So, i've decided to take a stab at this. We will be following the Coaching staff of the French PCT Fortuneo Oscaro and their quest to become a force in the Peleton.
We will be keeping an extra close eye to the young hopefull Andrea Pantani, who to everybodys suprise, just made the team before the 2017 season.
He was brought in by one of the coaches on the team, Denis Leproux . "Not only does he have the name and pedergree of a legendary climber, he also has the fram" was all the convincing the team needed to offer the young domestique a roster spot.
"X allways marks the spot, i don't give a flying f*** weather you like it or not. Just get to the f***ing spot when you have to"
Local Newspaper - Sunday Editon
- Andrea Pantani, rumour has it that you where essencial in the signing of this youngster. What did you see in him to make you go so far to get him to the team?"
"You know it's funny. I've been following him for quite some time, for 5 years to be exact. I was up in Toscana during a training camp with Brice and the rest of the team. By chance we stumble on a local crit. And there he was, small and skinny frame. He looked like a little kid on that bike. But one thing caught my eye. He attacked and he attacked. He looked like rabies infected dog, foam spilling out of his mouth, crazy eyes. Like he had the devil inside of him. And that's when i knew, him, him i can work with."
- And how did he do?
"Well... He attacked for the entire race. Let's leave it at that"
- What do you expect from him this season?
"I expect him to do as he is told. As simple as that. He got all the intangibles, he got the name and he got the talent and will to become a great rider. But you have to work your way up. Nothing in live is simply given to you. Easy come, easy goes is a saying for a reason. I've put my name and job on the line for this kid."
- You strike me as a bit old school, do you agree?
"Like i said, nothing in live is given. Work is the key to all. So yes, if by that you consider me old school. So be it."
-- Jean Floc'h --
02.01.2017
Local Newspaper - Monday Editon
- How do you feel about your squad this season?"
"We are very strong this year, we have a great mix of rookies and veterans. We should be able to put our mark on every race we take part in. Brice and Eduardo should be able to keep us up there."
- What do you think of Andrea Pantani and his chances as a rookie to make a mark?
"Who?"
- Pantani, the newest member to your team?
"Right, right..... The Italian. Well... You should ask Denis about that. He likes his little projects. To sign a young rider with no remarkable results is aggressive to say the least."
"The kid can climb, plain and simple. I'd like to see him test his ability at this level early in the season. I want him in breakaways right away. If he is what i think he is, he will be a valueable asset to our GT squads."
Notes: Denis Leproux
I don't buy the hype. The kid is small, and he goes on everything. We need to teach him to control himself.
Notes: Jean Floch'h
The last name is all he has in common with the great Marco. Water fetcher at best
Notes: Didier Paindaveine
Small frame. Stocky build. Allways smiling. Great kid.
Notes: Mathieu ThomasEdited by hillis91 on 25-07-2017 20:36
"We got a stage win in Spain, im happy about that. Pantani managed a podium in Marseille. From the break aswell. Like a said, this kid is a star in the making"
Notes: Denis Leproux
"Stage win from a bunch sprint, perfect start to the season. Very unlucky to lose McLay to injury."
Notes: Jean Floch'h
"An ok start to the season. My guys won't be up to par until march. Let's see what happens"
Notes: Didier Paindaveine
"1 Win. 1 Podium. 1 Injury. OK start to the season"
Notes: Mathieu ThomasEdited by hillis91 on 26-07-2017 12:04
Video attached is my monthly rundown of my group. Iam very pleased so far, with the young Italian Pantani. However, the injury to McLay was very unlucky. Iam pleased to report that he might be back on the road in April. And of course, in time for the Tour de France.
"If you don't want to be here, go home. There is no room for quitters in my group. Either get with the program or get the f*** out!"
Local Newspaper - Sunday Editon
- Andrea Pantani, what a start to the season for the youngster?"
"I told you! This kid has a great future ahead of him, he is going above and beyond so far. The way he attacks is just beutiful to watch. And day after day after day. He just keeps on going. Im in awe myself"
- Bittersweet considering McLay went down hard in Mallorca?
"Well... That is something you never want to see. My heart bleeds for Daniel right now. But he is a fighter, and he will return stronger then before. if not pshyicaly then mentaly!"
- What do you expect from him this season? And how much of a setback is this injury?
"Let me answer your first question. I expect him to win, plain and simple. He has the speed to do it in many ways, so im not worried.
The second part of your question. Well. No, we did not get wild cards to either Paris - Nice or Tirreno - Adriatico or Milano - San Remo for that mather. So he get a break sooner then what we had planned."
- There is also rumours that two unamned riders in your group are not getting along. Any truth to that?
"I won't entertain or validate a stupid question like that with an answer. Im done."
Im planning on making this story interactive. With voting on desiscions from training of the riders to strategy and planning.
The goal was to get to March quickly, which I did. So from here on in the story will be interactive and the "Coach's corner" will be about the decisions. And the monthly reports will be like they are. A quick overview of what's been happening that month.
PCM.Daily NFL Fantasy Football Champion: 2012 PCM.Daily NHL Prediction Game Champion: 2013 PCM.Daily NFL Prediction Game Champion: 2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021
Fortuneo - Oscaro
, who to everybodys suprise, just made the team before the 2017 season.
