:45:41 GMT 1
danpark . Yes, we all have this. We see the detoriation in our own riders, but forget others have the same problem. @ Joachim, I would say 4,5 out of 5 :-) "... strong team where even leader Tirlea could contend for podium. But I guess Wortman and Zeegers will have to bring in some cash."
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Post by naspa on Jul 31, 2018 19:32:58 GMT 1
While still waiting for Arsenal to reveal his guns, I want to apologize to Cyclist Devils. How could I forget you in my predictions? Note: if you are not mentioned, it does not mean you cannot participate. I would say, the more reason to win :-) Not meant in a bad way and again: sorry! Please, join in and kick some ass.
I will not predict and preview every race, so you are welcome to take some initiative whenever you feel like it. The TROFEO MIGJORN for instance is totally obscure to me. Some hill race at Mallorca. How exciting. However, if you are in spain on holidays, it might just be a good thing to watch- helping you to overcome your hangover. And you can support one of the riders mentioned underneath:
Antwerp: for sure 37 year old Pinot will try to beat all others. His well developped downhill skills might do the trick in the final part.
Bodi Team: starring a famous oldie. Cornea used to eat those races for breakfast. Can he still do this at the age of 39?
CSC: a very strong line up. I guess we will see one of these three riders will end up on the podium (maybe even two of them?). Probably Guidulli (36) or Raducanu (33). However, I think 28 year old Luka Bohn is the hill/classic man for the future and I hope we will see him attack!
Chosen ones: teamleader James C. seems a bit absent minded. While a rider like Krolak could compete for first place, the young climber Schuller -one of the future GC stars- will probably be ordered to attack. "looks like climbing, lets put that Schuller guy in". A waste of talent? Not really, top 5 is feasible. Training on downhill might finally pay off. If the hills were mountains and vice versa this guy would have won.
Firle Bostal: the dark horse might be Taco Dael. With that name you should expect him to deliver mexican food at your doorstep on ordering. But let's see if we still laugh at this tomorrow afternoon.
Joachim: headaches! Two potential winners. Who is it going to be. Drouin might get a bit old to be sure of first place. So I think Van den Burg will grab the win.
Low Budget: Klinnert might want a place on the podium too. Top 5 seems sure to me.
Dirks Toppers: Van Menxcel will be in the attack. Maybe top 5 this time It will be hard. Hills were never his favourite terrain. For sure the podium is too much of a dream.
Naspa: oldie Ramos was almost sold, but still is allowed another race. I guess I have to compete for place 6-9 with Chosen, Dirk and Bodi.
Top 5. Harder to predict than yesterday. VdBurgh, Bohn, Pinot, Klinnert, Dael.
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Post by naspa on Aug 1, 2018 17:20:29 GMT 1
Who said Drouin might get too old? He was beating teammate VdBurg. Double win for Joachim. Before Pinot, and surprisingly Schuller and Ramos. Klinnert disappointed me a bit. And Bohn does not seem quite ready yet - he will be soon, I am sure- CSC will train him well. And my dark horse Dael did not go on 100% effort. Probably Nicmarsh does not like my predictions ;-)
So, what will we see tomorrow? Another race at Mallorca? Now it is really for the climbing goats.
Chosen: is on holiday already. Dereume will probably test his climbing skills. Not really sure what to expect? Come on, James, you can do better than that!
Bodi: starring some famous names. But man, with a "leader" with only so little LS? If you let Janesiak lead - he is starting anyway- - he will allow for one attack point more. Normally Wojtkowicz could have done well. But with so little attack points?
CSC: young team. Hope they will not party too long this night.
Low Budget: i do not really know this Petry guy. He never has won something. Will tomorrow be the first time?
Joachim: with Pavel and Naseli the leading team in 2:2 could very well grab the double again. I do not see better riders/climbers start (yet).
Arsenal: some interesting talents are starting. But of course my former rider Gamalero is the only one who can ride top 5. I am curious to find out how hard he did train ever since I sold him.
Antwerp: Istok is a man for the podium. Place 3 it probably will be.
Naspa: Ximenes is there enjoying the Balearic Islands. Lets see where he stands after his short holiday. He looks a bit overweighted. I guess place 5 would be nice.
Now we wait for Dirk and Firle to release their line ups. And maybe Cyclist Devil?
As for now I would say: Naseli - Pavel -Istok - Gamalero- Ximenes
Update! Dirk Mariens is a good rider. But also the leadership crisis seems to affect Dirks Toppers. Gaining experience and a top 10 place will be the target.
Firle: I do not know how good a leader Garity is. But I know Najib Ferry is a decent talent. Is he ready for the big work?
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Post by nicmarsh01 on Aug 1, 2018 21:37:06 GMT 1
yes this is good work well done
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Post by joachim1107 on Aug 2, 2018 12:54:46 GMT 1
Thanks for the nice previews naspa. For Deia you overestimated Naselli, he lacks hill for this kind of races. Lucky for me Pavel did it. Even a flat tire couldn't stop him from grabbing the win.
Now the first small tour of the season.
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Post by naspa on Aug 3, 2018 7:47:51 GMT 1
Yes, it will take me some more time to learn a bit more about some riders :-) So my preview for the Tour of Valencia will contain some general directions for the next 3 days and I will not attempt to be precise.
While we are still hoping for Cyclist Devils to join us, a look at the line ups, reveals it is going to be a tough tour with a lot of notorious stars and interesting upcoming talent!
Antwerp: experienced captain Soto (40!!!) will lead a strong team with Osmochescu (36) and seasoned veteran Fraga (38) being able to compete for stage victories as well as GC.
Arsenal: one of the objectives might be to win the youthstar rankings with Lafaut (25). But it seems unlikely that big gun Van Odijk will sacrifice his chances for his younger teammate. He can very well win the last stage.
Bodi: lot of quality, mostly recently acquired on the transfermarket. Former Melres rider Lorens (38) gets a second life as a leader while boasting mere 3-ls points. GC-rider Hingant (37) lacks the right skills to compete in rankings here - just particpate because of his TT-skills. Hard to tell what to expect. Good riders, but lack of leadership and a bit of a misfit for the flat-hills around Valencia. Maybe a place 3 in the TTT?
Chosen Ones: good hiller Krolak (31) and flat rider Pacchiano (29) are to be expected to compete for stage victories.
CSC: strong team without weaknesses. All riders aged in between 31 and 35. But strangely enough I think the chances of the youngest one, Mourinho, are the best to get on a podium- probably at stage 3.
Dirk: brings a lot of TT-skill points. Very likely a podiumplace at stage 2. Wavreille (38) might have an eye on the mountain jersey. While Morgan (33) might end up top 5 in stage 1.
Firle: my favorite for the TTT. Scholz (29), Melot (33), Gonzalez (31), they are all superb TT'ers. And maybe the seasoned Lanoe (36) should finish the job winning some jerseys? I guess he is favorite for GC and probably point rankings as well.
Joachim: an interesting team with three 32-year olds who might want to try to get on a stage podium, Jarding for stage 3 and Leao for stage 1? While mega-talent Detlef Will (25) is one of the favorites for the white jersey.
Low: Seasoned classic rider Bochinsky (38) is my favorite for stage 1. While Nunes and/or Duinslaeger (both 25) will compete for being the best youngster.
Naspa: a nicely balanced and pretty strong team, I think. 25 year old Huizenga will compete for podium in the youngster rankings. With the experienced Audy (38) and two 32 year olds, Caso and Van Nes, I have some options. No first places to be expected, but we will make sure our shirt sponsor will not complain.
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Post by crosljam2 on Aug 3, 2018 12:31:07 GMT 1
Naspa - I get another season of chasing you!! My aim for the season is to stay up, too early to tell how realistic that is. I don't have enough time for extended periods on the transfer market, and i can't bring myself to buy a couple of 33-34-35 yrs olds to last 1-2 seasons tops. Generally that means buying 2nd tier mid twenties and training them up over the next few years As you will have seen Schuller for Trofeo Migjorn wasn't absent minded - Krolak couldn't either compete in that race of today and this way I got a 4th and a 3rd out of the 2 races
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