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Barloworld
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 20:18
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Difficulty: Hard
Database: Danken's DB
Rules:
* No transfers ever for suspended/fired riders (e.g. Petacchi, Astarloa), previously suspended riders (e.g. Sevilla, Hamilton, Millar) or incorrectly unattached riders (e.g. Boom).
* Good financial policy always.
* National Championships are simulated except when I am explicitly head of a national team.
* Major stage races are played but minor races are simulated for sake of speed and interest.
* Small preference for signing Irish riders 
* No training camps (except Pre-Season and Leisure)
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LATEST NEWS:
After a breakthrough year in 2007 that saw stage victories in the Tour de France for both Mauricio Soler and Robert Hunter, Barloworld DS Alberto Volpi has been snapped up by a yet unnamed ProTour team.
Barloworld announced today that they had found an immediate replacement with a hitherto unknown European DS, however the team sponsors announce full confidence for the year ahead under the new chief.
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The team goals have been announced.
With a KOM jersey and stage wins expected in the Tour de France, this has to be our major race of the year and as such all our main stars will attend. The Tour of Britain stage race is our home race and is another top objective. The Giro d'Italia and Paris Roubaix have both been promoted as races to target by our sponsors, as well as a number of late-season one-day and short stage races. Hopefully our early season form can lead to invites to the major ProTour and ASO races.
Edited by robinhowlett on 02-07-2008 15:38
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| Ashton89 |
Posted on 30-06-2008 20:36
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Domestique
Posts: 666
Joined: 12-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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I'll follow this story very close .. It's one of my favoriteteams you play with   |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 21:13
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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The following are the team's main hopes to fulfill our sponsors' goals:
Robert Hunter
Our star sprinter earned many fans with his speed in last year's TdF, winning Stage 11 and being in contention many times. His training schedule reflects a very quiet early season training schedule, then focussing on picking up more victories at Le Tour (July) and then aiming for success in the Tour of Britain (Sept). His decent ability on hilly terrain means we'll try to pick up a few minor one-day races and Continental stage races.
Mauricio Soler
Exploded on to the world cycling scene with a breathtaking solo attack on Stage 9's fearsome Col du Galibier in the 2007 Tour de France, resulting in the stage win. The young Colombian with the awkward style aims this year to focus on improving his GT classification while still aiming for King of the Mountains jerseys. His main aims this year are Le Tour (July) again and will also participate in the Giro d'Italia (May), who's mountainous profile this year may very well suit him.
Enrico Gasparetto
The young Italian is maturing into a fine all-rounder and still possesses a strong finishing sprint. A former Italian national road race champion, Enrico's season will ramp up for France in July also for Le Tour and will also aim to reach of goals of success in races like SparkassenGiro Bochum (Aug), Vuelta á Burgos (Aug) and Milano-Torino (Oct). If possible, we hope to see him regain the Italian tricolore as national champion in July.
Christian Pfannberger
The reigning Austrian road race champion and a post-season acquisition from Team Elk-Haus, Christian possesses excellent climbing skills while also being very proficient on hilly stages. He will also ride in the Tour de France (July) where he will be Soler's super-domestique and perhaps attempt a breakaway stage win also. He will be our main GC hope in the Vuelta á Espana (Sept), and also attempt good placings in the Ardennes Classics. A long, but potentially rewarding, season awaits.
Baden Cooke
A former Green Jersey winner in Le Tour (2003), Baden may have lost a little bit of his explosive sprinting ability in recent years but still remains a threat when the going gets fast. Cooke's vast experience should help the younger members of the squad and will represent the team in both the Giro d'Italia (May) and Vuelta á Espana (Sept), with a mid-season break in-between. We hope that Baden can pick up a few stage wins in the Continental series this year.
Other team members of note are mainly climbers such as Duenes, Cardenas and Bellotti. Young riders, such as the British pair Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, will provide valuable help to their teammates while learning the ropes of professional cycling. |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 21:49
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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* DISCLAIMER: At the time I played these races I hadn't figured out yet how to get the export results working correctly (and didn't take snapshots of results) so many detailed results of the first few races are missing. Apologies, but thanks to Mads for providing the solution.
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After a brief trip to South Africa (minus Baden Cooke who trained in Australia for his National Championships; finished 15th) for some pre-season training and sponsor obligations, Team Barloworld is ready for its first assignment of the year. The Tour of Qatar is a 6-stage race designed for sprinters and those who can tolerate the near 40C temperatures. We've brought Hunter, Gasparotto, Cooke and Soler although at this stage of the season we have lowered our expectations on how they will perform this week.
The race opens with a short 12km Team Time Trial (TTT):
Early season rustiness is obvious as the team tries to organise itself in gusty conditions. Hunter and Gasparotto are trying to drive the team forward.
The team crosses the line but it is clear the lungs are burning as we finish joint last, 37 seconds down. Our slim hopes of challenging for an overall win appear over.
Brief Results:
1. Rabobank 14' 48"
2. Credit Agricole @ 3"
3. Team Garmin @ 3"
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18. Barloworld @ 37"
Rabobank's Reus takes the yellow jersey.
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 02:42
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| Addy291 |
Posted on 30-06-2008 21:51
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8915
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 200.00
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Why did you bring Soler to Qatar?
YORKSHIRE BORN, YORKSHIRE BRED... |
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| Smoothie |
Posted on 30-06-2008 21:52
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Team Leader
Posts: 6622
Joined: 04-02-2007
PCM$: 300.00
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Strange Tactic is Strange  |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 22:08
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Addy291 wrote:
Why did you bring Soler to Qatar?
Honestly at the time I didn't even notice him in there when selecting the team (just took the default). I hadn't planned to bring him.
* A novice DS mistake
Edited by robinhowlett on 30-06-2008 22:19
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 24-12-2024 14:01
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 22:09
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Day 2 of our Middle Eastern adventure and a 138km blast to Doha. There isn't a bump in the road so we'll target our sprinters at this one and see what level of competitiveness they are in.
Our plans are compromised somewhat as the infamous desert winds raise their heads. Rabobank are driving hard (led by White Jersey leader Martens) into an incredible 66kmph headwind as a small group of escapees attempt to stay away ahead.
The swirling wind is causing havoc and the weaker domestiques at the front can't control the peleton. In the confusion, race leader Rues is led away from the peleton by his hard working teammates. The peleton will have to get organised to catch him!
The extent of the chaos is obvious as the main bunch begins to split.
Reus is caught and even Soler manages to find himself up front alone at one stage but he too is also reeled in. As we go under the 1km marker, Gasparotto is sprinting with the leaders while Cooke can't go the pace and Hunter couldn't even catch a wheel.
At the finish line its a victory for Gavazzi as Gasparotto can only manage to hang on to a top 10 finish. 2nd place Loddo (Tinkoff) takes over as race leader.
Brief Results:
1. Gavazzi (Lampre)
2. Loddo (Tinkoff)
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10. Gasparotto (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Loddo (Tinkoff) |
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| Ashton89 |
Posted on 30-06-2008 22:13
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Domestique
Posts: 666
Joined: 12-03-2007
PCM$: 200.00
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Ooh one request: Bigger SS .. |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 22:21
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Ashton89 wrote:
Ooh one request: Bigger SS ..
Afraid the size will remain (due to upload size and image hosting) - I just was snapping away at the time and not thinking about zoom. Looking at Mads' photos, after I've pasted on the one's I've taken already, I'll try to give better pics.
* UPDATE: I made the pics bigger a few stages in; let me know what you think
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 00:02
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 22:43
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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From the excitingly named Camel Race Track, we head for another flat stage (148km).
An early breakaway featuring riders more noted to climbs takes off 20km in. Noted names are Di Gregorio (FDJ), De La Fuente (Saunier) and Augé (Cofidis). Shortly, our domestique Steven Cummings will bridge up to them to make a group of 9.
50km from the finish and the powerful desert wind breaks up the peleton again. This time both Hunter and Cooke join the yellow jersey group (Loddo). Gasparotto is in the next grupetto behind and then follows the peleton (which contains Soler).
Gasparotto manages to join up and we have our main sprinters in a healthy little group. 28km to go but the remains of the breakaway are still over 2 mins ahead, led by Augé.
Hunter tried to take advantage of messy chase by soloing away from the group. At one stage with 10km to go he was 50" clear of Loddo but hard work by Credit Agricole have brought him back with the finish line in sight. Will this effort have cost him sprinting energy? Gasparotto is hanging on for dear life and Cooke is dropped. Meanwhile Augé is still clear but the lead is melting away!
But Augé holds on in the most unlikely manner. The chasers were closing down on him fast but he still held enough energy to hold them off and wins by 32", taking the Yellow Jersey from Loddo. Hunter manages to place 6th with Gasparotto finishing around 20th.
Brief Results:
1. Augé (Cofidis)
2. Roche (C.A) @ 32"
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6. Hunter (Barloworld) @ s.t.
Overall:
1. Augé (Cofidis)
2. Loddo (Tinkoff) @ 25"
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 00:04
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 23:04
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Day 4 in Qatar and while our performances have been far from stellar, the has been some improvement and the number of poor decisions made, be it on the part of the inexperienced DS with his instructions or the race-rusty riders, are reducing.
132km flat stage:
A few outsiders attempted to breakaway today but the wind is down to a more manageable level and the last remaining escapee, Scholtz (Gerolsteiner), is caught within 20km of the line by the sprinter teams (Tinkoff, Lampre).
We try a new tactic today and Gasparotto attempts to lead out Cooke, who in turn will lead out Hunter (who was looking a little miserable with the hot conditions). Soler isn't enjoying things much out there either and we tell him to come home in his own time.
Within the final kilometer and Hunter is well placed with Hondo and green jersey holder Gavazzi prominent. If he's fast enough he has every chance.
But its to no avail as he just can't get past. Hondo takes the win from Gavazzi. Hunter claims 4th. Augé finishes safely in the pack and Loddo isn't getting the results he needs to take back the jersey.
Hunter's performances are admirable and are improving but I'd prefer to leave with a stage win than just pride alone.
Brief Results:
1. Hondo (Serramenti)
2. Gavazzi (Lampre) @ s.t.
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4. Hunter (Barloworld) @ s.t.
Overall:
1. Augé (Cofidis)
2. Loddo (Tinkoff)
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 00:04
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 23:34
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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The 5th of 6 stages and time is running out for a victory. 170km today and flat as a pancake. The weather forecast has said that the desert storms have passed through and a beautiful, sunny day of racing awaits.
Scognamilio was part of a very early breakaway but with just less than 30km the peleton catches the last member.
Under 2km left and both Gasparotto and Hunter have managed to get on the wheel of a lead-out man (C.A. and Euskatel respectively). Hunter's feeling pretty good he told me earlier...
This is it! 300m to the line and Hunter is neck-and-neck with Kuschynski (Liquigas). Keep it going Robbie...!
Success! Our first victory of the year as Hunter shows his class in the last 200m to take the win by half a wheel-length. Gasparotto shows he's got a spring in his step still as he finishes 6th.
A great feeling for the team as we celebrate the maiden win of 2008. With Loddo (Tinkoff) and Gavazzi (Lampre) both underperforming today, Hunter takes more sprinter points and is within fighting distance for the green jersey. A good last day and it's his. Cofidis have been defending well and barring disaster, Augé should win the Tour of Qatar.
Brief Results:
1. Hunter (Barloworld)
2. Kuschynski (Liquigas)
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6. Gasparotto (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Augé (Cofidis)
2. Loddo (Tinkoff)
3. Hondo (Serramenti) |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 30-06-2008 23:53
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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The final day in Qatar and is a 120km blast back to Doha. Let's see if we can leave the desert with another win.
I asked Soler to attack early in the stage hoping that some of the sprinter teams would have to work hard to bring back such a talented rider and tire out. Unfortunately Soler sulked as soon as he was away and was immediately dropped by his breakaway companions and soon was out the back of the peleton. I guess I'll know next time...
Once again the sprinter teams (with Froome in there helping out) catch the escapees within 20km of the line.
13kms to go and an echelon forms to combat the gusts of wind. I think many riders won't be sorry to leave Qatar tonight.
Cooke, Hunter and Gasparotto all get into position for the final sprint. Enrico is bursting with energy and is muscling his way onto a good wheel. Astana's Ivanov clips and wheel and brings down another - nasty spill!
Hunter and Gasparotto put up a great show but Nazon (AG2R) was much the best today. Loddo (Tinkoff) and Gavazzi (in green; Lampre - both on the right) can't claim a top 5 spot and it means Hunter takes the points jersey on the very last day!
Augé (Cofidis) once again finishes tucked away in the peleton and claims victory in the Tour of Qatar. With the time bonuses Hunter picked up he finishes 12th overall - not bad for a pretty poor start.
Brief Results:
1. Nazon (AG2R)
2. Hunter (Barloworld)
3. Gasparotto (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Augé (Cofidis)
2. Loddo (Tinkoff)
3. Hondo (Serramenti)
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12. Hunter (Barloworld)
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22. Gasparotto (Barloworld)
Points:
1. Hunter (Barloworld) |
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| Lion_King |
Posted on 01-07-2008 00:05
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Junior Rider
Posts: 32
Joined: 03-06-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Nice recovery to take the points jersey |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 01-07-2008 00:32
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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* NOTE: A rather long and boring stage race for the time of year, so I'll keep screenshots to a minimum. Plus I don't have the results for this race so not much information to supply either.
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We head for Malaysia and the Tour of Langkawi, a 9 stage race of mostly flat stages with a climbing stage and finishing criterium. We've sent over Baden Cooke to try to pick up a stage win and Christian Pfannberger to get some early season racing legs.
Stage 1 is 173km long with some hills towards the end that may catch a few riders out.
Sabido was part of a breakaway and took some KOM points before easing off and being swallowed up by the pack 20kms from the finish.
With 1.5km left Cooke is with a whole host of sprinters and puncheurs battling for the stage win.
Cooke gets close but has to settle for 4th as the veteran Pollack leads pips Paolini and Fédrigo. A decent effort by Baden though.
Brief Results:
1. Pollack (Volksbank)
2. Paolini (Aqua e Sapone)
3. Fédrigo (Bouygues)
4. Cooke (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Pollack (Volksbank)
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 00:34
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 01-07-2008 00:36
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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164km and one for the sprinters
Cooke gives it his all but he's a bit outclassed this early in the season. Davis (Mitsubishi) takes it from Vicioso (LA-MSS) and Paolini (Aqua).
Brief Results:
1. Davis (Mitsubishi)
2. Vicioso (LA-MSS)
3. Paolini (Aqua)
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5. Cooke (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Davis (Mitsubishi) |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 01-07-2008 00:50
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Over 200km of riding today but it should be between the sprinters again.
Between the same 3 again and this time Paolini (Aqua) beats Davis (Mitsubishi) and Vicioso (LA-MSS). Cooke doesn't make an impact in 9th.
Brief Results:
1. Paolini (Aqua)
2. Davis (Mitsubishi)
3. Vicioso (LA-MSS)
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9. Cooke (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Paolini (Aqua) |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 01-07-2008 01:06
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Stage 4 and its 142km of open road.
Biondo (Flaminia) takes the win this time, with Pollack (Volksbank) and Pietropelli (LPR) close behind.
Cooke again is thereabouts but, although he seems to be competitive, I'm doubting whether for all his efforts he'll even get a top 3 in a stage.
Brief Results:
1. Biondo (Flamina)
2. Pollack (Volksbank)
3. Pietropelli (LPR)
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6. Cooke (Barloworld)
Overall:
1. Paolini (Aqua) |
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| robinhowlett |
Posted on 01-07-2008 01:17
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Under 23
Posts: 98
Joined: 25-03-2008
PCM$: 200.00
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Yet another flat stage and 140km long.
Under and past the flame rouge and its 6 in a line with Cooke right in the middle and he's still got some sprint left! Can the old boy do it!?!
Yes he can! What a brilliant victory for the Cookie Monster (as his DS now calls him) as he simply outsprints Pietropelli (LPR) and Fédrigo (Bouygues).
Delighted for Baden and he gets the stage win we came looking for.
Brief Results:
1. Cooke (Barloworld)
2. Pietropelli (LPR)
3. Fédrigo (Bouygues)
Overall:
1. Paolini (Aqua)
Edited by robinhowlett on 01-07-2008 01:38
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