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Colnago - CSF Inox - 2012 Season Preview
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| dienblad |
Posted on 04-12-2011 09:57
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3772
Joined: 10-09-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Great wrap-up! Good signings with Malori and Gatto especially. Good luck for 2012!
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| FreitasPCM |
Posted on 04-12-2011 10:10
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8389
Joined: 08-09-2009
PCM$: 200.00
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Very nice signings! Shame that the PCM transfer policy is screwed up.  |
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| baia |
Posted on 04-12-2011 12:38
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5398
Joined: 04-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Great overview from transfers period.....Colnago maintained their policy and made some good signings for 2012...we will see Gatto wining some flats out there....
Pity PCM isn´t smarter then signing Martin to Caja Rural..
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 07-12-2011 07:37
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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baia wrote:
Great overview from transfers period.....Colnago maintained their policy and made some good signings for 2012...we will see Gatto wining some flats out there....
+1 Really nice and realistic signings, i like Malori, Cattaneo and Gatto the most. Also great summary, but that is your standard 
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| andy222c |
Posted on 07-12-2011 08:47
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Sprinter
Posts: 1537
Joined: 23-05-2009
PCM$: 200.00
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Great signing with Malori 
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| Tuco the Ugly |
Posted on 08-12-2011 00:59
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Domestique
Posts: 720
Joined: 25-06-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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@ all: Thank you for the kind words. Took quite a while to get that together so its nice to know its appreciated. Not sure when I'm going to to start 2012. Pretty busy right now before the holidays, but hopefully soon 
I was really happy with my signings. I was very close to signing Guardini, but he wanted a bit too much money and I decided to stick with Modolo as my main sprinter. I think Gatto provides much more versatility. I was also very close to signing Paolini, but again, went for versatility and "youth" with Selvaggi. I guess we'll see whether those decisions were wise.
Really happy with my "youth" signings of Cattaneo, Puccio, and Locatelli. However, if they develop well, it is going to be hard to hold onto all of them.
I personally really like the odd signings in PCM. Makes the game unpredictable and every save unique. My two cents.
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 08-12-2011 01:03
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World Champion
Posts: 12986
Joined: 20-05-2009
PCM$: 530.00
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Finally got around to reading your latest updates! Great stuff! I love that you signed Salerno he's one of my favourite riders!
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| tmobile |
Posted on 08-12-2011 02:15
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Stagiare
Posts: 183
Joined: 25-09-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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wow ... the transfer market and the summary end of the season has been as interesting as the stages stories
I'm a fan n º 1 of Cattaneo, so I'm glad you've signed, certainly gives you great results!
I think you're making a very strong young team that, when detonated, will be great
PS -> I too like unpredictable signings of PCM, but it is surprising that Martin joined Caja Rural
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| dienblad |
Posted on 19-12-2011 10:12
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3772
Joined: 10-09-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Hey Tuco, it has become a little bit quiet around the story. Are you taking a break, or?????
I hope you'll continue it, as I love the story!
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 24-11-2024 10:24
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| Tuco the Ugly |
Posted on 19-12-2011 14:51
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Domestique
Posts: 720
Joined: 25-06-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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@ valverde321 and tmobile: Thanks, I'm glad you like the signings. Hopefully I can get some results with your favorite riders.
@ dienblad: No this isn't dead. I'm just taking a bit of a break between seasons (and personally have been very busy). I have taken my screenshots for the season preview and hope to have it up in a couple days (hopefully before x-mas). Thank you for the interest and I'm glad you enjoy the story.
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| baia |
Posted on 19-12-2011 15:19
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5398
Joined: 04-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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That´s nice Tuco...hope to see you before Santa...
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| Spilak23 |
Posted on 19-12-2011 15:22
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Team Leader
Posts: 7357
Joined: 22-08-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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Great nice to see the continuation of the story! I already said it but I can't wait for the season !
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| baia |
Posted on 05-01-2012 00:12
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 5398
Joined: 04-10-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Now i just need to know where the hell are you...
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 05-01-2012 06:10
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World Champion
Posts: 14236
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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baia wrote:
Now i just need to know where the hell are you...
+1 Btw. I voted for you as the best story-writer, as your reports were simply fantastic So give us some more...please.
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| Tuco the Ugly |
Posted on 05-01-2012 15:23
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Domestique
Posts: 720
Joined: 25-06-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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I'm here, I'm here!
As I said previously, I have been quite busy, but life is settling down a bit in 2012. Also, I've found it hard to motivate myself quite as much during the real-life off-season. Nevertheless, I promise, to have a team preview up later today!
Thank you for the vote Avin. It was very nice to be nominated and good luck to all the other nominations. All very deserving.
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| cunego59 |
Posted on 05-01-2012 15:35
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Team Manager
Posts: 6508
Joined: 14-09-2008
PCM$: 1090.00
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I voted for you as well, really enjoyed the story so far! I hope that you will find some motivation again!
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| tsmoha |
Posted on 05-01-2012 15:35
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 11819
Joined: 19-07-2010
PCM$: 300.00
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cunego59 wrote:
I voted for you as well, really enjoyed the story so far! I hope that you will find some motivation again!
+ 1
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| Tuco the Ugly |
Posted on 06-01-2012 01:37
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Domestique
Posts: 720
Joined: 25-06-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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As promised...
2012 Colnago - CSF Inox Team Presentation
For the 2012 season, Colnago - CSF Inox will once again be competing in the Pro Continental circuit. The all-Italian, Irish-registered, squad sees its ranks grow to 20, buoyed by 9 additions.
The 20 riders gathered at team headquarters in Emilia-Romagna to be introduced to the media. Season schedules haven't been planned yet, but the team will undoubtedly focus on the major Italian races. First and foremost, the Giro d'Italia. As well, Colnago will be hoping to gain entry into Tirreno -Adriatico and Milan - San Remo, two important Italian races they did not participate in last season. Rumors have swirled about a second grand tour, but team directors were mum on the issue.
It should come as no surprise, but Domenico Pozzovivo will once again lead the assault for Colnago - CSF Inox. The driving force behind last year's overall success, "Pozzo" is one of the best pure climbers in the professional peloton. With great results all season long, 2011 was highlighted by 5th place finishes in both the Giro d'Italia and Giro di Lombardia.
In 2012, Pozzovivo will again set his sights on the Giro, with his schedule probably being reduced a bit to help keep him fresher. The hope is, with the new additions, some of the burden will be lifted off his shoulders.
Young Sacha Modolo will be counted on by the team as its main sprinter. He must put a disappointing 2011, which saw no victories, behind him and look to his natural talent. The team will be hoping he learned from the adversity faced last year. If not, this could be the last year on the team for the talented rider.
A new recruit, Gatto is very versatile and will feature on various terrain. Fast enough to manage himself in a sprint, but strong enough to get over medium sized climbs, Gatto is a jack of all trades. He only recently began training after a broken collarbone, so the team expects to ease him into his 2012 schedule.
The surprise rider from 2011 will now have to deal with the weight of expectations. In the autumn classics last year, Frapporti emerged as a genuine threat, winning 3 races and collecting various Top 10s. Having illustrated his talent, he will be a marked man and will not enjoy the freedom he previously had.
Many feel Manuel Belletti is the odd man out with the presence of Modolo and Gatto, but the team have stated this is not the case. They feel Belletti completes a triumvirate that can be very potent and dangerous. They believe this group gives them a chance to win any day on flat to medium terrain. With real questions about chances persisting, Belletti will need to make the most of any opportunities, especially if Modolo flops again.
Adriano Malori left Lampre - ISD to get more opportunities to ride for himself. Colnago have promised him this, and will use the time trial ace in flat stage races with individual time trials. As well, despite his poor climbing, he will likely feature in the Giro if a team time trial is included. Given the dearth of skill in that discipline, Malori will be counted on the bring Pozzovivo to line as fast as possible.
Simone Stortoni was one of Pozzovivo's must trusted climbing domestiques last season. Given this role, he had very limited opportunities to ride for himself. With Pozzovivo cutting back his schedule, Stortoni should have the chance to lead the team on several occasions. A one-dimensional rider, Stortoni should have the skill to make some waves in the smaller Continental races.
If Stortoni was one of Pozzovivo's best domestiques, Canuti was the team's best. Solid in every way, Canuti was ever present for Colnago's team leaders last season. From positioning sprinters, to pulling on the front, to churning up climbs, Canuti will once again be heavily relied on. With the bolstering of the quality on the roster, Canuti should have help in his duties.
Last year, Filippo Savini was one of the team's most aggressive riders. Once again, the team will look to him to keep his pedal to the floor. With sponsors keen to be on TV, Colnago having a presence in breakaways is a key. Additionally, it is important so the team can take it easy in the peloton. An unheralded role, Savini carried it out especially well last year in the Giro.
Pirazzi is a solid all-around climber. Last year, he was heavily relied on and one of the last men with Pozzovivo. Little should change this year and Pirazzi's talent all but assure a starting spot in the Giro line-up. Given his age, the team will be keen to try to give him several opportunities to lead. They don't want to lose him.
Brambilla's season was marred by injuries. To his credit, despite being in a lot of pain, Brambilla completed the Giro, finishing in 126th. Injuries are hopefully behind the up and coming rider. If he can maintain his health, along with Savini, his role will be to attack, and then attack again.
Mirko Selvaggi, much like Canuti, is very solid on any terrain. He will join with Canuti and be one of the team's most important workhorses. The two will most likely log the most race days, both riding from February to October. Perhaps a position of little envy, Selvaggi has already stated he is excited to prove his worth.
After a year shepherding Ivan Basso and Vincenzo Nibali, Cristiano Salerno will now be charged with bringing Pozzovivo to the top of any mountains in his way. A veteran mountain domestique, Salerno boosts the team's climbing ability, making them a much more viable force in the high terrain.
Some were surprised at the addition of Henry Frusto, but the team feel he is very capable of helping out the team over various terrain. Coming from the small D'Angelo & Antenucci - Nippo squad, it is unlikely he will start in big races, the team believe he can play a vital part in smaller races. Last year, the domestiques in those races were too often unable to do anything more than carry water.
A hold over from last year's squad, Angelo Pagani survived were many others didn't. Like Brambilla, injuries set Pagani's development back a bit, but also may have saved his roster spot. The team still feel he can develop into a good puncheur and he will spend the season learning from Pozzovivo and Frapporti.
The theme continues. Pasqualon spent much of last season sidelined with injuries. Still, he returns to the squad, eager to show his worth. Not on par with Modolo or Gatto, Pasqualon will likely be the first in line for the Colnago sprint train. An important role, if he performs, he may move up in the pecking order in coming seasons.
The cream of crop in terms of Colnago's young riders. Mattia Cattaneo is one the world's hottest GC prospects. The team will have to be careful in his schedule and not rush anything yet. Many have called for his inclusion in the Giro squad, but the team will likely hold off for at least one season. Still, don't be surprised to see Cattaneo up with the big boys as the road goes up.
Salvatore Puccio comes to the squad as one of its best cobbled riders. But, the team is still a ways off from having ambitions in the north. This shouldn't be a problem for Puccio, whose real talent will come in the hilly terrain. The neo-pro will be able to spend the season with little pressure and learn from the team's more experienced riders.
A bit of an enigma, pundits aren't sure how Stefano Locatelli is going to develop. Several years ago he was anointed a climbing prospect; yet in recent years he has been more of an all-around rider. Colnago won't look to push the rider one way or another, and he will likely get a chance to ride over various types of terrain.
Baroni spent the last few months of the season with the team so he sees himself acclimated a bit more the professional life. Still, the young 21 year old has a lot of develop ahead of him and will likely do little more than carry water bottles.
Finances and Sponsor Goals
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| Pellizotti2 |
Posted on 06-01-2012 01:43
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World Champion
Posts: 10121
Joined: 01-05-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Nice to see this back after the break. Really enjoyed reading that.
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| roturn |
Posted on 06-01-2012 01:45
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Team Manager
Posts: 22246
Joined: 24-11-2007
PCM$: 3900.00
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Nice presentation. Malori is a nice addition as only time trialist. Frapporti and Gatto improved a lot in hills and are real stage hunters.
Good luck for this season. |
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