The 2010 Virtual Directeur Sportif Is Here At Last!
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 12:06 PM EST
in FSA Directeur Sportif
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For two years I have awaited the opportunity to tell you that the Virtual Directeur Sportif has moved into the modern age of sports games, and at last that day is here. Our very own tedvdw has designed an application that has transformed the game you've come to know and love, or at least heard us prattle on about for a while. No longer do you have to download a spreadsheet, fill it out by typing or using dropdowns, and send it to me in the hopes that it'll be received and properly handled. Nope, now you need only go to our new website, create a login using your existing Podium Cafe ID, and follow the directions to assemble a team. When you're done, and I mean really done, follow the instructions and your team is in! During the competition we will have results updated almost instantly, sortable and searchable, and prominently displayed on the front page. Ready to get started??
Go To Podiumcafevds.com
Then come back here to discuss. While you're on the site, remember a few basic principles:
- You have to have a login with the Podium Cafe and with PodiumCafeVDS to play. Neither one requires any real personal information except a working email address, in case you win.
- For everyone, including existing PdC members: you have to create a new login at PodiumCafeVDS! You can't just proceed to logging in with existing info. For now, the login system there isn't sync'ed with this site's. But use the same ID as you use here; then whatever password you want.
- You can tinker with your team as long as you want, and if you close out the window the application will save your team as it was where you left off. But once you submit your team, you can't make any changes.
- Read all the rules. There aren't many of them, but until you comply with them your team will be blocked from submission.
- Final deadline is Friday, February 26, 2010 -- the day before the Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, our kickoff event.
Many of you know what the competition is, but for newcomers read on or go here for a fuller description.
- What is it? A year-long competition, akin to fantasy sports (with a less creepy name), where you select a team of actual riders and score points based on their performance in real races.
- Why would I play? To test your knowledge of cycling; to compete with your fellow Podium Cafe members; or to win a Podium Cafe jersey. My favorite reason is that these kind of games really do help you get to know the sport better.
- Hm, is this complicated? No, you simply go to www.podiumcafevds.com, follow instructions, and set your team before the February 26, 2010 deadline. We do the rest. We also will run a separate competition specific to the Tour de France in July, if you don't have time now or don't want to think about the entire season.
- Sounds cool. What will it cost me? Nothing, as usual. You only have to be a registered member of the Podium Cafe, and your registration must include a working email. Otherwise, it's free.
fireworks via www.bigfoto.com
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Comments
Ohoh.. Tedvdw is living too close too not bother him and hig him and lay down for his house to guard him and be well..
I want to say.. Thankx Ted! You’re great!
And the rest who are not named by name in the article!
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Wow
Only 1 24+ pointer. This makes things difficult, hmmm.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
One small point.. But maybe it's just me..
Don’t know if it’s hard to integrate and if it is a blblbla
I think it’s handy to get auto back when you submitted a rider. The long list is very handy but when you submitted a rider you have to search again where you were..
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
How do you mean? If you are in the rider list and “hire” a rider, you stay where you are. If you then click to My Team, yes have navigated away. So to get back, click your browser’s Back button :)
Terug naar de naam.. Bijvoorbeeld ik voeg Addy Engels toe
Dan kom je weer bovenaan de pagina. Zou volgens mij handig als je weer bij Addy Engels terugkomt
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Oh
(sorry, to continue in English)
You mean in a long list where you have scrolled down, once you click a rider you get moved up again. Yep, unavoidable (erm, well, for now; and probably for always because I don’t feel like Ajaxifying it, if you know what I mean and I’m sure you don’t ;) ). It’s because there is a redirect from the rider list to the hire/fire script and back to the page. So from the browser’s point of view, that’s just a new page. No way of telling where he should navigate other than just keep it at the top.
So, the solution: use your browser’s search function Ctrl-F (or Cmd-F on Apple).
Yep, thanx. Couldn't explain it in English obv..
And I get it except the Ajaxifying part ;)
I already used the ctr+f button. It’s do-able! Muchos thankos again!
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Yeah, me too.
In my head I have a cool laser-blaster sound effect when I hit it. Pyoo-pyoo…you’re fired.
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
It's too fun. Ha! Take that!
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
If only DiLuca was on the list so I could hire him 5 times
and fire his cheating ass 5 times.
You broke my heart Danilo. You broke my heart!
"Woof, woof, woof! That's my other dog imitation."
My only wish
Would be that we could add any name. I would add Jens and then fire him. Repeatedly. Every morning. That would never get old.
With those 2 pointers everybody is (:
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Dear Albertina,
Die.
Yours truly,
majope
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
"More Spanish stage races" is yours
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
No.
And come the revolution, that person goes up against the wall right next to Albertina.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
It's nothing personal.
Those pesky Spanish stage races are just a sensitive spot. There’s still an Albertina Birthday Special Barbie Barbie in the works.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I did the first version of my team then realized I did not have a single Spanish rider.
Then I realized that beyond the blindingly obvious (& very expensive) I didn’t have a clue about Spanish riders.
I faced the identical dilemma... but I'm doing a nice line in young Frenchmen ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
It's all a bit of a moral dilemma really
do you want to play this the right way or do you want to win?
Thanks Ted!
You have no idea how much misery you have saved Chris. Every year I give him fits with my lack of computer skills (especially the simpler ones). One year he even tried to get away to Mexico for a vacation and we didn’t leave him alone. Oh and you just may have saved me a fair bit of confusion and frustration too. Muchos gracias!
He who is, is. He who is not, seeks.
+1
fine work sir
"well...you live in england so: you love the rain. loves the queen. hates cycling. based on mr bean had a tremendous amount of humour. all ride in a mini cooper. all getting drunk before the age of 12. getting drunk at least 3 times a day."- frinking, 7/9/09
Dang! These guys are expensive!
I just plotted in last year’s team and I’m at 197 pts…and that doesn’t include 1 retiree and 3 dopers. This is going to be tough.
I can’t “SUBMIT” though until I see multiple posts from Ursula and majope so I can go through my routine of 2nd, 3rd and 4th guessing my picks.
Oh, and tedvdw, Thanks! This is briljant!
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
that seems a sign that
your last year team was unexpectedly talented.
my last year team costs 4 points.
Moo
Yeah. I had:
Gerrans 2 (now 16)
HH 2 (now 18)
Greipel 2 (now 18)
I gotta find some diamonds in the rough.
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
I am looking at the points system and trying to better understand it.
Does this points system favor the Grand Tour GC contenders more than classics riders in general?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
In the column next to the rider cost you can see how many points he scored in 2009
That could give you some clues. It’s not an entirely easy question.
Easy questions
We have been tinkering with this system for three years to avoid giving people easy choices, or more to the point no clear pathways. Not to torture people so much as to make it so we don’t have 300 teams that are almost all alike.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
So for the team we select I understand the # of points per race, per Grand Tour...etc.
If we have 18 guys that ride the TdF do we get points for all 18 or do we have to select 9 to ride the TdF?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Ok thanks. Wasn't sure how this system was setup since I didn't see anything listed in the
rules about whether we had to select x # of active racers per race. Thank you for the clarification.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Yup
no lineup setting during the season. It’s too messy, especially when you have 300 teams and people with highly variable ability.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
AVAIL-ability
not ability. Fail, chris. FAIL!
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
ty muchly Ted
You have saved me from excel hell!
Jens and Willj, please submit your teams so I know who not to pick, thanks!
I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in.
I assume that you are 'Marmots'?
Little Pippo would very much like to find a contract for this year. Will you take him?
Well? ursula? majope? lopex?
I’ve got a qualifying team now. You may commence with the VDS analysis threads so we can commence hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing.
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
Signed in...
Say hello to Hegemony Now!
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 2:41 PM EST reply actions
Question...
- Elite Rider limit 1: no more than 1 rider(s) costing 24 points or more.
- Elite Rider limit 2: no more than 3 rider(s) costing 18 points or more.
Does the one >24pt rider count in the 3 >18pt riders?
ie do we get 4 >18pt riders where only one can be >24?
These are things I wonder…
"Today I was honked at...I caught up and made a great honking noise back...he caught up and said I'm gonna punch you in the face...I laughed."
~DZ
correction
that should read >23 and >17pts respectively.
"Today I was honked at...I caught up and made a great honking noise back...he caught up and said I'm gonna punch you in the face...I laughed."
~DZ
3 from 18-inf
including one 24+
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Is it in poor taste to offer advice or hints on teams? Or to ask for it ;)
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Ask.. My team is almost done :D
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
In general what percentage of riders which cost 2 points vs. 1 point do you tend to pick?
Obviously 1 point guys will save you a few points to put towards more experienced riders, but the 2 point guys are a bit more of a known factor. I’m having a hard time deciding on this.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
That is true, but at least there are some numbers to go by for them.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
But there are beauti's of 1 pointers.
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
The 2 pointers (mostly) scored once last year
The one pointers didn’t. That’s not much of a difference, at least on the surface. Below the surface…ahhh
You mentioned numbers....
Whilst trying to help the following might just muddy the waters
2009 VDS riders in score order v 2010 cost
2009 1 and 2 point riders and their scores – score order
2009 1 and 2 point riders and their scores – by point category
Hastening to add these are based on the (since revised) spreadsheet.
There will be gems
in both the 1 pt and 2 pt groups. The trick is finding them. 2 pointers are more likely to do something (which is why the cost more). I don’t know of any tried and true formula for this. I don’t think you want to build your team around the hopes that these guys perform though
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
Yeah I'm not going to build up my team around them, but I definitely need them to meet the 25 man
roster requirement.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Even though my this is my first year
It seems as though the best you can do is try to predict which riders will score you points.
The GT contenders and Classics Hardmen are the VDS equivalents of a stud RB in Fantasy Football, hence their cost.
The 1 pointers are just like 7th round picks, pick talent and hope you get fortunate. 2 pointers are like 6th round picks, a little more proven but not necessarily more talented or likely to score points during the season.
JMHO, YMMV!!
by bought with blood on Feb 3, 2010 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Yooh.. You got the essence of the game
Even though my this is my first year. It seems as though the best you can do is try to predict which riders will score you points.
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Great I am soooo glad that I understand the point of the competition.:)
the problem with one and two pointers is that there is often little to predict when they will turn into next years 16-20 pointers.
by bought with blood on Feb 3, 2010 3:36 PM EST up reply actions
It sure is.. But every top contender know how to do that..
Me also? not included
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Since I plan to finish in the relegation portion of the table
I am not exceptionally invested in the team I choose! Nor do I plan to invest in their results. My only hope is that I do reasonably.
by bought with blood on Feb 3, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
I'm rethinking that.
I mean, if I pick riders I hate, when they lose I’ll be ecstatic, and when they win—hey, at least I got some points.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
The top contenders in the vds....
I am convinced now they are all part of the cycling mafia and control the sport from top to bottom. A wicked lot these people are as you can see from the condition of the sport. But mafia types love drama.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
I think it's encouraged!
That’s what we’re all here for, after all; discussion & entertainment around cycling.
It's only poor taste
if you don’t sandbag just a little bit.
Ask away, some answers should be taken more seriously than others.
Which Alpe is that?
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Thanks for the kind words, people
My pleasure, I see it as my version of community work :)
by tedvdw on Feb 3, 2010 3:19 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
All y'all
can only guess how much time tEd has put into this. I can’t express my own thanks and happiness enough with the effort and the outcome. This is what community blogging is all about.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
First Round's on me
Nice work.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
My only mild complaint
is that with the spreadsheet I could sit in the office & keep up some vague pretence that I was, in fact, tinkering with my budgets. Nowhere to hide now… ;-(
I know!
I wasted spent a dangerous amount of my working day playing with this most excellent of new toys.
(Thanks ted, great stuff)
I'm built for descending...
Ha!
I am sure you could print off the rider list for some coverage.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
I've got an Excel spreadsheet going anyway
so I can sort my team by nationality and which team they come from.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
12 for me:
NED 4
USA 4
AUS 3
BEL 3
GER 3
GBR 2
CAN 1
CZE 1
DEN 1
FRA 1
NOR 1
SWE 1
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I have...
BEL 1, NED 4, ITA 3, ESP 6, FRA 3, USA 1, POL 1, RUS 1, COL 1, RSA 1, AUS 1, SVK 1, GBR 1
And they are from: Omega 1, Rabo 3, Leaky 4, Katusha 1, Caisse 2, Garmin 2, Cofidis 2, Quickstep 1, BMC 2, Euskie 3, BBox 1, Sky 2, Skil 1.
Of course, this may all change. Several times.
13 for me too
USA 6
NED 4
GBR 4
ESP 2
FRA 1
RUS 1
KAZ 1
POR 1
AUS 1
NZL 1
BEL 1
CAN 1
SUI 1
by Douglas Ansel on Feb 4, 2010 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
So far
NED 6,
ITA 4,
KAZ 2,
SUI 2,
ESP 2,
SLO 1,
GER 1,
SVK 1,
FRA 1,
BEL 1,
SWE 1,
COL 1,
CRO 1
+1.. Don’t see who I am missing
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Mureyev?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I don't have him.. He isn't even in the 4 list
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Ha.. And spoiling my dark horses.. Never
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Could be p to three.. Or 4 with ease..
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
I have a bizarre number of Frenchmen:(
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Not certain that's a recipe for success...
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
If I have a team submitted, that will be success...
but the ones I’ve chosen aren’t appalling.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Submitting a team would be already a big success for you isn't it?
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Yes it would be...
and I have 12 nationalities of the right value so I’m feeling very proud.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Teams breakdown:
Sky 5, BMC 4, Garmin 3, Cervelo 2, Radioshack 2, Katusha 1, Rabobank 1, Saxobank 1, Footon 1, Xaebo 1, HTC 1, BBox 1, Vacansolei 1, Astana 1
by Douglas Ansel on Feb 4, 2010 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Lets see...
1 NOR, 1 CZE, 1 SLO, 1 SVK, 1 RUS, 1 VEN, 4 FRA, 2 AUS, 1 GBR, 2 BEL, 4 ITA, 3 GER, 3 NED
13 as of now but I am going to have to make some changes probably because I only have 1 guy on a Spanish team.
by Vlaanderen90 on Feb 4, 2010 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
I'm feeling the same
There’s too many little spanish races to only have two spanish riders on my team….
by Douglas Ansel on Feb 4, 2010 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
For me
5 Spain
4 Holland
2 USA
2 Colombia
2 Belgium
2 Slovakia
2 France
2 Germany
1 Denmark
1 Italy
1 Sweden
1 Brazil
Of course it will be completely changed in a week…
equal opportunity
4 Dutch
2 spanish, 2 french, 2 italian, 2 irish
1 german, 1 suisse, 1 austrian
1 belge
1 dane
1 pol, 1 czech, 1 slov, 1 belorusse, 1 lithuanian, 1 russian
1 kiwi
1 euskie (spanish)
Tried to be as fair as possible, the only ones i slighted were the americas. That works out since there is a podium cafe bias in their favor.
Teams are also very equally spread out. 3 rabos, 2 garmins, 2 leaky’s, 2 fdj, 2 “haitchTC’s”, etc
I have 1 brazilian and 5 USA
and 6 Garmen!!….should have named the team VDSVil Garmin
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
A truly stunning accomplishment
By country, by team, by point search functions etc. Races grouped by point value etc – superb.
Even I can figure out how to do this.
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart.
George thanks you from his bottom too.
Great Work
and I can’t wait to see how the ratings stuff works.
good work bro
very easy to use and elegant
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
So I get to look like a genius when Bauke Mollema wins the Giro don't I!!
by bought with blood on Feb 3, 2010 3:21 PM EST reply actions
now you don't
;)
"Today I was honked at...I caught up and made a great honking noise back...he caught up and said I'm gonna punch you in the face...I laughed."
~DZ
Great!
But I miss a bribe function.
Staring at the swim team gets you killed by a gang of dancing ninja men who know how to twirl.
Anyone have cost 1 riders that you would recommend?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
yep
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
No no Jimbo
Ahillock is asking for riders that cost 1 point. Not riders likely to score 1 point, which is your speciality.
Me too! Ooh.. Never spoil your own one-pointers..
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
One interesting general principle
We have a different calendar compared to 2009. There are lots of small races included this year. They don’t score many points but if you can find onepointers that can do well often in small races they may earn their keep that way.
Thank you Ted.
I took a pass last year mainly because I sucked so bad in ‘08, but also because it just seemed like it was going to take too much effort to put a team together. Now I don’t have that excuse (but I’ll probably still suck).
Twitter username: FitTechEric
Oh and a big thank you to ted
This is easy peasy!!!
by bought with blood on Feb 3, 2010 3:54 PM EST reply actions
If Podium Cafe exists for a thousand years...
…people will look back and say that this was our finest hour. :D
Indeed
In fact, we are scheduled to jump the shark sometime this August.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
They keep OK
though storage is expensive.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Put 'em in with the salmon.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Has anyone heard or read what Romain Sicard will be up to in 2010?
Besides Sammy Sanchez on the team, what will Sicard’s role be?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Dude.. He's Basque!
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
Yeah he hasn't been very consistent in his short career and TdU was mediocre.
But he has shown glimpses of talent.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
TDU should not be something that Sicard should be judged by...That is a sprinter's race for the most part and it is the first race of the year.
He was pro for one year before Euskatel this year and even if he didn’t always win the race, he was at least going for a specific goal. When you win Worlds and Avenir like he did last year plus doing well in the spanish races, he should be looking bright
He won the Urkiola thingy beating a lot of excellent riders.
It certainly set a lot of people talking, and rightly I think.
Being a beast...He won the Subida Urkiola last year on a Orbea (conti team) over Valverde I believe
so he has the goods to be very good this year all ready
Don't worry
I plan on hacking into Vlaanderen’s team before the deadline
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 5:25 PM EST up reply actions
I made a whole list that is on another computer but one tidbit is I don't know
how well the Australian kids will do this year (Bobridge, Meyers, etc.) because they are probably not racing for a month or so after Track Worlds and then they will have to stop their road season early to make sure they have good track form for Commonwealth games. Other than that, Leaky, FdJ and Euskatel have a lot of young talent that should be ready to perform.
All I can say about the kids
from hard-won experience, is how utterly empty it feels to have been right about them a year too soon. I probably won’t pick Bobridge given what he said about his race plan.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 7:39 PM EST up reply actions
And there's this year's dilemma
last year I ditched all my sucky kids. Some guy named Boassen Hagen. One A Greipel. T Farrar. Big Big Whoops. So do I stick with last year’s Lanterne Rouge runners-up, or do I just shoot them and try to not even remember their names.
Bah ted
Now I’m gonna haz 2 play. Bah bah bah I say.
by R Mc on Feb 3, 2010 4:32 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Wow ted
I wish we were neighbors, I would abuse your computer talents.
"It's a lovely thing, feeling that momentum. If you're lucky, it's also about grace." Tim Winton
This VDS team is going to be awesome or be full of holes...
With going all U-26, my stage racing squad should be fine but it is the classics that I am worrying about.
How many points has it taken to win the past couple of years?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
We doubled the number of races this year
so you might not learn much from the answer. But I haven’t taken down the 2009 VDS sidebar box (front page, left side) yet. Hunt around there.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
Oh nice, I didn't realize it was 2x the races this year. Thanks for the info.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
But all the new races are very lowscoring ones
so the impact shouldn’t be huge.
The major point of the added races is to help provide a more correct/fair rider ranking system.
yep
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone have an opinion of philippe gilbert vs. samuel sanchez for '10
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
I wish I could take Gilbert again this year--he was money for me last year.
But with only one 24+ rider possible, I have to go with…someone else.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
of those two
I would be more wary of Sanchez.
http://velonews.competitor.com/2010/01/news/sanchez-to-take-aim-at-tour_102848
(link wasn’t working in preview so I said sod it)
According to that Sanchez is going to focus on the Tour instead of the Vuelta and may even skip some hilly spring classics. IMO none of these things are good for his VDS output. He certainly won’t finish second in the Tour, maybe barely finish top ten or worse and score less GT points as a result even if TdF results are worth more points. Also he will likely not be earning as many Mens RR WC points on a sprinters course (he was 4th last year although Gilbert finished a few places back and is affected as well).
Not sure what Gilbert plans to target or how Evans’ departure will affect his chances. Does anyone know if there exists a website or database/section of one that compiles rider calendars for the 2010 season or do I have to search them out individually?
true Valverde was second to Boonen in madrid and
the reports do say that the course is harder than was initially believed and riders who are not strictly sprinters have won “sprinters’” races before. But Sanchez has less of a fast finish than Valverde, and he is also a slower sprinter than GIlbert on most days for that matter if the comparison is being made.
Thanks for that info. I appreciate it.
I have also been having a hard time finding out what riders plan to race for 2010. I have been using Google news, but a lot of the time the news reports are in the riders native language which isn’t always helpful.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
"La tête dans le guidon" is in !
Thanks for organizing this guys, it should be fun, and make following the season even more exciting…
welcome
and good luck!
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 3, 2010 7:40 PM EST up reply actions
One kink in the VDS that I have noticed is
under Rules when you click on the point system heading for the different categories, instead of showing the races in that particular category it keeps linking back to Grand Tours. I would like to be able to see what races are under “minor races” “best of the rest” “top classics”…etc.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
If you go to the calendar and click on the number under VDS Cat,
it will take you to a list of every race in that category.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Thanks, didn't know there was that work around.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Thanks Ted. This is briljant..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Name change - how?
During the initial signup the site said team name could be edited before submission, but I can’t figure out how to do that. Do I change it during submission, or is there another way? Otherwise I am going to be stuck with Team Working Title (which, btw, is probably better than whatever I ultimately come up with.)
Jens Voigt doesn’t know where you live, but he knows exactly where you will die.
Look on your My Team page
Should be your team, then Summary, then Did I Follow the Rules?, then Submit My Team, then below that is a box with your team name in it, preceded by “Last chance for a name change.”
I believe that you should put the new name in the box before you hit the Submit My Team Now! button at the very bottom of the page, but I can’t test it without actually submitting my team.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I tried to change like you said but it didn't
not that I am very worried about it..
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
You already submitted?
If not, there’s a new “change name form” right at the top of the My Team page.
yeah I did
I am doing this for fun and to root for the guys so I already did it.
I once was top 10 at the year end on the ATP Tennis Fantasy. You had to pick 8 guys every week and couldn’t pick them more than 5 times. Too stressful.
On the VDS I am aiming for fun. So no worries.
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
That's the only thing I have sorted :0
Typical of me… pay attention to window dressing first.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I hear you. I've just about got the new team jersey designed--in my head, anyway.
Eventually I’ll get around to who’s actually going to wear it.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Good to know I have friends... now a team jersey....hmmm
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I think I'll start publicizing team names on some page
only the ones that are “OK” though, I think? (not necessarily submitted).
I've managed to pick a team I'm confident won't win..
but I know they’ll make me proud ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Lots of great names. There's a competition in this too...
matching the names with their owners.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Okay, I'll try a couple...
Vinomort and His Dementors = Frinking
Team of the Tired Dad = Lopex (twins!)
Conquering CabinBoys = Jens
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I had a hunch that 'Short Pants Romance' was you Majope?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
No, but honestly, you don't have to work hard to find mine.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Or the followup to Verboten Liebe.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I think 'Owls of derision' is my favourite name...
It has a Drongo feel to it, but who knows… well aside from Ted
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
What gave me away?
Vlaanderen = Mein U-26 wonderkindern.. Or is i Phil.. Someone had said only U-26 for me
RaboFrank =Frankv
De koplopers.. Curious to see who that is
The Txapela wearing Txirrindulariak of Txindoki = Albertina
Team Barbie Barbie = Majope?
Hegemony Now! = Chris?
Marmots = Wilj?
Two Gentlemen of Lebowski – … Sui/Frew/Chrash
Team Lanterne Rouge – entendered..
So far my guesses
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
I forget Jombo by Lebowski
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
'BoPenYang - rbjhan maybe?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Podiuminsight speaks also Chinese or Japanees
Very witty name is you?
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
I wish... I think Sminer or Lurker will work mine out.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
The Txapela wearing Txirrindulariak of Txindoki
Albertxina.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
I thought about this and decided I'd make a mistake transposing..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
i just made my first pre selection!!
46 riders that i chose, now it’s only start cutting!!
Great work, congrats!
Any thoughts on how I should decide between Deignan and Gerdemann?
Deignan would be “worth” more if he does the Giro and Espana, while Gerdemann will be better in the TdF and might have more upside based on the team he is riding for. Any other thoughts?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Well, that depends
Gerdemann was a big owwie for me on my VDS team. He did nothing in the Tour last year, and was on the same team then as he’s going to be this year. Deignan scored almost three times as many points, thanks mostly to his performance in the Vuelta.
But: if you harbor a suspicion that Gerdemann is a talented rider who just had a bad year, he might be a steal at only 6 points.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Trying to guess how good Leenooos will be this year
is harder then trying to figure out what JB’s tweets mean. But he is a better rider on a worse team. If he focuses solely on the Tour he will have another bad year IMO.
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
But we have his word on it that he's going to win races this year.
It’s in my sig line and everything.
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Yeah, but not sure how much faith to put into that ;)
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Yes, I forgot Leenoos intentionally did not win races last year
it really is sometime tough to forget that doing so is a good thing, sometimes you just ride for the love of cruising around, this year it’s game time!
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
he is a different rider this year
remember!
Your bike doesn't want to crash so relax and let it roll!!!
I probably shouldn't speak too soon, but this is very user-friendly...
even a Luddite like me can cope, and we know that’s unusual.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Cruel... so very very heartless...
Wait til you see my team, you’ll laugh more..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
If this was an English exam (not that you need to cheat), that could possibly have merit..
As it is, I think the team is ‘lovely’, but not good enough to shine or bad enough to bring home the lanterne rouge.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
My problem with cheating in an English exam is that I can never get
the equations to come out right.
x = Romeo’s cousin times the gravitational field of the Prince of Verona?
I just can’t make it work :)
I'm built for descending...
And my problem with maths exams was I could never write the problem solving in words...
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Physics makes me break out in hives simply imagining it
…or imagining my embarrassment at how bewildered I would be.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
That's the beauty of Physics
You get to claim that it’s not an error, you’re just testing the theory based on the assumption that X is false/true/removed/added to/from the equation.
I'm built for descending...
Oh, and yes...
I’ve resoundingly proven my lack of understanding/respect when it comes to physics. ;)
I'm built for descending...
You understand I don't even understand this... I'm reaching for the paper bag
to stop me hyperventilating.
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Did I say I was breathing into the bag?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Ha! Nice equation!
Let me know if you solve it
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
And you raise a good question
Is there a prize for the lanterne rouge? A red, paper lantern perhaps?
It’d really match my decor…
I'm built for descending...
I have no idea, but I'll be a contender... I'll change my decor
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I've decided that Arthur Vichot has to be on my team...Allez, Allez!
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
I thought about that
He’s in the mix, but I don’t know if he’ll make the final cut or not.
It’d be wonderfully poetic if this turned out to be a breakout year for him, off the back of his sudden popularity at the TDU :)
I'm built for descending...
One point... it's a cheap way to keep the faith..
I thought about having an Angel or a Jesus, but Arthur will have to do ;)
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Oh come on!
How could you leave Arthur off? Man’s gonna be my one-point wonder :-)
Way to go! I'm sure Arthur can feel the love..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
Technically I haven't left him off yet
I just haven’t left him on yet either. ;)
I'm built for descending...
You cab searcj a lantern rouge.. I will do that..
But it would be cool if it’s a red number.. The number has to equal the teams submitted.. So you have the.. eeh nvm
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
There are lots of lovely lantern rouges:
And
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
myself, i didn't mind the spreadsheets,
(although chris might have, as i had to send it to him like 3 times before he got a version he could accept) but really excellent, excellent job, tedvw! Aesthetically pleasing, everything works beautifully. Just really nice. Chapeau.
yeah
come to think of it, this is mostly about me. But hey, no spreadsheets means more writing or what have you.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
actually
the really beneficial stuff from your POV will come once the comp is underway and you can sort and search like never before. Also, timely results would be a big change.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
Why because he is going to be suspended again for coke?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
No, because he's gonna clean up and you won't have him.
And if you do pick him afterall then he’ll suck. Either way you are doomed.
Next you'll be telling me you don't love Niels anymore.
"Woof, woof, woof! That's my other dog imitation."
Niels Lofgrin? He's cool.
I liked his solo stuff before he joined with Bruce. Especially the album with the fat lady on it.
If this isn't the recipe for an Übermensch, I don't know what is
Lofgren was born in Chicago in 1951 to Swedish/Italian parents
Never fear, I totally love Niels, even if he is an often moody playboy!
I get the impression that Zdenek might be the more dependable type….. ;-)
Ok. I guess I won't pick up so that he'll suck for you too since it sounds like he might be on your team. :)
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
I have realised to my shame that the last minute team name change didn't work before
Any submitted teams hit by that, report here.
Although I haven't "submitted" yet...
I’ve changed my Team Name then logged out. When I logged back in, the change wasn’t there.
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
At the moment, Submit is the only way to change your team name
So your name change wasn’t saved because you didn’t submit your team. I meant to implement a separate name change form, but didn’t (yet) because of time constraints.
I have a team. But I'm not submitting it until the last minute.
The Black Unicorn might cause a season ending injury on 25th February.
This
is a very, very important point.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, but watch out...
How many of us dumped Greipel at the last minute because he was going to miss most of the spring? [raises hand]
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
stupid white unicorn
that was all her fault.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
160 registered members so far
Last year we only had 185 teams. My guess for this year is more like 300.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 10:46 AM EST reply actions
So is Ted the hero feeding in all the results?
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
This has been such a huge job. I just wondered..
"How strange it was to see men doing something beautiful. Something pointless and elegant." Tim Winton, 'Breath'
[raises hand]
It actually shouldn’t be a big job, just feeding a few names into a form. Last year you’d have had to enter the names, run the macro, upload the spreadsheet, and do a post about the results… which weren’t sortable.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
haha, good point,
but then at least you get lanterne rouge. You’d only have to worry about coming in second really.
Any mid season trades this year?
or I’d just be happy to fire a few clowns even if I don’t get a replacement
Moo
I'm guessing yes
But there are a lot more races to get points from, so it’s hard to say.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
Hmm, it's just that if this were my team last year
it would only have got 8369 points but I think it’s got to be better than that.
That about where I was
Before I realized I was going to have to dump guys and start over. Take that for what it’s worth…
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
The Same
25 and 150, but the riders were cheaper last year. Inflation and all that.
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
Oh ok...
So does that mean that this year’s teams might not have done so well last year, if you see what I mean? My head is very bad at working these things out…!
Did you add in the points from the new races that were added this year?
If you did then well..you probably should change a few around
by Vlaanderen90 on Feb 4, 2010 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
Yes
Example, my last years team had Tony, Boonen, Thor and Kolobnev. This year I can only have 3 of them and I can’t have both Tony and Thor, so in theory I’ll get less points..
"Some people are like slinkies - not really good for anything but they bring a smile to your face when pushed down the stairs."
I think Albertina was asking if her team this year
could have done worse last year than they will this year on paper.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Huh?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Because by definition they would do worse last year.
The prices are set to a large degree every winter to reflect what they did the year before.
If a rider had a bad year, out of shape, was injured for part of the season, was on a crappy team
could all result in them having a bad last year. This year they could very well do better than they did last year. That is why it is called finding gems.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Hence the point of finding riders that are undervalued.
For the most part you guys did a great job of over valuing a lot of the riders. But there are several that you missed on your price adjustment that will definitely do better this year than last year. So yes Albertina, you can have a team listed that did “poorly” last year and will do better this year.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Some statistics
http://www.podiumcafevds.com/stats.php
Obviously no top 10 of popular riders, that (and more) will come after the submittal deadline.
tED, now you're out of control.
Wow, Garmin leads the teams? Whoda thunk it?
"My facking goat didn’t wear Robes! Does he look Scottisch?!" Baron von Frinkenstein
Oh now that does reassure me a little.
The average points won last year by riders chosen is 302.62, which means 7565.5 per team. Mine looks better than that on paper!
You can't quite put a team together that way
but you could get a good start:
Boonen 22
Armstrong 16
Basso 16
Chavanel 14
Van Avermaet 6
Bos 2
Cornu 2
Simoni 2
Reus 1
I will be a different rider in 2010, one who wins races.--Linus Gerdemann
Armstrong naked... shudder
maybe Kristin however… Peanut butter anyone?
by Christopher See on Feb 6, 2010 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
Think we could get a standard deviation on points scored in 2009?
The stats junkie in me is interested in how many people are choosing up-and-coming vs. proven contendors.
by Douglas Ansel on Feb 4, 2010 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
Like who? ;)
jk :)
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
I know this is a competition but in the spirit of having fun maybe those of you less hard core could offer
your opinion to someone not as experience with Pro cycling.
I have 34 points to fill my last 2 roster spots. I am looking at two different scenarios and I’m not exactly sure which route would be better.
1) Go for 20 + 14 point riders: something like a Cunego/Gesink + Lovkist/Chavanel
2) Go for 18 + 16 point riders: something like Pozzato/Kreuziger/Haussler + Breschel/Nibali
Obviously the specifics of the riders I would need to determine at a later point. But overall any thoughts on either option?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
It's your pick
The prices were set so there’s no one price that’s better than others. So you have to go with the riders you like.
I almost had a panic attack walking around the mall with my kids
When I realized that Lampre might not race the whole season. Any real thoughts on just how precarious their situation is?
by bought with blood on Feb 4, 2010 1:16 PM EST reply actions
Really?
Sorry, I’m not up on this topic. What is the story behind it?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
They have a license for the first half of the year so far and the second half is still being hashed out...
SO in reality, Cunego could get a nice ardennes win and Petacchi could sweep a lot of sprint wins up
and then not race in the second half of the year?
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
Do you think Pettachi still has some kick left in him?
It will be interesting to see what he can do in ‘10, but he isn’t getting any younger. With the likes of Cav and Farrar, I wonder how he can keep up.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
He's my prime concern
I was thinking about using him to snap up points in small Italian races, but would only half a season make him worse than the other 14 pointers?
by bought with blood on Feb 4, 2010 1:47 PM EST up reply actions
cant wait
To dig into this.
And, pretty please, any plans for a classics/monuments/cobbles-focused subcompetition?
"The road is our agony, but also our daily bread; and at night, when it is deserted and the moon glistens on the asphalt, the ridiculous dreams of racers like us pass up and down it."
--Dino Buzzati
I need to start a new thread
look on the FP in a moment.
"The only pain I got time for is the pain I put on fools who don't know what time it is." Edvald Boasson Hagen
by Chris Fontecchio on Feb 4, 2010 1:56 PM EST reply actions
I've spent 149 points.. So theoretical I have less chance to win?
"Here the high school level of immaturity will be left to hottitude columns and people like myself." Der Phil. H
No
Most of it is based on luck anyways. You could always upgrade a 1 point rider to a 2 point rider.
"Let’s plunge ourselves into the roar of time, the whirl of accident; may pain and pleasure, success and failure, shift as they will- it’s only action that can make a man" Faust, Goethe
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