We are happy to announce that all riders that were offered a contract, signed it in the end. Lo Cicero needed 3 rounds, but in the end we managed to agree on his new wage as well. All in all, we are quite happy with the outcome and we are eager to start the transfer season.
Accompanied by the sunrise in Taipei, a special press conference where hold to announce the signing of Ki Ho Choi, possibly Asia's biggest cycling talent in history.
As a completely "new" team, speaking of nationality, how did Compal manage to attract his interest? Many will assume going to Meiji, who have been Asia's leading cycling team, would be a much better choice.
That's true. Actually, Meiji did join us in the battle, and I believe he would do great over in Japan, but the thing that made the difference is that he understood our sincere passion to develop cycling in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, and we are delighted that he shared our vision.
This is undoubtedly an extreme talent, and many other teams were reportedly interested. How much of a budget did you have to spend to get him?
It took a good chunk of money to get him here, but we simply could not let him go to another team. And although he is young, we could actually get use of him already this season.
A good chunk? How much is that exactly?
I would prefer not to talk about numbers. Now, the press conference is over, and we would like to wish Ki Ho Choi the best for the coming season and all to follow
Ki Ho Choi is looking forward to ride for a professional teamEdited by Bjartne on 18-03-2014 04:55
Compal-Merida are happy to confirm the finalized roster for the 2014 season, after Aussie sprinter Ricki Nelson just signed with us.
This leaves us with a 100% "Asian" roster, which we are very happy with, and we are looking forward to the season with a stronger squad than we finished with last season. We are strengthened in every area but the cobbler department, since there really isn't too much asian cobblers around, and we are not looking to compete in cobbled races this year either, so all together we are happy with the outcome of the squad.
Compal-Merida's strongest card this season will be in flat sprinter classics/stage races. Yet again we do have sprinters who struggles with speed bumps, but unlike last year, we do have a good support, and are looking to set up sprint trains in every stage were we find ourselves in the position to win or get a podium.
We do not have any particular leader profile unfortunately, after failing to sign Maxim Iglinsky and the Nepomniachsny brothers, but we still believe our squad will secure enough points for us to stay another year in this divison.
With the season well underway, it's time to make a recap of what has happened with Compal-Merida during the start of the season. We had a quiet opening with some minor results in Australia, but two great stage victories in Tour of Oman (see pictures), made us climb on the rankings.
Meiyin Wangwon a tight sprint duel on stage 5 of Tour of Oman.
Mohammed Saufi Mat Senan celebrating victory after breakaway on stage 6 in the same race
But after a succesful stage race, the reality came quickly upon Compal-Merida, showing that the team really lacks the depth and the skills to compete at this level. Not only are we struggling to get riders into the breakaways, but we also lack the amount of skills in the finals, both when it comes to the sprinting department, but we are also in need of a leading climber. This has sent Compal-Merida down to the bottom of the PCT-ranking as of the last update, and with already some unsuccessfull team goals, things doesn't seem to get easier.
Knowing we've been tipped around 23rd-25th in the previews ahead of the season, it is really tough too see the team struggling rock bottom of the rankings. Heads might roll if we are to continue like this, so we have to re-evaluate everything that has gone wrong so far this season, so that we might pick up way more points in the following races, says a slightly worried Bjartne in an interview.
Edited by Bjartne on 08-09-2014 03:36
Mat Senan can't believe his eyes when he sees that none of his breakaway companions is able to catch him
We found manager Bjartne celebrating with his team at a nearby hotel.
Interviewer: Nobody expected anything from Compal-Merida today, but here you are. Walk us through the race.
Bjartne: Ehm....This is....a proud day for Indonesian...? Hey, Ricki, where's Mauti from?
Ricki Nelson: Pardon?
Bjartne: Don't play stupid. Mauti Saf Meganana, which country is he from?
Ricki Nelson: Saufi is Malaysian sir.
Bjartne: Great day for Malaysian cycling...*Blurp*
Interviewer: Ehm...soo...but what did you make out of your
Bjartne: Hi. Hi! This is crazzzzy, I have not met you, but here is Gaufi, my Indian frieeeend. Can you send me more of that champagne please?
Edited by Bjartne on 19-09-2014 17:26
Meyin Wang takes the stage
An okay Volta a Portugal caps of a terrible run of bad races for Compal Merida, and after the last PCT-ranking, even the few people hoping for anything else than relegation, had to settle and prepare themselves for a life in the CT-division for the next season.
Discussions in Taipei have been heavy and long, and many think that the rock bottom place on the table is a disgrace against Taiwanese cycling, and wants Compal to resign as main sponsor for next year.
Howewer, Compal director Wan Sang-Ryun refused this when we met him earlier today.
"Of course we are unhappy with the results. Of course we expect more of this project. But these rumors are nothing but complete nonsense. When we joined the cycling world prior to the season, we made an commitment to make a long-term strategy to help improve Taiwanese cycling, of course this will take time.
Now, however, we realize we have had too little focus on the youth academy work, and that will be the biggest change to next year. We will keep the chore of the existing team, an spice it up with some promising youngsters from our nation and region and if necessary; continent."
This will ensure the growth of Asian cycling in years to come!
Edited by Bjartne on 22-01-2015 15:36
Thanks Avin. It might be to the best for the team to be honest. We need to get rid of some old strugglers in our team and fill their places with fresh talent instead, and start improving our region from scratch.
The future plan has been, and still is, to become the leading Asian cycling team.
sammyt93 wrote:
If you need to offload those Malaysians to keep hold of Choi I'm sure I can think of a team that would happily take them off your hands.
Haha,you know what? We are in discussions with a Malaysian minor sponsor who want to support our project. I think they'll be fine right here Edited by Bjartne on 26-01-2015 02:37
Salfo Bikienga 
Interviewer: Nobody expected anything from Compal-Merida today, but here you are. Walk us through the race.
Bjartne: Ehm....This is....a proud day for Indonesian...? Hey, Ricki, where's Mauti from?
Ricki Nelson: Pardon?
