@ Ian - He did terrific I think he will be the leader. He's in better form than Costa too. Its just Costa will only likely ride the Giro of all the GT's this year.
@ Sutty - That he did. I was shocked
@ Freitas - Thanks
@ All - I was actually very surprised. I didn't even realise he had finished 2nd until I open the results in Excel for the report. i guess thats what you call the art of consistency!
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I'd also just like to thank everyone that voted for this story as the Team Story of the Year! I knew I wasn't going to win but to still receive 9 votes means that 9 people think this is their favourite Team story (or they felt sorry for me ) and that means a lot to me, so thank you very much.
I'd just like to apologize. My motivation has been low lately, and I've been very busy with school too. That is the reason for the lack of updates.
Over the past few months I've kinda felt regret for not going through with my NetApp story, and right now, I really feel like starting one with NetApp - Endura once the 2013 db is out. I guess by saying this, I'd like opinions on that possibility although nothings for sure.
Have to agree with Ian, you are the writer: so it's up to you, do what you like more or what motivate you more. Anyway this was a very nice story and i really enjoyed it. Hope you'll continue writing: you are very good!
Well thanks everyone. I've decided for now to continue this one. I'll probably do NetApp privately, because I feel I haven't got enough use out of PCM12 so far. I pretty much only play it for this story, so maybe that can change and I'll play it more often.
Now on to the Rankings Update and Giro Preview
Rankings
Ind World Tour
Ind CQ
Ind Victories
Team World Tour
Team CQ
Team Victories
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Giro d'Italia
Startlist
Caisse d'Epargne's Strategy
Caisse have brought Rigoberto Uran and Benat Intxausti who will share leadership for the 1st week of the tour! Both are expected to be well placed after the Prologue and a day or two in the Maglia Rosa would not be out of the picture.
The team has a lack or sprinters as its all about climbers here! We could see Rafael Valls in the breakaways a lot of the team, as well as Marzio Bruseghin who would love to win the King of the Mountains competition in what may be his final season as a pro rider, with age becoming more and more of a factor each passing month for him.
Kiryienka and Konovalovas will be the utility riders. Mostly there to do a bit of chasing on the flats as well as protecting the leaders and grabbing bottles. They will be important in making sure Rigo and Benat feel their best on all the important stages.
Pardilla, Pujol and Amador will also be there to do the work in the mountains. They've got the natural climbing legs and will be useful for both Benat and Rigo. They'll push the pace when its needed, and we may also see Amador in the breaks as well, on days that a "mini-team" of climbers aren't needed.
For Caisse, a Top 10 would be a good result, hopefully we can get both leaders into the Top 15, and challenging for the KOM competition is also a goal we have. Stage wins are not a requirement, but atleast one is probably possible and so we will also hope for atleast one.
Favourites
Vincenzo Nibali
Nibali is coming here as the main favourite. How can you argue. One of the Top 5 Stage racers in the world and being Italian he will be extra motivated to do well in his home-country GT. He's also never won the Giro, but probably could have, but instead played the role of Ultimate team mate when Ivan Basso won just a few years ago. This time Basso will probably be working for Nibali.
Ryder Hesjedal
Ryder is coming into the Giro on pretty decent form, and with the goal of winning. He will have full support from his team and could really surprise the other riders if he's in top form like he says he is. A result here could really solidify him as a strong GT rider.
Damiano Cunego
Cunego is a former winner of the Giro, although that was already 8 years ago! He is always a good bet for a Top 5, but can he finally turn his GT slump around and get another win? He will surely have the backing of the Tifosi as an Italian. He's just hitting his prime now, and Lampre have a team that looks like it can support him very well.
Michele Scarponi
Its not clear whether Scarponi will be helping Cunego or if they will both be fighting for their own glory. Either way, I think Scarponi will be able to finish very high in this years Giro. The Top end talent is a little scarce and he should be able to ride a solid Giro.
Outsiders
*** Ivan Basso, Juan Jose Cobo, Haimar Zubeldia
** Peter Velits, Thibault Pinot, Jose Rujano,
* Carlos Betancour, Segio Henao,Rigoberto Uran, Benat Intxausti, Stijn Devolder
Sprints
*** Peter Sagan, Tyler Farrar, Alessandro Petacchi, Matt Goss, Andrea Guardini, Arnaud Demare, Roberto Ferrari
) and that means a lot to me, so thank you very much.
