jandal7 wrote:
Some very handy stage racers to bring in, should benefit the mountains and the TTT train a lot

baseballlover312 wrote:
Benoot is such a cool rider, and I think better suited to PCT where he has control over his calendar. I'm very excited to see how you use him!

Our last transfer update of the season where we wrap up our signings and cover our loan-outs and departures.

Our second Free Agent signing of the season comes in the form of leadout/cobbles domestique McLay who will be used extensively to cover both those areas in the team. His versatility is what attracted us to him and we're glad to have him join.

OVL	FLA	MON	HIL	TT	STA	RES	REC	COB	SPR	ACC	FTR	DHI	PRL
73.60	73	56	67	55	74	72	79	72	77	76	62	66	55

The MG legend! A rider we have admired for a long time but knew it was not possible to get. When it was possibility, we had to get him. He adds much needed firepower to our flat squad, and hopefully can still spring a surprise or two in Prologues, and goes on the attack on certain stages.

OVL	FLA	MON	HIL	TT	STA	RES	REC	COB	SPR	ACC	FTR	DHI	PRL
71.23	77	59	65	63	71	74	70	62	59	69	82	70	77

At the very end of transfers, when everyone else had gone home and started counting their chickens, we picked up the Italian puncher to complete our squad for the season. As far as his role in the team goes, he will shadow Benoot in all the hills races, and then help out in other races where needed.

OVL	FLA	MON	HIL	TT	STA	RES	REC	COB	SPR	ACC	FTR	DHI	PRL
75.18	73	72	76	60	75	71	68	64	69	76	75	69	62

It will take too long for us to individually say goodbye to all riders in the list above, but we like to thank all of them for their contribution to the team, be it for a few seasons or for a few hours.

baseballlover312 wrote:
I must admit that I was surpised to see Inkelaar on the way out so quickly, but the upgrade will certainly pay dividends this season.

After signing Tiesj Benoot early in the transfer window, we immediately sent him out to train on the shorter, punchier slopes of the Alps. He comes back in time for the 2022 season, packing a stronger punch than when we signed him. We hope this allows him to move up in the PCT hills hierarchy.

We were not done though. We also encouraged him to train in the wind tunnel and work on his aerodynamic position when riding alone against the clock. He worked tirelessly and is now just that tiny bit faster on his own.

	FL	MO	HI	TT	ST	RS	RC	CB	SP	AC	FG	DH	PR
2021	71	75	79	62	75	74	74	76	69	71	62	66	62
			↓↓↓	↓↓↓
2022	71	75	80	63	75	74	74	76	69	71	62	66	62

whitejersey wrote:
Viana do Castelo field right now:

https://i.kym-cdn.com/entries/icons/m....27_AM.jpg

Choi joins the team as the top stage racer. Penasa continues to do what he does very well, and we are hopeful of a repeat of last season. A fully maxed Eenkhoorn will play the role of the super-domestique along with Raileanu. Barta and Xandri add much needed stage racing and TTT strength, while Henttala and Champoussin will act as the load bearers on the lower slopes. Youngster Galvan Ramirez will accompany the climbers in many races.

Benoot is the new addition as leader on the hills but we are a little short of depth in this department. This was by design though, as we do not have a lot of dependence on hills races this season.

The Kuroedas will lead our cobbles campaign for the season, ably supported by Benoot as co-leader. Van Asbroeck and McLay should be strong domestiques for these races.

A maxed Minali returns from loan to take over sprint co-leadership with Van Asbroeck. The Kuroedas and McLay will be the leadouts for the season while Stoltz will play the role of Roleur extraordinaire.

Dumoulin continues as our leader in TTs. We do not have string ITT riders but we do have stage racers who can effectively contribute to the TTT setup. Stoltz, despite his advancing years, will still remain a contender in Prologues this season. It was also a conscious decision to target a mountain leader who can ride TTs, and Choi fits that description. Penasa can hold his own against the clock too, without being spectacular.

Leemreize continues his development with us. Newly signed puncher talent Mick Van Dijke is our other in-house talent for the season.

This is probably the best we've ever had it in the transfer window. A lot of things went right, allowing us to get many of our top targets. The aim going into transfers was to build on the team from last season by adding a couple of strong leaders. We managed to achieve a very good outcome from transfers, and at least on paper, look to have strengthened from last season. The main aim of the season is to consolidate our PCT place by pushing up into the top half of the table.