A main for the mountains, with a diesel engine that makes him a useful time triallist as well for stage races. Peter is our absolute leader this year and brings plenty of experience in the PT especially with Moser - Sygic. He wanted to lead at the top level of a race again as age starts to come after him, and he's got a contract with us to do just that. But don't let being on the wrong side of 30 fool you: he's a threat and has a lot of fight left.

A Welshman with a lot of experience doing well in PCT, coming to us from Grieg-Eftel after being a big asset as they won the division last season! If he can replicate his performances and then take it up a notch as full leader, we'll be very grateful indeed. No winning the division required, just a top 20 would be nice. We wouldn't say no, though! Luke is a sprinter who is adept in hard classics against wind or even in small groups, as well as being proficient over the cobbles. He is much more than a sprinter as a flat powerhouse, great technically and loyal teammate where required.

The Eritrean has been an outside contender for a number of years in the PCT cobbles clashes, usually giving up his attacking to support Lagab (who we just missed out on, grrr). But we think he's a) awesome and b) got room still to improve, and took a long punt on him and bidding very hight. A late bloomer, perhaps, but will already get leading opportunities to show off his all-around skills, big engine and big punch. Then after next year, the sky is the limit.

FLA	MON	HIL	TT	STA	RES	REC	COB	SPR	ACC	FTR	DH	PRL
74	67	73	72	74	78	69	75	69	78	72	74	74
Max:
75	67	74	72	75	79	70	77	69	78	73	74	74

#ClassicsNeedsACC

Our second sprinter/part-time leader has arrived. He came into 2017 as one of the most hyped sprinters in the PCT after his huge 2016 season in orange at Strava, train-stealing in Dunkerque to two stage wins (one of which he definitely didn't win, but I'm meant to be hyping him up) and also winning some German sprint classic I'm not paid enough to look up, as well as consistent results. His 2017 season wasn't so stellar but with less pressure due to Rowe being in the team and maybe a better season plan this tough sprinter, who can contest bumpy or windy classics or even light cobbles, can hopefully return towards the dizzying heights of his Strava days.

@Atlantius - Cheers

@trekbmc - Van der Sande gets my first Crommy impression of the year


Can't argue with train stealer, his Clarke resemblance in tactics is half the reason we signed him Yeah very happy with the three others, and yeah, Debesay is the perfect man, all-around and that RES/ACC combo - love at first sight!

I sure hope so, would be a nice way to get rid of the bad memories from this transfers. Cheers!

@Abhishek - Thanks mate Was a tough few days but I'm very proud of how it's gone - and thankful for the support I've received from fellow managers

See you soon, let's show the PCT what we can do

@Jakstar - Thanks, they're pretty sweet! Not super secure in the squad doing really well myself, but thanks for the confidence

@trek - Doesn't show them crossing the line, VDS had a great bike throw against the tactically inept Vantomme

Aquarius97 wrote:
Really happy that you've been to turn around thing in transfers after a very bad start with those constant late overbids, and now it seems like you got a great squad

Also, no need to fight for who's better between Vantomme and Van der Sande, Roelandts will beat them both

@Vien - Ah well, he's still really good! Thanks

@SotD - Thanks a lot, cool to get some praise from a MG legend Hope that the all-around quality and multi-layered leader structure will see us pick up points in most areas, especially if planned well!

Eden95 wrote:
Ah, you're the lucky guy who snavelled Debesay

Gratz on the signings - looks like you'll do pretty well in the upcoming season.

Also, what did Velits do to those guys behind him?

Booker wrote:
Velits, Van der Sande, Rowe - clearly you've gone for proven quality here. There would obviously not have been room on the roster for a perennial dark horse such as Simon Clarke...

It looks like you'll be a solid mid-table team (or higher, or lower. I don't really know what I'm basing that prediction off of. Feel like Sean Kelly talking out of his ass)

Waiting to see how Repsol can screw you this season

knockout wrote:
Some very interesting leaders. Velits should still be quite good and i love Debesay. Rowe is an interesting wildcard while Tosh brings some Strava magic. Lovely group of riders