Very nice presentation. I like the squad a lot, just one question: Are those goals real ones that the game generated, or did you edit them, because they are quite realistic. (Except for the TDU of course)
Great work Tuco, really love your presentation! I wish you good luck for the next season, as it will be tough to get the good results, jus as last year. Hopefully Pozzovivo can shine a little more, just as Modolo!!
You just made my day Tuco......thanks...
Great Team Presentation...simple and efficient...
Great to have you and your reports back....just like others said,nice sponsor goals,hope to see Colnago doing even better as last season....good luck.
I did edit the goals a bit because I find the generated ones ridiculous. I left the TDU on because I am hoping to take part in a couple more WT races this year. Not sure what my race schedule will be though.
I'm still pretty busy, but here is a season preview. Hope you enjoy.
2012 Season Preview
UCI World Tour Teams
BMC Racing Team
A Swiss team with a strong Italian vibe. Cadel Evans returns as the unquestioned team leader and defending champion of the Tour de France. The team is still sorely lacking help for the Aussie in the high mountains, but the addition of Emanuele Sella and steadying presence of Johann Tschopp should help lift some of the burden.
A bunch of additions have been made, hoping to strengthen the overall depth of the team. In addition to Sella, fellow Italians Filippo Pozzato, Andrea Guardini, Luca Paolini, and Daniele Callegarin join the ranks and should see BMC play a bigger role in the classics and sprints.
Cofidis, le crédit en ligne
After a solid season at the Pro Continental level, Cofidis will race as a World Tour team. They will largely be relying on the same riders that got them to this point, and could find the adjustment difficult. Estonian Rein Taaramäe is an emerging GC talent, but has yet to make a breakthrough on the larger stage. The trio of Julien El Fares, Leonardo Duque, and Samuel Dumoulin are very capable riders, but perhaps more suited for the French domestic circuit.
The growth of Taaramäe and sprinter Jens Keukeleire will have a large say to how successful the season is. If they can rise to the occasion, Cofidis' fortunes may not be as bleak as many predict.
Euskaltel - Euskadi
Don't expect to see Euskaltel at the front of the pack in Paris-Roubaix, but they are still a formidable force in the mountains. The departure of Igor Antón is large, but the void will be partially filled by the return of Mikel Astorloza, who is returning from suspension. As well, another return will provide a boost; Aitor Galdos returns after a year with Caja Rural.
One of the true stars of last season, Samuel Sánchez will shoulder the burden of the squad's expectations. His race schedule hasn't been announced yet, but there is some speculation he may skip a title defense in the Vuelta a España, putting all his eggs into the Tour de France basket.
HTC - Highroad
Multicultural, and very diverse, the HTC - Highroad squad is capable of competing, and more importantly, winning, on any terrain. Despite the loss of lead-out man Mark Renshaw, Mark Cavendish, winner of 24 races last season, shows no signs of slowing up. The "Manx Missile" will be buoyed by his first green jersey as he continues to grab Grand Tour stage wins.
The biggest improvement for the squad should come in the mountains. Lost is diesel engine Tony Martin,at the moment, the world's best time trialist, but gained is the ever consistent Levi Leipheimer and the enigmatic José Rujano. In the past, GC concerns have fallen victim to Cavendish's ambitions, but it remains to be seen what will happen this year.
Katusha Team
Big, sometimes controversial names dot the roster of Katusha. Joining Joaquím Rodríguez is Franco Pellizotti, Alessandro Petacchi, and David Moncoutié. Unable to replace the departed Pozzato's classics prowess, the team's composition shows an increasing emphasis on high terrain and hilly classics.
A superior squad, Katusha may have a problem due to the age of their riders. With young sprint star Denis Galimzyanov gone, pressure will build for Egor Silin to emerge as the aging squad will need an infusion of young talent.
Lampre - ISD
Very quietly, Lampre have developed one of the most complete climbing squads in the peloton. They are led by the three-headed monster of Damiano Cunego, Michele Scarponi, and new recruit, Jurgen Van den Broeck. In addition, they have one of the best domestiques in the form of Przemyslaw Niemec and two emerging stars, Simon Spilak and Diego Ulissi.
However, the squad is decidedly one sided, with no sprinter or cobbled classic man. Dividing race schedules between the climbers is a must if the team is to have consistent success. No matter what happens, they should have a strong man (if not two) for the Grand Tours, especially the Giro.
Leopard Trek
Well, the experiment is over. For the first time since 2005, the Schleck brothers will not be on the same team. With Andy's departure, Leopard Trek is certainly making a transition away from its roots. Brother Fränk remains and will likely assume the mantle of leadership for the Tour. As well, superstar Fabian Cancellara will be looking to have a bounce-back season, unable to repeat his tremendous 2010 last year.
To cover for the loss of Andy and the ever popular Jens Voigt, Leopard Trek made a huge splash by signing Peter Sagan. Perhaps one of cycling's brightest young stars, he will join the team, moving in the opposite direction of Andy. Working with riders such as Fabian Cancellara and Daniele Bennati, even bigger things will be expected from the soon to be 22 year old Slovakian.
Liquigas - Cannondale
Perhaps not as deep as Lampre or Movistar, Liquigas' climbing stables are unrivaled in the professional peloton. As previously mentioned, Andy Schleck joins ranks with Vincenzo Nibali and defending Giro champion, Ivan Basso. All three will be aided by the masterful domestique, Sylwester Szmyd.
However, much of the focus isn't on the arrival of Schleck, but on the signing of Riccardo Riccò. Perhaps the only rider capable of overshadowing the move, the Cobra joins the Italian squad, hoping to resurrect his once promising career.
Movistar Team
The big news in Spain is the return of Alejandro Valverde. Yet another suspended rider, his ability to return from the lay-off will be vital for the Spanish squad. Early guesses indicate he has lost a bit of his climbing prowess, but he still stands squarely in the way of Philippe Gilbert and Ardennes domination.
Very deep and well-rounded, the team is lacking riders capable of finding the winning mark. José Joaquín Rojas continues to improve as a sprinter, but has yet to be able to mix it up with the big guns while climbers like Vasil Kiryineka, Beñat Intxausti, and David Arroyo are also a bit off the pace.
Omega Pharma - Lotto
Last season there were questions surrounding Omega Pharma - Lotto's ability to appease the ambitions of Philippe Gilbert, André Greipel, and Jurgen Van den Broeck. Despite the departure of Van den Broeck, those questions will only grow with the recruitment of Igor Antón, Ezequiel Mosquera, and the surprise return of Greg Van Avermaet.
Nonetheless, the Belgian team with a Spanish flavor is very well-rounded, and should be competitive over any terrain. Jelle Vanendert may find himself stretched. He will be the main ally for the team's big riders in the major races.
Pro Team Astana
Astana finds itself with a very balanced squad, chock-full of capable riders. Led by the polarizing Alexandre Vinokourov, the Kazakh squad continues to evolve. Staying true to risk-taking fashion, the team has given both Kim Kirchen and Thomas Dekker a second chance at riding professionally. The Luxembourger found himself out of job after health issues, while the promising Dutch rider is returning from suspension.
On the big stages, Astana may find problems winning. Much like Movistar, their depth belies a lack of true quality. Roman Kreuziger will have the biggest say in whether the previous statement was incorrect.
Quick·Step Cycling Team
Its amazing how the departure of one rider can so drastically alter the look of a team, but that is exactly what has happened when Tom Boonen left. Despite the superstar's departure, Quick·Step will still feature heavily in the classics thanks to Sylvain Chavanel and newly recruited Björn Leukemans.
Filling the shoes of Boonen in sprints will be American Tyler Farrar. At the head of Cavendish's challengers, Farrar will not enjoy a superior lead-out, with the duty likely falling to Paride Grillo and Gert Steegmans.
Rabobank Cycling Team
Last season, Rabobank garnered many solid results, but few wins. With a virtually unchanged squad, internal development will be key. Much of the pressure will fall on the young shoulders of Steven Kruijswijk. Faced with the decision of extending contracts to Kruijswijk and Bauke Mollema, they chose the former. The Dutch will be expecting this faith to be repaid.
Robert Gesink continues to improve, and nabbed a 5th place finish in last year's Tour, ahead of rivals like Nibali. If he can put the crashes and injuries behind him, 2012 should finally be the year for a podium finish.
Saur - Sojasun
Joining Cofidis in the World Tour is another French squad, Saur - Sojasun. They are led by Jérôme Coppel, the current French hope for the Tour. Last season saw Coppel make a leap, grabbing 10 victories. It is unclear where the support will come from, but a Top 10 finish is being called for by the press.
Like their French counterparts, Saur look set to struggle at this level of racing. A solid roster, beyond Coppel, one is pressed to find riders capable of consistently winning at this higher level.
Saxo Bank SunGard
Saxo Bank begins and ends with Alberto Contador. For the first time since 2006, the Spaniard did not win a Grand Tour. If he is to undo this, it will be with the same riders by his side; Daniel Navarro, Chris Anker Sørensen, and Richie Porte.
Nick Nuyens is the other driving force for the Danish squad. He too, finds himself a bit isolated, and if he is to have any impact in the classics, it will largely be down to individual talent.
Sky ProCycling
Despite lacking a true GC contender (sorry Bradley Wiggins fans), Sky has a well-versed, winning squad. Versatile riders like Edvald Boasson Hagen, Geraint Thomas, Michael Rogers, and Rigoberto Urán will be bolstered by the arrival of Ryder Hesjedal. Sky should find themselves in the running in many week-long races.
Sky also employ the reigning World Champion, Simon Gerrans. The surprising winner has developed into one of the best puncheurs in the world, and will now have to deal with added expectations. Sky certainly have the team to support him, but can he deliver?
Team Garmin - Cervélo
One paper, a classics powerhouse. In practice, is another thing. Tom Boonen and George Hincapie join Thor Hushovd, Heinrich Haussler, Johan Vansummeren, and Martijn Maaskant, to form a potent force. While promising Sep Vanmarcke was squeezed out, it is clear what the American squad's ambitions are.
Beyond the cobblestones, Mark Renshaw will have his opportunity to move out from under Mark Cavendish's shadow. When the road goes up, with the exception of a couple riders, Garmin will fall back.
Team RadioShack
Like Katusha, RadioShack is another aging squad, dotted with some controversial names. It is perhaps the last gasp for Chris Horner, Andreas Klöden, and Haimar Zubeldia.
The team's fortunes come down to Janez Brajkovic and Tiago Machado. Long heralded prospects, they have yet to consistently deliver and will need to emerge. If not, the squad is in trouble.
Other Notable Teams
AG2R La Mondiale
AG2R's roster looks quite similar to its World Tour compatriots Cofidis and Saur, very solid for a Pro Continental side. The move down hurt the squad with the departures of Blel Kadri and Maximu Bouet, but should improve its performance. Led by Nicolas Roche, the roster will be a major force in the French domestic season
Acqua & Sapone
One more year for Stefano Garzelli and Massimo Codol. The former Giro champion is preparing himself for a final battle in the Italian mountains. The squad is preparing for his retirement, recruiting the promising Daniel Oss and the continuing development of Cayetano Sarmiento and Carlos Betancourt.
Androni Giocattoli
Androni were hard hit by losing Rujano and Sella. Still, they should be one of the major players in the Italian domestic scene, rolling out capable riders like Ángel Vicioso, Yaroslav Popovych, and José Serpa.
FDJ
In a recurring theme, FDJ find themselves well stocked with riders to compete on the domestic scene. Sandy Casar and Pierrick Féderigo are solid veterans, while Jérémy Roy and Arnold Jeanneson are developing into nice riders. Not likely a contender in World Tour races, FDJ have some work to do to avoid falling behind the other French teams.
Farnese Vini - Neri Sottoli
Giovanni Visconit will carry the banner for Farnese Vini. The ever dangerous rouleur, Visconti can win on various terrains, and with the defections of Oscar Gatto and Andrea Guardini, he will be counted on doing so. Maxime Monfort is a solid, if not odd, addition, while the return of Enrico Rossi is one not welcomed by many, and could cause unnecessary distractions.
Geox - TMC
Aging, but reliable, Geox are led by three strong climbers, Denis Menchov, Carlos Sastre, and Juan José Cobo. The three are still capable of impacting a major race, as seen with a 2-3-4 sweep in last year's Vuelta. Perhaps encouraged by the performance, the team will compete on higher level; last year the team failed to gain invites to the Giro and the Tour.
Miche - Guerciotti
Miche have stepped up its ranks, adding a lot of quality riders, entering the season with a much larger squad than in 2011. Not yet ready for the big time, the larger squad size will allow the team to compete on more fronts this season as it grows in reputation.
Skil -Shimano
Being a Dutch team, it is not a major surprise that Skil will shun the mountains. Their expertise, led by German Marcel Kittel, will be in the sprints. Along with Kittel, Kenny Van Hummel, Yukiya Arashiro, and Wim Stroetinga form a capable sprint force, giving the squad a good opportunity to rack up wins.
Team Europcar
The continued brilliance of Thomas Voeckler, the development of Pierre Rolland, and the recruitment of Blel Kadri, drives underdog Europcar on. Filled with some of the fan's favorite riders, the team will not be lacking in roadside support. On the road itself, the attacking spirit which pervades the ranks should generate good results.
Vacansoleil - DCM Pro Cycling Team
Following a disappointing WT campaign, Vacansoleil are back at the Pro Continental level. Big names like Mosquera and Riccò failed, but an emphasis on youth has the squad set up well. Thomas De Gendt, Bauke Mollema, and Wout Poels form a promising triumvirate for stage races, while Sep Vanmarcke adds to the classics capabilities.
...thanks...
