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[PCT] Podium Ambition
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 22-08-2017 14:20
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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 Podium Ambition 
Sponsors
 Antofagasta PLC
A Chilean conglomerate with fingers in a huge number of pies. They really are looking to bolster their name across markets in Australasia and North America, and we can really help there.
Another American rider or two couldn't go amiss to keep them happy.
 Avanti
The New Zealand bicycle manufacturer is here to step into the gap left by Specialized. With heavy presense in the Oceanic and European markets our team seems like a great fit. High performance bikes which wil be excellent for the riders. No major requirements from them, apart from to ride fast.
 Hincapie Sportswear
The American sportswear manufacturer joins the team this year. Steeped in cycling history the famous Hincapie name returns to the top echelons of cycling. A growing market globally they want more American rider presence to market from.
 Jumeirah Group
The Dubai based company is a major player in luxury hotels. Their flagship is the magnificent Burj al Arab. Anything out of the UAE is non-traditional in cycling and we love being different. Any big name rider is good for them but also it couldn't hurt to try and get a local name.
Mauritius Commercial Bank
The Mauritian bank is the largest and oldest in the country. In the last few years it's been a real innovater and grower in the African market. A great opportunity for them to begin growing more globally and for us to get a unique partner. That said we could do with an African rider for them to market with.
 McLaren Technology Group
The British enginiring firm has long been masters of aerodynamics, style, luxury and racing. A perfectaddition to the project. They are helping Avanti make new bikes and providing the best team cars in the peloton. British riders spearheading the charge is also good for them.
Mount Gay Rum
The Barbadan alcohol firm is the oldest producer of Rum in the entire world. It's a huge global brand with interests in all markets, especially the Americas. For them growing brand awareness against other Carribean companies is key, doing this on a platform of local riders could be fun.
 Shimano
The Japanese firm is one the biggest players in the world of cycling. Their components are on an insane number of bikes and teams. It's a quality partnership that will only benefit the team, albeint with a caveat that they want us to pick up an Asian rider or two.
Whooshh Innovations
The Fiiiish jersey shall remain! Our NC specific sponsor shall continue. It's not a huge investment for them as we really want to promote the Salmon Cannon in any way we can.
 Canucks
They will continue to help manage the team on a day-to-day basis as well as taking over general ownership at the highest level.. That's their expertise and we will maintain a great working relationship with Canucks.
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 22-08-2017 14:21
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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| Nat. | Name | Age | Key Stats | Wage | Nickname |  | Marcus Burghardt | 34 | 82CB 70HL | £420,000 | Marcus | | Andrew Talansky | 29 | 79MO 77HL | £350,000 | “Pitbull” | | Geraint Thomas | 31 | 79CB 74SP | £250,000 | “G” |  | Caleb Ewan | 23 | 81SP 70HL | £150,000 | Caleb | | Ricki Nelson | 29 | 81SP 79RC | £135,000 | Ricki | | Mitch Docker | 31 | 79SP 72PL | £107,000 | Mitch | | Simon Yates | 25 | 76HL 78AC | £100,000 | Simon |  | Geoffrey Soupe | 29 | 79SP 77AC | £70,000 | “Souper” |  | Martin Grashev | 30 | 75CB 72MO | £70,000 | Martin | | Darren Matthews | 26 | 76SP 73CB | £60,000 | Darren |  | Than Tung Huynh | 21 | 68SP 66HL | £55,000 | Than | | Stefan Hristov | 32 | 77CB 72FL | £50,000 | Stefan | | Borislav Ivanov | 28 | 76MO 74HL | £50,000 | Boris |  | Thiago Duarte Nardin | 29 | 78FT 73HL | £50,000 | Thiago |  | Jyme Bridges | 28 | 72HL 71CB | £50,000 | Jyme | | Valentin Stoenchev | 26 | 74TT 74PL | £50,000 | “Cupid” | | Adam De Vos | 24 | 71MO 71HL | £50,000 | “De Boss” | | Logan Owen | 22 | 71CB 71AC | £50,000 | “Wolverine” | | Dobrin Lilovski | 22 | 69HL 69PL | £50,000 | Dobrin | | Chris Lawless | 22 | 68HL 66SP | £50,000 | “Dredd” | | Kim Le Court | 21 | 68HL 71FT | £50,000 | Kim | | Kristian Vanderpool | 22 | 69PL 68TT | £50,000 | “Kristin” | | Yoan Pirogue | 22 | 68SP 70PL | £10,000 | Yoan | | | | | | | | Julian Alaphilippe | 25 | 75SP 72HL | Festina | Julian | | Momchil Robov | 26 | 74HL 71MO | Spotify | Momchil |
Note: Yoan Pirogue is a Stagiare. Julian Alaphilippe + Momchil Robov are on Loan to PT teams
Jersey
(credits to the_hoyle)
Aussie RR NC, worn by Ricki Nelon
(credits to the_hoyle)
Antigua RR & ITT NC, worn by Jyme Bridges
(credits to the_hoyle)
Bulgaria RR NC, worn by Valentin Stoenchev
(credits to the_hoyle)
Barbados RR & ITT NC, worn by Darren Mathews
(credits to the_hoyle)
Edited by TheManxMissile on 01-10-2017 19:20
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 22-08-2017 14:21
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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Goals + Results + Calendar
Goals
Resuts
1st - GP Herning - Geraint Thomas
1st - Tour du Pologne Stage 2 - Caleb Ewan
1st - Tour du Pologne U25 - Simon Yates
1st - KBC De Panne Team - Podium Ambition
2nd - Giro d'Italia Stage 9 - Andrew Talansky
2nd - Giro d'Italia Stage 17 - Simon Yates
2nd - Tour du Pologne Stage 1 - Simon Yates
2nd - Tour du Pologne Points - Caleb Ewan
2nd - Tour de Romandie U25 - Simon Yates
3rd - Tropical Amissa Bongo Stage 4 - Ricki Nelson
4th - Gent-Wevelgem - Marcus Burghardt
4th - Tour du Pologne Stage 4 - Caleb Ewan
4th - Tour de Romandie Stage 5 - Andrew Talansky
5th - Giro d'Italia Stage 6 - Caleb Ewan
5th - E3 Prijs - Marcus Burghardt
5th - KBC De Panne Tour Stage 2 - Marcus Burghardt
5th - KBC De Panne GC - Darren Matthews
6th - Giro d'Italia Stage 12 - Caleb Ewan
6th - Tour du Pologne GC - Simon Yates
6th - GP Herning - Marcus Burghardt
6th - Tour du Pologne Stage 2 - Mitch Docker
6th - Tour du Pologne Stage 7 - Caleb Ewan
6th - Tropical Amissa Bongo Stage 6 - Kim Le Court
6th - Betonexpressz GP - Geraint Thomas
7th - Giro d'Italia Stage 12 - Mitch Docker
7th - Tour Down Under Stage 6 - Ricki Nelson
7th - Qatar Mountain Classic - Andrew Talansky
7th - Tour de Romandie GC - Andrew Talansky
7th - Tropical Amissa Bongo Stage 1 - Ricki Nelson
7th - KBC De Panne Tour Stage 1 - Geraint Thomas
7th - KBC De Panne Tour GC - Geraint Thomas
8th - Giro d'Italia Stage 16 - Andrew Talansky
8th - KBC De Panne Tour Stage 1 - Darren Matthews
8th - Tour du Pologne Stage 4 - Simon Yates
9th - Giro d'Italia Stage 11 - Andrew Talansky
9th - Tour du Pologne Stage 4 - Mitch Docker
9th - KBC De Panne Tour Stage 2 - Geraint Thomas
9th - KBC De Panne Tour GC - Marcus Burghardt
10th - Giro d'Italia Stage 7 - Caleb Ewan
10th - Giro d'Italia Stage 15 - Borislav Ivanov
10th - KBC De Panne Tour Stage 2 - Darren Matthews
10th - Tour du Pologne Stage 2 - Simon Yates
10th - Tropical Amissa Bongo Stage 2 - Mitch Docker
Edited by TheManxMissile on 22-12-2017 13:44
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 22-08-2017 14:31
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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We're back!!!!!! We're in the PCT!!!!! We've got even more gif's ready than last year!!!!!!!! The new HQ is officially OPEN!!!!!
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| Tamijo |
Posted on 22-08-2017 14:33
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Team Leader
Posts: 7406
Joined: 14-07-2015
PCM$: 599.00
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A lot of nice jerseys, Go big. !
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 22-08-2017 17:15
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Liking the gif's already  |
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 05-09-2017 15:31
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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The Great Big Pre Transfers Post
| Nat. | Name | Age | Key Stats | Wage | Nickname | | Geraint Thomas | 31 | 79CB 74SP | £250,000 | “G” | | Caleb Ewan | 23 | 81SP 70HL | £150,000 | Caleb | | Ricki Nelson | 29 | 81SP 79RC | £135,000 | Ricki | | Simon Yates | 25 | 76HL 78AC | £100,000 | Simon | | Geoffrey Soupe | 29 | 79SP 76RC | £70,000 | “Souper” | | Martin Grashev | 30 | 75CB 72MO | £70,000 | Martin | | Stefan Hristov | 32 | 77CB 72FL | £50,000 | Stefan | | Borislav Ivanov | 28 | 76MO 74HL | £50,000 | “Boris” | | Julian Alaphilippe | 25 | 75SP 72HL | £50,000 | Julian | | Momchil Robov | 24 | 74HL 71MO | £50,000 | “Robbie” | | Thiago Duarte Nardin | 29 | 73HL 78FL | £50,000 | Thiago | | Jyme Bridges | 28 | 72HL 71CB | £50,000 | Jyme | | Valentin Stoenchev | 26 | 74TT 74PL | £50,000 | “Cupid” | | Adam De Vos | 24 | 71MO 71HL | £50,000 | “The Boss” | | Logan Owen | 22 | 71CB 66HL | £50,000 | “Wolverine” |
That is our team after renewals. No real surprises, nice and simple business done at Podium Ambition HQ.
After his Top10 season the big man, G, demanded a hefty sum to keep his services. A steep quarter mil is beyond what we would have liked, but he's proven at a PCT level and provides a good base to work around on the cobbes. He ain't movin' anywhere.
Caleb Ewan is about to breakout in a big way, and he knows it's coming. £150k is a big paycheck for a 23yo but he will deliver results this year and grow into one of the worlds best sprinters. A healthy investment in his future we're more than happy to ay.
Ricki also had a top10 season in the CT but tempered his wage demands knowing his throne as Aussies best sprinter (yeah, we're saying that!) is about to be taken off him. A nice comfortable wage to pay for a previous PCT winner, another happy deal done.
The thrid Top10 rider, Mr Simon Yates, gets a wage rise. He won't be anywhere near as competitve in the PCT but we had to reward his loyalty having stuck around in the CT and delaying his development a year. Still, keep and eye out as he has all the potential to surprise.
Beyond that we got Julian to lower his demands and everyone else renewed at the same wages as last year. Which gives us 15 riders to build on in the transfer period. As per MGUCI rules we will need to bring in at least 5 more riders to the team. So what kind of thing are we looking at?
Lining up a replacement for G is a big priority. He's only got a few years left and cobbles have provided the teams bedrock for so long we can't abandon them now. More support for Ricki and Caleb will help, ideally another leadout man or two to improve out odds in a mad dash finish. Plus we desparately need some sort of uphill weapon. Desparately!
As far as availability goes for our riders... we have no intentions to sell. We're happy with the core squad and want to give them the chance to shine at a higher level.
The chaos is fast approaching. #transfersbeard is ready to go. And maybe even #thesoundtakeover will come back to Twitter!
Clear Eyes. Full Hearts. Can't Lose. Bring. It. On!
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 05-09-2017 19:42
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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150k for the 81sprinter with nice backups and upside being a big paycheck? I would love that to be honest mr. manager. Goodluck in transfer period! 
Also if you pay them in pounds instead euros, then it is really more than neccesary.
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| matt17br |
Posted on 05-09-2017 20:39
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 10525
Joined: 28-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Avin Wargunnson wrote:
150k for the 81sprinter with nice backups and upside being a big paycheck? I would love that to be honest mr. manager. Goodluck in transfer period!
Also if you pay them in pounds instead euros, then it is really more than neccesary.
Wait for a couple of years for the pound to be worth less than the dollar
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 23-11-2024 04:55
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Bot Agent
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Joined: 23.11.09
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 05-09-2017 21:24
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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@Avin - How many 23year olds do you know earning 150k per season? That's a big check And actually we pay our riders in a mixture of Barbadian Dollar and Mauritian Rupee, for tax purposes... totally legal... honest....
@Matt - Just cause you get paid in pizza!
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 07-09-2017 12:50
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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The Great Big Go Big, Or Go Home Post
2016 was a glorious season for Podium Ambition for various reasons. Perhaps the biggest was that the team completed it's first ever goal. G took a magnificent victory in the Sachsen-Anhalt Classic, bringing our all-time total of goals to 1-17! We also added the 10 Stage Wins goal to bring us up to an unbelievable 2-20!!!! So what did we pick for 2017?
WIN - PCT Team Standings
Yep! If we have to have a ranking goal, might as well go for it! Realistic? Hell no! But who cares, this is for the short term funding and not the long term viability. Still, a good transfer season and anything can happen...
WIN - 10 Stages
Yep! It's back again for a second season. For a team with a core built around sprinting this was a no-brainer. Plus a raft of mid-level breakaway options to pad out the stage races and this should be attainable.
WIN - Down Under Classic
Yep! Two big Aussie sprinters in our squad, what better chance for them to show off than right from the gun. It's legitimately possible we can win this race, or at least be in the mix. So why not target it and get rolling fast?
 WIN - GP Herning
Yep! A race designed by TMM Sports Management has to be targeted by the related team, right? Super flat and well suited to our cobbles unit we had to make it a real option. Plus Geraint Thomas is the reigning champion.
 Win - E3 Prijs
Yep! A second cobbles goal for us to aim for. Historically a good race for the team and Thomas with previous good results, sounded like a nice idea to go for. PTHC might throw up a curve ball, but it could be magnificent.
Go Big, or Go Home!!! Maximum Goal Points spent yet again. Mwahahahahaha
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 10-09-2017 20:31
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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The Great Big "We Fooled The Entire MGUCI" Post
We fooled the MGUCI? Oh boy did we. How? I hear you ask. Well, we have successfuly managed to scout and sign two female riders. Female riders? Yes!
Kim Le Court | 21 | Pot. 4 | XP 1.00
| Fl | Mo | Hl | TT | Sta | Res | Rec | Cb | Sp | Acc | Ftr | Dhl | Prl | | 66 | 66 | 68 | 59 | 60 | 66 | 65 | 62 | 63 | 61 | 71 | 69 | 60 |
Kim Le Court is originally from Mauritius but moved to South Africa early in her life. She picked up cycling as a hobby and has now reached the pinnacle of any cycling career, participation in the Man-Game! A promising puncheur, Kim is the teams second African rider in our history (following the footsteps of legendary Amadou Bakari) but the only one currently under contract. A great marketing coup for the MCB and Podium Ambition, as well as riding talent.
Kristian "Kristin" Vanderpool | 22 | Pot. 3 | XP 1.00
| Fl | Mo | Hl | TT | Sta | Res | Rec | Cb | Sp | Acc | Ftr | Dhl | Prl | | 63 | 64 | 63 | 68 | 58 | 57 | 56 | 60 | 60 | 63 | 59 | 62 | 69 |
But Kristian isn't a girls name? Well yes, but they weren't just going to let women into the game, so false documentation was provided. So welcome Kristin Vanderpool! She's from Barbados and is a young time trialist. A regular feature on the Caribbean racing scene Kristin has a promising future promoting island cycling to the world, alongside Jyme Bridges. A great marketing coup for Mount Gay Rum and Podium Ambition, as well as a riding talent.
(but imagine with a Barbadian flag instead of Antiguan!)
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 11-09-2017 13:54
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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The Great Big Noahs' Ark Post
Noahs' Ark? We're announcing two more rider signings after the first two. We're doing them two by two. Get it?! I know, we're f*cking hilarious.
Chris "Dredd" Lawless | 22 | Pot. 5 | XP 1.00
| Fl | Mo | Hl | TT | Sta | Res | Rec | Cb | Sp | Acc | Ftr | Dhl | Prl | | 67 | 61 | 68 | 58 | 66 | 64 | 64 | 66 | 66 | 66 | 65 | 68 | 58 |
Why 'Dredd'? Becuase he is the Law! Get it? We're clearly being too clever today. A well known face on the youth and UK circuits over the last few years, Chris makes the jump to pro riding with us. Following along behind Simon and G, Chris offers a broad set of skills from climbing to cobbles to sprints. His versatilty is ideal for us, and keeps McLaren very happy.
Marcus Burghardt | 34 | Pot. 7 | XP 4.100
| Fl | Mo | Hl | TT | Sta | Res | Rec | Cb | Sp | Acc | Ftr | Dhl | Prl | | 77 | 70 | 70 | 62 | 77 | 73 | 71 | 82 | 67 | 72 | 72 | 63 | 62 |
A legend! Marcus has been one of the MG's best classics riders pretty much since it's inception. At 34 you might think he's over the hill, not a chance. Marcus will still be one of the divisions biggest weapons on the pave. A £2mil fee might seem excessive, but when George Hincapie himself pops into the office to sign off the cheque, you just don't say no. A key piece of the Podium Ambition puzzle makes us very happy.
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| roturn |
Posted on 11-09-2017 13:57
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Team Manager
Posts: 22246
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PCM$: 3900.00
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Burghardt in PCT should get some results again. Would be shocked if he does not win 1 classic at least honestly.
That said, no more leadership for Thomas must be painful. |
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 11-09-2017 18:15
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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@Roturn - Should pick up at least one, hopefully more. He's still top quality despite his age. And yes this pushes G out of leadership. Ideally PCM would use Marcus to attack and Thomas to mop up if it finished in a sprint, but as long as points come in i don't care.
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| Shonak |
Posted on 11-09-2017 18:22
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15615
Joined: 16-07-2013
PCM$: 350.00
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Wow, Burghardt and G is easily the best cobbles outfit I have seen in PCT, like ever. Glad that Strava isn't part of the PCT cobbles circuit anymore. 
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 11-09-2017 18:28
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21854
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Jesus Burghardt is a monster.
A welcome addition with two cobbled goals |
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 11-09-2017 19:43
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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@Shonak - It's a good combo for sure. Taking what worked well in CT, stacking the cobbles unit, to the PCT. The cobbles will always be a key part of my team! Hopefully we can have a good fight against Strava next season.
@Ian - Eh, he's no Bewley. And yes he was picked up specifically to try and get our Goal wins. If he can do that the £2mil fee will be a fantastic investment and paying itself off.
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| Shonak |
Posted on 11-09-2017 19:47
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 15615
Joined: 16-07-2013
PCM$: 350.00
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Surely because you achieve your goal and end up first, right? And not because Strava is victim of relegation  I loved the PCT cobbles last season, they were so much fun. A shame that Summerhill isn't in there now anymore, I would have loved to see how he raced against the Burghardt-Thomas sandwich.
"It’s a little bit scary when Contador attacks." - Tommy V
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| Forever the Best |
Posted on 11-09-2017 21:34
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3803
Joined: 27-06-2014
PCM$: 400.00
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Congrats on Burghardt, TMM! Also I appreciate the Lepistö avatar. 
The user formerly known as 'The Schleck Fan'
Gracias Alberto.
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![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
