- Dec 27, 2010
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Lot of talk about Ewan being a must-have pick, even though he won't ride with Orica til October. Once Nationals and the TDU (hardly nailed on points here either) are out of the way his points scoring potential seems fairly low to me, even if he wins heavily on the U23 scene.
I may have dropped a clanger here but I don't see where he's going to score points as a U23 to make him a must-have?
EDIT: Nicosix and I posted at the same time.
I may have dropped a clanger here but I don't see where he's going to score points as a U23 to make him a must-have?
EDIT: Nicosix and I posted at the same time.
- May 9, 2010
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- Dec 30, 2011
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LaFlorecita said:
I see others have posted similar, but Ewan was a nice pick. But nothing close to a must pick. He can't get much more points this year than last, until he joins Orica and after that I wouldn't bank on him excelling and even if he does it won't result in anything over 500, probably 400.
Contador, was the only 'must pick' I left out. As I did on VR collective team, I felt that Betancur would be the better choice, for 300 or so points cheaper and someone improving and capable in classics, GTs, week long races etc. Leaving Contador out, could be a big mistake, but only if he finds some way to reserve last year's form. I don't like taking riders who have no explanation for their poor results in previous years.
- Jan 2, 2010
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Not enough to make him a must have pick on its own but as I understand it Ewan is due to race Herald Sun Tour (2.1), where several stages might suit him. My guess is that Ewan will score ~200 points, but a good chunk more could be possible.
- May 15, 2011
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Froome19 said:
Contador will ride la Vuelta which on its own will be good for 400-500 points more. I don't know if you saw it on VR but I calculated a score based on a season without any wins and I came to 2000. Perhaps he'll ride worlds and Lombardia too and score points there. If he is just a tad better prepared than last year I can see him getting to 2000 points easily.
And of course Alberto has an explanation for his poor form last year but it's up to you if you believe it.
I decided to omit any riders with form/fitness doubts carrying over form last year. The only rider i wish i had picked is Chaves Rubio (for defensive purposes); hopefully it won't be the difference between winning and losing.
- Aug 16, 2011
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IMO the thing about Ewan is he's one of those young cyclists that you know without a doubt is going to be huge in the future. Kinda like any real cycling fan knew it would only be a matter of time for Quintana to break through with those big results, it's only a matter of time before Ewan breaks through with some big results. These types of young cyclists have too much talent not too.
Now will Ewan get those results this year? Maybe, maybe not. But just in case he does; you don't want to be one of the guys without him.
Now will Ewan get those results this year? Maybe, maybe not. But just in case he does; you don't want to be one of the guys without him.
I always love the 'rider debate' part of the start of the season for this. Lotsa talk about Contador and Ewan, I figure it's a good time to detail my reasoning for picking my team, highest to lowest:
Contador - listen, I don't expect pre-ban Contador levels of dominance, now or ever. I'd be pleasantly surprised, but that's not the point. The point is that he's a fantastic stage race rider, he still won the Vuelta post-ban so he's got lots of potential, just not a slam-dunk, and he was on the back foot last year for the first time in his career since really emerging in 2007. His approach this year can only be better, tactically and training-wise, now that he knows he can't waltz in and win all year long. Add the fact that he's doing 2 GTs and his points should go up to 1800-2200, making him more than worthwhile.
Boasson Hagen - underachiever or not, he's still one of the most talented riders in the peloton, and Sky's got nobody who can do what he can do, in terms of top-level speed, getting over hills, and good TT ability (Thomas is okay but just not as good). One result in a long classic would be great, but if not I expect him to win stuff like the Hamburg race or GP Plouay or Montreal, if nothing else. Doubling of points is reasonable.
Phinney - more of a 'safety' pick than a game-breaker. He'll do just fine if he performs year-round, is healthy for a GT, and shouldn't really get lower than 4th in the Worlds TT. His result in MSR last year was promising for races of length and the first time he's showed staying power on any kind of hill. MSR is harder this year, but if that transfers over to Flanders or E3, that's great; if not, there's still Roubaix and G-W. Shouldn't do worse than 6-700, I wouldn't be shocked (but pleasantly surprised) if he cracked 1000.
Dennis - had a bit of bad luck last year (which has also carried over to this year it seems) but is too talented to leave off. His TT skills and good climbing should make him a threat, if not yet for stuff like P-N and Dauphine (although maybe), at least the American races and that thing coming up in Oz next week. 800 not unlikely.
LL Sanchez - no-brainer, leader at Caja means he'll make the most of his opportunities. 1000 points.
Moser - He's definitely better than last year showed. He had a really lucky first season, he might get back to that level of results, but even if not he's a solid pick.
Van Den Broeck - not as great a pick as his obviousness suggests. Some riders are obvious because they were injured dramatically; he is one. But someone like Monfort, switching teams to become GT leader for 2 GTs while being a solid all-rounder, is about as lucrative a pick. If Monfort's points fit on my team I would have picked him instead. VdB is just fine, but I don't see him getting much more than 750 points, really.
Hesjedal - had a horrible year, and even though his Giro results are somewhat mysterious in terms of why, I don't think it's a sign that 2012 was a flash in the pan. Could be solid (5-600), could be spectacular (2012 level).
Le Bon - pleased to see he's my most unique pick as 5 people only picked him. I dunno, he's got good TT skills and looks real promising in the classics (2nd at Tro Bo Leon and 26th in his debut P-R). Plus he missed 3 months with injury. Certainly you can't just imagine 3 months worth of replaced points and expect them, along with age-related improvement, but I think there's enough there that he could be a great contributor and as much as triple. He'll have plenty of opportunities at least.
Van Poppel - I only didn't pick him last year because I thought he was too young. He proved me wrong, so I'm backing him this year, especially with Trek's dearth of top-level speed. Glad to read today that he's not riding a GT, he's good enough to place highly in a ton of smaller races and pull out the odd stage on a WT race. Don't know what to expect, but 5-700 wouldn't be crazy.
Aru - if you need an explanation, just pay attention to him this year, because it means that you haven't been up until now. His results will speak for themselves.
Brajkovic - I dunno if he'll have enough chances to really recoup with such a stacked lineup at Astana, but all it needs is something like a win at the Tour of Austria (I know, he won't do it if he does the Tour, but you know what I mean), and his record of seasons at more than double his cost make me hesitate to leave him out. One of the last additions, though.
Goss - he can't do worse than last year. He can't.
Battaglin - this is the third year in a row I've got him, so he's gotta produce sometime, right? Pre-crash Giro performance last year showed he's got the flash he was supposed to - with Modolo leaving, I'm crossing my fingers he gets more chances.
Van Baarle - one of the last additions, I'm worried he may go the way of many dutch youngsters and underperform relative to the U23 ranks for a bit. That said, a solid TT and all-round resume should fit nicely with Garmin. I'm thinking more success in 2.1 North American races than ripping up the European scene. 500 points max, and could swing anywhere to below his price, but I'm hopeful.
Craddock - another late addition, what got me was the fact that he'll have a good set of chances at the developing GiantShimano team. His 5th in the U23 TT was the last pleasant surprise last year, after the American races.
Coppel - his inexplicable drop in results is worrisome, but it can't be worse, right? Although the curse of Cofidis kept me from picking both him and Taaramae, because that team just has too much incompetence that would break my heart if I had 2 of them.
De Gendt - I don't actually know how well he'll do, he's pretty mercurial and he might be buried a bit at OPQS. The last addition to my team, if he shows up he can get 500.
Boonen - no explanation necessary. Third time I've had this guy in 4 years.
Howson - Great TTers always get some chances; I don't expect a first year as successful as Durbridge's, but there's gotta be some 3-day race or a few where he pulls out a top 5 based on good TT results.
Bennett - a late addition but I'm happy I included him, especially since he's relatively unique. What really got me was him beating Viviani (and only losing to Cav) in a stage of the ToB last year - even if that was the top of his ability, if he can pull that out a couple of times (and win a few of the smaller races he's sure to get a chance at with NetApp), he'll be more than worth it.
Teklehaimanot - with more opportunities at MTN than Greenedge (plus hopefully no Visa problems this year), his much-vaunted 'engine' should carry him up the ladder of results. I went back and forth on him for awhile, but I decided in the end to throw my lot in with him.
Ewan - yes there's a ceiling, but it's high enough to make it worthwhile, and the floor is high enough to make it a no-brainer. I can't see him doing worse in U23 races, and I could see him doing considerably better. The guy is money, he's been beating WT riders since he was 17, making him the most obvious sprint prospect I've ever seen. He finished 4th on an incredibly hard Worlds RR; on an easier course with a bigger sprint, he could easily win which would give him 36 extra points from that race alone. Throw in another Ncup win of 30 points, plus 50-100 points from the early Aussie races, plus the same from late-season stagaire races, and I see 300 as an easy bar for him to clear. Maybe not, but the lowest he can get makes him a non-gamble.
Schleck - Turn his top 20 into a top 10 and give him a couple of other results for the year and it's hard to turn him down.
Dombrowski - he's too good for last year's level to be where he's at again.
Vanendert - meh, I threw him in at the end because he has enough opportunity to get 400 points, which is a fine return.
Lutsenko - I didn't pick him last year because I thought he'd need a year to adjust; now he has it. No way Astana doesn't give a rider of his calibre from Kazakhstan a bunch of chances.
Formolo - coming as an amateur without a team and getting top spots in Aosta and Avenir, combined with being on a Cannondale squad that has few overall contenders and a good amount of small Italian races, and he's worth the investment.
Colli - see Vanendert, change to 350 points.
Anacona - I shook my head at him last year. Why did Lampre not use him earlier (even after recovery from the broken ankle) with such an impressive showing at the Vuelta as a neo, especially with their lack of depth? Why did he do so poorly at the Vuelta? Tempted to not even take him until I saw he was starting at San Luis, which at least gave me hopes he might ride a full season.
Chaves - of course.
Gerdemann - of course.
Thoughts? Disagreements?
Contador - listen, I don't expect pre-ban Contador levels of dominance, now or ever. I'd be pleasantly surprised, but that's not the point. The point is that he's a fantastic stage race rider, he still won the Vuelta post-ban so he's got lots of potential, just not a slam-dunk, and he was on the back foot last year for the first time in his career since really emerging in 2007. His approach this year can only be better, tactically and training-wise, now that he knows he can't waltz in and win all year long. Add the fact that he's doing 2 GTs and his points should go up to 1800-2200, making him more than worthwhile.
Boasson Hagen - underachiever or not, he's still one of the most talented riders in the peloton, and Sky's got nobody who can do what he can do, in terms of top-level speed, getting over hills, and good TT ability (Thomas is okay but just not as good). One result in a long classic would be great, but if not I expect him to win stuff like the Hamburg race or GP Plouay or Montreal, if nothing else. Doubling of points is reasonable.
Phinney - more of a 'safety' pick than a game-breaker. He'll do just fine if he performs year-round, is healthy for a GT, and shouldn't really get lower than 4th in the Worlds TT. His result in MSR last year was promising for races of length and the first time he's showed staying power on any kind of hill. MSR is harder this year, but if that transfers over to Flanders or E3, that's great; if not, there's still Roubaix and G-W. Shouldn't do worse than 6-700, I wouldn't be shocked (but pleasantly surprised) if he cracked 1000.
Dennis - had a bit of bad luck last year (which has also carried over to this year it seems) but is too talented to leave off. His TT skills and good climbing should make him a threat, if not yet for stuff like P-N and Dauphine (although maybe), at least the American races and that thing coming up in Oz next week. 800 not unlikely.
LL Sanchez - no-brainer, leader at Caja means he'll make the most of his opportunities. 1000 points.
Moser - He's definitely better than last year showed. He had a really lucky first season, he might get back to that level of results, but even if not he's a solid pick.
Van Den Broeck - not as great a pick as his obviousness suggests. Some riders are obvious because they were injured dramatically; he is one. But someone like Monfort, switching teams to become GT leader for 2 GTs while being a solid all-rounder, is about as lucrative a pick. If Monfort's points fit on my team I would have picked him instead. VdB is just fine, but I don't see him getting much more than 750 points, really.
Hesjedal - had a horrible year, and even though his Giro results are somewhat mysterious in terms of why, I don't think it's a sign that 2012 was a flash in the pan. Could be solid (5-600), could be spectacular (2012 level).
Le Bon - pleased to see he's my most unique pick as 5 people only picked him. I dunno, he's got good TT skills and looks real promising in the classics (2nd at Tro Bo Leon and 26th in his debut P-R). Plus he missed 3 months with injury. Certainly you can't just imagine 3 months worth of replaced points and expect them, along with age-related improvement, but I think there's enough there that he could be a great contributor and as much as triple. He'll have plenty of opportunities at least.
Van Poppel - I only didn't pick him last year because I thought he was too young. He proved me wrong, so I'm backing him this year, especially with Trek's dearth of top-level speed. Glad to read today that he's not riding a GT, he's good enough to place highly in a ton of smaller races and pull out the odd stage on a WT race. Don't know what to expect, but 5-700 wouldn't be crazy.
Aru - if you need an explanation, just pay attention to him this year, because it means that you haven't been up until now. His results will speak for themselves.
Brajkovic - I dunno if he'll have enough chances to really recoup with such a stacked lineup at Astana, but all it needs is something like a win at the Tour of Austria (I know, he won't do it if he does the Tour, but you know what I mean), and his record of seasons at more than double his cost make me hesitate to leave him out. One of the last additions, though.
Goss - he can't do worse than last year. He can't.
Battaglin - this is the third year in a row I've got him, so he's gotta produce sometime, right? Pre-crash Giro performance last year showed he's got the flash he was supposed to - with Modolo leaving, I'm crossing my fingers he gets more chances.
Van Baarle - one of the last additions, I'm worried he may go the way of many dutch youngsters and underperform relative to the U23 ranks for a bit. That said, a solid TT and all-round resume should fit nicely with Garmin. I'm thinking more success in 2.1 North American races than ripping up the European scene. 500 points max, and could swing anywhere to below his price, but I'm hopeful.
Craddock - another late addition, what got me was the fact that he'll have a good set of chances at the developing GiantShimano team. His 5th in the U23 TT was the last pleasant surprise last year, after the American races.
Coppel - his inexplicable drop in results is worrisome, but it can't be worse, right? Although the curse of Cofidis kept me from picking both him and Taaramae, because that team just has too much incompetence that would break my heart if I had 2 of them.
De Gendt - I don't actually know how well he'll do, he's pretty mercurial and he might be buried a bit at OPQS. The last addition to my team, if he shows up he can get 500.
Boonen - no explanation necessary. Third time I've had this guy in 4 years.
Howson - Great TTers always get some chances; I don't expect a first year as successful as Durbridge's, but there's gotta be some 3-day race or a few where he pulls out a top 5 based on good TT results.
Bennett - a late addition but I'm happy I included him, especially since he's relatively unique. What really got me was him beating Viviani (and only losing to Cav) in a stage of the ToB last year - even if that was the top of his ability, if he can pull that out a couple of times (and win a few of the smaller races he's sure to get a chance at with NetApp), he'll be more than worth it.
Teklehaimanot - with more opportunities at MTN than Greenedge (plus hopefully no Visa problems this year), his much-vaunted 'engine' should carry him up the ladder of results. I went back and forth on him for awhile, but I decided in the end to throw my lot in with him.
Ewan - yes there's a ceiling, but it's high enough to make it worthwhile, and the floor is high enough to make it a no-brainer. I can't see him doing worse in U23 races, and I could see him doing considerably better. The guy is money, he's been beating WT riders since he was 17, making him the most obvious sprint prospect I've ever seen. He finished 4th on an incredibly hard Worlds RR; on an easier course with a bigger sprint, he could easily win which would give him 36 extra points from that race alone. Throw in another Ncup win of 30 points, plus 50-100 points from the early Aussie races, plus the same from late-season stagaire races, and I see 300 as an easy bar for him to clear. Maybe not, but the lowest he can get makes him a non-gamble.
Schleck - Turn his top 20 into a top 10 and give him a couple of other results for the year and it's hard to turn him down.
Dombrowski - he's too good for last year's level to be where he's at again.
Vanendert - meh, I threw him in at the end because he has enough opportunity to get 400 points, which is a fine return.
Lutsenko - I didn't pick him last year because I thought he'd need a year to adjust; now he has it. No way Astana doesn't give a rider of his calibre from Kazakhstan a bunch of chances.
Formolo - coming as an amateur without a team and getting top spots in Aosta and Avenir, combined with being on a Cannondale squad that has few overall contenders and a good amount of small Italian races, and he's worth the investment.
Colli - see Vanendert, change to 350 points.
Anacona - I shook my head at him last year. Why did Lampre not use him earlier (even after recovery from the broken ankle) with such an impressive showing at the Vuelta as a neo, especially with their lack of depth? Why did he do so poorly at the Vuelta? Tempted to not even take him until I saw he was starting at San Luis, which at least gave me hopes he might ride a full season.
Chaves - of course.
Gerdemann - of course.
Thoughts? Disagreements?
- Jul 21, 2012
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Here is my expert analysis
PORTE Richie - Giro win + super dom in the tour + various stage races will give him 2000+ easily. Potential for 2500+
CONTADOR VELASCO Alberto - Will podium at least one of the tour or the vuelta, hard to be worse than last year
MONFORT Maxime - Could get a top 10 in a GT somewhere, could double his points. Very boring pick
CUNEGO Damiano - anywhere from 0 to 1000 is possible. Mantova is a risk
SANCHEZ GIL Luis Leon - Lots of opportunities for leadership here, and also riding a full season. Anything less than a double of his points will be a letdown
BASSO Ivan - Maybe he is getting old, but he could still have a Scarponi-esque year and double his points. top 3 giro is possible
MOSER Moreno - Cant be any worse than last year surely
VAN DEN BROECK Jurgen - see, Monfort
HESJEDAL Ryder - Wont get back to 2012 levels probably but still its hard to imagine he wont improve from last season.
ARU Fabio - Will probably beat last years score in the giro alone. Obvious pick.
GOSS Matthew - 400 points should be possible surely
YATES Simon - Dont remember why I picked him tbh, should probably have taken his brother instead
COPPEL Jérôme - Should be able to scrape together 300 points
DE GENDT Thomas - Not sure what was going on in that 2012 giro, still its hard to imagine he will be worse than last year
TAARAMÄE Rein - Got most of his points from the Estonian nats, so should be potential for improvement here
BOONEN Tom - duh
SELLA Emanuele - Is probably going to suck but who knows what might happen. It could suddenly be 2008 again
STUYVEN Jasper - Meh, should probably have gone with EWAN for the same price but whatever
SCHLECK Andy - Ive given up on him ever returning to his old levels, but still, I expect some added motivation this season should improve his points and you never know what could happen..
APPOLLONIO Davide - Must admit that I dont know whats going on at Ag2r, but should get to sprint for himself quite a bit I hope
DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd - Could have a breakout year
VANENDERT Jelle - Seemed like good value at that price
KENNAUGH Peter - The new Porte. Expecting 500+ points
LUTSENKO Alexey - Obvious pick after his weak 2013 season
COBO ACEBO Juan Jose - The first clean winner of the tour of turkey. 200 points should be possible
EDMONDSON Joshua - young, british and riding for team sky. Good value
KESSIAKOFF Fredrik - hard to avoid taking him when he was so cheap
DI GREGORIO Rémy - riding a full season and he should get 200-300 points hopefully
BOBRIDGE Jack - no idea what his plans are for the season but figure he should get some points from ITTs alone
ANACONA GOMEZ Winner Andrew - Pretty obvious that he has more potential than his 20 points from last season
QUINTANA ROJAS Dayer Uberney - I admit I picked him solely because of the name
GERDEMANN Linus - The best 0 pointer maybe?
CHAVES RUBIO Jhoan Esteban - Or him
PORTE Richie - Giro win + super dom in the tour + various stage races will give him 2000+ easily. Potential for 2500+
CONTADOR VELASCO Alberto - Will podium at least one of the tour or the vuelta, hard to be worse than last year
MONFORT Maxime - Could get a top 10 in a GT somewhere, could double his points. Very boring pick
CUNEGO Damiano - anywhere from 0 to 1000 is possible. Mantova is a risk
SANCHEZ GIL Luis Leon - Lots of opportunities for leadership here, and also riding a full season. Anything less than a double of his points will be a letdown
BASSO Ivan - Maybe he is getting old, but he could still have a Scarponi-esque year and double his points. top 3 giro is possible
MOSER Moreno - Cant be any worse than last year surely
VAN DEN BROECK Jurgen - see, Monfort
HESJEDAL Ryder - Wont get back to 2012 levels probably but still its hard to imagine he wont improve from last season.
ARU Fabio - Will probably beat last years score in the giro alone. Obvious pick.
GOSS Matthew - 400 points should be possible surely
YATES Simon - Dont remember why I picked him tbh, should probably have taken his brother instead
COPPEL Jérôme - Should be able to scrape together 300 points
DE GENDT Thomas - Not sure what was going on in that 2012 giro, still its hard to imagine he will be worse than last year
TAARAMÄE Rein - Got most of his points from the Estonian nats, so should be potential for improvement here
BOONEN Tom - duh
SELLA Emanuele - Is probably going to suck but who knows what might happen. It could suddenly be 2008 again
STUYVEN Jasper - Meh, should probably have gone with EWAN for the same price but whatever
SCHLECK Andy - Ive given up on him ever returning to his old levels, but still, I expect some added motivation this season should improve his points and you never know what could happen..
APPOLLONIO Davide - Must admit that I dont know whats going on at Ag2r, but should get to sprint for himself quite a bit I hope
DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd - Could have a breakout year
VANENDERT Jelle - Seemed like good value at that price
KENNAUGH Peter - The new Porte. Expecting 500+ points
LUTSENKO Alexey - Obvious pick after his weak 2013 season
COBO ACEBO Juan Jose - The first clean winner of the tour of turkey. 200 points should be possible
EDMONDSON Joshua - young, british and riding for team sky. Good value
KESSIAKOFF Fredrik - hard to avoid taking him when he was so cheap
DI GREGORIO Rémy - riding a full season and he should get 200-300 points hopefully
BOBRIDGE Jack - no idea what his plans are for the season but figure he should get some points from ITTs alone
ANACONA GOMEZ Winner Andrew - Pretty obvious that he has more potential than his 20 points from last season
QUINTANA ROJAS Dayer Uberney - I admit I picked him solely because of the name
GERDEMANN Linus - The best 0 pointer maybe?
CHAVES RUBIO Jhoan Esteban - Or him
- Jul 5, 2011
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I had the same Coppel/Taaramae dilemma as you skidmark, and I went with Coppel as well. Battaglin could be a very good pick, especially since he's only in 18 teams.
Contador is the rider I'm most worried about not selecting this year. He was in and out of my draft team all through December, so it'll hurt even more if he has a big year. I'm also slightly regretting not putting more thought into Ewan.
I actually think Goss could do worse than last year (unless he starts competing in smaller races), and I think Chaves will have a quiet year as he recovers from his injury.
Contador is the rider I'm most worried about not selecting this year. He was in and out of my draft team all through December, so it'll hurt even more if he has a big year. I'm also slightly regretting not putting more thought into Ewan.
I actually think Goss could do worse than last year (unless he starts competing in smaller races), and I think Chaves will have a quiet year as he recovers from his injury.
- Oct 12, 2013
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skidmark said:
Was sick in spring, then crashed hard at the Tour. Should be much better this year.
Some first names would be nice with names like Schleck, van Poppel or Bennett. Not necessary for Vanendert.
Geraint Too Fast said:
Yes, this very well could be the case.
- Aug 16, 2011
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Geraint Too Fast said:
Same for me, I kept going back and forth with him. Adding him in, taking him out, trying to figure out a way to keep him along with Quintana and other guys I wanted.
He's the big pick that I could see having a much better season to 2013 at my own disadvantage.
I think skid covered Ewan well. He could easily win the first stage at the TDU and get leader points and hold it the next day, maybe a couple more top5 finishes and a few points from overall points classification. Sun Tour starts with a tiny prologue so he could be in the lead if he wins the next day and could top10 overall if the quality of climbing is like 2011. He is unbackable to win the Worlds RR and should net ~150 from the U23 circuit.
At the end of the year there are many points to be had in Franco-Belge/Beijing/Japan Cup... maybe we can lobby them to send a team to Hainan too. '
Minimum 250.
At the end of the year there are many points to be had in Franco-Belge/Beijing/Japan Cup... maybe we can lobby them to send a team to Hainan too. '
Minimum 250.
- Jan 1, 2014
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I just scored my first points ever in the CQ game and I'm very hapy that I picked Gerrans now. I was not so sure if I should get him but I think he have potential 800- 1000+ points this year. Cameron Mayer was also good finishing 4th.
I would also like to do a little presentation of my team. i THINK I've done a pretty good job considering this is my first time and I didn't spent a lot of time building the team. I hope for a top 50 so here we go:
QUINTANA ROJAS Nairo Alexander - This guy is amazing and everybody knows it. At his age he should be better every year and in my opinion he can beat anyone in the mountains. Considering he will do Giro this year I think he should get 2000 points at least.
URAN URAN Rigoberto - My 2nd most expensive pick is another colombian. I really don't like Sky bu I always apreciated this guy. Now that he left this team and will ride as Omega leader his score should impove. Considering he is also doing Giro and Posibly Vuelta he should get over 1000 points easily.
POZZATO Filippo - He was always one of my favourites guys in the peleton. I'm very excited he is my unique pick and I hope he will continue his decent form that he showed in GP Plouay and Montreal.
GERRANS Simon - He already scored 100 points and I expect him score a lot of points in TDU too considering his early form. This guy scored more than 511 points in 3 of his last 4 seasons. Also when he won the National Road Race 2 year ago he scored 1284 points.
PHINNEY Taylor - One of the most popular pick in the game. He can clearly improve his 2013 score.
STANNARD Ian - I was impressed with Stannard in the classics last year. He is a pretty risky pick but I hope we will see some top 5's in the classics from him.
MEYER Cameron - He is one of the few Orica riders that can climb and also TT in a pretty decent way. I hope he will have his best season considering his age is kind of ideal(26 years)
MOSER Moreno - Another favourite of mine. I didn't realise he will be a "must-pick" when i've sent my team. I would've probably picked him even if his score would've been higher.
POELS Wout - This guy is very talented and now he can show what he is capable of at Omeaga. I just hope they won't turn him in an absolute domestique for Uran/Kwia.
VAN POPPEL Danny- Really talented and fast sprinter that is also decent on hills. Now that he signed with TREK this might be his breakthrough season.
SERRY Pieter -He is very capable in the hilly classics. 7th in Lombardia and 8th in San Sebastian proved me that he is very powerful and should get 500+ points this year. Only 5 other guys picked him.
GUARDINI Andrea - Another favourite of mine. His first season at Astana was not good but I still thing he is one of the fastest sprinters in the world. I hope I'm not wrong.
DE GENDT Thomas - He should have a better season. I don't really know what his score will be but he should easily get more than 154.
TAARAMÄE Rein - I've also had to decide between him and Coppel. I like him more and he should improve his score too.
BOONEN Tom - When you are a legend and your score is 139 you are "THE" Must Pick.
KRUOPIS Aidis - I just think he is better than his score. I should've probably picked Ewan insted of him but I forgot.
STUYVEN Jasper - A really fast guy who is good on cobbles and hills. He will be an intersting rider to watch competing for Treak in his first Pro year.
SCHLECK Andy - I used to be a big fan when he fighted Contador in Le Tour. I hope he will return to his former glory.
DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd - Big talent. I only heard good things about him so he should improve his neo-pro score.
KENNAUGH Peter - He was very strong in Le Tou when he worked for Froome. I'm really curious how he will develope in the future.
EDMONDSON Joshua - Another talented guy from Sky. You never know what Sky can do with a cyclist over the winter(who thought Froome will become the Superman of cycling)
SÜTTERLIN Jasha - Solid neo-pro from Germany that will ride for Moviestar. He is a good all-rounder and he should improve his 43 points.
KESSIAKOFF Fredrik - A must pick in my opinion considering his ability and his score.
BOSWELL Ian - Big american talent. Hope he will get to ride more races than last year and score 100+.
ANACONA GOMEZ Winner Andrew - Another popular pick that will get a great return.
VAN DER HAAR Lars - This guy was an amazing cyclo-crosser and now he signed with Argos development team. If he will concentrate on road a little more he should score over 100 points easily.
HENAO MARIN Sebastian - I f he is close to his brother ability he will prove to be a very good pick.
CHAVES RUBIO Jhoan Esteban - The best 0 pointer in my opinion.
BALLAN Alessandro - Or maybe Chaves is the second best if this guy will not be banned. He might be an important pick considering only 27 people have him.
HAEDO Juan Jose - Hope he can get some points.
GERDEMANN Linus - The leader of MTN, he should be a great 0 pointer too.
QUINTANA ROJAS Dayer Uberney - the 2 Quintana brothers got to stay together.
I would also like to do a little presentation of my team. i THINK I've done a pretty good job considering this is my first time and I didn't spent a lot of time building the team. I hope for a top 50 so here we go:
QUINTANA ROJAS Nairo Alexander - This guy is amazing and everybody knows it. At his age he should be better every year and in my opinion he can beat anyone in the mountains. Considering he will do Giro this year I think he should get 2000 points at least.
URAN URAN Rigoberto - My 2nd most expensive pick is another colombian. I really don't like Sky bu I always apreciated this guy. Now that he left this team and will ride as Omega leader his score should impove. Considering he is also doing Giro and Posibly Vuelta he should get over 1000 points easily.
POZZATO Filippo - He was always one of my favourites guys in the peleton. I'm very excited he is my unique pick and I hope he will continue his decent form that he showed in GP Plouay and Montreal.
GERRANS Simon - He already scored 100 points and I expect him score a lot of points in TDU too considering his early form. This guy scored more than 511 points in 3 of his last 4 seasons. Also when he won the National Road Race 2 year ago he scored 1284 points.
PHINNEY Taylor - One of the most popular pick in the game. He can clearly improve his 2013 score.
STANNARD Ian - I was impressed with Stannard in the classics last year. He is a pretty risky pick but I hope we will see some top 5's in the classics from him.
MEYER Cameron - He is one of the few Orica riders that can climb and also TT in a pretty decent way. I hope he will have his best season considering his age is kind of ideal(26 years)
MOSER Moreno - Another favourite of mine. I didn't realise he will be a "must-pick" when i've sent my team. I would've probably picked him even if his score would've been higher.
POELS Wout - This guy is very talented and now he can show what he is capable of at Omeaga. I just hope they won't turn him in an absolute domestique for Uran/Kwia.
VAN POPPEL Danny- Really talented and fast sprinter that is also decent on hills. Now that he signed with TREK this might be his breakthrough season.
SERRY Pieter -He is very capable in the hilly classics. 7th in Lombardia and 8th in San Sebastian proved me that he is very powerful and should get 500+ points this year. Only 5 other guys picked him.
GUARDINI Andrea - Another favourite of mine. His first season at Astana was not good but I still thing he is one of the fastest sprinters in the world. I hope I'm not wrong.
DE GENDT Thomas - He should have a better season. I don't really know what his score will be but he should easily get more than 154.
TAARAMÄE Rein - I've also had to decide between him and Coppel. I like him more and he should improve his score too.
BOONEN Tom - When you are a legend and your score is 139 you are "THE" Must Pick.
KRUOPIS Aidis - I just think he is better than his score. I should've probably picked Ewan insted of him but I forgot.
STUYVEN Jasper - A really fast guy who is good on cobbles and hills. He will be an intersting rider to watch competing for Treak in his first Pro year.
SCHLECK Andy - I used to be a big fan when he fighted Contador in Le Tour. I hope he will return to his former glory.
DOMBROWSKI Joseph Lloyd - Big talent. I only heard good things about him so he should improve his neo-pro score.
KENNAUGH Peter - He was very strong in Le Tou when he worked for Froome. I'm really curious how he will develope in the future.
EDMONDSON Joshua - Another talented guy from Sky. You never know what Sky can do with a cyclist over the winter(who thought Froome will become the Superman of cycling)
SÜTTERLIN Jasha - Solid neo-pro from Germany that will ride for Moviestar. He is a good all-rounder and he should improve his 43 points.
KESSIAKOFF Fredrik - A must pick in my opinion considering his ability and his score.
BOSWELL Ian - Big american talent. Hope he will get to ride more races than last year and score 100+.
ANACONA GOMEZ Winner Andrew - Another popular pick that will get a great return.
VAN DER HAAR Lars - This guy was an amazing cyclo-crosser and now he signed with Argos development team. If he will concentrate on road a little more he should score over 100 points easily.
HENAO MARIN Sebastian - I f he is close to his brother ability he will prove to be a very good pick.
CHAVES RUBIO Jhoan Esteban - The best 0 pointer in my opinion.
BALLAN Alessandro - Or maybe Chaves is the second best if this guy will not be banned. He might be an important pick considering only 27 people have him.
HAEDO Juan Jose - Hope he can get some points.
GERDEMANN Linus - The leader of MTN, he should be a great 0 pointer too.
QUINTANA ROJAS Dayer Uberney - the 2 Quintana brothers got to stay together.
- Mar 19, 2009
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After failing a bit with the high priced riders last year I didn't dare to pick anyone above the price of EBH this year.
Granted, Contador, Porte & Betancur are all destined for increased points this year, but the quality of lower-priced riders wasn't great enough compared to the mid-priced pool IMO that I would pick one of the above mentioned and need more lower-priced riders.
One of the biggest surprises to me is so few people picking Gerrans. He reeks class and as he already proved today at Aussie nationals, he's a sure-fire winner with major upside. He'll easily double his score from last year, and only 20 participants agrees with me.....
I have a tendency to select "safe", but to stand out, I decided to pick a couple of more obscure picks:
Andrea Piechele (3 picks): Granted, he's a wild card. After seemingly healing fine after his knee operations and taking a year off the bike, he's back in the Italian calendar on a team that has great confidence in him. There should be plenty of chances for him to shine. Potential outcome: 300-400.
Mauro Finetto (2 picks): I like his rider build, but maybe his price was a bit too high. Yellow Fluo might not get to race the bigger races and give Finetto a chance to break big, but he'll be a team leader at almost every Italian one-day race. Potential outcome: 200-800.
Damien Gaudin (3 picks): Man, this guy is strong! His riding style just impressed me last year, and though I might be deluded by his strong Paris-Roubaix effort, I don't think he's done improving. Might score lower this season, but I hope for him to fare well in "beast-mode". Potential outcome: 200-500.
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (9 picks): He might be behind Kittel and Degenkolb in the sprint hierarchy, but he's loaded with talent and will continue to increase his CQ score the next couple of seasons. So far he's done nothing to reduce my faith in him.
Granted, Contador, Porte & Betancur are all destined for increased points this year, but the quality of lower-priced riders wasn't great enough compared to the mid-priced pool IMO that I would pick one of the above mentioned and need more lower-priced riders.
One of the biggest surprises to me is so few people picking Gerrans. He reeks class and as he already proved today at Aussie nationals, he's a sure-fire winner with major upside. He'll easily double his score from last year, and only 20 participants agrees with me.....
I have a tendency to select "safe", but to stand out, I decided to pick a couple of more obscure picks:
Andrea Piechele (3 picks): Granted, he's a wild card. After seemingly healing fine after his knee operations and taking a year off the bike, he's back in the Italian calendar on a team that has great confidence in him. There should be plenty of chances for him to shine. Potential outcome: 300-400.
Mauro Finetto (2 picks): I like his rider build, but maybe his price was a bit too high. Yellow Fluo might not get to race the bigger races and give Finetto a chance to break big, but he'll be a team leader at almost every Italian one-day race. Potential outcome: 200-800.
Damien Gaudin (3 picks): Man, this guy is strong! His riding style just impressed me last year, and though I might be deluded by his strong Paris-Roubaix effort, I don't think he's done improving. Might score lower this season, but I hope for him to fare well in "beast-mode". Potential outcome: 200-500.
Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg (9 picks): He might be behind Kittel and Degenkolb in the sprint hierarchy, but he's loaded with talent and will continue to increase his CQ score the next couple of seasons. So far he's done nothing to reduce my faith in him.
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