Hi guys, it’s MitchNL. As you know, some World Tour teams have development teams. RadioShack has Leopard-Trek, Garmin-Sharp has Chipotle, Blanco / Belkin has the Rabobank development team and Lampre has ISD. And this story is also about a development team, though this is a very extraordinary development team. It’s about the development team of a Pro Continental Tour squad from Africa.
That’s right, MTN-Qhubeka decided to create a development team, though the development squad differs a bit. While MTN focuses itself on South Africa, some other southern African countries and some Europeans, the development team will only accept African riders with an age of 25 years or younger. For the past 12 months, the scouts of MTN-Qhubeka searched throughout the whole African continent for cycling talents, and a pre-selection of 45 riders was made. This group was divided into several groups, with every group having it’s own speciality. These test squads rode a few races on their favourite terrain, and the results of those races turned 15 young Africans into professional cyclists. These guys will be joined by 5 others, who already have some history in professional cycling.
Unfortunately, I can’t say anything about the riders at this moment, so you’ll have to wait till the team introduction if you want to know these riders, but I can’t let you behind with nothing, so I’m gonna reveal you the sponsors and the jersey for the 2013 season!
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Our main sponsor is Telkom, a telecommunications provider based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Telkom is a very big company in Africa, and they immediately were positive when we explained our project to them. Telkom has signed a contract that keeps them our head sponsor till 2015.
And now it’s time to present our jersey for the 2013 season:
So that means the name of this team will be Team Telkom-Ecobank.
Now, before I end this, I’d like to say thanks to a few people:
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First, I wanna thank fcancellara / Casper for making some awesome graphics for this story, and for being a great friend outside the world of PCM . I also wanna thank Aidan(vn13) for helping me with building the squad and for keeping me motivated. And last but not least, I wanna thank PCM.daily and it’s members in general. YOU amaze and inspire me time after time with great career stories, stages, shirts or databases, and it’s with YOU that talking about a video game gets really fun. Thanks to you all!
So, that’s how far as this first introduction will go. I hope you will enjoy this story as much as I’m gonna do, it’ll probably reach a bit further than my last story . I will post another introduction soon, where I will reveal the 20 names to represent Africa’s development team.
Hi everyone, and welcome to the official team presentation of Telkom-Ecobank! We’re going to announce the 20 riders who will defend our colours for the 2013 season. They will be divided into 2 sections: the first section is for the 5 cyclists who already have experience in the professional peloton, and the other section is for the 15 young guns that came through our pre-selection of talented, scouted riders. But first, let me introduce myself!
THE DIRECTEUR SPORTIF
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(Yes, I know, that's a very serious look )
My name is Mitch van Ewijk, known on this forum as MitchNL. I’m 16 years old, I live in the Dutch town of Landgraaf, and I’m the Directeur Sportif of the Telkom-Ecobank cycling team.
Now I hear you wondering ‘why is a 16-year old DS of a professional cycling team?' Well, let me tell you a story. About a year ago, I was surfing the web for the MTN-Qhubeka site, and as soon as I got there, I saw an ad about an application form to apply as a DS for MTN’s new development squad. So I thought ‘Hey, why not?’ and filled in the form. It was a complete surprise for me when MTN called me with the message that I could come over to South Africa for a conversation! MTN would take care of all costs, so it got even better and better.
Some weeks later I had a job interview with the guys of MTN-Qhubeka. They said that I was the only one from Europe to apply for the job, and that they wanted an European look on the case. They were also impressed of the fact that I said I wanted to develop myself with the team, since I’m the youngest person in the world of professional cycling. The most astonishing fact to me was that they even said that they were impressed of my experience in cycling, the only thing I’ve written there was ‘9 years of playing Pro Cycling Manager’!
So, after signing some papers, I was handed the job of Directeur Sportif of Team Telkom-Ecobank. My personal goals are:
- Develop Telkom’s talents so they can promote to MTN-Qhubeka and help MTN to get a World Tour license within 5 years.
- Getting a Pro Continental Tour license with Telkom as soon as MTN promotes to the World Tour.
- Develop myself as a manager, so that I will be able to control the team in the really big races.
I'm very happy that the guys at MTN have confidence in me, and I'll do anything to shw that I'm worth the job!
Now, let’s move on to the guys where it’s all about: the riders. We’ll start with the 5 more experienced guys:
THE PROFESSIONALS
Tesfay ABRAHA HABTEMARIAM
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Nationality:
Eritrean
Date of Birth:
3.10.1990
Place of Birth:
Asmara
Speciality:
Sprints
Contract until:
2014
Tesfay was one of the first guys who came to my mind when I had to sign riders for the 2013 season. He finished 3 times in the top 10 of the Tour of Eritrea, with a 2nd place in 2011 being his best finish. His silver medal at the 2011 African championships earned him a contract at MTN-Qhubeka for 2012, but they dropped him at the end of the season. He was happy to sign for Telkom-Ecobank as we wish to help Tesfay with his development, so that maybe one day he can make his comeback into the MTN squad.
BEST STATS
Acceleration
68
Sprint
66
Attacking
66
Calvin BENEKE
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Nationality:
South African
Date of Birth:
24.12.1991
Place of Birth:
Johannesburg
Speciality:
Climbing
Contract until:
2014
Calvin impressed in some smaller South African races before he got a contract for MTN-Qhubeka's 2012 team. Yet his best moment was in that same 2012 season, when he took the U23 national title. This didn't change MTN's mind though as they released him at the end of 2012. Calvin is determined to show the world and the guys at MTN-Qhubeka why he's the best U23 rider from South Africa.
Merhawi wasn't on our original list of potential signings, but he impressed everyone in the cycling world in the 2012 Tour of Rwanda, where he won the first stage and took 3 second places to grab 6th in the GC, while only being 18 years old. We negotiated quickly with Merhawi, and he was honoured to sign with a professional team. The management has the feeling that Merhawi leaves the team soon, because his climbing abilities are immense for someone aged 18.
BEST STATS
Climbing
68
Hills
68
Flat
67
Johannes Christoffel NEL
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Nationality:
South African
Date of Birth:
28.11.1991
Place of Birth:
Cape Town
Speciality:
Hills, Time Trials
Contract until:
2014
Johannes is a rather unknown name in cycling, as he mostly rode as a domestique during his 2-year stint at MTN-Qhubeka. But he goes full power when he's all alone, the ultimate prove is his second place at the 2012 South African U23 Time Trial championships. MTN didn't want to continue with Johannes though, so we contacted him. Johannes immediately responded positive and signed a contract for two years at our team.
BEST STATS
Hills
66
Time trials
65
Attacking
65
These 5 guys are the ones with some experience behind them. But we also have 15 young talents in this team who got through our pre-selection. And guess what? It’s time for their first public reveal. I present you:
THE YOUNGSTERS
Eric AKYIBANDA
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Nationality:
Rwandan
Date of Birth:
25.12.1994
Place of Birth:
Kigali
Speciality:
Time Trials
Contract until:
2014
Let’s start off with Eric, the only Rwandan in the squad. He just turned 18, but that doesn’t say anything about his speed. He participated in the Time Trial trials, and powered his way to a professional contract. He could easily follow the average speed of some reasonable TT specialists in the World Tour! It was very clear to us that Eric had to be included in the team, and we’re very happy that Eric also sees the opportunities in this team, which made him decide to stay wit hus until at least the end of 2014.
BEST STATS
Time Trials
67
Recovery
66
Resistance
66
Danny BASTIAANSE
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Nationality:
South African
Date of Birth:
15.9.1994
Place of Birth:
Bloemfontein
Speciality:
GC
Contract until:
2013
Danny also participated at the Time Trial pre-selection, and just managed to make the cut, though he lost a bit of speed at the end, he was also going very quick at the start. Danny may not have te best stats of the team, but because of him being 18 and his promising potential we decided to give Danny a chance for the 2013 season. And who knows, if Danny makes himself known, he’ll get a contract extension for some more years at our team.
Next up is our absolute leader of the team. Farid Belghazi already showed off his abilities in some local amateur races before signing up to our Climbing trials. What we saw there was outstanding. Farid powered up the climb like he’s already an experienced World Tour rider. We knew this guy had to be on our squad as soon as he started his solo. The downside of the story is that Farid is extremely talented, so we couldn’t give him a two-year contract. Farid feels extremely lucky to be a part of this team and hopes he can make a name for himself in the professional cycling world.
BEST STATS
Climbing
72
Time Trials
68
Resistance
68
Sofiane BENIDA-MERAH
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Nationality:
Algerian
Date of Birth:
14.10.1993
Place of Birth:
Oran
Speciality:
Climbing
Contract until:
2013
Sofiane maybe wasn’t one of the most talented rider in the Climbing trials, but he did a smart job as he made an agreement with his fellow countryman Farid Belghazi. This did the job for Sofiane as he almost stood still at the end of the climb while just hanging on to the needed requirements for a contract. Like Danny Bastiaanse, Sofiane gets a chance to prove why he’s worth to be in this team for 2014.
BEST STATS
Climbing
62
Time Trials
59
Recovery
58
Greg BUTTERWORTH
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Nationality:
South African
Date of Birth:
19.12.1994
Place of Birth:
Cape Town
Speciality:
Hills
Contract until:
2014
Greg is a very shy young man when he’s not on a bike, but as soon as the race starts hell breaks loose. The 18-year old from Cape Town participated in the Hills trials and powered away like he was Philippe Gilbert on his way to the world title. Though Greg’s price was a little less precious, he was very happy to snatch himself a spot in the team. Oh, and Greg’s got a great potential, so maybe one day he’ll be able to actually win the WC himself…
BEST STATS
Hills
62
Resistance
61
Attacking
60
Runako EDWARDS
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Nationality:
Zimbabwean
Date of Birth:
1.10.1995
Place of Birth:
Harare
Speciality:
Sprints
Contract until:
2014
Despite almost being the squad’s benjamin, Runako Edwards shocked everyone as he managed to easily sprint towards a professional contract at the flat trials, even though no one was able to lead him out. This 17-year old powerhouse has enough potential to become a sprint dominator, so we’re very happy that Runako wants tob e in this team for at least two seasons.
BEST STATS
Flat
64
Sprint
63
Time Trial
63
Saare GEBREMEDHIN
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Nationality:
Eritrean
Date of Birth:
27.7.1994
Place of Birth:
Asmara
Speciality:
Climbing
Contract until:
2013
As a real Eritrean, Saare loves them climbs, so it was no surprise that he (and with him many other Eritreans) signed up for the Climbing trials. It seemed like all the Eritreans teamed up, but Saare was a class apart against his fellow countrymen, although his speed wasn’t abnormal high. This is the reason why we want Saare to prove himself in the professional circus first, before we can judge him on his performances and decide if he deserves a longer stint at our team.
BEST STATS
Climbing
63
Downhill
61
Stamina
61
Johannes GOEDHALS
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Nationality:
South African
Date of Birth:
9.12.1993
Place of Birth:
Nelspruit
Speciality:
GC
Contract until:
2013
Johannes grew up in a hilly area in the eastern-most part of South Africa, so it was no surprise that the 19-year old did well at the Climbing trials. He even managed to stay in front of all Eritreans. Johannes rode some amateur races in South Africa before signing up to our trials, so he’s quite experienced as well. This doens’t mean that he will also perform in the pro peleton, so that’s why we’ll check his development during the 2013 season, so that at the end of the season we can make a clear decision about his contract.
BEST STATS
Climbing
63
Time Trials
62
Recovery
62
Rachid HANOUNA
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Nationality:
Tunisian
Date of Birth:
13.1.1993
Place of Birth:
Tunis
Speciality:
Sprints
Contract until:
2013
This almost 20-year old from Tunisia’s capital is a fenominal beast. Already having some experiences of local criteriums in his pocket, Rachid decided to sign up for our Flat trials. And afterwards this was the best choice for him, for us and for the hopes of African cycling, because when the sprinters had to do their job Rachid stood up, kicked everyone’s butt and took the pro contract with street lengths of distance to his rivals. We’re certain that Rachid soon outgrows our level, so a 1-year contract is more than enough in our opinion.
BEST STATS
Attacking
73
Acceleration
72
Sprint
71
Chibesa MWANZA
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Nationality:
Zambian
Date of Birth:
14.4.1995
Place of Birth:
Lusaka
Speciality:
Sprints
Contract until:
2014
Chibesa hasn’t reached the age of 18 yet, but he’s already a good sprinter. He proved that in the Flat trials, where he finished off a great lead-out by the young man who comes right after Chibesa in this introduction. Chibesa focuses on sprints and sprints only, it seems to us that sprinting for the stage wins and the podium girls is what his life is all about. Combine that with his potential and you’ve got another future sprinting star in professional cycling.
BEST STATS
Sprint
65
Flat
63
Acceleration
62
Daniel NAMBWE
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Nationality:
Zambian
Date of Birth:
3.4.1994
Place of Birth:
Lusaka
Speciality:
Flat
Contract until:
2014
Yes, Daniel was the lead-out we were talking about when we introduced Chibesa Mwanza. Daniel is a great guy when the route is pancake flat. When he relays the pack splits up into parts, when he chases the breakaway there’s a group reunion in no time, and when he has to do a lead-out the sprinter behind him is almost certain of the stage win. As long as no hills show up Daniel turns into a tank: unstoppable, indestructible and blasting his way forward.
BEST STATS
Flat
67
Resistance
64
Stamina
62
Tangeni SHIXWAMENI
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Nationality:
Namibian
Date of Birth:
31.10.1995
Place of Birth:
Swakopmund
Speciality:
Flat
Contract until:
2014
We continue our team introduction with the youngest rider in the squad. Despite reaching the age of 17 recently, Tangeni impressed us at the Flat trials where he did a great job in getting the breakaway back and leading out Rachid Hanouna. We believe this bloke has a fantastic future in sight, not only because of his age, but also because he has an immense potential. We’re glad that Tangeni signed for our team till the end of 2014, because we’re almost certain that this guy will develop into a road captain.
BEST STATS
Flat
65
Resistance
60
Attacking
59
Ermias SIAS
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Nationality:
Eritrean
Date of Birth:
27.4.1995
Place of Birth:
Asmara
Speciality:
Climbing
Contract until:
2013
Ermias is one of the many Eritreans who challenged our Climbing pre-selection. As his best mate Saare Gebremedhin powered away Ermias was the only one to follow Gebremedhin’s tempo. He eventually finished a bit behind his fellow countryman, but is was just enough to clinch a spot at our team. Ermias is also just 17 years old, but he already showed us his climbing abilities. We’re just not sure about if he will be able to perform this on the professional stage, so 2013 will be a year of evoluation for Ermias.
BEST STATS
Climbing
63
Resistance
60
Time Trials
58
Thomas STEENKAMP
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Nationality:
Namibian
Date of Birth:
14.7.1995
Place of Birth:
Windhoek
Speciality:
Hills
Contract until:
2014
Thomas is one of the most relaxed guys in the team. Always laughing, always making fun. But the real business starts when the bikes roll off and the race is started. But Thomas always has that tiny bit of flair when it’s a hilly course. He already showed that on the Hills trials, where he kept attacking till no one was left in his group, and even after that moment he kept on going at 100 percent. Thomas has the potential to become one of the greatest puncheurs in the world, so remember the name as he’s going to be on our squad for at least two years.
BEST STATS
Hills
65
Attacking
63
Resistance
62
Robert WANYAMA
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Nationality:
Kenyan
Date of Birth:
4.7.1992
Place of Birth:
Nairobi
Speciality:
Hills
Contract until:
2014
The last rider to be introduced is this 20-year old from Kenya, but he’s definately not the worst rider in the team. At the Hills trials he already showed us that he’s a fenomenal puncheur, and that he’s able to finish high on the table when the last 5 kilometres of a stage include a hill. Robert has the potential to become a possible winner of the Ardennes classics, and he already has a bit of experience duet o some decent results in Kenyan amateur races. All in all we’re very glad that Robert is a part of our team for at least two years.
BEST STATS
Hills
64
Attacking
63
Stamina
63
These guys will represent our colours for the 2013 season. Let’s see what the full squad looks like in 1 image:
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RYD = Flat
ACC = Acceleration
KL = Climbing
DAL = Downhill
HEU = Hills
AAN = Attacking
TR = Time Trial
UIT = Stamina
PRL = Prologue
WEE = Resistance
KAS = Cobbles
REC = Recovery
SP = Sprint
GEM = Average
Now, I forgot something in the first post, so I thought this was a good moment to fill that up. Im talking about…
THE GAME SETTINGS
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Database:
PCM.daily Expansion Pack
Difficulty:
Hard
Attributes development:
0,5
Random potential:
No
We have riders, we have equipment, now there’s one more thing needed: some cycling races! The last part of our team introduction is the reveal of our race schedule for 2013:
We’ve got some pretty high level racing in the beginning with Qatar, Oman and Langkawi. After that it gets a bit more peaceful, until the end of July when we get two heavy stage races in France. We’re going to end off the season in China.
So that’s everything you need to know of us for the upcoming season. Let’s start our journey and hope the results will soon bring us happiness.
Mitch van Ewijk,
Directeur Sportif Team Telkom-Ecobank
@ aidanvn13: Haha, indeed, it probably took ages, but I didn't had much time to start it with PCM 12, right? (For those who don't know, the idea already started in March)
@ Spronx: It's also the only South African company I know besides MTN. Hope it doesn't keep you away from this story though.
Now guys, I have a decision to make but I just can't choose an option. So I'll ask you what you would like the most. Should I download the current PCM.daily Real Name DB and start my career within a week or so, or should I wait a few weeks for the almighty PCM.daily Expansion Pack? It's up to you!
. I will post another introduction soon, where I will reveal the 20 names to represent Africa’s development team.
Tesfay ABRAHA HABTEMARIAM
Calvin BENEKE 
Hichem CHABANE 
Eric AKYIBANDA 
Runako EDWARDS 
Rachid HANOUNA 
Chibesa MWANZA 
Tangeni SHIXWAMENI 
Robert WANYAMA 
