Maybe it's better if he slowly loses his consistency/ luck/ health a instead of actual ability. So he slowly morphs from a classification contender everywhere to having to focus on one classification to a rider that could potentially win any race but struggles to get the stars to align right for him to finding some more consistency but not on the same level of old unless Smowz starts posting again.

That way he can stay at the top for a little while longer but he slowly sort of fades away rather than has a more dramatic decline which could be a best of both worlds scenario that allows him to stick around and be a bit of an exception but also doesn't prevent any other rider from stepping up and taking over as a top threat from him.

That said personally I think my view might be slightly skewed by the fact that he has been inactive in the game thread since I joined so haven't seen the updates for him as they come out like the rest of you have but regardless I think it would be better to have him slowly replaced by someone more active so the rivalry at the top can be built from both sides as I believe that would be more entertaining in the long run.

Thanks for the feedback.
It's a difficult matter, for me. Cook's personage is so rich even with Smowz gone.
But there are active members looking to take over his spot.

I'll think on it. Either way it's not going to go quick, because Cook is too strong to suddenly drop in talent. I tried to bypass the question already by having him have a tough/off-form season start.

I also thought of a Bart Wellens situation, where he burned himself up in 2 seasons, but it doesn't feel right with Cook. Even though he has contested for just about every race 2 season in a row now. So could make sense in one way.

Still unsure. Tough matter

I've contacted Smowz about the matter, too. Maybe we can find the best solution together

And here it is! Cali!

Not the race you'd expect from a fast parcours, let me tell you that

Another great race Ian! Vague not having the best day, gave early attackers momentum but pleased for Sylvain to finish fourth and take some points on Vague even if he loses the lead for now. thanks for that report Ian.

And now we have three riders all very close to the World Cup lead, looks like a exciting battle for the clasification.

I'll make sure to get a post out at least before the next race.

Uuuuuuuuuuuuuuuurgh.

Also, chapeau Ian on managing to not dop an f bomb (or swear at all iirc) in the game thread until now

Yay! Can write a winners review for Goldie and a crash reaction for Hammer Time. Is he injured in his final season?

Haha yeah, when I wrote it down I was also thinking: is this the first time?

Probably because I've just watched the entire Sopranos series + Casino + Goodfellas + The Godfather in these last few weeks. It's bound to have an impact

Moli 23rd
In a race that I thought suited him that's a poor performance

Indeed, I also wasn't sure whether it was the first time or not

Thanks for yet another brilliant report, Matt confirming his consistency is all I need.

Is this actually vague's worst place this season? Good race still by him despite losing the lead and,the battle against his peers.

Back in Chile for the big sprinters' cross, Antofagasta! Is someone strong enough to avoid a group sprint here?

@Shonak: Actually, yes. Didn't realize it but this is Vague's worst placing, 5th. And that with 12 races in (11 excluding Perth).

To show World Cup's excitement so far: the top 3 in the first 3 races

Goldenberg: 2nd, 5th, 1st.
Lipawsky: 1st, 3rd, 4th.
Vague: 3rd, 1st, 5th.

(Cook: 8th, 2nd, 2nd)

Glad to get out a post despite the flood of uni stuff going on; combining post-race talk and preview is always a good way of keeping it short and sweet.

Looking forward to Antofagasta; hoping that Blue Bell makes a bit of etixx-type fuck up and Vague can steal away the win.

Seeing as i would like to see some more injuries i took the chance to injure a rider of mine for the second time. Nothing too serious but Mikel's gonne miss a few races.

And for clarrification, Young joins the peloton for Europe (not Africa). Power however stops after Rio. So only two Blue Bell riders heading to Africa.

Antofagasta always make me wish there was a (small local) Criterium Spin-Off for Cyclo-Cross.

Meant to write a couple of paragraphs along with a couple from Arthur before Antagofasta. Mark is just too much fun . I'm keeping him.

Sorry for the lack of speed. Struggling with motivating lately.
Be patient and the report will show up one of these days

Sadly I must finally admit that I can't do this in the near future. Motivation is not very high and got other things taking up time right now.
I wish it had been different, but I feel that the game will not prosper if I rush out a report not with my full motivation. I think it's better to wait (possibly a few weeks) and let the inspiration and motivation return and then come back with a bang!

So my apologies for this unforeseen break. Feel bad about it.

Hey Ian don't worry! It's not like you're paid for it, if you don't feel like it just don't do it! I'm sure this will come back soon just as great as before