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The Red Project - S1M5 - Tour Azerbaidjan
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| duxili |
Posted on 21-11-2013 06:50
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
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@ Ian, atlanta & sutty68: I will do my best but those f@*&ng sponsors want everuthing for no money 
@ The Rider: Tx, I appology in advance for the jersey: I did it myself and it was my 1st shot 
Yeah I have been told that a Camunas' double has dared play in some Hollywood movies
2011 Novembre 3rd, Beijing
In the cab going to Haier, my phone is ringing:
“Nihao Mister Fernandez, Miss Zhang from Lining speaking, I got great news for you, I have succeeded to organize you a meeting with our Communication Director but it has to be today after 10pm, can you be in Beijing KaoYa restaurant?
- Sure, I love Beijing duck, Mister Alvaro Camunas will be with me.”
A meeting with Lining! What a sweet way to start our negotiations with Haier!
Once in Haier’s premises, we are waiting for 2 hours before communication director finds a 5’ slot in his rescheduled agenda… He goes right to the point: what they want is a good media exposure in Europe; any other Asian related results would only be bonus. He is ready to grant us a bit more money to achieve it provided we can guarantee a World Tour license for 2013.
Believe it or not, but it is a challenge to explain to a Chinese executive who knows shit about cycling that a new team, moreover an Asian one, has no chance to get a World Tour License in his first year! We would need at least a 3 years project with an extra 30k/month just to mention the first year so that we can hire two extra good European riders. Moreover, we would need Mapfre’s Board agreement.
15’ later, we were shown the exit with a promise for a co-sponsoring offer that would encompass a few “subject to” clauses.
In the evening we were already tired out when we arrived at the Beijing KaoYa restaurant. Miss Zhang were waiting for us, but no Communication Director to be seen. We had nonetheless a very pleasant meal with a charming lady. Miss Zhang was obviously betting on our project to get promotion; and has therefore become our fervent supporter.
At 11:30 pm, still no Mister Liu ; QingDao bottles though were dangerously accumulating on the table. And Miss Zhang seems ready to do anything to keep us waiting a little longer.
At 00:05 am the restaurant asks us to leave and Miss Zhang begs us to have a last beer in a nearby bar. Finally at 00:30 Mister Liu arrives. He is exhausted and smelling Baijiu alcohol. His first words are to order a bottle of his favorite liquor. He then listens to our speech for about 10’. I say listen, but we aren’t sure he was actually understanding a word. Suddenly he stops us and asks two words: “How much?”
We subsequently explain that the Spanish main sponsor will cover 75% of our needs and that we therefore are only short of 250k EUR per year.
Mister Liu is then deeply looking to Miss Zhang without saying a word. Finally he says:
« We might let you use our brand and image subject to some restrictions and conditions and I may even pay the riders “unofficial” bonus in case of good results, but there will be legally not a penny paid to your team for this co-sponsorship. »
“Take it or Leave it”, does he conclude. Before a desperate Miss Zhang gets back his full attention.
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 21-11-2013 13:15
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
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I don't know what to make of that meeting  |
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| duxili |
Posted on 22-11-2013 07:24
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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@ sutty68: Well, I didn't know either, it is sometime so tough to do business... especially when you are here to do cycling 
2011, November 11th, Madrid
I have been harassed by Miss Zhang for 1 week. She has even suggested that she wouldn’t mind having sex with me and/or Manuel if it could help solving the issues. (Hoping to have a better time than the night she had had to spend with her boss Mister Liu as a “gift” for his “offer”…)
I could however not piss her off as Haier’s final proposal would create debate with Mapfre : they propose 40kEUR per month, for a compulsory Continental Top 5 the first year and an upgrade to main sponsor as soon as the team would be promoted to World Tour. In case of failure, we would have to pay penalties and they would end the sponsorship agreement.
Unfortunately we had no more time to look for an alternative and we had to decide between the 2 existing options. I am now standing full of stress in front of Mapfre’s board and commenting this roster:
On the paperboard, I have written the following to answer President Marquez’ questions:
| Name | Nationality | Contract | | | | | Castroviejo | | signed 1 year | | | | | Herrada | | signed 1 year | | | | | Xu | | signed 3 years | | | | | Jiang | | signed 1 year | | | | | Othman | | signed 2 years | | | | | Shushemoin | | signed 1 year | | | | | Rahman | | signed 1 year | | Jiao | | ready to sign, KO for Haier | | Liu | | ready to sign, KO for Haier | | Huang | | ready to sign, KO for Haier | | Lipohongu | | KO | | Rastra | | KO |
“To sum up, we have neither Thai nor Idonesian rider ; Lining do bring added value but “we don’t want to know”; Haier wants a French, an Italian and main sponsorship if the project works but will quit and ask penalties if not?
- That’s pretty much it, yes,
- So if you succeed, they get the benefits but if you fail, they take our money and probably bankrupt the team,
- Not necessarily: if young riders are progressing as planned and Castroviejo stays in the team, we might be able to improve the team’s results even cutting our budget to pay for the Haier’s penalties. Of course this would mean reducing the staff.
- Finally something positive! So here is what we are going to do: you are telling me that you can do without co-sponsor’s money and paying for Haier’s penalties? Well do it! I cut your budget down to 500kEUR and I want guarantees on your results. If you deliver we will increase your budget back to 750kEUR next year but each objective you miss will cost you money. I let it to our communication director to agree the objectives with you. As for Lining co-sponsorship I let it to him as well to decide if it makes sense for our communication strategy or not. Thank you for your time. The meeting is over.”
He then stands up and leaves the room followed by all the other board member. I stay stunned until Manuel shakes me:
“Should we move or do you plan to spend the day here?”
I hardly follow him out of Mapfre’s building. He brings me to the nearest bar and orders two Champagne cups:
“Long leave MAPFRE LINING! ”
Edited by duxili on 03-02-2014 21:11
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 22-11-2013 09:09
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Is this the news that you wanted to hear |
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| The Rider |
Posted on 22-11-2013 16:49
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4543
Joined: 29-02-2012
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sutty68 wrote:
Is this the news that you wanted to hear
It is certainly better than nothing. 
After all of these board room shenanigans I hope we finally get to see the jersey and the team in the full.
Great to hear you have made a jersey, maybe you can take a request from me. |
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 22-11-2024 07:30
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Bot Agent
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| duxili |
Posted on 23-11-2013 08:16
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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@ sutty68: I was expecting 1M, I'll have to do with 500k. Cut in staff salaries, more pression on results, but it should work.
@ The Rider: I'll oblige you in the next 3 posts or so starting now!
2011, November 20th, Dali
It in a Hot Pot restaurant that we have our first team meeting.
Outside bicycles of different colors and brands are waiting.
Alexandre grumbles that we are lacking professionalism picking a Hot pot restaurant.
Gang is laughing with Pengda and Daming about a joke said in Chinese that I didn’t get a word except for “dick” and “burnt”.
Jonathan and José are commenting in Spanish on how good the food is.
Lance, Mohamed, Kun, Devendra and Muhamad are discussing in very poor English about new cycling materials.
After Ratra and Lipohongu have rejected our offer, we were so short of time to find replacement so as to get 12 riders. Muhamad praised his Malaysian buddy Mohamed Shawal Shafee. After few tests we get him signed.
A Hong-Kong friend of mine told me about Lance Cowley, supposedly the greatest potential in Asia. We were too desperate to argue that New Zeeland isn’t part of Asia but belongs to Oceania. We just get Lance signed too.
So here is my dream team! They have to be the ones bringing happiness and glory on my next few years. They are the ones for whom we moved to Kunming. They are the ones justifying the horrible time I had with some Spanish old men and tricky Chinese business men. They are the ones who will decide my professional future.
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 23-11-2013 09:10
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21854
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Hmm, no sprinter, that might hurt the team |
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 23-11-2013 23:36
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
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Agree with Ian, you somehow have to find and sign a decent sprinter |
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| duxili |
Posted on 24-11-2013 08:55
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
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@ Ian & sutty: yeap, we'll have to watch the sprints from behind, but it is too late to hire a sprinter plus with low budget I've prefered to have 2 GC men, plus in Asia there are not so many good sprinters available... But I'll keep that in mind for next season
2011, November 21st, Kunming
I read one more time the letter we have drafted with Manuel:
“Mister President, Misters Board Members,
Following our November 11th meeting, please find enclosed a revised budget and the list of MAPFRE LINING 2012 objectives we have agreed with your Communication Director:
We are committing to the following objectives:
1. 1st Asian team in the Continental Pro Team 2012 Final Ranking;
2. Top 5 in the Continental Pro Team 2012 Final Ranking;
3. Our best rider in the Top 3 of the Continental Pro Individual 2012 Final Ranking;
4. Our second best rider in the Top 20 of the Continental Pro Individual 2012 Final Ranking;
5. At least 25 victories in 2012;
6. At least 3 victories in 2012 HC races;
7. At least 10 victories in 2012 cat 1 (or higher) races;
8. At least 10 victories in 2012 in Chinese races;
9. At least 1 victory in 2012 for one of our Chinese rider;
10. At least 1 victory in a 2012 National Championship.
We understand that MAPFRE will allocate 750 kEUR budget for MAPFRE – LINING cycling team in 2013 if all the above objectives are met. Each goal that the team would not reach in 2012 will reduce the 2013 budget by 50 kEUR.
Your faithfully,
And Manuel and I signatures.”
In the room next door, an ecstatic Miss Zhang and Manuel are waiting for me, eating XiaoFei’s food. I close the envelope and join them for a toast to the new MAPFRE – LINING Cycling Team.
The partnership contract with Lining has been signed earlier in the day. It contains many unclear sentences such as “Lining will allow one a case by case basis the use of his brand to support MAPFRE – LINING and MAPFRE CHINA promotion” or “Lining will adapt his financial support to MAPFRE – LINING based on the team’s results”. At the end of the day the only crystal clear clause in the contract is that no decision regarding the team manager can be made without Lining’s approval.
Edited by duxili on 03-02-2014 21:10
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 24-11-2013 09:38
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21854
Joined: 01-05-2012
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Some tough objectives.
Maybe Castroviejo for NC ITT  |
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| tpinot |
Posted on 24-11-2013 21:55
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 885
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Will this story be completely the same as the one on PCM France or the racing part will be different? |
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 24-11-2013 23:18
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
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It will be hard to achieve 25 victories, but good luck |
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| duxili |
Posted on 26-11-2013 18:49
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
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@ Ian: Yes some hard ones, NC is one of them... for now 
@ tpinot: I am correcting it here and ensure more consistency; but yeah, the racing will be the same. The reason I am doing it is because I am going to stop it on pcm France at the season end and plan to continue it here if I found some motivated readers to follow more than 1 season
@ sutty: Tx, 25 victories don't look the hardest to me: I achieved 22 with Jelly Belly and find Castroviejo stronger than Ovechkin and I am sure Herrada is stronger than Alberio
2011 December 24th, between Hong-Kong and Barcelona
XiaoFei is sleeping over my shoulder. I am guessing Manuel snoring in his business class seat. Stewards cleaned the horrible meal tray two hours ago. I’ve just turned off the small screen I was using to play a bad movie. My legs are hurting with no space to stretch and I don’t dare moving to not disturb XiaoFei’s sleep.
We have moved one step forward: Gang has succeeded convincing the Look Chinese subsidiary to provide us with red cycling frames. We also got classic but performing red helmets.
For the shirt, we had to ask a friend to design it for free. Such a shame that MAPFRE didn’t want to add any money to get a professional design and Lining rejected to ask one of his contractor to manufacture the shirt. That would have been a big problem if Gang again has had a “GuanXi” i.e. connection in a Specialized’s manufacturer. We will get our shirt very cheap provided that we let him sell it for his own benefit on the black market.
At the end of the day, confidence is not for granted. Apparently we have a long way to go…
Anyway that is done. I am taking a look at our future shirt,
Then I forget my problems and start sleeping. My last thought is for the family Christmas celebration I have managed to save.
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| krisa |
Posted on 26-11-2013 18:55
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3962
Joined: 12-04-2011
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Do you need help for your shirt? I will redo it
Nice piece btw
Edited by krisa on 26-11-2013 18:56
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| The Rider |
Posted on 26-11-2013 20:53
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4543
Joined: 29-02-2012
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The only problem I have with the shirt is the red colour on the Mapfre logos. If you can somehow get rid of that red which comes with the logo it will look infinitely better I reckon. |
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| sutty68 |
Posted on 26-11-2013 23:23
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 34654
Joined: 22-08-2010
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The shirt should look good in the peleton |
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| duxili |
Posted on 27-11-2013 19:58
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
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@ sutty: for sure this shirt will look in the peloton, nice might be contexted though
@ The Rider & krisa: thanks.You got this red totally right, I even miss it how bad it looks... But I have already plaid my first races and then I will present you with a new shirt, so no chance to correct this one
2012, January 5th, Kunming
Some 新年快乐, and other new year messages have been hanged on the walls. What would it be for the Chinese new year!
“Happy new year every one ! Could 2012 be a year of success for MAPFRE LINING and its riders.”
In our headquarter, the team’s 12 riders, Jiangye, Manuel and plenty of friends and family who have joined “to help for the translation”.
I wait for the supposed translators to shut up before I go on:
“Let me introduce you Liu jianye. He will be the first team trainer and will finalise you training schedule in the next few days. We have decided to split the team into two groups of 6 riders each. First group will ride beginning and end season races; second group will focus on mid-season. Do any one have some preferences?”
- Yes, I would like to start asap ! Plus at my age we need some long resting periods, says Xu Gang with a smile.
- OK any one else for the 1st Group ?
CL, Kun, Pengda, Daming, Jonathan and José’s hands are rising.
“Well, I guess we still have some work to do: we are a team and as a team there is no Chinese speaking clan and Spanish clan and Malaysian clan and whatever clan you can think of! I won’t let this happen so we are going to mix you:
Jonathan you are going to lead the first group to secure the best possible start for our new team. Gang will be our experienced man. Alexandre, Mohamed, Daming et Lance will also join the 1st group.
José will act both as the leader and the experienced man for the second group together with Muhamad, Kun, CL, Devendra et Pengda.
Besides I want non Chinese speaking riders to learn Chinese and all Chinese speaking riders to learn English. If you speak no Chinese and poor English, Chinese is compulsory and English would be a useful addition.
- What the fuck, I don’t care about Chinese!
- Alexandre, when I spoke about team spirit, you were the first concerned. That kind of constructive thought, you can keep it for yourself. I get that you and some others might not be happy with the situation. What we will do is that we start and all try our best on this basis. At the same time, I will run individual meeting so we can discuss more into depth your concerns. Of course nothing is definitive and anything can evolve to put you in the best situation to achieve great results. I would be happy to discuss it anytime. Is it OK for everyone?
Some people node but most of same show nothing. So I go on:
- Perfect. Here is the program we will start with:
We should target 4 wins including at least 1, but 2 would be better, in Malaysia. Questions? No? OK so let’s start the training!“
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| duxili |
Posted on 29-11-2013 07:42
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Domestique
Posts: 562
Joined: 18-09-2013
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Janvier 18th, Masterton, Tour of Wellington
It is 6:30 pm, Jonathan is finally getting his massage after his drug test and his first interviews under his new colors. I offer myself a few minutes resting alone in my hotel room before joining the team for an early diner. Just the time to write a short e-mail to the rest of the team who stayed in China and to MAPFRE’s communication director.
"Hi everyone,
This 18th of January, first racing day for MAPFRE LINING had to be a great day and an opportunity for the team to present his new shirt to the world. We thus has planned a big party despite a flat stage that let us no hope.
The breakaway was caught after a long chase. Some moments later, with less than 10 kilometers to go, Jonathan was feeling good and decided to attack. It worked fine as he managed to create some gap.
First racing day, first victory and first yellow jersey. What a day for the team!
I enclose the picture of Jonathan’s win and of the stage classification.
Congratulations to him and all his teammates and good luck for the next days. After such a start we can expect nothing but the overall win!
JBF"
Stage 1 Ranking
| 1 | Jonathan Castroviejo Nicolas | 4h20'12 | | 2 | Felix Vidal Celis Zabala | s.t. | | 3 | Ho Sung Cho | s.t. | | 4 | David McCann | s.t. | | 5 | Sung Baek Park | s.t. |
Edited by duxili on 03-02-2014 21:08
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 29-11-2013 12:20
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21854
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Nicely done |
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| welker3257 |
Posted on 29-11-2013 17:32
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Small Tour Specialist
Posts: 2336
Joined: 29-05-2013
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Great start to the season
Gig 'em Aggies
Fast N' Loud Cycling Project - ICL
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