I think i'm going to make the change and go to C, but It will take me a lot of editing so that it feels similar to how it was previously, as I want to keep the story going, rather than just starting again with the same team?
One final thing:
The team would like to announce a few final ins and outs for the season:
Joseph Dombrowski has joined the side from Livestrong U23
The young american has had a promising season in the CT and with many teams vying for his signature, we jumped in and snapped up the hot american prospect for the next 3 years!
Peter Stetina leaves for Garmin
He hoped to be a more prominent figure in our fledgling season, and has decided that he will have more success returning to his former side for next year.
We wish Peter all the best for next season, and hope he grows into a successful rider under the direction of Garmin.
Edited by baggieboys32 on 16-07-2012 01:05
One thing this story had was unique developement. Nothing was as IRL. Now that is changed with mergers and such. No offense, but I just don't like having OPQ and RNT, and Argos. Just makes the story less unique and interesting.
I just realized that editing all the teams back with a 2012 db would be treachorous. Well, that sucks.
At least we have that future white jersey and GC TDF winner on our side.
Wait, I just realized that it'd be almost
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
I think it corrupted when i was doing the work between seasons (realistic transfers) which i think were fine
(Lance Armstrong) might be where it went wrong
Updating some teams - other possibility
Anyhow, I suppose i could just use a weekly and run with it, though to be honest, I want to get on PCM'12 as i like the new AI, and hate the sprinting fails that you get with '10
baggieboys32 wrote:
I think it corrupted when i was doing the work between seasons (realistic transfers) which i think were fine
(Lance Armstrong) might be where it went wrong
Updating some teams - other possibility
Anyhow, I suppose i could just use a weekly and run with it, though to be honest, I want to get on PCM'12 as i like the new AI, and hate the sprinting fails that you get with '10
I've seen gameplay and there are still sprinting fails.
But i understand. Just don't want to see this story die. Like someone (valv?) said, don't want it to be like doing a new career with the same team, you know?
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
I'm sticking with 2010 for my story, 2012 can be for me to play without a story
I've found a Weekly save that works and backed it up, I'll do the transfers tomorrow morning to keep it more real, and I'll find a way to tidy up the Lance Issue and then we can get going as soon as Fcancellara has done my jersey
I'm here for the presentation of the UCi World Tour for the coming season, first up, here is the final collection of teams who made the cut, and have been accepted into the World Tour...
AG2R La Mondiale
They were predicted a quiet season last year, but scraped through, and have come back with a few squad additions, Leif Hoste, and Sylvain Chavanel both join the french outift, and with the extra cobbles strength, they will surely look to improve on last season.
Astana Pro Cycling Team
Astana finished 6th in the World Tour last year, largely due to the early season success of Romain Kreuziger, they have added core strength, though there most notable signings might well raise some eyebrows, Ricardo Riccó and Mikel Astarloza both join the side, clearly Astana have been willing to overlook the questionable pasts of the duo.
BMC Racing
A mediocre season last year for BMC, though they don't appear to have had a particularly expansive budget to improve on there performance. Deeny leaves Exxon-Walmart for BMC, whose most notable other signings are Quinziato joining from Liquigas to improve there chances on the cobbles, and veteran sprinter Robbie Mcewen who joins from Katusha.
Newly promoted FDJ have made some decent additions to there team, Sivtsov joins from the dying HTC outfit, he is a decent puncher but can he provide enough to keep the team at the top?
They also signed Dumoulin and Pauriol from Cofidis which adds some high quality in sprints and climbs. It remains to be seen whether this team will be competitive, though I suspect they've done enough.
The US outfit has a large collection of riders who will be competitive in smaller tours, such as Hesjedal, newly signed Ritchie Porte, Dan Martin, Christian Vandevelde and more. However, in terms of a Focal point for GT's There is no one you could see making the podium.
They seem to be relying on a team effort, and have added some great riders, making good use of the relegated teams. Tony Martin and Ritchie Porte are there big name signings, who will surely lead to yet more Garmin TT dominance!
Katusha
The Russian outfit still lacks a true sprinters, but expect some major GT dominance next year! Joining Rodriguez and Di Luca, are 2 more absolutely proven GT riders!
Michele Scarponi has moved away from Lampre to pick up a more Lucrative contract after his Giro dominance, and Denis Menchov moves from Geox, looking for a side who could guarantee him GT opportunities, rather than relying upon Wildcards.
They've thinned out there overflowing collection of ageing Punchers, Kolobnev, Ivanov and TT specialist Karpets all leave the side, but overall they've gotten stronger in the pre-season.
Lampre - ISD
With Scarponi's unpredicted exit, the Italian side was forced into action to find a replacement, Kim Kirchen returns after his heart problems, and whilst he lacks Scarponis Mountain ability, he is still a useful asset.
The best leader the team could find was Pozzovivo from Colnago. Whilst nobody is doubting his ability to stick with the best in the climbs, he really isn't strong against the clock, so he may struggle to repeat Scarpo's performance last year.
In terms of sprinters, Napolitano joins Petacchi at Lampre from Acqua and Sapone. If the two can work together, this could be a joyous partnership, but they may compete too much within the team, it'll be interesting to see!
Landbouwrekrediet
The last team we will take a look at before the adverts break, is newly promoted Belgian team Lanbouwrekrediet. The man that got them up has left for Dutch Giants Rabobank, but the team has clearly been provided with a budget to keep them at the top!
They make 3 major signings: Millar, Van Den Broeck and Devolder.
They appear to be trying to maintain a largely Belgian squad, but they've collected some of the best in VdB and Devolder. The one worry for the side is the lack of support for the leaders, especially VdB, but Millar may go some way to solving that issue, as well as providing a great TT'er who will look to collect wins during the season.
That's it for now, Join again soon for Part 2 of 3 where we look at the rest of the World Tour, before we explore the ins and outs of last years UCi World Tour, the recently renamed Exxon-Walmart, who have agreed to let us take a special inside look at the team, and do a feature on there hopes for the season!
Welcome back after the break, hope you've all had a chance to take in the first 9, here are the second set, picking up after Landbouwrekediet, we next have...
Leopard Trek
Leopard watched TdFrance winner Andy Schleck walk out the front of the door at the end of the season following a contract disagreement, what could the team do to replace such a high profile rider?
Well, They've opted to increase Franks contract, which means we see the pair split teams for the first time. They also collected the signatures of Mikel Nieve and Peter Velits who will provide Frank with very rounded mountain support in his race, and signed sprinter Matt Goss from HTC's crumbled remnants.
The australian comes out from under the HTC wing, and it'll be interesting to see how he can perform along side Bennati. The final signing from the busy team, was Gustav Erik Larsson, the Swedish TT specialist. The team has some very powerful Rouleurs now, so expect to see a strong Leopard Leadout!
Liquigas - Cannondale
Liqugas maintained a very similar squad from last year to this, waving farewell to riders such as Daniel Oss, Elle Viviani and Mauro Finetto, but they have added a strong Puncher in Albasini, and Argentine Sprinter Haedo moves from Saxobank after there relegation.
The team looks to be similar in strength to last season, though Albasini adds another dimension to what looks to be one of the best WT sides!
MovistarTeam
Movistar have only made a few changes to the side, but a budget increase is obvious, and has been brilliantly used!
They have signed Xavier Florencio from Geox, who whilst not great, is one of the better spanish cobblers, and will make a powerful Rouleur for the side as well.
The real change however comes in the Climbing. They sign 2 of the Worlds absolute best, Alejandro Valverde and Alberto Contador!
The duo will have to be carefully used, as it seems they'll be willing to work for one another, but with one returning from a Doping suspension, and the other an Injury Plagued season, they will both be fired up to turn things around, so expect a destructive Movistar outfit next year!
Omega Pharma Lotto
Lotto look weaker after the break, losing there GT man Van den Broeck to Belgian newboys has made them a much less rounded squad, and limited signings haven't really solved the issue.
Haussler moves from Garmin, presumably as a leadout for both Greipel in sprints, and Gilbert in Cobbles/Hills. They also add fan favourite Jens Voigt to the side, who may provide just what the team requires: Someone to get them something in Grand Tours.
Expect OPL to be heavily involved in breakaways, as they are just left powerless in the big climbs...
Quickstep Cycling Team
After talk of a merger with Omega faded, Quickstep turned there attention back towards the next season. They also lack a top GC man, but have placed high hopes on Dutch rider Thomas Dekker. They also signed Powerhouse Bert Grabsch to help there leadout in the sprints, and Marco Bandiera joins as an extra sprinter.
Clearly then, Quickstep are gunning for classics with Boonen, and after that they seem to be hopeful of many a stage victory, with there never ending list of sprinters.
Rabobank
The Dutch giants have made some serious improvements over the winter. Nuyens returns after a patch with Saxobank to pick up his mantle as Cobbles leader, along side Matti Breschel.
The team also signed last years CT individual winner, Bobbie Traksel who will have an interesting role in the side, as a classics rider, slightly trapped behind the best. Perhaps a powerful breakaway man throughout the year then?
The bosses at Radioshack clearly made the decision this winter, that Quality rather than Quantity was what's required to make a winning formula. As such, they only made one noteworthy signing in the closed season - Andy Schleck.
Yup that's right folks, after his exit from Leopard, several teams were known to be keen to snap up the TdF winner, but in the end, he decided that the American outfit would suit him best, where he will receive help from Levi Leipheimer, Kloden, Brajkovic, Popovych etc
Sky Procycling
Sky's signings are broadly one dimensional, and in fact come from just one team!
They saw the potential for a winning formula on the Flat, and have snapped up a Trio who make for some deadly finishes!
Mark Cavendish is Skys (Expected) big name signing, but following to Sky are his HTC team mates Bernie Eisel and Mark Renshaw. The guys had limited success last season, but in a team which has been going from strength to strength, they should be able to flourish next year.
Vacansoleil -DCM
Vacansoleil have made just 2 main signings in the off-season, Sergio Henao; the hot climbing prospect has joined the side hoping to learn from De Gendt and Mosquera.
There second signing is a much bigger name, Theo Bos has moved from Rabobank to a side which he feels suits him better. He will certainly be one of the key riders next season, in a squad which is highly varied in nature!
The final part of our presentation, is our in depth look at the team which last year, in it's first ever season won the UCi World Tour!
The first thing we note on arrival is the teams new look, with the change of sponsorship from Duke Energy to Walmart, comes an utterly new look.
The lead designer of Calvin Klein, Fcancellara has been working hard to provide this seasons jersey, and the team has moved away from it's Red multi-tone, to a Sky blue, in the colours of new sponsor, Walmart.
We've been told that we can officially release the kit for next season during our overview, so without further ado, here is the 2012 Exxon-Walmart Kit!
We really like it, and owe much thanks to its designer, FCancellara, hopefully the team will do it proud over the season, providing many a victory in there second year on the road.
The Team
Regarding the team, we've been allowed an interview with the newest staff member, Lance Armstrong!
David Harmon (Eurosport): Lance, Thanks for having us in like this, it really lets the fans get to know you all, now, can I ask how pre-season has gone so far?
Lance Armstrong: Well, we knew it'd be hectic what with the change of sponsor and everything. We've moved the Team HQ during the winter to a much nicer building in the outskirts of Salt lake city in Utah, which gives us good access to the best locations in the US.
The riders are just coming back to training now, and we're preparing for a trip to Southern Italy shortly for our pre-season work.
David Harmon (Eurosport): What of the team, obviously with you retiring last year there were some holes to be filled, can you tell us more about the teams signings?
Lance Armstrong: We have a long list of signings, unsurprising for such a new team, it would take too long to go through them all... A few names worth mentioning are - George Hincapie, Tejay Van Garderen, Joe Dombrowski and Greg Brenes
David Harmon (Eurosport): Dombrowski? Thats not a signing which has been well reported?
Lance Armstrong: We kept Joe's move hidden as best we could initially, as we didn't want to place any pressure on him after his move from a small CT team to such a Big name outfit.
We think he'll make a great addition to the side, and we'll look to help him really develop into a great rider. He wants to win and thats the most important thing of all, he's shown us he has talent, so expect to see him fighting hard for us!
David Harmon (Eurosport): Thanks Lance, I understand you're going to be doing a full team presentation yourself now?
Lance Armstrong: Indeed i am, we'll take you through our leaders and full squad for the coming season very shortly.
The team has 3 named leaders this season, Tyler Farrar, Tejay Van Garderen and Chris Horner.
Tyler proved last year just how fast he is, with more victories to his name than any other rider. His targets for the coming season entirely focussed upon the Tour de France.
He missed out on the Green jersey at Le Tour last year finishing 2nd, and we intend to rectify that mistake. The Tour De France team will be focussed entirely on the Maillot Vert this year, and it will be Tyler Farrar that we rally behind for that role.
This year Chris is looking for a repeat of his Vuelta performance, but will be skipping the Giro, focussing instead on the Ardennes and Vuelta A Espana.
Tejay Van Garderen is one of the hottest prospects in American cycling. His one target for this season is the Young Jersey at Il Giro D'Italia, a difficult, but possible challenge for him.
The team wants to put VG on the Podium in shorter tours as well, Tejays season will be mostly very early, as he rides in many week-long tours, mostly towards the beginning of the season.
Protected Riders
A fair collection to talk about here, let's start with a new signing, George Hincapie.
Last season we were made all too aware of our lacking in the cobbles, 10th in the Gent-Wevelgem was as good as it got. George has been brought in to try and rectify that.
Along side the Flanders classics, Hincapie will ride Le Tour as a guiding hand on our younger side, as he looks to compete in his 17th TdF!
Danielson had success in the Tour of Oman last year, this year he will be our GC man for the Tour. Whilst the Yellow is not our overall Goal, Danielson will look to do as well as possible, and may look for a stage win if circumstances allow it.
His powerful TT also make him a useful team mate throughout the season, and when required, he will ride for Horner, VG and Farrar.
He will get opportunities of his own in shorter races, but his lack of a TT make him much more suited to a supporting role for our bigger leaders.
What a man to be able to call upon! David Zabriskie gave his all non-stop throughout last season, even picking up an astounding 5th place at Il Giro Di Lombardia!
This season he will build up for the Tour, where he looks to shine as a Leadout for Farrar.
The final thing to give you all, is an overview of the whole squad:
We think the team looks pretty well rounded, and due to a strong youth contingent, we should be just getting stronger, for many many years.
Edited by baggieboys32 on 17-07-2012 01:39
PCM10 rocks, one of the main reasons I love this story. 
