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PCM.daily » PCM Stories & Story Games » PCM 18: Stories
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Diamonds in the Rough
Fabianski
+2 Hills
+2 Acceleration
 
jandal7
Good discussion and catch up is what I recommended Marcus. Maybe listen to the love guru jandal next time Marcus! Great victory though, not all awkward in Canada, very well taken waiting for the sprint. I always enjoy his attacking spirit but he's turning into a smarter and still aggressive racer and I love to see it!
+1 Baroudeur
+1 Mountain
+1 Downhill
+1 Resistance
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
Mresuperstar
@All: Thank you so much for the nominations for One-Rider Story of the Year and Story Writer of the Year. I'm an old veteran at this point, but the recognition is always inspiring. I appreciate everyone who takes the time out of their busy days to read what I have to say. It's truly a privilege.

You guys jump started my IRL sports journalism career.

So, again, Thank You!

As you have probably noticed, this story has been quiet for a few months. September through May is always crazy busy for me in IRL. The last thing I want to do after writing all day for my job is to write some more on PCMDaily, sadly. Just like last year (when this same hiatus happened), I want to say that I do want to get back into this story when my job lightens up again. Sorry for the lengthy delay.

Marcus Diamond still has a lot of story left to tell. Be back soon!

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/na90EEd.jpg

Monthly Review

Hours turned to days, as head coach Roy Hendriksen wanted to go through all his notes and film before deciding on an opening day Starting XI. After what seemed like months in my mind just second guessing if I had done enough, I finally got the text: "Congrats, you are starting Friday. Let's see what you can do."

Game on. The start of a new chapter with Helmond Sport.

Match Day #1 vs. Jong Ajax (0-0-0)
August 6, 2021
The reserve team for the well-known Dutch club Ajax.

Spoiler

Match Day #2 at FC Dordrecht (1-0-0)
August 13, 2021
Dordrecht wasn't had a winning season since 2014.

Spoiler

Match Day #3 vs. Almere City (1-1-0)
August 21, 2021
Another bottom feeder, Almere has finished 19th the last two seasons.

Spoiler

Match Day #4 vs. FC Emmen (0-2-1)
August 23, 2021
Only one goal in three games for FC Emmen so far.

Spoiler

Match Day #5 at MVV (1-3-0)
August 28, 2021
Tensions in the locker room on the rise after three straight defeats.

Spoiler

League Standings (5/38 Games Played)

i.imgur.com/KUmZrjd.jpg

Calendar

i.imgur.com/0Z9Ou1D.jpg

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/wqSLP4i.jpg

Training Ground
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Debut Goal: Along with training ground upgrade points, one stat locked attribute will be lifted thanks to Diamond's debut goal with the club. Whichever stat locked attribute is voted for the most will be unlocked.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
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Posted on 06-04-2025 14:01
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jandal7
A few locked attributes I'd like to see lifted but I have to go to passing. Can be swayed though if anyone thinks otherwise.

Not the best of starts to the season, the opening game aside. Hilarious stolen goal though :lol:

+2 Vision
+1 Flair
+2 Technique
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
panicmaster
Passing would be ok for me 2.

+5 Leadership
 
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/Vhvj6Ej.jpg

Monthly Review

Not many races left with EvoPro before joining the SEG Racing Academy next season. I have learned a lot here and have grown stronger. The best thing I can do to show my appreciation to the program is to continue giving 110%.

Six race days ahead in August to pedal through.

Race Day #36 at Hansa Bygg Kalmar RR
August 4, 2021
Two years ago, I secured an 8th. Now, I'm the top favourite.

i.imgur.com/fNo3gFc.jpg

Spoiler

Race Day #37-40 at Czech Cycling Tour
August 9-12, 2021
Can't believe it's already been a year since I took a stage win here.

Stage 1:

i.imgur.com/R427kNM.jpg

Spoiler

Stage 2:

i.imgur.com/4uTQL4O.jpg

Spoiler

Stage 3:

i.imgur.com/pLvJyLq.jpg

Spoiler

Stage 4:

i.imgur.com/vVtzQRA.jpg

Spoiler

Race Day #41 at Croatia-Slovenia
August 26, 2021
Still riding a high after what happened two weeks ago.

i.imgur.com/26t9csN.jpg

Spoiler

Calendar

Spoiler

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/reRpzKs.jpg

Training Ride
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Share the Wealth?: After an impressive month, Marcus Diamond is being pressured by his teammates to split a portion of his winnings.

(Option A) Split the small prize pool evenly. Keep the peace at the Team HQ by obeying an unwritten cycling tradition.

(Option B) Keep the money. I'm leaving in a couple months anyways. I'll use the extra cash to buy better training equipment for the offseason.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
jandal7
Wow, Marcus looking super strong, what a month! First GC win is amazing BananaBananaBanana as was Alex in yellow. Great time in Slovenia too, pure power! Option A

+2 MO
+1 FTR
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
jaxika
Option B
+3 MO



Also:
Passing
+5 Vision
Edited by jaxika on 03-02-2020 11:03
 
panicmaster
Option B

+3 Recovery
 
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/c6vLD0T.jpg

Monthly Review

Football, the beautiful game. Well, not so much here in Helmond. They say you can't win the title in August, but you can surely lose it. That's looking like the case here after starting 1-3-1. Maybe we can turn it around?

Match Day #6 at Sparta (2-0-3)
September 3, 2021
Five games in and Sparta has yet to be dealt a defeat.

Spoiler

Match Day #7 vs. SC Cambuur (2-2-2)
September 10, 2021
Going on five games without a win, spirits are low at the moment.

Spoiler

Match Day #8 vs. Jong PSV (2-3-2)
September 17, 2021
Defense needs improvement, 17 goals allowed is the most in the league.

Spoiler

KNVB Beker at FC Eindhoven
September 21, 2021
First Round: The Dutch Cup starts against a strong Jupiler League side.

Spoiler

Match Day #9 at FC Eindhoven (5-3-0)
September 24, 2021
The league rematch from the cup loss three days later.

Spoiler

League Standings (9/38 Games Played)

i.imgur.com/sQojge8.jpg

Calendar

i.imgur.com/TrB1jhQ.jpg

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/xhhrvbW.jpg

Training Ground
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Stat Locks: A forgettable month will cost Marcus Diamond with two stat locks. Any attribute that doesn't receive at least a 2.0 upgrade is subjected to being locked.

Edited by Mresuperstar on 26-03-2020 17:37
 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/vfSnaxg.jpg

Monthly Review

Leading up to the World Championships at the end of the month, I was contacted by The Guardian for a phone interview. Fairly standard stuff. Happy to talk about making the Great Britain road race squad for a second season year in a row.

Although, one question did get me thinking...

"Marcus, I don't mean to be blunt, but why stick with football if the cycling career is really starting to take off? Wouldn't it be easier to put all your effort into one sport and go all-in?"

Before answering, I looked around my living room. Memorabilia everywhere.

"It's a fair question. But, as a kid I always dreamed of signing a contract with a top flight football club. I went to Tottenham games as a kid and visualized myself on the pitch with the likes of Heurelho Gomes and Gareth Bale. I still believe I can fulfill those childhood dreams, and maybe... just maybe bring a World Cup back to England one day. If not, I always got this cycling thing to fall back on."

Race Day #42 at Tour du Doubs
September 9, 2021
Bumpy course around the outskirts of the Jura Mountains.

i.imgur.com/55uTzXz.jpg

Spoiler

Race Day #43 at Gooikse Pijl
September 23, 2021
Last cobbled race of the season; took 2nd here in 2019.

i.imgur.com/I4uwcpX.jpg

Spoiler

Race Day #44 at World RR Championships
September 30, 2021
I didn't expect to see my ugly mug on the front page. Still pretty cool.

i.imgur.com/u801dGL.jpg

Spoiler

Calendar

Spoiler

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/qKqO1DE.jpg

Training Ride
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Press Time?: After doing The Guardian interview, other media outlets are trying to get a hold of Marcus Diamond for stories in their publications. Should Diamond take the time to do more interviews?

(Option A) Yes. More publicity can only raise my popularity.

(Option B) No. I'd rather avoid media attention and that pressure.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/cpJHdT2.jpg

Monthly Review

Surely this can't get any worse. Helmond Sport hasn't won a game since the season-opener on August 6th. That's a winless streak of nine games. Placing us firmly in the relegation conversation. Time to turn things around... please.

Match Day #10 at NAC (6-2-1)
October 1, 2021
A chance to keep the winless streak from hitting double-digits.

Spoiler

Match Day #11 at Jong AZ (2-5-3)
October 8, 2021
From a rocking atmosphere last game to 280 fans in the stands.

Spoiler

Match Day #12 vs. Achilles '29 (1-4-6)
October 15, 2021
Surprisingly, a team that has had a worse start to the year than us.

Spoiler

Match Day #13 at Go Ahead Eagles (6-2-4)
October 22, 2021
Momentum found, now let's put it to the test against a high-caliber team.

Spoiler

Match Day #14 vs. Fortuna Sittard (6-4-3)
October 29, 2021
Middle of the pack side that have started to slip in recent weeks.

Spoiler

League Standings (14/38 Games Played)

i.imgur.com/p8EDHLY.jpg

Calendar

i.imgur.com/vGp4qXw.jpg

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/3di4qfv.jpg

Training Ground
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Stat Locks (Resolved): Leadership and free kick taking are locked.

National Team Call-Up?: Recently appointed Nigeria head coach Jay-Jay Okocha reached out to Marcus Diamond to offer him a starting spot in Nigeria's final World Cup qualifying game against South Africa.

"I'm willing to take the chance on you kid," Okocha said over the phone. "We have an open spot at CAM for you if you want it. I know this is a big decision, but we would be honored to have you represent Nigeria on the national stage. We believe you have the potential to be something special and help us reach that next level."

Nigeria enters the final game of World Cup qualifying with everything on the line. A win, or possibly a draw, gets them back to the World Cup for a fourth straight appearance — a club record.

i.imgur.com/jfcw7Ze.jpg

"If we win this game," Okocha continued. "I can guarantee you a spot on the 2022 World Cup roster. This is your chance to shine on a big stage."

i.imgur.com/Qm3aXva.jpg

More info about Nigeria: The Flying Eagles have never advanced past the Round of 16 at the World Cup. Currently ranked 41st in the world.

(Option A) Yes, let's do it. Lock in Diamond's first national cap with Nigeria, the birthplace of his grandfather, and represent the Flying Eagles.

(Option B) Turn down the offer. Hold out for the chance to represent No. 3-nationally ranked England in the future. A childhood dream that is starting to look unlikely with 25-year-old Dele Alli controlling the midfield and a lack of call ups to represent England's youth sides. Diamond could also possibly play for 23rd ranked Scotland if he so desired as well, but it certainly wouldn't be at next year's World Cup.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
jandal7
Steadily improving form for Marcus and Helmond on the football side of things, but hopefully they can climb the table a bit more.
+2 Flair
+3 Vision

Really really interesting dilemma with Nigeria. Huge opportunity to play for a decent national team (any national team at all is very cool too), but from what I remember Marcus has always really dreamed of England right? Plus having Scotland as another, higher-ranked fallback is a pro for Option B. Might go for Option A for now but might change.

For the cycling dilemma (guess it's too late for stats), I think Option B is fine for now.
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
sammyt93
+2 Passing
+3 Technique

For the football I would go for Option B, Marcus has always been very keen on England and 21 seems a little early to commit to another nation and give up on that dream.

Then for the cycling I'd say Option B aswell, probably best to avoid that media pressure for now, I don't think he needs the distraction of the media circus right now.
 
Ian Superstar
Going for Option A to join the Nigeria national team because I need to break this tie and I would like to see Marcus Diamond play some international football. Wink Grin
i67.photobucket.com/albums/h320/MatthiasVleminckx/sig_zpsdd3d4c4a.jpg
 
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/oUCFsSz.jpg

Monthly Review

After waiting a couple of days in deciding whether or not to talk with reporters, I quickly found out they had moved on to another breaking news cycling story. My time in the spotlight was up, while Alex Vogel made her way into the headlines.

Due to consistent revenue shortfalls and disputes against the eligibility of transgender cyclists, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) announced the abandonment of the Women's World Tour for the foreseeable future.

All women and transgender cyclists will now race in the modified men's circuit, which will simply become a co-ed division called the UCI World Tour. This decision comes with the introduction and inclusion of new technology to the sport.

All cyclists at the beginning of the year and prior to the start of the Tour de France will send in Power Meter Metrics (PMM) across various terrains in a controlled training environment to set an average low baseline PMM score for each gender.

The baseline PMMs will be balanced out via synchronized motors on everyone's bike before each race. This technology will allow men, female and transgender cyclists to compete on an even playing field. That said, the best athletes who can produce power over the baseline set for their gender will rise to top.

I know Alex is ecstatic with the change. She was able to hang with the boys before, but now with a power surge, the sky truly is the limit. Having more female friends to ride with is also a nice bonus for her... and me.

Before embarking on this new era of cycling, time to finish out my journey with EvoPro Racing. My final month wearing this sexy green jersey.

Race Day #45 at Paris-Bourges
October 4, 2021
More bumps. Not my favourite, but I can tolerate.

i.imgur.com/DAgP2dl.jpg

Spoiler

Race Day #46 at Japan Cup
October 21, 2021
Last race of the season, and with EvoPro Racing.

i.imgur.com/sx4yne5.jpg

Spoiler

Calendar

Spoiler

Evaluation

*To be updated in the upcoming 2021 Season Review post.*

R&R: No training ride this month. Start of the offseason.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
jandal7
Woah, crazy changes in the cycling world Shock Looking forward to seeing AVV especially in the new mixed peloton though Grin

Ian Superstar wrote:
Going for Option A to join the Nigeria national team because I need to break this tie and I would like to see Marcus Diamond play some international football. Wink Grin

Bring back The Two of Us
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
Mresuperstar
i.imgur.com/jYSQaRD.jpg

Monthly Review

I hung up the phone. I was overjoyed and kind of sad at the same time. I couldn't stop thinking about what my dad would have said if he was still alive. I think he would have been proud. I didn't plan for this to happen, but it feels right.

I accepted Jay-Jay Okocha's offer to represent the Nigeria national team.

My childhood dream of playing for England was exactly that, a dream. I can't afford to wait around for a better opportunity to come along. Seize the chances you are given. That's what I plan to do with a berth in the World Cup on the line.

But first, a club tune-up game with Helmond Sport.

Match Day #15 at De Graafschap (10-3-2)
November 5, 2021
On the road against the league leaders. This can't end well.

Spoiler

World Cup Qualifier Match #6 vs. South Africa
November 12, 2021
First international appearance for Marcus Diamond with Nigeria.

Spoiler

Match Day #17 vs. Telstar (5-8-3)
November 19, 2021
Helmond Sport drew 1-1 with FC Den Bosch while I was with Nigeria.

Spoiler

Match Day #18 vs. RKC (4-7-6)
November 26, 2021
Another year older. Happy belated birthday to me.

Spoiler

Match Day #19 at Jung Utrecht (5-13-0)
November 29, 2021
Only three days rest, but Jung Utrecht is at the bottom of the table.

Spoiler

League Standings (19/38 Games Played)

i.imgur.com/kqfNEPo.jpg

Calendar

Club

i.imgur.com/nUm9UmS.jpg

International

The World Cup draw doesn't happen until next month, but there is another big international competition coming up in January: the African Championship of Nations. That group draw happened this month.

i.imgur.com/TxuStZB.jpg

Given my performance against South Africa, I've already been invited to compete. There will also be two friendlies against Madagascar (Jan. 5) and England (Jan. 8) before the tournament. I would give anything to be in the starting XI to square off against England. That would be incredible.

Evaluation

i.imgur.com/2uDQ4AH.jpg

Training Ground
*Community Growth Development*

Spoiler

Stat Lock Lifted: Due to an exceptional month, Marcus Diamond will see one stat lock lifted. Whichever locked attribute receives the most votes gets restored. A tie will be decided by a random generator.

World Cup Draw: Predictions for one of the biggest events in sports are well underway. Who will end up in the Group of Death? Who gets the easy path to the quarterfinals? Can Croatia repeat? Will China bribe the organizers to get an easy group after taking over hosting duties from Qatar, who failed to be prepared in time? Here are the pots:

i.imgur.com/7QzsrUu.jpg

Correctly pick who ends up in Nigeria's group to earn perks in the future. The more teams you get right, the more perks you will receive.

 
https://twitter.com/Mresuperstar
jandal7
What a crazy awesome month, just brilliant. We're going to the World Cup GrinGrinGrin

Tough choice for the locked stat as there's a fair few I'd like to see unlocked, but I'll toss a vote to... Anticipation. Happy with that, Long Shots, Finishing or Composure though. Not sure Frown

+2 Flair
+1 Natural Fitness
+2 Off the Ball

Group pick:
Argentina
France
Nigeria
USA
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] i.imgur.com/c85NSl6.png Xero Racing

i.imgur.com/PdCbs9I.png
i.imgur.com/RPIlJYr.png
5x i.imgur.com/wM6Wok5.png x5
i.imgur.com/olRsxdu.png
2x pcmdaily.com/images/mg/Awards2021/funniest21.png x2
2x i.imgur.com/TUidkLG.png x2
 
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