Welcome to my preview of the 2017 ManGame Pro-Continental Division. Before starting off with the previews, I would like to explain how I’ll be presenting it and the methodology for arriving at the predictions.

I have come up with something called the ‘Coefficient Rankings’ which is the basis for all the rankings. These rankings have been made on six attributes for the riders – Stage Races, Climbing, Punchers, Sprinting, Cobbles and Time Trialing – using certain formulae for calculation.

They are explained below…
Stage Races – Using MO, HIL, TT and a certain combination of other stats
Climbing – Using MO, HIL and a certain combination of other stats
Punchers – Using HIL, ACC and a certain combination of other stats
Sprinting – Using SP, ACC and a certain combination of other stats
Cobbles – Using COB, SP and a certain combination of other stats
Time Trial – Using TT, PRL and a certain combination of other stats

This was used to come up with individual ratings for all riders. These ratings were then used in two ways to come up with the team rankings.

This is explained as follows…
Coefficient Leader Rating – Indicative of strength of leading riders in each team
Coefficient Average Rating – Indicative of squad depth in each discipline

Finally, Racedays for different types of terrains were incorporated to come up with the final Team Standings.

After the co-efficient rankings are unveiled, I will also post a history based prediction using the rider rankings I posted earlier, and using the points gathered by riders finishing in respective positions last season. Let's see how close the two predictions are.

You can find the PCT Rider Rankings here.

This is where I disown the Points based rankings! There's no way Orange are finishing 12th! The rest of the top 5 have a familiar look to it, besides Ferrero making an entrance. Grieg move up quite a bit while Minions move down. Fablok another one of the big losers.

Coming to my subjective analysis of the co-efficient rankings, Isostar will probably end up about ten places below what my formulas claim. Their lack of leaders will hurt them eventually. I don't think Valio will relegate, but bad luck might push them into a dogfight. Netia too, are heavily dependent on a couple of riders and need them to perform and perhaps over-perform to survive. I believe Eritel and Generali will be involved in the fight for promotion. Both Podium Ambition and Ticos should survive more comfortably than what my formulas say. Haute Route, Euskaltel and Lierse look to have a long, stressful season ahead of them. Carlsberg's 12th is pushing it, but I predict they'll survive this season.

I leave the rest to debate. Had a lot of fun coming up these. And a big thanks to Knockout for tips . No thanks to Croatia for making me feel like scrapping the PCT ranking with his pessimism about his own team . Brighten up mate!

Marcovdw wrote:
I said I'd host a television show in my underwear if we finish ninth. I'll do it completely naked it we finish in the top 5

AbhishekLFC wrote:

I remember a certain Gary Lineker hosting a show on TV in his underwear! Don't push your luck maybe