IAM Cycling
“I have to write something about them?�

We've previously discussed three different transfer strategies – the FDJ way of signing riders of the same nationality, the Bardiani way of signing a specific type of rider and the Colombia way of signing anything with two legs. IAM perfected a fourth strategy, “The Swiss Way�, which involves staying neutral to the very end. This strategy has one very big disadvantage – you're stuck with what you had. No new signings, no EPIC riders and no selling any riders to BMC. Not that I'm bitter.

Haussler is the only rider in the team capable of scoring big points, while the likes of Tschopp, Pelucchi, Wyss, Denifl and Reichenbach could get some results with a lot of luck. No transfers mean the average age of the squad is exactly one year older than before (not including their random bunch of EPIC riders (remember Totti, Ronaldo, Pista and Stromberg? No, thought not)), so should their manager stick around long enough, he has a big job on his hands next offseason. And, of course, *grits teeth* I wish my fellow Swiss team good luck.

Main Signing: Erm, the manager
Leaders: Haussler, Tschopp, Pelucchi, Denifl, Lofkvist
Pros: Haussler is very good-ish
Cons: Did I mention they signed nobody?
Predicted CT Final Position: 10th


Lampre Merida
“Always read the small print�

The third relegated team also managed to hold on to the majority of their top riders except for Malori, who, funnily enough wasn't for sale at any price when I asked but was then sold for peanuts. But hey ho, their manager sometimes gets confused. It's fair to say that poor old Sutty was abused in the transfer window and has a very weird squad at the lower end. The signing of ancient relic Cardenas proves why you should always read the small print. He's useless and will only get worse.

However, Scarponi, Ulissi, Niemiec, Ferrari and Pozzato should be more than enough to compete at this level and their main battle will be beating Italian rivals Androni. Depending on how many teams will be promoted, Lampre have a decent chance of bouncing straight back up too. However, the team is almost as old as their manager, and whether they get promoted or not, they have a serious rebuild on their hands soon.

Main Signing: Robert Wagner, somehow
Leaders: Scarponi, Pozzato, Ferrari, Ulissi, Niemiec
Pros: Very good set of team leaders that will ensure points on all terrains
Cons: The squad is older than the United States
Predicted CT Final Position: 5th


MTN – Qhubeka
“An Abundi-ance of Africans�

Everyone's favourite African team (obviously) has returned bigger and better than 2013 where they had a quiet season that sprang to life at the Vuelta. But as with African history, there always has to be a European influence and Ciolek is still comfortably their best rider. His skills will ensure big points as long as he avoids the likes of Sagan and Hanzen.

They also signed Abasi Abundi from CCC. His speed is unquestionable but his ability to get to the line in the front group is extremely doubtful. Fortunately for him, he has fellow super climber Shaqif to keep him company when the road goes up. Young German climber Hintermuller looks promising on paper and will hope for a big breakthrough this season. The rest of the team is as African as The Lion King.

Main Signing: Abasi Abundi
Leaders: Ciolek, Hintermuller, Abundi
Pros: Ciolek is one of the best punchy sprinters in the world and their African focus is even better now
Cons: The remainder of the squad will be squabbling for minor points only. Ciolek stands alone
Predicted CT Final Position: 8th


Team NetApp – Endura
“The King is dead (He's actually just moved team)�

NetApp were one of the real success stories of 2013. They started the season like a dog with no legs and slowly broke into a jog before they sprinted to the finish in the Vuelta, much like MTN. Unfortunately, all periods of success are followed by a dip in performance, and with Konig and surprise package Birt leaving them, this could be a quieter season.

Nevertheless, despite a few odd signings, you have to admire their manager's business, bringing in the best young stage racer in Germany to lead them in their transition. Their squad is young, very young, and the likes of Arndt, Schwabe, Selig, Boswell, Hagg and Van Der Poel should ensure a bright future if managed well. And they have the glorious thighs of Walker to boost them in shit small races. This season could be tough though.

Main Signing: Dominik Nerz
Leaders: Nerz, Arndt, Schwabe, Voss, Walker
Pros: Very young squad with a real purpose and focus and almost all German leaders
Cons: Too young for this season. Wins will be at a premium
Predicted CT Final Position: 11th


Vacansoleil
“Do they still have Hoogerland? Phew...�

Nobody really knows what Vacansoleil are here for and we haven't for years. They're just that team that attacks a lot and had that guy in the barbed wire fence that time. There are rumours that in a parallel universe, they don't even exist any more. Yet, here they are, the third Dutch team and the fourth to be relegated from the WT last season after an abysmal year.

They got rid of Danny Van Poppel for some strange reason though they did replace him with Mezgec who is almost the same but not Dutch or as highly-rated. I genuinely believe this team can get promotion if they get the bit of luck every team needs. Pozzovivo and Schleck are very good at this level (don't ignore the secondary stats people), while Visconti is one of the better signings of the entire transfer season in my opinion. Their classics team is the strongest in the CT and they have plenty of riders to help Mezgec and Boeckmans in the sprints. The only thing they really lack is a top EPIC rider and Time Triallers.

Oh, and they still have Hoogerland.

Main Signing: Luka Mezgec
Leaders: Mezgec, Pozzovivo, F Schleck, Boeckmans, Vandenbergh, Visconti
Pros: Fantastic ability at the top of their squad. One of the best at this level
Cons: Not as Dutch as they should be
Predicted CT Final Position: 3rd