I don't have anywhere close to the amount of spare time I had in the previous pre-season, but I thought a preview had to be made anyway.
It will be similar to the one I wrote for the Continental Division last season, the plan is to post four teams in each post, and the teams will be presented alphabetically. The first four teams will come in a minute or two, and then the plan is to bring you four new teams each of the coming days. Though, I can't guarantee you that for sure, but at least that is the plan.
As an ending post, I will set up the Pro Tour how I imagine it to be at the end of the season. Hopefully it will give most of you something to smile for, either now, as I rank your team way too low or high, or at the end of the season, when it's clear I was absolutely wrong. Maybe you'll smile both now and at the end of the season?
Last season no one expected the Norwegian team to promote, but they pulled it off, mainly due to Alarcon's performances. He left the team in the transfer season, and Aker - MOT have gotten new leaders. Boasson Hagen will be a key rider for the team, and if the team is going to survive in the Pro Tour, he has to deliver results in hilly races similar to those Alarcon got in the stage races in 2012. The team's depth for the hilly races should be good enough to provide Boasson Hagen with useful help. Though, when he's racing without Spilak and Augustyn it will be quite a gap from Boasson Hagen to the next on the team, speaking of the hill stat.
Spilak is the other obvious leader for the team. It's doubtful he'll pull of a podium in the Giro, which is a goal for the team, but his great skills for stage races should give him a couple of top 5 throughout the season in the tougher stage races.
The team's season will heavily depend on Boasson Hagen and Spilak. Other than them, it doesn't look like they've riders that can deliver the wins and high placings. Augustyn is a decent stage racer, but he's not at the level necessary for a top 10 in the Pro Tour.
They weren't famous for their ambitions for the sprints last season, and it doesn't look like that will change this season. Vanoverschelde and Impey are the main sprinters at the team. Vanoverschelde is a typical powerful sprinter, who struggles on the hills. Impey is arguably the most interesting of the two of them, as he has the abilities to survive hills other sprinters struggle with. Though, neither of them are top class as sprinters, and they'll probably be in the mix for a top 15 in the flat races.
Summary of the team
Boasson Hagen and Spilak will define the season for the Norwegian team. Their achievements will most likely decide if they're good enough to stay in the Pro Tour or not. They don't have the quality in the other terrains, though, Impey has a little bit of potential left, and will be a dangerous man for the sprints next season. That won't help in 2013 though. The team will be fighting to avoid relegation.
Everything is possible with Boasson Hagen in the team
Leaders Markus Fothen Alberto Contador Diego Ulissi Geert Steurs
Sprinters Óscar Guerao Anthony Lavoine
The French team has it all. Two stage racers, a great puncheur, an outstanding sprinter and a cobbler who was well inside the top 10 in last year's Paris - Roubaix. Nevertheless, their team manager has talked them down in the pre-season. Is there any reason for that? Let's have a look!
Contador and Fothen are both great stage racers. The German was unlucky last season, and got both Giro d'Italia and Tour de France ruined due to crashes. Contador on the other hand had a far better season, being best of the rest behind Madrazo in Vuelta a España. But also he had a season of crashes, and he lost out on a possible podium in Dauphine Libere. It should be safe to expect the combination of them to take more points than they did last season, and it will be interesting to see if Contador can defend his 2nd place in La Vuelta.
The team is weaker in the hilly terrain though. Last year Ulissi gave them an epic win in Milan - Sanremo, ahead of team mate Pozzato. That won't happen this year, at least not with both of them in the same colours, as Pozzato has returned to Heineken. Ulissi will be their sole captain for the hills, and he'll look for support from Sørensen and Mollema, who both joined the team from Team WWE in the transfers.
Steurs is their obvious captain for the cobbles, and he certainly delivered last season, with a 8th in "De Ronde" and a 6th in the "Hell of the North." He'll fight for top 10 places this season as well, and he has more chances than last year, as the calendar has more cobble races than ever for Pro Tour teams.
At last, the French team has never really been known for their sprinters, but that might change in 2013. Guerao has done some major training in the winter, and he's definitely looking like he could challenge the very best sprinters in the world. He doesn't have a train though, and will most likely be left on his own. Lavoine is their other sprinter, and he proved the doubters wrong last season, as he took a Pro Tour win in Qatar. A promising duo that could, and should, give the team nice results in the sprints.
Summary of the team
SotD hasn't sounded very optimistic in his comments this pre-season. I still believe the team will be in the mix for a top 5. They've got two stage racers capable of delivering top 5 in stage races, and they've also got a better sprinter than last year. They'll miss Pozzato, and it might prove tough for Ulissi to be responsible for the team's results in the hills on his own.
Pozzato back from last season's loan at Festina is an obvious reinforcement for the Americans. He showed last year that he still got it, in addition to his podium in Milan - Sanremo, he won the Olympics in Great Britain. He'll need to perform at that level this season as well if Heineken are going to stay away from the fight for avoiding relegation. He's an outstanding allrounder, anything but mountains and time trials, and he'll be a rider to watch.
Brajkovic and Eastman is a great duo for the stage races. Brajkovic was picked up from the free agents, and he should be able to deliver a top 10 in whatever race he races. Eastman is still only 21 years old and is still improving massively from year to year. It looks like team manager Levi4life has made him a "personal project," and he's starting to look like a future challenger for the wins in the tougher stage races. This season it's unlikely he'll fight with the very best, though, his 67 race days will make us watch him in a lot of races, and that could prove key for the team's point scoring.
For the sprints they'll need to trust Haedo. He didn't win too many races last season, in the Continental Division, and he'll have a hard time in the Pro Tour. Pozzato is probably a better sprinter, but it's still unknown how many flat races and flat classics he'll participate in.
Summary of the team
It's hard to tell exactly where they'll end the season. Eventhough they've got three great leaders, it's hard to see them anywhere else in the fight for avoiding relegation. Though, having two great stage racers should help a lot, as it will make them pick up a decent amount of points in all stage races. That could prove more than enough to survive the Pro Tour.
The Swedish team won the Pro Tour back in 2011. Last year they came third. They're without a doubt a very strong team for 2013 as well.
They've brought in Alejandro Valverde from the free agents, and he could be lethal in what's likely to be his last season where he can compete with the best. The Spaniard will be strong in all Spanish races he participates in. He will be a tough man to beat for anyone with his great backup stats, a great kick and a decent sprint. The "worst" thing about this team is that Valverde isn't anywhere near to be their big name for the hilly classics!
Yuri Trofimov, the Russian superstar, has it all. He's absolutely outstanding in the hills, but he also climbs well, as he showed in last year's Tour de France. He ended just outside the top 10 after dominating the opening stages on Corsica. He and Valverde should be a pain the ass for anyone wanting to perform in the hilly classics. They've also got Hugenhaben, who improved ahead of 2012, and he continued his progress this winter. He'll be a super domestique whenever the road rises, but he's also capable of getting results himself.
Ballan is also a rider to watch in the Swedish team. Though, he isn't getting any younger, and just like Valverde, this will be his last season where he can compete with the best. He didn't get a big win last year, meaning he'll be extremely dangerous this year, looking to prove himself one last time.
This really is a strong team. Apart from the mentioned riders, they've also got Pedraza. The Colombian climber has lots of race days to shine on, and he'll most likely lead the team in a couple of stage races and maybe a Grand Tour. Another rider who will lead the team in a Grand Tour, but not for the overall classification, is Granjel Cabrera. The Cuban sprinter won no less than three stages last July, and he's expected to be back to aim at something similar. Then there's also Fiedler, who they paid 250 000 € in wages to join their team. He has developed to one of the absolute best time trialists, and he should challenge for a podium in whatever time trial or prologue he rides, as well as being a force for their team time trial train.
Summary of the team
They'll definitely be right up there in the mix for the Pro Tour crown, looking to take it back from Vesuvio. They've got great leaders, and when they've got a rider like Hugenhaben as a domestique, there's no question about their strength. They should land a podium, but there are a couple of teams that will be tough to beat for the top spot.
Vesuvio only loaned the crown, and only for a year
The Belgium team won the Continental Division last year, after a convincing show of depth in their team. They've kept many of the riders that gave them promotion, but they've also brought last year's winner of Tour de France to the team. How good will they be?
Cunego is an amazing rider, arguably the best in mangame history. He still got it, though, 2013 will be his last year at his absolute best. His schedule looks very interesting. He aims for another victory in France, but he's also chasing some big classics. He will definitely come up against some serious competition, as A. Schleck and Pluchkin have already confirmed their participation in Tour de France. There's also Madrazo, who's looking even better than last year, where he was the only one to challenge Cunego in France. He will also face tough competition in the hilly classics, but he pulled it off last year in Giro di Lombardia. And Cunego usually pulls it off. He's just pure class. No doubt much of the pressure for results will be on his shoulders. Only the racing will tell if he can once again deliver at the same level as he has been on forever in mangame history.
Claeys is their other leader. He has done a lot of progress in the winter, and he certainly looks dangerous for the hilly races. Especially in Belgium, where the crowd will give it all for him, as he's the Belgians hope together with Bakelants. Di Maggio showed in last year's Italian championship that you don't need to be an outstanding climber to prove yourself on the hills. Claeys is better than Di Maggio, and he has it all to be capable to deliver some great results.
They've got several sprinters, Crocket and Ciolek look to be the best of them. Ciolek won a Pro Tour stage in 2010, in Int. Österreich Rundfahrt, and team manager can only hope his fellow countryman is able to deliver some wins throughout the season. Croket must've learned a lot last season, eventhough he raced in the Continental Division. He raced at Puma - SAP, together with sprint legend Bennati. He doesn't have the acceleration, but he could be a good sprinter in a Grand Tour, due to his great recovery.
Leaders Sam Bewley Rigoberto Úran Sergio Henao Jerome Coppel
Sprinters Juan Pablo Forero
Milka - AVG had an outstanding 2012. They completed all their goals, which gave them a lot of freedom in this year's transfer season. Will it be enough to do better than last year's 10th on the overall ranking?
Bewley is a cobbler with a lethal sprint. Or is he a sprinter with outstanding cobble skills? He's an incredible rider, and has been labelled "mini-Boonen" for a long time. 2013 could be the year where he steps up and takes those big wins on the cobbles. Boonen has declined, meaning his chance to outshine his "big brother" is better than ever. Last year he came close in the Queen of the Classics, following Tornado Tom to the Velodrome onlye to be beaten in the sprint.
Team manager Roman has put together a very interesting duo of Colombians thinking of stage races. Úran and Henao are both great climbers that should be able to fight for a top 10 in any Grand Tour or stage race they participate in. We could even see them line up together in Vuelta a Colombia, and they should prove hard to beat in the mountainous race on home soil. They've also got some good domestiques. Nepomnyachsniy, König and Kulhavy will be important when they're looking for support. The first two even have some development left, which should see them improve further in 2014.
In addition to the already mentioned Colombians, they've got Forero for the sprints. Bewley is of course also a magnificent sprinter, and he should be able to lead the team for most sprint classics. However, Bewley won't be able to cover all races with flat stages, and Forero could be a rider picking up a win or two throughout the season, at least he should challenge for several top 10s. A more interesting sprinter for the future is Howard, he's only 24 years old, but already a lot stronger than Forero on speed bumps and hills. 2013 is likely to be a year too early for him to pick up some great placings though.
Finally, the team has a time trialist worth mentioning. Coppel won Chrono des Herbiers. It must've been disappointing for him to end the Worlds outside the podium though, and he will surely look for revenge there this year. He's also the obvious leader for a strong team time trial train, formed by Milka - AVG. They've got several strong fighters that should prove valuable as domestiques, but also in a team time trial.
Summary of the team
Milka - AVG continues to build a young, but strong team. They've kept Bewley, Coppel and Henao from last season, and added a great stage racer in Úran. Considering they've got 10th last season, there's no reason they shouldn't do better this season. Though, they'll need their Colombians to deliver, as they lack a rider for the hilly classics, and they'll loose out on a lot of points from those races. Top 10 in the team standings is a goal just like last year, and they've an excellent chance of achieving it once again.
Everyone needs A Kiwi and two Colombians combined with French magic!
Leaders Jan Bakelants Tiago Machado Romain Sicard Enrico Franzoi
Sprinters Romain Vanderbiest
This might be the team to beat in 2013. A couple of their leaders are absolute world class, and they've also got some great domestiques, who could get good results on their own.
Bakelants was together with F. Schleck by far the best puncheur in the Pro Tour in 2012. F. Schleck has declined slightly ahead of this season, while Bakelants only is 27 years old and improved his time trialing in the off-season. He could very well be able to deliver another stunning season, just like last year. The pre-season has seen many managers tip Pearl Adidas as winners of the Pro Tour 2013, and that's thinking Bakelants will do a similar season like last year. He has the stats to do it, but does he have the luck needed?
The team has improved massively for the stage races. Machado seems really motivated, and 2013 could be his definite breakthrough. Their manager has expressed his concern about Machado's ability to perform well over three weeks, but his capacity whenever the road rises for a long climb is outstanding. He's definitely one of the favourites for Giro d'Italia, where he's looking to silence the Tifosi's. They sold Velits in the transfer season, but got Sicard back from loan. The Frenchman still has some development left, but he should still be able to put his stamp on the Pro Tour this year.
Franzoi will lead their team for the cobbles, and he should challenge for a top 10 in those races. Last year he did so, but the most remarkable about their cobble season was Joseph's surprising win in Omloop Het Volk. Joseph will be a key helper for Franzoi this year too, though, it will be a surprise if the peloton let him slip away to another surprising win.
Vanderbiest is one of the best sprinters in the world, though, the sprints are hard to predict, but he should be in the mix for a top 5 in whatever flat race or stage he participates in. He wasn't convincing last year, and his manager must hope he can step it up a notch. If he can, it'll be hard to see what team can deny them the overall win in the Pro Tour. They simply got great riders to score points for them in all terrains!
Summary of the team
Favourites for the overall title, you say? It's hard to argue against a statement like that, as this team really has it all. Bakelants is arguably the best puncheur in the world this year, Machado is one of the climbers out there, and Franzoi and Vanderbiest are also among the very best in their terrain. Add a developing Sicard, and it starts to look scary for the future. Their depth in depth in every terrain except cobbles should provide their leaders with more than enough support, and it'll be interesting to see how good they actually are. Only racing will tell.
Team manager: wackojackohighcliffe
Last season: 7th
Leaders Philippe Gilbert Vladimir Gusev Daniel Martin Bernhard Kohl
Sprinters
Eh......Uhm......McEvoy!?
They had great success last season. Gilbert won Amstel Gold Race, Duret won the Polkadot in the Tour de France in an impressing way, and Siutsou rode the race of his life in Dauphine Libere. Duret has left, but can the other riders deliver something similar this year?
Daniel Martin is a young stage racer that did a significant job last winter. It doesn't look like he was able to do the same job this winter, but he's still a very good stage racer. Though, last year he struggled to follow the best climbers in the peloton, and it's likely to be the same this year. But he could be up for a surprise or two. After all, this was a team that got rewarded and surprised everyone with their offensive riding in 2012.
Kohl is a similar rider to Martin, and he might struggle to stay with the best climbers as well. He rode last year in Koenigsegg, and it will be interesting to see if he can step it up in the British team.
The team also brought in a cobbler for the spring. Gusev showed in last year's Paris - Roubaix that he's still able to follow the very best on a good day, as he even attacked Boonen on his way to 10th on the Velodrome. He'll surely be a valuable point picker, and should be in the mix for a top 10 in all cobbled classics.
Coming to the sprints, there isn't much to speak about. They simply don't have any. They've focused on other terrains, and it remains to be seen if that's a succesful tactic. You could argue the sprints are the most unpredictable in the world of cycling, meaning it might be a clever call by Pendleton's team manager.
Summary of the team
They ended last season higher than most others expected. If they're unable to come up with the same surprises as last year, this season could prove tough for the Brits. Though, having two solid stage racers, Gilbert and Gusev should make them safe from relegation. But with bad luck they could be in the dangerzone. On the other hand, with a bit of luck they could be well inside the top 10, just like last year. It'll surely be interesting to see what Pendleton's can make of 2013.
Pokerstars.com will probably be the team to beat on the flats this season. The green armada was outstanding in the sprints, both in 2011 and in 2012. This season they've strengthened their sprint train with Boonen. How high will that bring them on the Pro Tour ranking?
Boonen is a word class cobbler and sprinter. He showed last year there wasn't any doubt at all, winning almost every race containing cobbles, and his brilliant sprint often helped him get those wins. The Belgium team really looks like they've built a great team for Tornado Tom. For the cobbles, he has Nolf as his lieutnant. Nolf himself could be able of doing top 10s in the cobbled monuments, but this year will be all about helping superstar Boonen. They've also got Kluge from last season, who's a strong a rider which will be important both on cobbles and in the setup for the sprints. Last, they've brought in De Vocht, another great cobbler. Eventhough Boonen has declined slightly, he really has the team to perform at the same level as last year.
Boonen will, as mentioned, be their main sprinter in the flat races he participates in. And if his support on the cobbles is great, his support for the sprints is amazing. Holloway, Mohs and Degenkolb are all great sprinters, who'll get lots of opportunities to grab wins on their own, but they'll also help out Boonen. It's probably the very best sprint train out there, if they get it to work. There's no doubt the green armada will show off this year too, they really got the sprint train to beat.
Rujano is their climber and main man for the tougher races. With the unbelievable depth they've got for the cobbles and sprints, it's obvious Rujano won't get much help in the mountains. He did well last year in the Continental Tour without much help, but this is another level. He should fight for a top 10 in the races he participates in, though, it will hard for him.
Summary of the team
It's a brilliant team for flat races, be it sprints or cobbles. They've built a team that looks incredible hard to beat in those type of races. Their world class riders should be more than enough to stay safe in the Pro Tour, and what's remarkable about this team is that they've got solid riders ready to take over for Boonen if he doesn't have his best day. Rujano will obviously be on his own, but he's used to that by now, and he should bring in a nice amount of points for them.
Leaders Fabio Duarte Cesare Di Maggio Sep Vanmarcke
Sprinters Claudio Corioni Greg Van Avermaet
This Italian team doesn't like they had the transfer season they hoped for. Duarte, Di Maggio and Corioni brought them promotion in an absolutely amazing way last season, where especially Di Maggio had the season of his life. Instead of trying to bring in a Pro Tour leader to assist and share leadership with Duarte or Di Maggio, they've been focusing on young talents. There's no doubt their hilly team for the future looks frightening for all others, question is what that results in this season.
Di Maggio was, without doubt, the best transfer of the Continental Tour last season. He showed again and again that he was top class in that division. He'll need to step up this year, and he proved in the Italian championship that he could very well do just that. His high amount of race days could see him take a couple of stage wins in the longer stage races, maybe even a Grand Tour. It's questionable he'll be good enough to win a big hilly classic. But it was learnt last year that you should definitely not count him out.
Duarte and Vanmarcke are their two other leaders, respectively for the stage races and the cobbles. None of them have the quality to fight with the very best, and they should look for top 20s in the races they participate in. Though, Vanmarcke could cause a surprise or two in the Belgium cobble races.
Corioni showed last year he was one of the best sprinters in the Continental Division. This year he'll team up with Van Avermaet instead of Marinangeli, which is no doubt an improvement. Both of them could be able to grab a stage win or three in stage races, though, they'll probably have a tough time against the worlds best sprinters, like Boonen, Swift and Bennati.
Summary of the team
Their obvious problem is that it doesn't look like they've got the riders to fight for a win in the most prestigious races in the Pro Tour. Looking at their riders, it'll probably also be hard to fight for a podium in races like Paris - Roubaix, LBL and Tour de France. You can't really be surprised if we see this team near the bottom of the Pro Tour, but they could surprise. They've got several strong riders for the hills, and both P. Sagan and Craven has the potential of riding home a surprise. Their future looks bright though, Brambilla will be their best talent this season, but they've also got a bunch of promising riders for the future.
Leaders Robert Gesink Luis Leon Sanchez Peter Velits
Sprinters Jon Aberasturi
Last year they were close to unbeatable in the team time trials. This year their manager has told he wanted to change their focus. The team is still very competitive for the team time trials, but let's have a look at what else they've got.
Gesink is the big leader of the Dutch team. Once again, just like last year, he'll stay safely away from the Grand Tours, and focus on the smaller stage races. He really is a top class stage racer, with no weakness to speak about. Mountains, hills or time trials, he knows it all, and he's one of the very best out there in all three disciplines. He could very well defend last year's win in Tour of Basque Country, but he could also challenge for other wins.
There's great depth in this team, especially in the hills. They've brought in L. L. Sanchez, who could share leadership with Gesink in the hilly classics, but it's also announced he'll lead the team in Vuelta a España. He's a similar rider to Gesink, just a bit weaker in all important terrains. That won't stop him from chasing good stage and overall placings, and he could very well surprise in a couple of races.
P. Velits is their third rider who could lead the team in tough stage races. He was bought from Pearl Adidas for no less than 1,5 millions Euros, and he could be a long-term project for the team. He still got the abilities to challenge for a top 10 in most tough stage races, and it'll be interesting to see where alexkr00 gives Velits the chance to ride for himself.
For the cobbles and sprints there isn't much to speak about for Prjoect 1t4i, with Aberasturi being the best sprinter in the team. It's more likely they'll succeed in the team time trials, which they said they didn't want to make a priority this season than in the sprints. As mentioned earlier, they're still looking strong for the team time trials, and you could expect them to challenge at least for a podium in every team time trial there is. Double Duth champion, Posthuma will lead the team in such events, probably together with Gesink, if he has the race days necessary available.
Summary of the team
A solid team aiming for a top 10 in the Pro Tour. They could very well do that, like they did in 2012. Their depth for the hills is undisputable, and they've also got great leaders for the mountains. Much of their season will depend on Gesink, but there is really no reason he shouldn't deliver great results, though, winning Tour of Romandie, which is a goal for Project 1t4i, could prove hard in an incredible competitive Pro Tour this year.
Last year world class climber and stage racer Madrazo rocketed them well inside the top 5 in the Pro Tour. Their team looks stronger this season, particularly because their leaders last year have become even better. Will it be enough to go one better than last year, and make an overall podium in the Pro Tour?
Angel Madrazo. He doesn't need much of a description. He'll be the man to beat in Vuelta a España, where absolutely no one was even close to him last year. He has even progressed as a climber during the winter, and he could also be looking to revenge last year's loss to Cunego in Tour de France, where he "only" ended 2nd. Santander's team is all about climbing, and you could be sure Madrazo will get the support needed. Valls and López Garcia are expected to be his key domestiques in the Grand Tours he'll ride. Both of them proved last year that they're more than capable, and whoever is going to ride away from Madrazo on a climb probably needs the day of his life.
Tenorio is their other leader. Just like Madrazo, he has improved a lot with his winter training, and he should now be able to fight for podiums and top 5's in all stage races he participates in. His time trialing abilities are outstanding for a climber, and it should give him an edge over many of his competitors. Also, he's only 24 years old, and when you add that Madrazo is only 25 years old, you'll understand this duo will be a serious headache for anyone targetting a tough stage race in the next years.
Summary of the team
Other than Tenorio and Madrazo, and their obvious focus on mountains, Santander doesn't have much to grab wins with. They're definitely not thinking about cobble riders, sprinters or riders for a possible team time trial train. But why should they? With Madrazo and Tenorio they've more than enough qualities to challenge for a top 5 in the overall classification of the Pro Tour. It remains to be seen whether Madrazo can pull of the double this season, winning both Tour de France and Vuelta a España. Then there's Tenorio who should be able to deliver great results in the stage races he participates in and Madrazo doesn't.
Why care about cobbles and sprints when we got Madrazo and Tenorio?
Last season Simply Red Bull's manager played it brilliant in the Continental Division, and their promotion never looked threatened. It really was a masterpiece of management by Smowz, racking up points especially in Asia. It'll obvious be tougher to do something similar in the Pro Tour, but let's see what Simply Red Bull got in their team this year.
Cancellara wasn't meant to be a Continental Division rider in 2013. Last year he rode for the relegated Bouyges Telecom, and couldn't really get that big win in the cobbled classics. Now he's in a new team, and he'll have good support for the cobbles. Sibilla was outstanding for Boonen in last year's "Hell of the North," and Cancellara will need him at his best to create serious problems for the cobblers with a better sprint than himself. Cancellara is arguably the very best cobbler in the world this year, and he's a real machine. Being one of the best time trialers will obvious help him in a race like Tour of Northern Europe, and if Simply Red Bull is going to have a good season, they'll need Cancellara back at his best, which you never felt he was in 2012.
Sella was a clever signing from the free agents. The aging Italian climber has one last season at his best, and there's no doubt he'll give it all in Giro d'Italia. He came 2nd last year, and he should be motivated to go all in for it this year, aiming for that big win. Though, unlike Cancellara, he won't have very much support, and will mostly be left on his own in the mountains. He did well last year though, being mostly on his own in both Giro d'Italia and Vuelta a España, and Smowz needs him to do something similar this year. Sella could very well be the key for Simply Red Bull to avoid relegation. If he can't deliver similar results to last year, they could be in serious trouble.
Last season Simply Red Bull stunned everyone with their depth, especially on the hills. Time will tell if their depth is strong enough to rack up wins and top 10s in the Pro Tour as well, but looking at their team, it's questionable. They don't have much for the hills, as Bobridge, on loan from Oz, probably will act as captain for many of the hilly races. Tour of Tasmania suits him well, but other hilly races might prove too hard for the young Aussie. Though, he's a strong rider, and if someone on the French team should cause a surprise or two this season, Bobridge could very well be the rider to do just that.
They've also got a great duo of sprinters, which is without better than last year's sprinter. Van Heerden was bought from Wikipedia, and he could do very well if he's able to get himself on the right train. If not, he might struggle due to his rather bad acceleration. Van Stayen is their other sprinter, and he's looking like he has the abilities to give them some nice results. He manages the hills quite well, and his strong sprint and acceleration could see him sneak away a win on the tougher flat races or stages.
Summary of the team
Smowz has strong faith in his team this season, just like he should, and he has guessed Simply Red Bull will end 12th in the Pro Tour. That could be too optimistic, and they'll need Sella and Cancellara to perform at the very best in all races if they're going to end that high. Though, the overall standing in the Pro Tour looks to be really close between the teams on the bottom half, meaning Simply Red Bull won't be far away from 12th place or so. But it could also be a season where they'll struggle to stay safe from the relegation zone. The great depth they had in the Continental Division doesn't look to be of same quality speaking of the Pro Tour, and they lack a true leader for the hills. That'll cost them a lot of points, and the big question is if Sella and Cancellara can make up for that.
Finally made the Pro Tour, we'll stay there, and stay strong
Leaders Alexandr Pluchkin Nico Keinath Rasmus Guldhammer
Sprinters Kristian Sobota
Last season they looked like one of the most interesting teams out there, full of talented young riders with a bright future. They still got great future prospects in their team, but could the sale of Boasson Hagen cost them a spot in the Pro Tour?
Pluchkin, the brilliant Moldovian stage racer, is really the heart of the Danish team now. He improved during the winter, and is looking sharper than ever for his and the team's big goal, to win Tour de France. He's climbing skills are undisputable, and he has what it takes to challenge Cunego and Madrazo. He wasn't that far off in last year's edition of Tour de France, but this year he's looking to get the upper hand of an amazing battle, which also should contain Andy Schleck. His time trial abilities are also great, and that could be the decisive factor in this year's Tour, as there's 80 kilometers of individual time trialing, but also a team time trial where he'll lead the team.
Pluchkin is only 26 years old, Keinath is the same age, and he's looking for his breakthrough this season. Much of the money Team B&O got from the sale of Boasson Hagen was invested in Keinath's climbing abilites, and he's now a serious contender for a top 10 in the tough stage races. He's similar to Pluchkin, though, admittedly he's a bit weaker in the important terrains. But there's no question he has a bright future, and the manager obviously has a lot of faith in him. This year could be the year where he really proves he has what it takes to challenge for solid placings in the tougher stage races.
Guldhammer is their third rider who'll lead the team for mountainous races. Unlike Pluchkin and Keinath he isn't much a time trialer, but he's a brilliant climber. He'll also become even better for 2014, but the Danish team hopes their Danish star can shine already this season. The manager has told him to lead the team for the Vuelta, and a top 15 could be possible. He's only 24 years old, and as a Danish rider on a Danish team, you could be sure to see a lot more of him in the future.
Other than the three stage racers mentioned, this team isn't really looking convincing. They put the money they got from Boasson Hagen into training of riders already in the team, and they didn't really get a replacement for the Norwegian. That could cost them dearly this year, as they'll need Pluchkin at his very best to be safe from relegation. Klemme will need to step up as leader for the hilly classics and races, and he could surprise many experts, as he's a puncheur who handles the tougher hills very well. But it doesn't look like he has the potential to challenge for a top 5 in the big races.
The story about their sprinters is similar to the story about their puncheurs. It isn't much to brag about. Sobota and possibly Vinter need to strike a surprise or two to give them something from the flat races. That'll indeed be a tough task, but you'll never know. They might even try their luck in breakaways, only to decide with their good sprint from a smaller group.
Summary of the team
It will be a tough season for the Danish team. But they've got the riders to bring home a big result in July, as Pluchkin will hunt the win in the Tour de France, and he stands a great chance of doing just that. He'll have a rock solid team to help him there, and their whole season could be decided by his result in July. They really lack the quality needed for the classics and the flat races, and without Pluchkin on fire through the whole season, it could very well be a fight for survival.
Leaders Riccardo Ricco Beñat Intxausti Marcus Burghardt
Last season they did brilliant in their first season in the Pro Tour, and ended 8th, mainly thanks to an outstanding Ricco. They'll need another good season from Ricco to go better than last year, but there is no doubt they've been successful in the transfer season.
Ricco won last year's Giro d'Italia in the absence of Cunego. He's aiming to do the same this season, eventhough there's a lot of time trialing, which doesn't suit him very well. In addition to his great climbing abilities, he's also a lethal puncheur with a good sprint. That makes him a dangerous rider in the hilly classics, and certainly a rider to watch. But there's no question Giro d'Italia is his main goal this season as well. Quite surprisingly, Team Bacardi doesn't have a goal official goal for this year's Giro, but you can be sure Ricco will give it everything to defend his title.
Intxausti is brilliant reinforcement for the team, and he should be able to lift them in terms of quality. He ended on the podium in last year's Vuelta. This season he'll do the double, both the Tour de France and the Vuelta a España. He has the abilities to do well in both, but he might find it tough in France, and the route in Spain doesn't suit him perfect, as there's a lot of short and sharp hills. But that's only an extra challenge, and Intxausti with his great time trialing skills should be up there, challenging for a podium in his home race.
Burghardt is their final leader. Just like last year the strong German will lead them on the cobbles. He must be looking for a big win or two this year, as last year's star on the cobbles, Boonen, has declined slightly. He has the abilities, question is if he has a team that can give him the necessary support. Van der Velde, who was bought from AirBaltic, will be an important rider for Burghardt, and he might be exactly what he needs for the tougher cobble races. Surely a challenger for a podium in any cobble race.
The Bermudan team hasn't put much focus in the flat races, just like a couple of other mentioned Pro Tour teams. It could prove clever, at least they're looking stronger for the mountains, hills and cobbles than last year.
Summary of the team
They're looing stronger than last year, eventhough they've sold Van Stayen, who was their leader for the sprints last year. Intxausti looks like a smart move, and he should guarantee good results in the Grand Tours he rides, taking away some pressure from Ricco, who now can solely focus on the Giro and the classics he rides. Burghardt is also a brilliant cobbler, who with a bit of luck, which is always needed on the cobbles, could pull of a big win or two in the cobble classics.
Ricco, Intxausti and Burghardt sound good, very good!
A surprise to many last season. They delivered Bennati in the perfect position again and again and again, and Bennati delivered the win again and again and again. If this season is going to be a success for the German team, they'll need Bennati to be at the same level, eventhough it's the Pro Tour.
Van Den Broeck is their obvious leader for stage races. He'll have nice support from Schwab and Nerz, the latter even has development left and will be even better in 2014. The big question is if Van Den Broeck can have his breakthrough this year, eventhough he's up against Pro Tour opposition. Last year he struggled with following the best climbers in the Continental Division, and he'll most likely do the same in the Pro Tour. But he's a great climber, and he'a a solid puncheur and time trialist as well. It will give him and Team Puma - SAP some nice placings, but it'll be hard to get a top 5 from the toughest stage races. He has a nice amount of race days, meaning we'll see him in a lot of races, and he should be able to be consistent, fighting for a top 10.
Bennati was incredible in the Continental Division last year, winning almost every sprint possible well helped by his team mates. They've kept Bennati's most valuable domestiques for a lead out train, and eventhough Bennati has declined slightly, they'll need him at his best to stand a chance of surviving the Pro Tour. Tour of Qatar could be an early sign of what there's to expect from the Italian sprinter, as he'll face the sprinters like Swift and Boonen there.
Nuyens was bought from the free agents to lead the team on cobbles. It's a clever signing, which could very well save them from relegation. His abilities on cobbles are great, and combined with his capability on the hills compared to most other cobblers, he'll certainly be a rider to watch for a podium in the Belgium cobble classics. Actually, he'll be a challenger for a podium in all cobble races, but most likely his chance on home soil is better than anywhere else.
Team Puma - SAP look to have a clear strategy for the future, as they've lots of riders not even close to their potential. If they survive this year in the Pro Tour, they could be very strong in 2014, to not mention 2015. Though, their focus on talents could cost them this season, but their manager doesn't look too worried about it, as he's well aware of how good many of their youngsters will be in a couple of seasons.
Summary of the team
They've been tipped towards the bottom of the overall standings of the Pro Tour by most experts and managers. I actually believe they can survive. Nuyens should be a solid point picker, and with more cobble races than ever in the Pro Tour, that could tip the scales in favour of them. But there's no doubt Bennati needs to deliver one more season, as he needs to continue in a similar way to last season in the Continental Division. If you then add another solid point picker in Van Den Broeck, who won't get many podiums, but probably a lot of top 10s, you'll have a formula that could save them the Pro Tour spot. Though, it'll be hard, but it's definitely not impossible. It'll be interesting to follow their team this year, and as mentioned, Tour of Qatar, where Bennati is expected to fight for the overall win, could very well prove as a sign of how their season will be.
Solid for cobbles and climbs, brilliant for sprints. Why not survive then?
Leaders Andrei Amador Stefan Schumacher Vincenzo Nibali
Sprinters Maximilliano Richeze
They got 12th last season in the Pro Tour, which was their first after their promotion. They had some really tough goals last year, this year their main goal is probably to improve their overall position. And they could very well do that, let's have a look on what they've got.
Amador has improved during the winter, focusing heavily on the big climbs. He now has what it takes to challenge for a podium in any Grand Tour or tough stage race he participates in. It's interesting to see a Costa Rican that good in cycling. They certainly don't have the traditions, but Amador could be the rider who really gets cycling going in Costa Rica. With no less than 55 race days, and on a nice wage, he's looking to be the key rider for Buschwackers this season. And there's no reason he shouldn't succeed.
They've brought in another top stage racer in Nibali. He had to watch last season from the sideline, though, he used the year well, and is looking better than ever, and very motivated to challenge for the win in Giro d'Italia, which suits him perfect this year. He's one of the world's best climbers, and he also knows how to handle a time trial bike very well. That's a mix which might bring him the win in the biggest race of the year for most Italians. Just like Amadro, he has a lot of race days to use, meaning UBS - BMC have a great duo of world class stage racers.
Schumacher is their third captain, and he's focusing on the hills. There's no doubts about his abilities, though, last season he couldn't quite challenge Bakelants and Schleck. That could change this season, and if it does, he'll be a dangerous man for anyone in the hilly classics. He got a solid sprint and a good kick, meaning he won't be easy to beat in a sprint from a small group. 2013 is his last year at his very best, and he'll be looking to Albasini to get the support needed to challenge the biggest guns for the hills. Definitely an outsider for a win in the Ardennes, and definitely an obvious candidate for a podium.
Richeze is their only sprinter. They focus heavily on their three leaders, meaning there isn't much else in the team. Though, Richeze is a good sprinter who could fight for a stage win or two in stage races. He's unlikely to challenge the greatest sprinters in the flat classics, but he might surprise and get his bike first over the line on a stage where not all of the best sprinters participate.
Eventhough their focus on their leaders is strong, they haven't completely forgot about domestiques. Albasini has already been mentioned for the hilly classics. Frank and Riblon will prove valuable to Nibali and Amador in the tougher stage races. They're both nice climbers, who can time trial reasonably well, which very well could send them both to the Tour de France, where a team time trial will be important for the overall classification.
Summary of the team
They've got three world class leaders, who will rack up a lot of points for them. It should be good enough for a top 10, meaning they'll do better than last year. They might also challenge for a podium in all three Grand Tours, depending on Nibali's and Amador's calendars. If Schumacher then can prove himself better than last season, and Richeze sneaks a win or two in stage races, it could be a very good season for the Swiss team. The complete lack of cobblers isn't a plus though, and that's likely to make them end outside the top 5.
Team manager: SportingNonsense
Last season: Champions of the Pro Tour
Leaders Andy Schleck Fränk Schleck
Sprinters Ben Swift
Last year no one could threaten their position as the best team in the world. It was a superb season by them, where SportingNonsense had planned their season to perfection. Will they defend their title?
A. Schleck, the little brother, was made a clear target in the transfer season. No doubt the team from Luxembourg had a clear ambition on bringing the brothers together, in a team with the same nationality as themselves. SportingNonsense succeeded, and A. Schleck looks more motivated than ever, and have improved amazingly during the winter. He has turned in to the possibly best climber out there, in his search for the win in Tour de France. He has an outstanding chance at defeating Pluchkin, Madrazo, Cunego and other world class stage racers, but it'll be an incredible tough task. His back up stats are great, which will certainly help him in the third week, but you could argue he lacks a bit in the hills and on the time trial bike. At least he'll have great support in the mountains from Medvedev and Samwel. They're both pure climbers, more than capable of helping A. Schleck. At last, they've also got Kittel as an important piece to the puzzle, considering the team time trial.
The older brother will lead the team for the hilly classics and races. Last year he proved a tough man to beat, and only Bakelants where at his level. He has declined slightly ahead of this season, but he's still more than good enough to challenge for the big wins. He's also rumoured to participate in Vuelta a España, which suits him perfect with all the hilly stages. We could see him challenge for a podium there, which would be an extraordinary end to a fantastic career, as it's unlikely he'll be up with the very best in 2014.
Swift is their main sprinter, and he'll be led out by Caethoven and Merino Criado. Add the power from Kittel and De Gendt, and you'll have a very good lead out. He has become an even better sprinter than last year, where he won Tour of Qatar. He'll look to do the same this season, and thus get their team off to a flyer.
Summary of the team
In general this is a strong team, eventhough it might have become slightly weaker compared to last season. But they still got strong domestiques for all terrains except cobbles, which hasn't been a focus at all for the team, just like last year. It brought them huge success last season, and it could do so this season too. They should definitely be challenging for a podium in the team classification of the Pro Tour, and when you're capable of getting a podium, the overall win is also very possible.
They've got no riders older than 28 years, which you can only admire. They were good in last season's Pro Tour, eventhough Ignatiev, who was supposed to be one of their leaders, suddenly disappeared on a surprising loan to the best Russian team in cycling. This year Ignatiev is back, what will that make of the team?
Ponzi is without doubt their undisputable leader. He has shown that he's one of the absolutely best puncheurs in the world, and in last year's Tirreno - Adriatico, he was able to challenge Bakelants and Schleck on a couple of stages. With Schleck slightly worse than last year, he has a great chance of not only challenging them, but also beat them. Especially on home soil, Tirreno - Adriatico and Giro di Lombardia in particular should be races where anyone will struggle with the abilities of Ponzi.
What's remarkable about this team, in addition to their general young team, is their unbelievable depth for the hilly races. Ponzi won't have the team to blame if he can't deliver the results, that's for sure! Caruso and Diggle will be important in the closing kilometers of the hilly classics, and they should be up for the task.
Ignatiev is also a strong puncheur, but it's his time trial which is famous. He's one of the best in the world there, and combined with his attitude it should give him many good placings. Tour of Tasmania looks perfect for him, you shouldn't be surprised if you see him grab a podium or even the win there.
They've also got a great team for the cobbles. Last year Fenn had his breakthrough in the "Queen of the Classics," this year he'll be looking at a joined leadership for that race, as Blythe has been bought from Jaguar - Eritel. Blythe has the abilities to deliver podiums in the Pro Tour. In addition to Paris - Roubaix, the duo will also be a serious threat in East Midlands Cicle Classic, where they both will ride in front of crazy spectators, cheering only for them on home soil.
L. Rowe is the third Briton in the team who'll play his part as leader. He'll lead them for the sprints, where he should look to challenge for a top 10 in any flat race he participates in. Though, he'll most likely need to do most of the sprint and preparation for the sprint on his own, as Blythe and Ponzi, who are the second and third best sprinter in the team, most likely will be busy with other races than L. Rowe.
Summary of the team
They sold Popovych this transfer season, and that will see them loos out on many points in the tougher stage races. They really lack a stage racer, though, they've got two promising climbers in Costagli and P. Scarponi. It will most likely not be enough for great placings, but they could hunt stage wins with an early attack on a couple of mountain stages. Blythe is an obvious reinforcement, and together with Fenn he should be able to make of for many of the points they'll loose out on missing Popovych. The big question then is how well their hilly team will do this year. They did good last season, but the competition is arguably tougher this season. Nevertheless, Ponzi should be able to score them a lot of points, meaning they're likely to challenge for a top 10 in the team standing for the Pro Tour.
Leaders Taylor Phinney Tejay Van Garderen Danny Summerhill Stefan Denifl
Sprinters Matthew Goss
They ended just outside the top 10 last season, and they're looking to improve. They stand a good chance in doing so, as they've brought in a good stage racer in Denifl. How high will they actually go?
Phinney is looking better than ever, and that says quite a lot about his abilities for the upcoming season. He might be the very best time trialist in the world, and adding his superb climbing skills, and you'll understand he's an outstanding stage racer. Last year he couldn't quite make it outside of USA, but that shouldn't prevent him from stepping up this season, and challenge the very best out there. Mai and Pinot will give him the support needed in the high mountains, meaning he can focus on just keeping up with the best climbers, and crush them in the time trials. Such a race plan could give him a couple of nice wins this year.
Van Garderen, the world champion from 2011, is their man for the hills. Last season couldn't quite match what he did in 2011, and he'll look to improve this season. Just like Phinney, he has improved slightly during the winter, and you can expect to see him challenge the best puncheurs. He has a good sprint, which should prove useful in smaller groups, and he could very well decide a hilly classic or two in a sprint.
Summerhill is their third American leader. You can't blame them for their nationality focus! He's a great cobbler who should guarantee a nice amount of points in those races. He might still have some road to cover before he can challenge Bewley, Boonen, Cancellara and Burghardt, but he's catching up, slowly but surely. He's expected to make that final step in a few years time, but that shouldn't prevent him from challenging for a top 5 in the cobbled races this season, and even for a podium on a good day.
Denifl is their last leader. He was bought from the pool of free agents, and he'll strengthen their team for the stage races. He rode well in last year's Giro d'Italia, and he might be looking to do the same this season, thought, that will be decided by dave92's race planning. A talented climber who should be able to challenge for a top 10 in the mountainous stage races. He's time trialing abilities isn't that bad either, which is nice considering most stage races includes at least one time trial.
Goss, an Aussie, is their only sprinter, as they sold Van Heerden. He'll look for wins and podiums on his own, as there isn't much help to get from the team forming a train for him. But if he manages to position himself well, he could very well get a big win, as his sprint is great. It will surely be interesting to see how he manages completely on his own.
Summary of the team
They look a lot stronger than last year, when they ended 11th. I'm in no doubt they'll climb up the ranking this season, the big question is how many places they can do better than last year. Phinney and Denifl should get a lot of points from the stage races, with Phinney being amongst the best in the world. Van Garderen is a brilliant puncheur, the same goes for Summerhill speaking of cobbles. Lastly, they've got Goss for the sprints. Such a mix sounds great, and they have the abilities to challenge for a top 5 in this year's Pro Tour.
Four rock solid leaders and a sprinter will bring us high, very high!Edited by ember on 18-01-2013 21:04
Predictions for the team classification in the Pro Tour
1. Pearl Adidas 2. Vesuvio-Accumalux 3. Wikipedia
Pear Adidas stands out as the team to beat in this year's Pro Tour. They've got great depth, a world class puncheur and a world class stage racer. Add solid point pickers in Sicard, Vanderbiest and Franzoi and it does sound like a winning team. However, hilly races are rumoured to be quite a lottery in PCM12, and that could be the drawback for them. But without any major let downs by Bakelants, they should be able to win the Pro Tour.
I expect Vesuvio-Accumalux to be close to Pearl Adidas. They've got a better sprinter and stage racer than Pearl Adidas, but arguably lacks a bit in depth compared to them. I guess that will cost them the top spot, but they'll close, a lot closer than any team was to them last season. Koenigsegg rounds off the podium.
I'll then take a risk and place Wikipedia third. They seem to be underestimated by most managers, but they've got a leader for all terrains, and with an improved Phinney and Van Garderen, I believe they'll be a lot better than last year. If it'll be enough for a podium can only time show, but they should be a challenger.
Koenigsegg will fall outside the podium, just behind Wikipedia. Valverde has strengthened their team, but they lack an outstanding stage racer, which I think they'll suffer from. Their hilly team is brilliant though, Trofimov should be able to rack up a lot of points. He could very well be the best scorer in the whole Division.
Festina - Canal+ and Santander both have a strong focus on the stage races. I think Festina will get the upper hand in the fight for 5th place. They've got themselves a world class sprinter this season, ironically he comes from Santander. I believe that'll makes Festina a better overall team, and they should edge Santander. Santander trust Madrazo and Tenorio, and if Madrazo fails to win any Grand Tour, they could even be outside the top 10.
UBS - BMC will chase big wins with their three leaders. They don't have much for cobbles or sprints, and that'll make them fall outside the top 5. But their leading trio should be able to give them lots of great results. I could probably have placed Team Bacardi higher than 8th. But I think the race plan, letting Ricco ride two Grand Tours is a big risk to take. It'll limit the team in the hilly races, and they'll need great results from all three Grand Tours, from Ricco and Intxausti. However, if their tactic succeeds and they get great results in the Grand Tours, they're definitiely a challenger for a top 5.
Milka - AVG has two great Colombians and an incredible Kiwi. I don't think it'll give them more than 9th though. Coppel might want to change that, but he shouldn't be that much of a point scorer, compared to the three others. A lot of their season will come down to Henao and Úran. If they can perform, they'll probably prove 9th is way too low. Project 1t4i needs Gesink to perform to end inside the top 10. They've got the depth though, and should be capable of a surprise or three during the season.
13. Simply Red Bull 14. Wiggle Professional Cycling Team 15. Aker - MOT 16. Pendleton's
Possibly a couple of more surprising guesses for the placings 13th to 16th. It will be incredible close between 11th place and 18th place though, meaning every point will count. I believe Simply Red Bull will stay safe in 13th, thanks to the combination of Sella and Cancellara. Though, they'll need the duo to perform, as it's a bit thin behind them. Wiggle Professional Cycling Team on the contriary got the depth. They're looking rock solid for the hilly races, and Ponzi should be an incredible valuable rider considering his sprint. But with no stage racer and not the greatest sprinters it will be hard to get much more than 14th, eventhough they've got some great leaders for the cobbles.
If my team doesn't end up on the wrong side of "every" hilly race there is, I believe we can get 15th. Boasson Hagen and Spilak should be capable of bring in a solid amount of points, though, we're definitely in the danger of relegating if they're not on top in every race. Pendleton's look weakened from last year, where a lot of surprising results gave them an amazing 7th on the overall ranking. Gusev could be the rider who makes my prediction of the British team totally wrong though, if the other riders can score well on the hills and in the mountains. They don't have a sprinter, which doesn't really strengthen their case.
17. Team Puma - SAP 18. Team B&O 19. Heineken presented by California Giant Berry Farms 20. Pro Team Venchi - Sugoi
I believe Team Puma - SAP to be best of the relegating teams. That might not be much of a comfort though, as I believe they'll be close to stay up. Bennati is world class, Van Den Broeck and Nuyens are solid. It should bring them a lot of points, and if a rider like Delage, who rode incredibly well in the Continental Division, can keep it up in the Pro Tour, they might survive. Team B&O needs Pluchkin to shine in every race he participates in. I've alreadyi guessed mountains and hills will be more random than in previous season's, meaning I think Pluchkin will miss out on valuable points. Though, it could play in the favour of Guldhammer and Keinath, who might pull of a surprise or two. But on paper, I only rank the young, Danish team 18th.
Heineken presented by California Giant Berry Farms look like they're going to have a tough season. They don't have a stand out leader for any terrain. Though, if Pozzato only has good days, they should be able to fight for the placings above relegation. But the Italian playboy is known for his instability, and it remains to be seen if Levi4life has made him understand how important it is to deliver in every race he enters. At the very bottom I think Pro Team Venchi - Sugio will end. They'll need a miracle like Di Maggio several times to stand a chance of surviving, and I believe it will be tough for them to just avoid bottom place.
Edited by ember on 19-01-2013 22:52
Nice layout and good to read. Looking forward for the next previews. Quite interesting to compare yours and Smowz` preview and will become even more interesting when you publish your ranking.
Nice mate. Although I think I will struggle a lot to come into top 5 contention this season... Oh and Guerao does actually have a sprint train - Or atleast I tried making one:
Lavoine as final leadout, or Benoit Sinner (french RR champ), behind those I will try to make it work with Ulissi in some races, whilst most is likely to have Bernaudeau, Brus, Kovalev and Steurs in aswell.
These teams are in alphabetical order but are also coming out in pairs.
Pairs of teams that are in the top bracket and teams that are in the lower bracket.
Pokerstars and Pendleton's could very easily be in the bottom five if things go badly in certain races. Boonen a bit like Frank Schleck and Cunego are ever so slightly more vulnerable this year. Of course that is also the case for Simply Red Bull - just praying that doesn't happen
I absolutely agree with all points you made with my team, I hope I made my team at least strong enough to repeat that last year's 10th place in overall standings. Hopefully Bewley can be an even rival to Boonen already this season, his team of helpers should be a little bit better, as is Bewley himself as in the last season and Boonen is otherwise a little bit worse than in the last season, but his team is definetely stronger than in the last year.. To summarise it, hopefully Bewley will be able to win at least one cobble classic and regularly end on podiums in these races. That will be probably the difference between good and bad season for my team. I guess at least.
Thanks for the words. Let's not overestimate my luck last year I just went for depth.
Was actually in the market for guys like Hagen and Blythe but sellers were understandably looking for a good deal for their riders and got great offers.
But seriously Puma staying up - nah relegation fodder for me!
Aker - MOT 
Simon Spilak
Kobe Vanoverschelde
Daryl Impey
Festina - Canal+ 
Markus Fothen
Alberto Contador
Diego Ulissi
Heineken presented by California Giant Berry Farms 
Filippo Pozzato
Juan José Haedo
Koenigsegg 
Yuri Trofimov
Raúl Granjel Cabrera
Milka - AVG 
Sam Bewley
Rigoberto Úran
Pearl Adidas 
Pendleton's 
Bernhard Kohl
José Rujano
Project 1t4i 
Peter Velits
Fabian Cancellara
Team B&O 
Alexandr Pluchkin
Team Bacardi 
Andrei Amador
Vesuvio-Accumalux 
Matthew Goss
