I've created a cyclist called Michele Bartoli in Pro Cyclist Mode. Obviously a classic specialist. The aim is to win some majors, Paris-Roubaix won't be possibly, but the other four should be possible?
I've created a cyclist called Michele Bartoli in Pro Cyclist Mode. Obviously a classic specialist. The aim is to win some majors, Paris-Roubaix won't be possibly, but the other four should be possible?
I already won Amstel Gold Race & Classica San Sebastian, but...
1) Are those stats realistic for Michele Bartoli (yes, 20 years ago).
2) Is it possible to win Tour of Flandres and Il Lombardia(!) with those stats?
I would say in general those stats look about right but I would decrease the flat about a point or two and increase the cobble to 78 and with even better fighter. The problem with a rider like Bartoli is the fact that he was from an era where it was fairly common for a rider to win both LBL and Flanders something that rarely happens now,
As Supernutz said he would need to put in a late attack either alone or with other riders without anybody with a high sprint going with him but would be best for him to go alone. With his good cob and high hill the attack would need to go on one of the tougher climbs.
I don't worry about the 68 sprint stat too much. In GP Bruno Beghelli I was be able to beat Kwiatkowski in a sprint with two. In the UCI World Championship I won the sprint for 3th place vs. Benoot, Stybar and D.Martin.
About the 76 cobble stat... I think with 78 Bartoli would be too strong in Paris-Roubaix (only 1 start IRL and 24th place).
I probably need a good daily form (+3 or better) but then I think I can win Tour of Flandres / Il Lombardia. Or maybe I have to wait till Sagan is retired...
About the daily form... if you have +3, does that mean all stats goes up with 3?
After a second place at the Vuelta a Mallorca I won Strade Bianchi and the Tirreno-Adriatico +2 stages (only hills, no mountains).
Milano-Sanremo was a crazy race. With 60km to go there were only 70 riders left in the peloton (rain, crashes, etc). On the Poggio I managed to escape and so I won my first major classic. Kristoff got 2nd (only real sprinter left) and Lars Boom 3rd.
I rode E3 Harelbeke to prepare for Tour of Flandres. Even with no ambitions I got a suprisingley 3rd place.
So I started the Tour of Flandres with confidence. Going into the final I got a +5(!) daily form so I realised this was a unique chance. After the Oude Kwaremont with about 40km left there were 6 riders in front (Bartoli, van Avermaet, Vanmarcke, Benoot, Kristoff and Rowe). After a 10km chase also Degenkolb joined the frontgroup. The last time Oude Kwaremont I gave all I got and only Benoot, van Avermaet en Kristoff could follow. I couldn't escape in the last 10km but the other 3 were completely done so it was a easy sprint for me to win the second major classic!
I do not have big expectations for the Ardenne classics, cause Bartoli is a bit exhausted, but I have some years left to win them...
