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Look Whos Back!
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 16:13
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ZTE arrive; UCI World Tour in shakeup!
China throws hat into the peloton
November 2019 and the cycling world was about to take a twist and then a shake that no one could have predicted.
The first curve-ball thrown at the upcoming UCI World Tour was that formation of a new team, backed and ran by Chinese telecoms giant, ZTE. As seen in other sports globally (namely football) the Chinese have shown their aggression in backing a team to be the best and thats what they promised here.
ZTE, with the presumed backing and support of the Chinese government, stated their desire to put together not only a team to dominate the sport, but to also develop and enhance Chinese cyclists, not to dis similar to how Chinese football teams have stacked their rosters with foreign talent.
The announcement in early November along with a tie up with Japanese car manufacturer Toyota, saw the UCI accept ZTE-Toyota Cycling into the fold and expand the World Tour to 21 teams for the upcoming 2020 season. The financial benefits were there for all to see, but as we all know in cycling, when money talks, something sinister may rear its ugly head.
Yet this was just the first shockwave sent into the cycling atmosphere, ZTE-Toyota were just beginning, but what lie ahead not only for them, but also cycling in general?
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 16:22
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Nice! Will be interesting to see what, if else, has changed too. Will be waiting to see what the team looks like too.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 16:33
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A Mere Taste!
Day one of 2-day event leaves us asking for more...
If things couldnt get anymore intriguing in cycling, then day one of a 2-day extravaganza hosted by ZTE-Toyota, would only leave us anticipating what was to come.
With the global cycling press here en masse, representatives from the UCI and various teams also here, ZTE put on a show to announced their arrival on to the tour. The lavish setup initially saw the team introduce a gaggle of riders, 12 Chinese and 2 Japanese cyclists who would form the backbone of its upcoming challenge.
Notable additions would be the Japanese pair of Yukiya Arashiro (pictured above) and Hayato Okamoto. Arashiro at 35 has vast experience on the circuit and will look to bring that to the squad to help the up and coming Chinese talent. In truth these were low-key introductions and not the 'set the world alight' additions we were expecting.
Yet truth be told, it was a merely a taste of what was to come, Day 2 lay ahead and with rumours circulating of various cyclists being seen in China, tongues began to wag and the hype begin to simmer like a tasty broth! |
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 17:12
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Main Course!
Money talks; ZTE make a splash and then some...
If yesterday was a subtle introduction to ZTE, then today the cycling media almost imploded at the revelations they took in.
It wasnt long before all eyes were on the main stage and within minutes a montage would play on the giant screen behind them... then one by one the men appeared, 3 of them, 3 of the best, 3 men who would be expected to lead ZTE-Toyota into the upcoming season.
First out, Richie Porte. The Australian 'nearly man' who probably should have had more success on the Grand Tours, yet never quite made it. But now he was here, announced as the team leader for ZTE and at 34, the last big payday of his career.
Soon after the Colombian Nairo Quintana emerged. The atmosphere in the room continued to intensify, who, why and how were ZTE signing these riders out of already lucrative contracts? Quintana at 29 is primed to finally claim the fabled Tour de France Yellow jersey.
Finally the sprint specialist and arguably the most decorated sprinter of all time, Mark Cavendish. Written off by many, Cavendish still has a raft of experience to bring to the sport and although he may not have his legs for long, every win will count towards enhancing the ZTE-Toyota brand in the sport.
Money was clearly no object to those running ZTE, but who was really behind all of this? Who would have the foresight and knowledge to being to put together what could be described as a dream team of cycling?
Questions still needed to be answered, but ZTE ensured they would be for another day. "We are not done yet" read the giant screen and with that the event was wrapped up.
There is little doubt that there is serious interest here, but something was missing and that something was about to break in the most dramatic of fashion! |
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 17:26
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How & Why?
Its a Question we didnt want to ask...
It began with a brief statement on the UCI website reading "We are currently involved in a litigation case that will affect our sport. At this stage we are unable to comment further, but be rest assured all due diligence is taking place from all parties in the process"
A simple line of text that sparked rumours from the absurd to the well, absurd. But the reality was, absurd was not the word for it, cycling had not only faced a dramatic change when ZTE-Toyota bought their money into the sport... it now understood what the value of that money really was.
LANCE
For every question raised by the introduction and swift rise of ZTE in the circus of cycling, no one would dare answer with the word Lance! Yet everything we knew or thought we knew had now changed and the answer to everything was Lance!
You see, there is one thing about China and sports and that is morals and the fact that there is none if you want to succeed and ultimately win. So with money coursing through their veins, they pursued the UCI at every angle to get the lifetime sport ban of Lance Armstrong overturned.
There was little said about this case as the news would have damaged cycling long before todays revelation, yet the upshot was that Armstrong's ban had a loophole, a loophole that would allow him to manage a cycling team at any level and that is where we are today.
ZTE-Toyota cycling.com stated "We are delighted to share with the world our story of redemption. A chance for a Champion to redeem himself and share with us his glorious past to make a glorious future. We hope you will all welcome him back into the fraternity of cycling, as we have to the fraternity of ZTE Communications. Lance Armstrong will be the Team Manager from 2020 and he will be formally introduced to you all in the coming days"
It all seemed a blur, we had gone from a new Chinese team that had a gaggle of unknown Asians at its core. To the arrival of 3 of the sports greats to lead their roster... to this, the return of Lance Armstrong! Its a script that you couldnt write and most wouldnt, yet it has and its a ride that will certainly attract eyes from around the world. |
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| cunego59 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 18:15
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That's a ... bold choice  Let's see how that goes. Interesting group of riders so far as well, with a lot of emphasis on name recognition, which is fitting, I guess.
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| tomcat9 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 18:19
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Rebooting for Cav and Quintana... sounds interesting
Let's save the history of PCM together!
Just write me a PM if you have something for old PCM Editions (from 2005 to 2014) - databases, stages, shirts etc. and we'll share it.
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| valverde321 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 19:26
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I have to say I like the signings. For a Chinese team, similar to what we see in soccer/football, they would be good picks to sign for big money on a team that may not actually be the greatest at supporting them, but taking one big payday as you say. Its ambitious. And now Lance. Most polarizing cyclist ever, maybe even athlete.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 19:40
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Thanks all for checking in, the squad is still being pieced together and there is money in the bank, time for Lance to shine  |
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 20:29
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Renewing a Love Affair
Armstrong is back; more faces take on ZTE challenge
So it was now in the open, the news no one wanted to believe and many wanted to be fake. Lance Armstrong, the controversial face of well 'controversy' is back in cycling, the sport that gave him so much and took it all back.
Once a darling of the media, he faced a torrent of questions as ZTE-Toyota opened up to the press and wrote yet more headlines.
"Its great to be back" said Armstrong. "When I got word that there was potential for me to be involved in some capacity, of course I was happy to pursue it. Those at the top at ZTE-Toyota have been fantastic in their approach to all of this... we share a common goal and thats winning, its a mentality you take with you everywhere in life"
Asked whether his return would damage the image around cycling, Armstrong replied "Look, everyone will have their opinion. I came clean, ive done the rounds as have many others. Im a firm believer in giving people a chance and thats what ive been given. Its a chance for redemption, I want to pass on my experience to help the team, help the development of the sport in China and around the world"
The reality of all of this is that the sport is on a knife edge. Who knows how the other teams will react? Will sponsors and broadcasters walk away? One thing for sure is that wherever Lance goes, plenty will follow.
Piece by Piece
3 more signings were announced today by ZTE-Toyota as Armstrong continued to enhance the options available to him. Fellow Americans Chad Haga and Colin Joyce signed, Haga via Sunweb as he adds yet more experience and will headline the team in Time Trials.
A further addition saw Sergio Luis Henao ink a 1 year deal. Henao will not only add valuable top tier cycling experience from his time with Team Sky and helping them win multiple TdF titles, but as a fellow Colombian, ZTE-Toyota hope that he and Quintana can settle quickly into the unfamiliar surroundings of Chinese life.
Rumours now persist of further signings as Armstrong is pursuing a raft of European cyclists with Mathieu Van der Poel top of the list as the bottomless pit of money available to ZTE continues to dwarf the sport. |
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| tomcat9 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 20:59
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I have nothing against Lance, his affairs in US Postal are not only his ones, but that's what I don't like about this story:
I don't want to see a totally dominating team with enormous budget cause I'm not sure that is good for cycling.
Let's save the history of PCM together!
Just write me a PM if you have something for old PCM Editions (from 2005 to 2014) - databases, stages, shirts etc. and we'll share it.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 21:05
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Its all gone a bit Oranje!
Dutch influx as ZTE-Toyota outspend rivals
The never ending story that is ZTE-Toyota moved up another gear this week as Armstrong finally got his men, infact 5 of them, as the team pulled off yet more coups in acquiring contracts as 5 Dutchmen chose to make the move to the new team, as money once again talked louder than anything else.
Joining up would be the experienced trio of Tom Slagter (ex-Rabobank), Robert Gesink a former teammate of Slagter and Niki Terpstra a former winner of Paris-Robiaux and the Tour of Flanders.
Armstrong said of this trio "These guys are true pros. You need them in every team, riders who can take races by the scruff of the neck and drag everyone else with them. We are here to put together something special, you need a special blend and thats my job"
The real headlines came later in the week as first Danny Van Poppel (pictured) a Dutch sprinter who has flattered to deceive at times, penned for the ZTE team. Before the big one came along in 'Flying Dutchman' Mathieu Van der Poel.
Van der Poel (above) is expected to breakthrough in the coming years, adding to an already growing reputation he has evolved with Team Alpecin-Fenix in the Pro-Continental Tour. It will be seen as a gamble by ZTE as they have allocated a fair chunk of their budget to sign Van der Poel, but at 24 he has his prime to come and with the team stuffed with experience, he could well begin to shine under the stewardship of Lance Armstrong. |
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| tomcat9 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 21:08
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So they'll tear everyone even on extreme I think
Let's save the history of PCM together!
Just write me a PM if you have something for old PCM Editions (from 2005 to 2014) - databases, stages, shirts etc. and we'll share it.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 21:08
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tomcat9 wrote:
I have nothing against Lance, his affairs in US Postal are not only his ones, but that's what I don't like about this story:
I don't want to see a totally dominating team with enormous budget cause I'm not sure that is good for cycling.
I understand where you are coming from, im not editing finances so im still restricted by team success in order to get more income. Plus although there is a focus on 'star foreign signings' the other angle is that the team does have 14 Asian riders all there to enhance the reputation of the sport.
Hopefully I can make this an interesting story for everyone to enjoy either way |
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| tomcat9 |
Posted on 19-06-2020 21:12
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whitevestblueshorts wrote:
im not editing finances so im still restricted by team success in order to get more income. Plus although there is a focus on 'star foreign signings' the other angle is that the team does have 14 Asian riders all there to enhance the reputation of the sport.
In that case I will follow your story
Let's save the history of PCM together!
Just write me a PM if you have something for old PCM Editions (from 2005 to 2014) - databases, stages, shirts etc. and we'll share it.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 19-06-2020 21:40
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Previewing ZTE
What can we expect from the Lance Show?
Well what can we expect from Cyclings new machine? The reality is we dont really know. Armstrong is back, but is he a Manager that can motivate and tactically decide races? Is his presence going to cast a doubting shadow over the team and sport? It is a pair of questions that cannot yet be answered.
As for the riders, well on paper we know they can pull rabbits out of the hat. There will be expectation for the team to challenge on all fronts and there is little excuse for them not to.
The Asian tours may well be a focus for ZTE to dominate and the inclusion of the Chinese riders (however weak they appear to be) may well be a hindrance as keeping the sponsors happy is another ball that Armstrong is going to have to juggle.
In essence I think the team will want to take at least one of the Grand Tours, make their mark in the monuments and collect as many wins on the UCI World Tour as they can.
Their roster is deep, its full of experience, failure is probably not an option here so the pressure will be on from the get go. Its now in the hands of those to deliver the goods and repay the faith and money put into them!
Notable Predictions:
Winning each of the Grand Tours? Its not out of reach; Van der Poel in France, Quintana in Italy, it could well setup an interesting Vuelta toward the end of the calendar. |
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 20-06-2020 12:12
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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Haig Claims Domestic Success
Mixed bag for Porte in ZTE colours
The start of life as a ZTE-Toyota rider was sweet for Richie Porte as he debuted the teams colours in the ITT National Championships in Australia.
Porte put down the gas from the start and put up the best times in each sector en route to a 57'06 time which gave him the win, 1'07 ahead of Jack Haig (Michelton-Scott). It was a sweet victory for Porte who claims success in the event for the first time since 2015.
He said "I felt good today and went with it. We had a nice camp in Italy as a new squad and sometimes you can ride off that vibe, like today"
Porte and the others still have the National Championship to come and after today, as he will now look to claim that Jersey for the first time in his career.
Onto the road race and for Porte it would be a day to forget, languishing in the middle of the pack as he quickly faded once the tempo increased. However Jack Haig would put aside his disappointment at missing out in the ITT, to win the Australian Jersey by edging out Michael Matthews for the first time.
Haig and Matthews went nose to nose in toward a sprint finsih, but it was the former who had enough in the tank to stretch out a untouchable lead. A delighted Champion said "Its great, a great feeling to finally get this one in the bag. After missing out to Richie in the ITT, I knew that we had to come good here and im greatful that things feel into place as they did"
An interesting debut for the ZTE-Toyota colours in Australia. There is more to come Down Under, but its Jack Haig who has his named etched in the history books as the 2020 Australian Champion.
Edited by whitevestblueshorts on 20-06-2020 13:02
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 20-06-2020 13:02
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AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
ROAD RACE
| Rank | Name | Team | Time | | 1 | Jack Haig | Mitchelton-Scott | 4h31'12 | | 2 | Michael Matthews | Team Sunweb | + 4 | | 3 | Marcus Culey | Team Sapura Cycling | + 6 | | 4 | Rohan Dennis | Team Ineos | + 10 | | 5 | Rory Sutherland | Israel Start-Up Nation | s.t. | | 6 | Jay McCarthy | BORA - hansgrohe | + 37 | | 7 | Jesse Ewart | Team Sapura Cycling | + 1'33 | | 8 | Simon Clarke | EF Pro Cycling | s.t. | | 9 | Nicholas Schultz | Mitchelton-Scott | s.t. | | 10 | Jay Vine | Nero Continental | s.t. |
INDIVIDUAL TIME TRIAL
| Rank | Name | Team | Time | | 1 | Richie Porte | ZTE - Toyota | 57'26 | | 2 | Jack Haig | Mitchelton-Scott | + 1'07 | | 3 | Damien Howson | Mitchelton-Scott | + 1'50 | | 4 | Rohan Dennis | Team Ineos | + 2'00 | | 5 | Ben O'Connor | NTT Pro Cycling | + 2'16 | | 6 | Cameron Meyer | Mitchelton-Scott | + 2'42 | | 7 | Luke Durbridge | Mitchelton-Scott | + 2'55 | | 8 | Chris Hamilton | Team Sunweb | + 3'00 | | 9 | Michael Matthews | Team Sunweb | + 3'02 | | 10 | Michael Storer | Team Sunweb | + 3'04 |
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| tomcat9 |
Posted on 20-06-2020 13:08
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Convincing victory in ITT and upset for Jack Haig who expected to make the double I guess
Let's save the history of PCM together!
Just write me a PM if you have something for old PCM Editions (from 2005 to 2014) - databases, stages, shirts etc. and we'll share it.
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| whitevestblueshorts |
Posted on 20-06-2020 22:08
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Woods Hammers it Home!
But is Oh Dear Armstrong for ZTE
Canadian Michael Woods of EF Cycling upset the recent home dominance of the TdU as he topped the General Classification after 6 heated stages. Woods who would only win one stage (that being the crucial final stage) was 4th heading into the finale, trailing long time leader Damiano Caruso (Bahrain-McLaren) by +38. However Team Bahrain suffered a shambolic final stage, suffering punctures and then crashing with each other as Caruso dived.
Woods just had to hold his nerve in the final breakaway and his sprint finish win over Max Schachmann (BORA) was just the icing on the cake for Woods, stating "We knew we had a chance, the early problems for Damiano ensured that the race was there for the taking. We had a plan, both Bettiol and Cort worked hard for me and at the end it was a case of making a statement with that win"
Outside of Woods success, arguably the biggest story was the flop of ZTE-Toyota. They did have Richie Porte sit in 3rd overall going into the final stage but then the team fell apart as they would rue taking a pair of Chinese riders as part of their squad.
Lance Armstrong apologised to his sponsors, noting "We had a plan for Richie that seemed to work all week. We had wanted to collect a stage win or 2 here but nothing fell into place. That final stage was just a disaster for everyone, there is little excuse as to how things panned out and we will have to go back and assess"
Other winners coming out of Australia included Fabio Jakobson (Quick Step) as he edged out the rest to win the Sprinters Jersey, Robert Power (Team Sunweb) was another home based winner as he collected the Young Riders honours with his team (Sunweb) taking home the Team Classification.
Edited by whitevestblueshorts on 26-06-2020 19:29
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