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[CT] Newton Foundation p/b Zwift {2024}
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 28-09-2024 18:26
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| Booker |
Posted on 09-08-2024 16:59
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 829
Joined: 03-07-2013
PCM$: 200.00
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Woah, the directeurs of Duvel-Tsingtao are extremely scared of Jorgenson. I could easily a Chiarello+ season incoming for him. That's a super leader to build around, and I guess wheeling and dealing will be the name of the game this upcoming transfers.
Really looking forward to seeing how you pull it off! |
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| whitejersey |
Posted on 09-08-2024 22:59
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 2855
Joined: 07-08-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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Definitely a spicy availabilty list, although not too surprising. I think a lot of team will jump at Girmay but I really hope that you find a way to keep him around.
Best of luck in CT Jorgenson should smash it there!
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| liefwarrior |
Posted on 14-08-2024 23:10
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 847
Joined: 04-07-2019
PCM$: 300.00
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Probably the biggest story coming into this transfer window; just such a shame it has to come at your expense. I don't doubt we will have a talk or two, looking at that availability list. I am somewhat surprised you've precommitted to Jorgenson rather than fielding offers first. Is the plan to go all-in on the stage race department - à la Project: Africa and Thibaut Pinot - or do you trust the young man to fend for himself, supplementing him with scoring in other disciplines?
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| cio93 |
Posted on 15-08-2024 11:53
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World Champion
Posts: 10845
Joined: 29-10-2007
PCM$: 500.00
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It was very sad to see your relegation, as for obvious reasons I have the softest of spots for teams going all-in on their future while sacrificing short-term success.
I had been lucky to not yet have the threat of a third division looming when I initially committed a million to Herklotz back in the day, but sadly there just wasn't enough of a safety net for you to make the plan work. It would've been an amazing project.
Additionally, Jorgenson tragically is offset by only one year to already benefit from any sales income this transfer season, which makes it very intriguing to see how many of your trainable riders will have to be sold (or what you may utilize any surplus on that you might end up making after paying off this hefty fine, which I'm certain you will do easily with that availability list).
If there's even just a faint opportunity to keep Powless around, he could become a monster this season.
I wish you the best of luck in navigating these tough times and I hope you will bounce back from this and keep your spirits up!
Now, it's needless to say that any availability post with this many talents highlighted will result in a PM, even more so by someone owning Bini merch bought in 2022 already! 
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| jandal7 |
Posted on 15-08-2024 12:19
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World Champion
Posts: 11356
Joined: 17-12-2014
PCM$: 1020.00
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I know the pain of losing talents through relegation, have a lot of empathy for you. Hope you come out of this with an awesome haul and a rebuild well underway.
Now I just have to remember that Girmay is a test put in my path to try and tempt me to repeat my 2021 PT transfers, and I shouldn't indulge...
24/02/21 - kandesbunzler said “I don't drink famous people."
15/08/22 - SotD said "Your [jandal's] humour is overrated"
11/06/24 - knockout said "Winning is fine I guess. Truth be told this felt completely unimportant."
[ICL] Santos-Euskadi | [PT]  Xero Racing
5x  x5
2x  x2
2x  x2 |
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| knockout |
Posted on 15-08-2024 12:40
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 7661
Joined: 21-12-2010
PCM$: 400.00
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I was expecting you to keep both Girmay and Jorgenson around and build the future around the both of them as they seem to be the least replacable. Guess we might see a bigger turnaround than i was predicting. Good luck with all the moves you seem ready to do. Guess you will be busy!
A Big Thank You To All MG Reporters! |
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 15-08-2024 23:11
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8029
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 650.00
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@All: We obviously didn't plan to be here in the CT, but we are going to try and make the most of it. Hopefully, it's a one-and-done showing.
I will address the elephant in the room that our goal going into the transfer season was to keep our Big 3 (Girmay, Jorgenson and Powless) but it was pretty clear early into renewals that wasn't going to happen. And then we had to take some desperate measures at the end of renewals to make sure we at least got all three of them re-signed, which obviously squeezed our tiny budget and makes it almost impossible to keep two out of three. While it is doable, I think I'd rather have some depth to make sure we get out of the division as soon as possible.
So, here we are. As an American team and with our sponsors in mind, we have made the decision to fully support 2022 Tour de l'Avenir winner...
 Matteo Jorgenson
That's nothing against Bini, who is going to be a world class cyclist and a future multiple monument winner. That said, our investment into Girmay got us into this mess, so maybe his exit can help us get out.
We aren't completely pushing Powless out the door just yet. We shall see how the market unfolds and if it makes sense to wiggle the budget around for his return. Time will tell.
Thanks for all your input, I enjoy reading all the comments. One thing is certain, I'm going to be a busy man once transfer season official starts. Please be patient with me, I'm only one person and not a very good multi-tasker. But, I will respond to all messages (eventually).
See you all in the trenches. 
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 17-08-2024 00:51
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 16362
Joined: 27-07-2011
PCM$: 10038.70
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I'm really sorry it came to this. was pulling for you so hard at the end there, and it was heartbreaking to see this insane young core you've built hit the CT demotion filter. Especially seeing Girmay on the wrong end is tough, having loaned him in for his 1-3 year.
Looking forward to seeing Jorgenson blow up a division though.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Luis Leon Sanchez |
Posted on 17-08-2024 01:46
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Team Leader
Posts: 5511
Joined: 12-06-2013
PCM$: 500.00
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Echoing others that it's a real pity to see such a squad go down but it's all about the bounce back and I think it really shows your skills as a Manager to get through it and come out of it stronger! You can absolutely expect a lot of messages and I'll be one of them. We've had some great dealings over the years and long may that continue!
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 03-09-2024 12:16
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8029
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 650.00
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Most of our transfer season has been spent in talks with other teams. While no deal is ever perfect, I think we did a pretty good job with all the business we managed to conduct over the last week or so. Let's dive in and recap, shall we:
 Biniam Girmay: Fresh off winning four stages and the green jersey at the 2023 Tour de l'Avenir, we had to break the news to Girmay that we couldn't afford to bring him back next season. It was difficult for him to comprehend after we invested so much into him to get to this point, but we assured him that we would do everything in our power to make sure he ended up with a team that had his best interest in heart. Bralirwa - Cegeka answered the call, outbidding Pro Tour powerhouse Team Puma - SAP with a bid of 2,800,000 and three riders. Bye Bini, can't wait to see what your future holds. Tear it up (unless against us).
Neilson Powless: The newly crowned American TT national champion and podium finisher at the 2023 Tour of America was our best scorer last season in the PCT Division with 481 points (34th best). As such, his wage demands were just too much for us to keep him around. Powless is headed back to the PCT to race with Benetton Bimex Cycling following a 1,400,000 transfer fee.
 Jack Burke: The climbing Canadian who loves mixing it up in the breakaways departs for the chance to prove his Grand Tour worth with Lidl Cycling. Burke ends a four-year tenure here, racking up the 10th most race days (265) and third most BOTD attempts (22) under Mre's management. Burke was sold for half a million.
 Thomas Gloag: The up-and-coming 23-year-old climber ended up being a wage cap sacrifice at the end of the transfer season. As much as we wanted to keep him in our colors, his 125,000 wage made things too difficult. I'm sure we might come to regret that years down the road. Gloag got picked up by PT team King Power. We paid some cash to get a team leader in return (see below).
 Carlos Verona: The homecoming lasted a couple of days. After being acquired in Girmay swap, Verona was later sold to CT foe Genii Hyundai N Cycling for 75,000 to help the team get under the wage cap and effectively close out the stressful part of our transfer season. While it would have been cool to give Verona his 11th season with us. The numbers weren't going to allow that to happen. At least the exchanging of goodbyes was a little easier this time around than it was last season. All business. No hard feelings.
 Welay Hagos Berhe: Also acquired in the Girmay trade like Verona, the African youngster was later traded to Ekoi - Le Creuset for the minimum fee to clear up a roster space. His potential just didn't match the value of a rider we could bring in right away to score some points for us.
Simon Carr: The 26-year-old puncheur was included in a swap deal to bring in even more climbing support, which will now feature...
Inigo Elosegui: With Powless and Burke leaving, we needed another climber and secured the perfect match with Elosegui. The 26-year-old is just entering his prime and has a motor that never quits. The man was born to climb, suffer to the extreme, and then do it all over again the next day. He showed glimpses of what he can do at the CT level last season by scoring 171 points (20th best) with Team Würth MODYF. We expect even more this season.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 65 | 77 | 71 | 72 | 77 | 80 | 83 | 60 | 60 | 71 | 65 | 66 | 71 |
 Emilien Viennet: While his legs are getting slower, Viennet's desire to win remains the same. The 33-year-old Frenchman was passed around from Polar to King Power before landing here as part of the Thomas Gloag trade. We are eagar to see if the veteran can challenge Gjensidige's Brent Van Moer as the best CT man against the clock next season.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 71 | 53 | 66 | 79 | 74 | 74 | 70 | 58 | 54 | 63 | 72 | 64 | 79 |
Yacob Debesay: Included in the Girmay trade, Debesay is still learning the ropes. The 25-year-old has potential, it's putting it altogether. While many CT teams probably would have loaned out Debesay to the PT for development, we didn't exactly have that luxury with various loan cap restrictions. So, Debesay stays with us and looks to show improvements throughout the season.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 66 | 69 | 75 | 60 | 72 | 70 | 71 | 62 | 64 | 75 | 73 | 66 | 60 | | 66 | 71 | 77 | 60 | 73 | 71 | 73 | 62 | 64 | 77 | 75 | 67 | 60 |
 Vadim Pronskiy: Secured in the Carr swap, Pronskiy fits right in. The 26-year-old can climb and wants to do so for 90,000 in wages. Welcome to the team!
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 64 | 77 | 73 | 63 | 73 | 72 | 77 | 58 | 61 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 63 |
Free agent signings and loan deals coming in the next update!
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| Ulrich Ulriksen |
Posted on 03-09-2024 12:24
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 3174
Joined: 02-11-2010
PCM$: 300.00
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Congrats on surviving what must have been a whirlwind. I am sad to miss out on Powless for the third time, hopefully he will be great for Adler, at least when McCormick isnt racing.
Man Game: McCormick Pro Cycling |
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| jt1109 |
Posted on 03-09-2024 12:28
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3159
Joined: 23-07-2008
PCM$: 400.00
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Love what you've done already MRE, think this will pay off with a highly succesful season in what is going to be the strongest CT team |
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| AbhishekLFC |
Posted on 03-09-2024 15:44
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 11583
Joined: 27-07-2015
PCM$: 1861.50
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That is a very strong climbing squad for CT. And the TTT team is also very good. Think that's a very good start towards an immediate return to PCT.
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| SotD |
Posted on 03-09-2024 16:44
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World Champion
Posts: 12145
Joined: 29-11-2006
PCM$: 2980.00
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It is so incredibly sad to see what you were forced to do with your talents. That being said, I think you came away with a very solid team, that is also working in the future!
I would really love to see Elosegui being trained with those monster backups. If I was a spanish team he would have been my 1st Pick and then just getting him to big MO asap! :-)
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| jaxika |
Posted on 03-09-2024 17:00
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3146
Joined: 16-07-2008
PCM$: 8700.00
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I second SotD, with 79 MO and that energy stats he will be a monster not only in CT, maybe upper too (with further improvements too). |
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| liefwarrior |
Posted on 03-09-2024 22:27
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 847
Joined: 04-07-2019
PCM$: 300.00
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I'll echo others in stating that I think Elosegui is a great pickup, especially if you do end up training him. Even if that isn't the case, it is a very strong supporting cast that you have put together for Jorgenson, especially with any of Elosegui, Pronskiy or Pedro Lopez capable of covering the races he can't attend.
Viennet is a very solid signing for the immediate term. Although he may not be the strongest TTer at this level, he should be a more than capable scorer. Similarly, keeping Welten means that some points should be garnered from the sprints. Nonetheless, there will be a lot riding on Jorgenson. Unless the free agency signings really round out the team, your success is predicated on his success and your failure is inevitable should he fail. Given just how strong of a rider he is and the safety net of the U25 classification, I can't imagine that failure is on the cards. Looking forward to seeing you in the PCT next season!
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 06-09-2024 12:41
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8029
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 650.00
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We continue the madness with free agents signed and loans!
Angel Madrazo: He needs no introduction. Madrazo was one of the best climbers in the world, winning the Tour de France twice (2019, 2013) and the 2012 Vuelta a Espana. He has racked up 19 grand tour stage wins during his career -- 5 Giro, 6 Tour, and 8 Vuelta. And yet, the 36-year-old waited by his phone for days waiting for somebody to give him a chance before having to contemplate retirement.
Eventually, Mre made the call and it went something like this, "Hello, Mr. Madrazo? This is Mre from Newton Foundation p/b Zwift cycling team. We wanted to offer you a contract for next season, are you interested?”
“Absolutely. What’s the catch?”
“No catch! We want you to be a mentor. You’ll guide our young climbers and, of course, help us conquer the toughest peaks. Do you still have the legs for one more season?
Madrazo laughed. “A chance to win again and prove I'm still legendary? I'm in!”
"Awesome! Sadly, all we can offer you is 50,000..."
Madrazo hung up the phone. But, two days later, he called us back and reluctantly accepted the offer, knowing that despite the modest terms, it was probably his only chance to race professionally again.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 61 | 78 | 69 | 70 | 71 | 70 | 71 | 50 | 56 | 62 | 59 | 62 | 70 |
 Milan Fretin: Stagiare #1. The 23-year-old Belgian got a full season in with Babymetal Cycling last year, but will go back to part-time stagiare schedule this season. We will be able to develop him regardless. He is a guy that can do anything (except TTs). Should be a useful rider to fill out any lineup.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 64 | 67 | 67 | 62 | 68 | 71 | 68 | 69 | 66 | 67 | 65 | 67 | 66 | | 71 | 70 | 70 | 65 | 72 | 75 | 72 | 72 | 69 | 71 | 71 | 70 | 69 |
 Ivo Domgjoni: Stagiare #2. Wasn't our first or second choice, but we are happy to welcome Ivo from Kosovo! Could be a classics helper in the future.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 67 | 61 | 69 | 55 | 70 | 65 | 61 | 68 | 68 | 64 | 66 | 65 | 58 | | 74 | 61 | 72 | 57 | 75 | 69 | 65 | 72 | 73 | 67 | 68 | 65 | 60 |
Two more riders will be signed to free contracts
(wages paid by the MGUCI) through the CT Draft.
| Cyclist | 2024 Team | Fees | EXP | Wage Paying | | Ethan Vernon | Jura GIANTS | -85,000 | 4.08 | 0 |
Vernon to max out at LVL 4.100.
Mengoulas to max out at LVL 4.100. Ivanov and Wallinder from LVL 1->3.
Next update will include the CT Draft!
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 09-09-2024 01:11
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Grand Tour Champion
Posts: 8029
Joined: 22-06-2009
PCM$: 650.00
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The final pieces to the puzzle to conclude the 2024 transfer season.
With the 18th pick in the first round, Newton Foundation p/b Zwift selects...
Tejay Van Garderen: The captain returns! The 2011 World Champion was exploring other career options as a TV commentator, but was pursued by former manager Mre to come back for one more season. TVG raced three seasons with Mre from (2015-17) and helped Newton Foundation promote to the Pro Tour back in 2017. He sits third on Mre's all-time win list with 11 victories, including three Vuelta a Espana stage wins in 2015 and a pair of United States RR national titles (2015, 2017). A true team legend, ready for one final ride. Welcome back home!
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 66 | 65 | 75 | 62 | 68 | 65 | 58 | 60 | 63 | 69 | 73 | 68 | 62 |
With the 19th pick in the second round, Newton Foundation p/b Zwift selects...
 Jorge Abreu: Another reunion. Abreu and TVG joined and left at the same time (2015-17). Abreu, a trusted friend, was a valuable domestique and wasn't afraid to join an odd breakaway. He featured in 16 breakaways across three seasons (still holds the record for most breakaways in a single season under Mre's management with 11 in 2016) and was a three-time Venezuelan national champion. This upcoming season, he will provide more depth for our TTT unit.
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 70 | 70 | 70 | 72 | 70 | 66 | 68 | 51 | 50 | 68 | 76 | 64 | 72 |
After paying off our hefty renewal fee, we had a few extra funds to send three riders off to specialty camps to improve their skills for next season. The upgrades:
Inigo Elosegui |
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 65 | 77 | 71 | 72 | 77 | 80 | 83 | 60 | 60 | 71 | 65 | 66 | 71 | | ↓↓↓ | | 65 | 79 | 71 | 72 | 77 | 80 | 83 | 60 | 60 | 71 | 65 | 66 | 71 |
Juan Pedro Lopez |
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 66 | 78 | 75 | 59 | 71 | 72 | 75 | 55 | 60 | 78 | 74 | 64 | 63 | | | ↓↓↓ | | 66 | 78 | 76 | 59 | 71 | 72 | 75 | 55 | 60 | 78 | 74 | 64 | 63 |
Vadim Pronskiy |
| FL | MO | HI | TT | STA | RES | REC | COB | SP | ACC | FT | DH | PL | | 64 | 77 | 73 | 63 | 73 | 72 | 77 | 58 | 61 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 63 | | ↓↓↓ | | 65 | 77 | 73 | 63 | 73 | 72 | 77 | 58 | 61 | 73 | 73 | 70 | 63 |
2024 Newton Foundation p/b Zwift Roster Next update will include team goals!
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| Ezeefreak |
Posted on 09-09-2024 06:14
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Domestique
Posts: 535
Joined: 06-07-2009
PCM$: 300.00
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Glad to see Inigo gets some "love". Hopefully he will now have the chance to show what he is capable off.
Best luck for you this season but with your Sr and Climbing depth and skill i dont think you will have a lot of issues to get up to PCT again.
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 09-09-2024 06:33
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18168
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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Clear division favourite in my eyes. We saw what Chiarello did last year, and Jorgenson should do even more damage, with Elosegui mopping up behind. Quinn to snag quite a few U25 points as well.
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![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
