[PCT] Colombini '23 - It's here!
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Fabianski |
Posted on 14-09-2023 21:17
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Grand Tour Specialist
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At least on paper, Wilco should have a decent chance in Emilia. He's PCT strongest puncheur on paper (again), and neither Mo (Waeytens) nor Acc (Benoot) seemed to play a role last year - supported by Wilco's 2nd place the year before. With a bit of luck, you'll get your win there
The PTHC races will obviously have some far stronger competition, and even getting a Top 5 is not granted for Wilco. On the other hand, if he gets some great daily form, he could still fight for (or even get) the win. At least in Canada, he should have the support he needs...
On the ToA goal, as said before, I first thought you'd get that one. Really didn't expect all these strongmen to spend half of their RDs over there, but yeah... Personally, I'm looking forward to a great, great race, but I'm not sure how you view this pretty stacked startlist
Good luck for your goal races anyway - maybe you can again find some of last year's magic to get them (almost) all
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 18-10-2023 15:26
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Domestique
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Here we are again, it's been a while due to circumstances. But I finally found the time and motivation for a quick january review, update thing. The first month of our second season was a pretty short one. In four different races amounting to 9 racedays it certainly isn't the bulk of our racing yet. Lets get into our first race.
Last year, we burst onto the scene with a debut win in Australia. Big hero Saber would start his rankings winning season here for us with a surprise win. Saber is no longer with the team, but still present in this years edition of the race, instead Elias Afewerki would lead the charge. And lead he did, he is certainly not the sprinter Saber was last year but when we scouted him we again saw potential for a surprising season. Surprise he did, as Elias finished just outside the podium, a cool 4th place.
Lets not even talk about this race. We disappeared completely and scored nothing.
We return to Australia once again. After his performance in DUC I had high hopes for Afewerki and boy did he deliver. In our first PTHC race ever, Afewerki raced incredibly fast. Faster than anyone could have expected, he managed to get on the podium in a cool 3rd place! With this result he already has a points per wage of 1.3, and he still has 45 Racedays left! Definitely better than expected.
Travelling to the Americas once again. Last year Vliegen managed to win here on a fluke, lets be honest. I decided to center our mandatory C2 racing on races we had been to in the past. And also because Vliegen is able to ride C2 . He didn't do extremely bad. Came 15th and delivered some amount of points.
I'll be honest. With the failure that is Hong Kong. I didn't realyl have hopes for a high-ish position in the team rankings. But to my surprise we were high up! Our total tally for this month comes to 194 points. 170 of those are all the work of Afewerki which is also shown in his 3rd place in the individual rankings! This means we are in 7th place in the rankings, tied with 6th on points. Lets hope we can continue this trend far into the season!
I'd like to give a shoutout to the people working on this beautiful game and making it possible. From the reporters, to Fabi collecting all the data to make the beautiful rankings!
Cheers
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Laurens147 |
Posted on 18-10-2023 15:30
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Protected Rider
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Just like Spark, a good start of your season
The next months will us tell more about your chances to stay up. All the best!
MG - Lotto - Caloi
[MG] New Manager of the Year - PCM.daily Awards 2022
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AbhishekLFC |
Posted on 19-10-2023 08:32
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Directeur Sportif
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Great start to the season, with Aferwerki looking like an inspired signing. Hopefully he and the team can keep it up.
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Ad Bot |
Posted on 27-11-2024 23:45
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Fabianski |
Posted on 19-10-2023 21:54
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Grand Tour Specialist
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I guess it's a good thing when you're in 7th place without your two top riders even doing a pedal stroke yet, congrats to this nice start
Obviously it's all (or almost) due to Afewerki massively overperforming so far, but it seems like you've got some talent in making sprinters perform far better than ever before once they're on your team
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 13-04-2024 23:35
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Domestique
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Well, I'm back again. Life always seems to become hectic and crazy whenever the season starts rolling, my apologies. But, guess I have to admit it. You guys were right, the risk wasn't worth it. Or was it?
The back to back promotion I was aiming for is off the table for sure. But with arguable the most important races still to go for both Reis and Kelderman I can only argue a strong end to the season is still on the books. Reis remains a strong favorite for the Tour of America. And Kelderman still is a very capable puncher in his own right. Fingers crossed I guess.
When I joined ManGame and met Nemolito, I made it my mission to emulate his fantastic career. In a way to honor my mentor. But as healthy competition grew I wanted to outdo him. Instead emualting the great Croatia14. Back to back, staying on top and winning it all. I'll be the first to admit I failed. It happens it's a game. My agressive transfer strategy was all to achieve this goal. Risk taking is part of it all. Whats cycling without a little gamble. It certainly paid off with Saber last year. And you have to admit, Afewerki is keeping up my tradition of finding underrated African sprinters. I will be writing up a new concept. A new project. New sponsors and goals etcetera. Only thing that won't change, is that we will remain a San Marino team for the time being. San Marino has been kind to us. And PT needs the greatest country of all on top
No matter what happens, no matter how unmotivated I get by bad results. No matter how inactive I become. I will be back.
It might not be today, not even tomorrow. It may take a year, or take five. But I will become a PT team. And when I do. Be damn sure I'll be coming for that top spot. For as long as this game lives I will try everything to achieve my ultimate goal. For San Marino!
I enjoy this game way too much to stay away. I love the community. I love the inner workings and I definitely love everyone involved. I just hate losing. I love you all guys, let's make it an enjoyable end of season and I can't wait for another adrenaline filled transfer window!
Peace and love
Adler
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kandesbunzler26 |
Posted on 14-04-2024 10:00
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Protected Rider
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KaiserAdler wrote:
I will be writing up a new concept. A new project. New sponsors and goals etcetera.
It's always interesting to see where some heads with new directions, so I'm thrilled what's to come here!
+1
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Fabianski |
Posted on 15-04-2024 21:49
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Grand Tour Specialist
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Good to hear you're still there! I understand that frustration, was pretty similar for me two years ago when I put most of my eggs in the Quintana basket - another notorious underperformer...
I always thought it was risky to get both Reis and Kelderman, both of which have a rather long history of underperforming. While Kelderman just continues in that mode, I'd argue that Reis actually was pretty successful so far. California was great, and Tour de Suisse wasn't bad at all either for a PCT rider. Colombia imho is more a case of subpar planning, as he couldn't make use of his main strength - the TT - there. A race like Andorra might actually have yielded a higher score for him, despite being on a lower scale...
But as you say, he still has the ToA to go, where he should be a clear Top 5 contender. Podium might be tough given your lack of a strong TTT core, but it isn't excluded either.
Afewerki has been awesome, and for me he's the most overperforming PCT sprinter this year. I mean, he already has more than 400 points, at least 100 more than what I'd consider a realistically expectable score. Without him, you'd definitely be in troubles now - but with him delivering, and Reis still having the ToA left, I suppose that you should be safe in the end. Don't take it for granted, though, but good luck in that fight!
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 15-04-2024 22:21
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Domestique
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It'll be a rebuild for me next year anyhow! Let's just hope it's in PCT and not back in CT. But the prospects in the ToA excite me the most for sure.
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 15-04-2024 22:46
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Domestique
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In a change of events I am here to bring you some sad news. Today, after a long battle with an unknown condition, it was decided to end the suffering of my parents' Dobermann. His name was Udo. He was barely three years old.
This may not seem like an important statement to many of you. But this event has saddened me deeply. That's why we will ride the Avenir in his honor, as he was still such a young boy. My love for Dobermann's is great, but sadly, decades of inbreeding has riddled their genes with genetic mutations and faults. Their previous dog, Baco had died of the most common Dobermann mutation. 50% of all male Dobermann carry it. His heart became enlarged, which caused the walls to thin and eventually lead to months of suffering before they decided to relieve him of his pain. Baco was only 5. My Mother swore to never have another dog, she was so heartbroken. Eventually they wanted a second chance at a nice life with Man's best friend. So they searched and searched for a Dobermann who didn't have this gene.
They eventually found a family who specifically bred Dobermann to remove that gene from the pool. All fancy smancy with a bloodline and certificates. It cost them so much money and effort to find him. And to top it all off. Udo was born 1 day before my own eldest son Oscar. It was like faith had decided so.
And now, after a dozen operations, a month at the vet's and over 15K in medical costs. Young Udo had to give up his fight.
Sorry for this rant. I had to share it somewhere, I lost probably all of my best friends this year and with me being at home injured I don't exactly have someone to talk with about this.
I'll probably try to find a way to honor him fully next season but who knows.
Udo Forever.
<3
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Laurens147 |
Posted on 16-04-2024 12:14
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Protected Rider
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What a heartbreaking story My thoughts are with you and your family.
MG - Lotto - Caloi
[MG] New Manager of the Year - PCM.daily Awards 2022
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Nemolito |
Posted on 16-04-2024 17:46
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Classics Specialist
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First of all I am sorry for your loss. I hope the coming weeks and months treat you better irl.
And also in MG of course. I really thought that Kelderman would be able to get some good results in this year's PCT and with the new game engine, but apparently he doesn't like either of us and his glory days are in the past. Luckily the amazing Afewerki has been doing great, and Reis has also been doing okay. ToA won't be easy with quite some good names on the startlist, but I hope Reis does well there. Looking forward to seeing you in PT rather sooner than later!
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knockout |
Posted on 16-04-2024 20:36
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Grand Tour Champion
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I'm sorry for your loss. Life sometimes just sucks. All the best to you and your family moving forward!
A Big Thank You To All MG Reporters!
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cunego59 |
Posted on 17-04-2024 12:57
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Team Manager
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Tough to read, I'm really sorry for your and your family's loss! It is a nice tribute to find a way to honor him here, I think.
I also liked the fighting spirit of the statement of return earlier. I know first hand that it's tough when big investments don't pay off and promotion dreams fade away, but I'm glad you tackle it with this attitude and vow to come back even stronger. I'm fairly certain you won't actually end up in the relegation zone, and I believe with the right moves, you can build another very competitive team quickly. And I have no doubt that as a manager, you can be PT material, that's for sure I hope we can compete against each other at that level sooner rather than later!
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redordead |
Posted on 18-04-2024 06:41
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Grand Tour Specialist
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Joined: 18-10-2017
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Sorry for your loss.
To be honest I never thought the leader duo of Reis and (especially) Kelderman would work that well. Staying in PCT would still be a fine achievement I think. Definitely some rebuilding to do next season and depending on your goal completion this season you might need to do it on a relatively shoestring budget. Hopefully you find your new Saber
"I am a cyclist, I may not be the best, but that is what I strive to be. I may never get there, but I will never quit trying." - Tadej Pogačar
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 18-04-2024 12:54
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Domestique
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Thank you for the kind words all. I love you <3
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 18-04-2024 13:08
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Domestique
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I have decided the direction I would like to take this team. Without revealing too much too quickly, I shall give you some of the new direction.
In honor of Udo and the youth he didn't get to have. Colombini shall focus primarily on youth riders and their development. Ofcourse in combination with seasoned riders to be able to earn points. Young riders need decent support to develop into the next big thing and we will aid them in that regard. Inspired by teams like Hagens Berman Axeon lead by the son of the greatest rider ever Axel Merckx. Colombini will not return as head sponsor next year. Which is why we will need a shirt designed. But it is proving difficult to find a designer. So if anyone knows a guy, .
The team directors have recieved several offers from new potential sponsors. Mostly European, but also a Central American company and an African one. We will be looking into how we can maximize investment with all of these companies.
The love for young talented riders extends above regional preference. But it would feel wrong to abandon regionality. The teams headquarters will remain in San Marino for the near future. As it offers great training possibilities and has been so kind to us in the past.
The Five year plan begins now. Developing talent, either to mould into future leaders or sell on for profit to one day build a winning team. Intended to take us to the next level, keep us there, and reach the highest stage. Not one day.
This is Day One.
For Udo
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AbhishekLFC |
Posted on 06-05-2024 09:48
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 11679
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Interested to see how the new direction shapes up
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redordead |
Posted on 07-05-2024 07:58
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4884
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The jersey makers have it tough with you
"I am a cyclist, I may not be the best, but that is what I strive to be. I may never get there, but I will never quit trying." - Tadej Pogačar
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KaiserAdler |
Posted on 07-05-2024 09:29
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Domestique
Posts: 570
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First sponsor announcements should come around this week.
@red Good thing I have several months to teach myself how to make shirts on my own
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