Firstly, I want to say that we do already have a good idea of which teams we will invite for ProContinental status, but that this application is still required for all D2 managers. And in some cases, the application quality here could make a difference.
You are applying for both PCT and CT status. Please note that there is no guarantee that you will get either, just because you have been part of the game in D2.
This application is also for us to get feedback on how D2 went from your perspective.
You can either post your application in here, or PM it to me.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it? And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season? Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game? If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
If, for some reason, you do not want to be considered for PCT selection, then that is fine - but you will need to say so in your application.
Also, if you are selected, you are welcome to keep as many of your current riders as you like on a mimimum wage. The database will be released before you need to make this decision though, so you will able to look at all of the riders that will be available as free agents first.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
For me personally, The Division 2 concept was great, in the way that I got to start the man-game kinda softly. I had allready before I sent my application followed the man-game for some months, and even though I loved to follow the huge races, it was way more interresting to follow my own team in smaller races, to see how my team performed against the same opposition (Could have been better results-wise )
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season? I think we should continue in the same matter. Have fewer race for the newer teams, try to continue to keep keep things simple and smooth in the start, and then people will figure out things when we are underway
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game? I love to play PCM and I keep playing my careers there, but this is not just a management game where you keep setting up a squad, tries to hold your budget and keep getting results. Of course, all those things belong to the man-game, but in addition to that, you have a big community of people that I this season got to be a part of, and that's one of the main reason I will apply this season as well
It is more encouraging and fun to play against other people than playing with bots, and thats what makes the man-game special for me
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season? If I get a renewed license, I will continue keeping a young profile of the team and develop talents rather than to buy finished trained prospects. I will keep the profiles(haha) of the team, like Sohrabi, Burlutsky, Reza and get in some new talented faces. Not necessarily from the middle east though, but that would be a huge plus. Our hope is therefore that we will get a competetive squad for the next edition for Tour de l'Avenir. If we succeed there, we know that it's just a matter of seasons before they also could get some great results among the seniors
I am therefore applying for PCT-licence, but if we get accepted into the CT-division instead, we'll of course take that
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
First off, it was very nice to get invited and start planning and everything. Basically all things involved in running a team are great fun. Learning the rules of the game in a setting with limitations makes it easier to get into it. That said it was a big leap from playing the game itself to only planning a season and let the AI play it. It was pretty unpredictable in CTDiv2, but those experiences will be a great asset for following seasons.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
Maybe some fewer races, but 6-8 riders in a race instead of 5. With a 5 man team there's quite a big gap to experiences playing the game and the way the man game works. Everything else was pretty much perfect in the D2.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
I'm still playing PCM11 as I didn't think PCM12 was worth the money. The game basically didn't change that much. (at least that's what I believe from reading the forum) I have done some longer careers and achieved results on most terrains so playing the game itself isn't that new or exciting to me anymore. Season and team planning however are things I just love to do and as that is the biggest part of the Man-Game I will keep my motivation for a long time.
The competition is also a lot harder, as season planning by AI as opposed to a real person is pretty easy. As such you don't get breaks in big races, like winning a Giro or Vuelta with your eyes closed. It's just more exciting to play against real opponents. The Man-Game makes the normal so much better.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
I will try to expand my team next season and be more competitive in the races I enter. Last season was kinda meh because I misjudged the relative importance of stats etc. Also the line ups weren't always that great. So with the new insights I have gained I want to develop my team. This means that quite a lot of riders will get fired, although some will stay like Kavsek, vd Sanden and JJ Navarro.
Hopefully I will find enough Dutch/German riders to keep my sponsors happy, but I will definitely look across borders to get some quality as well. I guess it all depends on the available riders.
2013 will also see Team UPC - Boehringer-Immelheim looking for more internationally orientated sponsors to keep growing and hopefully promote to the highest levels of the Man-Game in some years time.
This concludes my application, hopefully for PCT, as I love competition. The PCT promises to be very tough for a new team next season, so a chance there would be a huge challenge and boost to morale.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
I think it's a really good prep for the new managers to get into the game with no big pressure, and get some experience from it to continue through Continental division as it was know before the changes ahead of new season. I think everyone of participants took a lot of invaluable information, especially the off-season, the transfers and the schedules and how not to repeat the same mistakes again. Overall it's a great way for manager to prepare them for bigger challenges and even more importantly, it's good way of seeing what managers stay active and will deserve the now PCT / CT places.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
Tbh, I woudln't at all. I think our small division made the experience very personal, and our own personal race calendar made it very enthusisatic to follow. The rules were bit simplifed from the Continental division, but they key rules were same, and that gives the experience needed for the next season for all the managers that particiapted. The only small rule that could be beneficial is increasing the team size to 6-7 riders, as 5 riders per team in all the races proved to be too small at times.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
Well Man-Game gives me more excitement than actually playing PCM, If am truly honest. The off-season adds such an extra dimension to the game, the transfers and assembling your team makes it very personal and amazing experience. You become quite attached to the riders you buy and their efforts through the season. Man-Game is the best game I've ever played, and it brings so much fun that it's without any doubt I'd love to continue
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
My plans might change a bit with the addition of relegation to the game, however the plan is to build a team that will challenge for Pro Tour promotion in 3 years, saying so the priority will be to stay in PCT first of all and our biggest key as we can't afford to be relegated. So, the team will be a mix of old and young and coming riders. We'll continue in the same fashion as I did with Het - we'll we very rounded team focusing on hilly races, however the focus on GC's will be important too. With addition of HTC, we'll try to sign few Americans riders along our Belgian core, however we'll be very international team.
I'd similarly to Bjartne, would like to apply for the PCT licence.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
Fun all the time And to be honest, frustration too. But overall i dont regret for a second that i jumped the bandwagon of the man-game. I like the web manager games, but i have never seen one so complex and deep or game that would immediately catch me for its beauties. The thing that was very important for me was, that i learned about the principles and laws of this man-game throughout my presence in Div2. I probably could not have a worse start, when i went crazy in the transfer season and Roturn had to calm me down there. He succeeded and i hope i became the nice addition to the game, as it became nice addition to my every day life. I would recommend everyone on the site to try Div2 and how it is like to lead a cycling team in it.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
Speaking about Div2, i dont see many changes that are needed. Maybe raise the number of the riders in every team that can participate in the race, because i was sometimes really frustrated with lack of so-called teamwork with 5men teams. And i also had few riders that had so little race days and would be ideal in 6 men teams for example. Lets see also how the PCM 12 will change the game.
Also if possible, it would be nice to offer more wildcards for D2 teams to the CT races (if there will be some free spots with the new PCT/CT system, especially in C2 races).
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
Because it is the best game i was ever part of, without lies, i love it. The idea of the forum game is fantastic and because PCM Daily is one of the best places i have ever been virtually (i can chat with people here about cycling without feeling like a freak who likes the dopers.and not only cycling,rather just anything) also the man-game benefits from it. The reports of the races are great and i love the friendly battling atmosphere and discussions about the races, aswell reading about the opponents teams also in the higher divisions.
Main reason why i want to continue is CONTINUITY! I would like to have an option to manage my team against the new and tougher challenges. To continue building the team and still enjoy the game for at least one more year.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
My plans in the next season are to continue what we in Metinvest started a year ago. Build a strong, long lasting ukrainian based team, supported by the riders from neighbouring regions (east,south and central europe) and spiced up by few exotic cyclists.
The latter mentioned part of our rider focus (the worldwide scouting system for exotic riders) will be next year backened by rich and influental near-east company Emirates. Thus the team should be known as Metinvest Emirates in 2013.
I would like to apply for PCT license, however avoiding relegation should become our ultimate goal for the next season.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
The D2 was a great way to enter into the ManGame. It allowed me as a manager to spend a full cycle to experience every aspect of the game. It also allowed you time to evaluate the D2 managers before we joined the full tours (PT/CT). At times the downtime between races was frustrating, but looking back that is an excellent way to judge the D2 managers true enthusiasm and endurance for the long seasons.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
There are just 2 things I would recommend. First increase the number of riders per race from 5 to at least 6 or 7. The 5 rider teams seemed to confuse the AI and we got some wierd results. The other thing I would add would be to identify 3 key races on the D2 schedule and keep a points standings just for those three races. At the end of the 3 key races the top three points finishers would gain a bonus for thier team's budget going into the next season. This would guarantee the top D2 riders in these three key races and would act as a 4th team goal.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
I have been involved with running simulation leagues in American football, baseball and Ice Hockey and the ManGame is one of the best organized and administered I have encountered. The one thing that draws me in is the percentage of teams that return every season. This gives the game continuity and a common set of memories to share. I want to be able to create some lasting memories to add to the already stong legacy.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
I want to develop 1 or 2 of my own young riders to build our brand. The introduction to relegation adds a new twist, but building a core will be more important than worrying about relegation. I will continue to try and keep an American flavor to my team. The single biggest change will be expanding the team's focus to include sprinting, cobbles and time trialing. In our D2 season we focused on the Hills and mountains and it carried us well, but moving forward we will need a team that can compete and earn points on all types of terrain.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
Thoughts? It was great. Massive fun in the off season fighting for the riders, then following the races and noticing the good decisions/mistakes done in the planning, just great. Definitely the funniest, most interesting way to learn many things about the game - playing it, even if it's in a separate league.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
No 5 men teams Seriously though, I think the biggest problem for the D2 has been addressed with the brand new Continental system, as the main issue we could have with the previous system was the feeling that the D2 was kinda isolated from the rest of the game. If that hadn't been changed, I think an increased number of wilcards and a smaller budget difference with the Continental teams would have been okay, so D2 teams could take part in the main transfer season as well.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
Because it's awesome. I enjoyed evey part of it, from the transfer to the planning to reporting or following races. I love manager games, but this one is specially addicting. It has the "deepness" so to say that PCM can't even dream to get, and that's why it's so fantastic. And creating a team from scratch and getting it to the PT is much more interesting, and difficult, challenge here, I'm already excited about it.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
Well, it depends on whether I'm granted a PCT or CT spot. If we are PCT, I'll try to build a team as strong allround as possible, always with an Slovenian base (yes, yes, I know I can't even dream with Spilak or Jani), but also going for foreign leaders. The goal wouldn't be promotion obviously, but rather to establish a solid base to build a promotion challenger team in the near future.
If we get a CT license I'd focus much more in younger riders (not that I'd overlook youngsters if I'm PCT though), and Slovenian and Central Erupoean/Balkanic riders. Either way, and despite some bitter experiences this year , I'm still a classics lover, so in principle I'd like my team to be more focused in the hills.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
Firstly I’d like to say that I think of the Division 2 season being a learning experience. Yes, my team wasn’t very successful but I learned why as time went on, and given the opportunity to go through transfers and do race planning I would know what to do much better than I did this time. I didn’t achieve any goals, but late in the season we kicked on and we almost had 8th in the standings – after being 15th or 16th heading to Asturias in August. I also enjoyed watching the races in higher divisions, and the wildcards for activity and performance were really great. When Gaywood got his 9th place on a stage at the Int. Osterreich Rundfahrt, I was delighted – shame about the rest of his season! I also enjoyed the camaraderie with the other managers and the British rivalry with Vodafone before they disappeared. And like everyone, it was nice to be able to cheer for the underdogs like Armavia and Delhaize.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for the 2013 season?
The first thing I would like to say is that what I would have done to improve the D2 experience was a closer linking with the Continental Tour, and that has already been achieved. The 5 man teams are something that I was never keen on, as it made the races too much of a lottery for my liking, although it did create some great moments when the peloton couldn’t hold back the break – Burlutsky in Picardie and Dyson’s very own Charlie Wegelius on the final mountain stage of the Vuelta a Asturias. So, I’d be happy for them to be used again with small teams like we had in D2 this season. It would have been nice to have a slightly larger budget and to have competed in the main transfer season, but I think that by making smaller teams with lower budgets and national identities, it created a good season. Seeing teams based out of the Caucasus, but not out of Spain for example was weird but fun.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
I would like to continue to be part of the management game, as I really enjoy the strategy element and also the fact that you don’t have control over your riders, you just have to get the best you get and can hope for the best. It feels a lot more realistic than just playing on PCM, and it’s a lot more fun. Also, I enjoy writing the race reports, even when my team are going badly and if my computer could run any later PCM’s than 2008, I’d be happy to help out with reports, but the media aspect of the game is a lot of fun for me. I wasn’t accepted first time around last year, so I’ve become more active and matured a bit, not posting things that aren’t really necessary. The management game requires you to be analytical and shrewd financially, two things that I enjoy – well, it’s always nice to have money to spend, virtual or not!
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
I would intend to overhaul my team completely, to try and create a more successful team, firstly. I plan to have a team with a French core, but with other riders involved from other countries if I believe it will strengthen my team. I will also leave at least five spaces on my roster for Mongolian riders, to try and develop Mongolian cycling through my partnership with MIAT, the national airline of Mongolia. The team will be known as Evian-MIAT, and race under the Mongolian flag.
Should we become PCT, then I will aim to have team that is mainly aiming to move up through the divisions, with some young talents on board to be developed as well, as that’s a more sustainable way of developing success than simply hoarding aging stars and then having to spend big to replace them. I would look for riders like Stefan Denifl for example, to lead a team alongside people like Jocelin Maillet and PCM Daily favourite Yannick Talabardon, and then Uugunbayar from Proximus-Trek playing lead Mongolian, should finances allow it.
If we were to become a CT team, then I would concentrate more on developing young riders, alongside my experience Mongolian and French riders, as well as maybe one big name leader, possibly a Sprinter. I would aim to develop my riders with my team rather than loaning them out, and try to progress through the divisions with them – and that aim would include maxing out Kangarid Naran!
Of the riders that I currently have, there are only a few I may consider retaining as I believe they will struggle at a higher level. The riders I would consider, with the aim of developing them fully are Marco Brus, Ken Sebastien Vassdal, and possibly Daniel Eliad. I may keep Simon Gaywood on, depending on how much his stats decline.
Thanks for this opportunity to apply, and good luck to all the applicants.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
To be honest, it was a great experience and it provides a good basis to start off with the man-game. I myself had never really followed any of the previous seasons, so when the opportunity to join the PCT ranks came about, I passed on. However, with the D2 being introduced, I made the move because it seemed all a bit more simplified, as everyone in this Division started off from scratch (meaning a team thread with no riders). It was great to actually be involved in the complete building of a team and thanks to my specific rider region I immediately learned to watch out for avoidable mistakes, as for example I got sandbagged right away by choosing russia, only to later on find out, that Russian riders that are not taken by the pro-squads arent really that good... But eventhough I faced major upsets, I had some minor success and I had great fun celebrating my... Wait for It... 2 Victories this year... A last point I would like to raise, is that the very thin race schedule, gave me an experience of what to expect from the man-game, as we went long portions withut a race whatsoever...
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
I think the greatest concern that has to be raised is the nationality rule. Speaking of myself, I had a very hard time finding 9 capable Russian riders that could race at a level which would not make my team a huge joke (well, thanks to a certain Indonesian and my lack of wins this happened anyway, but thats not the issue here). In my opinion, the rules should be eased a bit on the nationality restriction so that people that choose to field a team from a small cycling country have a better chance. In my opinion, smaller nations would have a better chance with 7 riders and the rest can be allowed foreigners... Or balance it out, by saying that teams from bigger nations have to take 10 riders from their country (I believe we had to take 9). Apart from that the Division 2 is great as it stands.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
One Word: Redemption!
Why Redemption? Well its Easy. At the beginning of this years season, many people in the man-game saw my Team at the Top of the reankings. And from week to week, My Team did worse and Worse (without the odd exception or two). It went so far as to the point that Smowz started making fun of one rider in particular (Samai Samai was a failure, I admit) and in the end, the whole team. Granted, a lot of that is my own fault, for buying those riders in first place. But I have learned from my mistakes and I want to prove that with results in the next season.
Plus the whole presentation and "Fake" Press that is shattered around the Man-Game has got me, and I would love to continue that.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
Well, I want to continue the plan I have already announced in my Team Thread. I want to keep the Russian Focus and challenge the best. Being promoted and having the chance to actually be competing for riders in the main Transfer season would be a huge step in the right direction. Plus, I want to continue making the Man-Game more Versatile. The whole Game just needs more Teams from the smaller Cycling Nations, as the Majority of Teams in the Man-Game have a french, belgian, italian or dutch background, with german teams being on the rise as well. Thus my goal is to create a Russian Team that again has a strong russian core in order to show the big naions what they lack. And If I finish last, so be it, but I would like the chance to field my Team with a Pro Continental Status.
On a side note:
If we are not picked for the CT Division, do we remain in the D2?
miggi133 wrote:
I myself had never really followed any of the previous seasons, so when the opportunity to join the PCT ranks came about, I passed on.
However, with the D2 being introduced, I made the move because it seemed all a bit more simplified, as everyone in this Division started off from scratch (meaning a team thread with no riders)
I would be really surprised if that was different for the new CT teams back then
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
It was some of the most fun i have had in a while the interaction certainly brings a whole new element to the game. My first example of this would be some of the creative discussion we managed to get up to during the stage races me and i believe stevenag had some great disscussion about Korko and Haddou during one stage race in their fight for the green jersey and it brought a new element to the game for me being able to share my joy and competitiveness with fellow managers is something i really would like to take part in again next season. My main goals going into this season were to hit the top 10 after our predictions of just a top 15 finish and we went over and above that which i was extremely happy about and proved my confidence that i had had in this team at the start of the season and putting my backing into CTDIV2 top sprinter Said Haddou.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
The main improvement for me would have to be to allow the CTDIV2 teams to interact more with the CTDIV which i see has been done a bit more with this new system being put in place but if the Div2 does go ahead like sporting says this would be helpful to fill the gaps were there are no teams in races or a lack of teams and would also create more intrest for all div2 managers as even when i wasn;t racing in Cdiv i loved to see combined teams of Div2 riders and other Div2 teams racing so that would be my one improvement.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
I would like to continue in the management game as i feel it to be the most expansive and most enjoyable way to experience PCM as the interaction with other players cannot be achieved or has not yet in the online mode available with the game. I also believe that i have made some great friends and rivals in this game an example already used is the Haddou sprint rivals from last year which defiantly improved my experience in the game as well as making me have more drive to improve and continue with my team this year. I would also like to see my team provide the Man-Game with a monument winner from Canada whether that type of rider is already in the game (probably not) or one that i can could develop by myself this would keep me interested in the development of the game and provide motivation for me to keep on giving effort in my team throughout the coming seasons.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
The team will be looking to become an French-Canadian (Alstorm-RBC) squad with the possibility of looking for some talent from these nations and being able to nature it into a high class team from them. I would like to think we can be competitive at Pro Conti level and we will be applying to that level but if that is not the case and the UCI deicde against we would like to also appl for contiental divison status. The main targets would of course be Coppel and Hesjadel but i know that they may not be attainable in the first few season that we establish ourselves so to start with a would be looking towards a stage hunting team(again!) this will involve sprinting riders(like haddou last year) Anthony Lavoine is one rider i have pinpointed for this role and i have also looked at some lead-out riders for him already but not wanting to name names the other side of the team will riders chasing the break Nicolas Edet style of racing where we will try and find mountains jerseys and look for exposure for the sponsors on board with our team. The type of races i would look to par-take in would be mainly French races and many America Tour races this would include the likes of The Tour of Meditteraneen , Tour of Batenkill, The Tour of Colorado and of Course the GP Montreal and GP Quebec which will be my two main targets for next season assuming they are still in the continental tour. For the future i will be of course looking towards the future i would one day like to attain the acclaim of a monument in my time this would probably be my main goal followed by secondary goals of getting to the world tour and taking home a jersey in a GTour stage race.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
I really enjoyed being a part of Division 2, it was a great way of getting us managers integrated into the man-game. It was very effective in giving us an easy start, and I believe that every manager will have learnt a lot about how to be effective in the man-game. It was very fun getting involved in bidding wars over different riders, for me personally I had to buy Laverde Jimenez for the biggest fee in the game. It required a lot of going back and forth before I decided to put in that final offer. I also really enjoyed the initiative of putting certain riders into CT races, this gave me the opportunity to cheer on the my riders alongside the rest of the division.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for the 2013 season?
I think that converting D2 into the Continental tour and therefore racing it alongside the Pro-Continental tour will help to improve the experience. This means that although teams have smaller budgets they can try to compete alongside the PCT for the same riders, however they still have the benefits of being separated from the main division. I think that although the 5 man teams made races very chaotic it increased the unpredictability and excitement of the races. I think that the division would benefit from allowing six riders to race in the bigger stage races, but I think that it definitely made the classics more exciting.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
I really enjoyed being part of the man-game last year. I have always loved management games such as Football Manager, although I enjoy being in control of a team, there is nothing more tense than building a team using a certain budget and watching them in actual races. I loved seeing my team compete against other members of pcm and although I had a very successful season I would still enjoy the challenge of fighting relegation with a worse team. One thing that the man-game has that other games don't is the forum's in which you can write reports about your team's performance and also talk about the future of your team, something which I really enjoy.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
If I am selected for the next season of the man game I would be looking to remain as a Venezuelan based team, however as with the current season I would be very open to signing up other South American riders and the occasional overseas rider. I have seen that Cafe de Columbia has shut down, which would open up the possibility of signing a few high quality Columbian free agents. The chances are I will probably keep maximum 1 or 2 riders from my current team if I get into the Pro-Continental and maybe a few more if I am selected for the CT.
I will look to continue my specialisation with a climbing team, however I will also to bring in a few hilly riders as I know how important the classics are. This means that I will be looking to bring in 2 main leaders and then mainly mountain domestiques. I will probably look to bring in a few young riders who show potential and whom I can hopefully develop so they can be possible stars in the future.
The main difference between the structure of my team if I were to be selected as PCT of CT is the amount of variety that I would have in my team. If I were in the PCT I would sign a few more riders to increase the variety in my team, such as signing a few sprinters and time-trialists. Where as with just a CT team I would be more specialised around a mountain team, and hope to gain promotion by winning as many climbing races as possible.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
Firstly it has been a great experience to participate, and I thank the management for letting me in, as it has been great fun to take part in. There have been times where it has been less fun, but that seems to be connected with the succes (or rather lack of) of my team. It is a really good way to get introduced into the ManGame, as it isn't overly crowded with races, so it is possible for new managers to get a good feel of the game. I really hope that I will be accepted into a higher division next season, as I for one would love to handle a bigger squad and more races. Overall: a great experience.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
The main thing would probably be the 5 man squads. Perhaps it is a bit small, and the gap between CTD2 and the higher levels may be too big, but that is mostly a guess, as I haven´t experienced anything yet. Otherwise I can´t think of anything really. Although, you could wish that managers were more active in media threads across divisions, but that isn't really for the management to do anything about.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
ManGame is the most fun game I have ever played.. True story bro'. It is even better than an actual PCM experience. Also, I love selecting riders for my team, and follow their luck in races. Even though it's frustrating at times, but that is all part of the game. Also, I would be able to contribute with a good media thread, and relevant activity throughout the season. And I would just love to follow some of my boys into the next season.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
I have learned from my mistakes, and with a more spots on my roster, I will be able to correct them I hope, by not putting all my faith in very few riders. So for instance I will try to have 2 sprinters. My team will try to sign as many lithuanian and swedish riders as possible, if they are good eneough. Otherwise I would have an international focus, and will aim for succes as fast as possible. Trying to win races in every terrain all season long.
I will vacuum the market for swedish and lithuanian riders, and sign the best available, and then I would expand my horizon and look for riders all over the world. To me it doesn't matter what passport a rider holds. If he is able to win races, he's a target for my team.
Now that division 2 is over, what are your thoughts on it?
My thoughts on D2 are it is was a very competitive division, i remember at one stage my team where 11th in the standings then a few races later we where second last. The reports of all the races were detailed with very good screenshots of all the important action from the race. The suspense the reporters created made for edge of the seat stuff. Overall i thought the D2 was a enjoyable division to be apart of and it also gave a fantastic insight into the world of the man game.
How would you improve the D2 experience for 2013?
I would encourage more people to report on the game so D2 can run at the same intensity as the rest if the man game, i found reports of some races were a few weeks or a month apart. Overall the expereince was fantastic, therefore i can't think of anything else.
Why do you want to continue to be apart of the managemant game?
I want to continue to be apart of the man game because, the enjoyement and excitement of thenwholem man game and reading the reports of how your team do is like nothing else on this forum. In a story you already know the result and how your team has done before you post. Whereas the man game offers the suspense and read down the report. The emotions of supporting your team throughout a season really make for great media stories, which now i think i prefer to write rather than a story. I would like to try my new ideas for teams out.
If selected, what are your plans for a team in the 2013 season?
My plan for a team would be to help grow young riders from a lesser nation in the cycling world. Currently i have an idea to take on the challenge of a Ukrainian backed team to try and other something different to thr the man game. Despite backing a European team, i would like to help grow a few riders from other continents eg. South America, Asia. I feel this adds to the challenge and excitement of managing a team in the man game.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
Pretty much what i was promised. I had a lot of fun during the races, as long as i was competing for something. On the more negative note, a lot of the races got somewhat boring because they felt to much alike, and it was a little to difficult to keep track of which rider on the other teams was any good (except the big names like Haddou).
The transfer market got a little strange because there was to many similar riders on about the same level. It made it a little strange when your best rider and the one you signed to fill up the squad was on the same wage.
The same could be said for the races, there is not to many real favorites for the races making it more of a lottery.
This might seem like a big rant, but overall i had a great experience. Balancing this kind of thing is pretty impossible, and you got as close as you could ever get.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
One idea i had, that might be stupid and might be great would be to make the new youths for the season available after the normal transfer window is closed. And then let the Div2-teams fight for them. This could make the Div2 a little more exciting for everyone as it would be the first time the greats of tomorrow would shine. It would also in many ways be pretty realistic, since most riders start out at small teams. Of course, they would all be released at the end of the season.
Something else i would like to see is, as i've mentioned before, some races of a little bit bigger standard then the rest. Just to make you a little bit more pumped.
The other thing that should be looked into is the fact that the Div2 ends up as pretty much its own game, and you never really feel like you are part of the same world as the big teams. I have no idea how it should be fixed, but it is worth looking into i think.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
Even though i really liked being part of the Div2 i felt like it was a tryout for the next season where i hopefully can have a "real" team. I was probably not the most active of the Div2teams, mainly do to the fact that i got a real job and needed a period to settle into that life from being a student for many years. That time is over now, and i should hopefully be more active this season.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
I wrote something about my failures in my team-thread, but what i want for my next season tacticly is to sign a few relativly big names and more GC-type guys then what i had in my team. Of my own riders i guess i see nobody ending up in my new team for next season.
I am going to build my squad around eastern europeans (i am planning for a Yugoslavian reunion) but the big names are gonna be international. The team name and shirt is gonna change, and none of my riders are going to follow me. These plans could change if i find a more profitable approach.
Now that the Division 2 season is over, what are your thoughts on it?
I think the last year it was full of excitement and fun because the man-game. After i left the football manager ESL community because of the lack of motivation, i never thinked i will be addicted ever for a manager game. The D2 it was not just a game, it was a feeling. Sometime i waked up and first thing on the internet i checked the pcmdaily threads, searching for a newly opened race tread or for newly updated results.
About the division. I think we reached to be an excellent community. Not only the D2 managers, but the GM's, race reporters, the helpful 'skilled'community members, the shirt makers,etc.
About the game experience. It was a lot better then the offline PCM for sure. I think the game makers can learn a lot of you guys. If one of the PCM future parts will be half of interesting (managing game wise) then the man-game, that will be a great addition. My only negative feeling come because the 5 man line-ups, sometimes made me crazy when i saw what the teams doing (or not doing).
About the learning. Clearly the best part of the D2 opprtunity was the experience gaining. About the man-game overall, abut basics, about the transfers, about the race schedules, about a planning, about each other. As i said earlier it was a great pleasure to interact with our new growing community.
About the mistakes. This is one of the biggest gainings of this D2 season. We maked a lot of mistakes, nearly all of us. And i think we learned the lesson this way. After this season i have better ideas what to make and what not in the future.
And how would you improve the D2 experience for a 2013 season?
I think the D2 it was ok for us, for the newcomers. The simple version of the PT and CT. A school version. A better seeing on the dynamics of the game. A real training room. Only the 5 man lineups proved a negative effect for me.
Why do you want to continue to be part of the management game?
Because i love it. Really. I play online or offline manager games from around 1996 (good old Championship Manager 2) and this year in D2 proved to be one of the better game experience for me. And i know the D2 its just the gate for the CT and PT, so i wish to taste the better part of the cookie.
The second part its the community. Its fun to be member of this great, interactive community.
And the competition. I want to measure up myself against the skilled and professional players of this game.
If you are selected, what are your plans for your team in the 2013 season?
As i said i want to play with and against the 'big guys', but truly, the first seasons will be a survivor game. But i need to see beyond that, see to the future and build up a team, that after a few seasons can go to fight for the promosion.
For the surviving part i need some veteran, skilled and experienced cyclists who can obtain the needed points to avoid the bottom of the rankings.
For the future i need some talented youngsters, from the next generaton of the man-game stars.
So i try to build up a team balancing this two principles. I know, its sounding like a common thing, but will be hard to realize that.
I must admit I haven't been one of the more active members in the D2 community. First I must say that it has been a real privilege to be a part of continental division 2 in this last year. Reports have been awesome and my fellow managers have always entertained us with fun and entertaining views and interpretations of the races.
It has been a pleasure for me, and my team Team Serbian Telekom to be part of the Div2 circus, but due to a lot of personal and other reasons I feel the management game would do much better with someone who has more time and energy to focus on and develop his team than me.
I will skip the part about season impressions, as this man-game season has been truly memorable in every way. Congratulations to everybody for all the victories, and I hope to contribute to pcmdaily in some other way when time and circumstances allow me.
Cheers!
If offense is the best defence, does it mean that defence is the worst defence?
If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord will delete my browser history.
Now that division 2 is over, what are your thoughts on it?
My thoughts on D2 are it is was a very competitive division, i remember at one stage my team where 11th in the standings then a few races later we where second last. The reports of all the races were detailed with very good screenshots of all the important action from the race. The suspense the reporters created made for edge of the seat stuff. Overall i thought the D2 was a enjoyable division to be apart of and it also gave a fantastic insight into the world of the man game.
How would you improve the D2 experience for 2013?
I would encourage more people to report on the game so D2 can run at the same intensity as the rest if the man game, i found reports of some races were a few weeks or a month apart. Overall the expereince was fantastic, therefore i can't think of anything else.
Why do you want to continue to be apart of the managemant game?
I want to continue to be apart of the man game because, the enjoyement and excitement of thenwholem man game and reading the reports of how your team do is like nothing else on this forum. In a story you already know the result and how your team has done before you post. Whereas the man game offers the suspense and read down the report. The emotions of supporting your team throughout a season really make for great media stories, which now i think i prefer to write rather than a story. I would like to try my new ideas for teams out.
If selected, what are your plans for a team in the 2013 season?
My plan for a team would be to help grow young riders from a lesser nation in the cycling world. Currently i have an idea to take on the challenge of Belarusian backed team to try and other something different to the the man game. Despite backing a European team, i would like to help grow a few riders from other continents eg. South America, Asia. I feel this adds to the challenge and excitement of managing a team in the man game. I feel my taking on the challenge of improving and bringing success the the country of Belarus, it offers more recognition for the country and a chance for the country to impress on the world stage in the World Championships if someone is able to improve the cycling talent in the country.
) 
Sohrabi, 
Burlutsky, 
The idea of the forum game is fantastic and because PCM Daily is one of the best places i have ever been virtually (i can chat with people here about cycling without feeling like a freak who likes the dopers.and not only cycling,rather just anything) also the man-game benefits from it. The reports of the races are great and i love the friendly battling atmosphere and discussions about the races, aswell reading about the opponents teams also in the higher divisions.
Seriously though, I think the biggest problem for the D2 has been addressed with the brand new Continental system, as the main issue we could have with the previous system was the feeling that the D2 was kinda isolated from the rest of the game. If that hadn't been changed, I think an increased number of wilcards and a smaller budget difference with the Continental teams would have been okay, so D2 teams could take part in the main transfer season as well.
