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Challenge Phosphatier Discussion Thread
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| cio93 |
Posted on 16-11-2013 18:21
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The Continental Division turns its attention to Morocco, where the Challenge Phosphatier provides a fantastic route for anyone interested in another round of  Iberia versus  Gazelle.
The course features a brutal climb that has to be done 20 times. Nothing else is worth mentioning as the lap only consists of this climb and a descent back to the finish line.
It looks a bit like the usual Australian NC, except for this hill having about 15% average! Whoever comes out on top after those grueling 6184 metres of climbing deserves all the praise.
Pre-race, experts are puzzled whether this is actually a course for puncheurs or rather one for climbers.
The stage is rated hilly, but it probably has more climbing than a TdF queen stage!
In either case, there are two stand-out teams as always.
Gazelle has their usual lineup ready for a massive points haul. Weening is supported by Furdi, Westra and 4 additional established puncheurs.
Iberia is ready to counter though. Co-leaders Sammy Sanchez and Purito Rodriguez have an equally strong team, featuring Valencia and the usual further suspects.
If the route turns out to be very hard, Purito gains a small advantage on Weening. Will that make the difference today?
Local rider  Tarek Chaoufi, fellow African  Ngue and CSC's expensive transfer surprise  Sergio Barrio would be some of the riders the most harmed if the race turns out to favor more complete climbers.
If it doesn't, you have to fancy them for the win.
On a slightly lower level, but suffering from the same problem are HTC's young gun  van der Lijke or Die Berg's  Ospina. Both teams field counterbalancing riders in Serry and Ibarguren though.
On the other hand,  Yannick Talabardon (who doesn't love him?) would benefit from a high Mo/Hil ratio as well as  Tamayo from the third PCT team Armavia.
Actually, there is a fourth PCT team present here, and it's no surprise it is African-oriented Jaguar.  Tesfar Teklit is probably their best hope for a decent result.
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| aidanvn13 |
Posted on 16-11-2013 19:01
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Seems like a bit too much for Ngue. I think Niyonshuti would be our main man 
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| Smowz |
Posted on 16-11-2013 20:12
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Underlines again the proper planning of Iberia and Gazelle, they deserve to share the spoils.
I fancy Weening here.
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| jaxika |
Posted on 17-11-2013 07:52
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Yep, everybody loves Talabardon (in the team, but not in THAT way), so all he need its a lovely top10 place  |
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| DubbelDekker |
Posted on 17-11-2013 16:19
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One of our season goals! We need a top 10.
Hoping for a huge battle on this pretty scary route.
I do expect to reach the top 10 goal, but winning wont be easy against a mighty Iberia and some teams with strong leaders.
If Samu can hang on, the descent finish gives him a good chance, I think.
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| Mresuperstar |
Posted on 17-11-2013 16:54
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Come on Barrio! Every point counts.
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| Dippofix |
Posted on 17-11-2013 17:18
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Uhh, interesting course!
I suppose Gazelle will dominate this one again.
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| cio93 |
Posted on 19-11-2013 18:16
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Sorry for the delay guys, I got the flu on Saturday. This should be up Friday at the latest.
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| DubbelDekker |
Posted on 19-11-2013 21:03
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No problem. Get well soon!
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| Dippofix |
Posted on 20-11-2013 12:30
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No wonder with this sort of weather. 
Gute Besserung!
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 25-11-2024 02:16
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| tsmoha |
Posted on 31-12-2013 12:52
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So we decided to take over the races from cio and i will do the report for this race then! Maybe online already tonight!
So you may read the preview for a second time to get a feeling of this classic
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| FroomeDog99 |
Posted on 31-12-2013 15:25
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Looking forward to this. We haven't raced in a while, with Alsace and Cauberg Classic also delayed. Chaoufi needs a result on home turf to keep us in the promotion hunt. |
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| FroomeDog99 |
Posted on 01-01-2014 11:31
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Very poor effort from Chaoufi... One of the favourites finishing 29 mins down is just terrible. I guess there was a high Mo:hill ratio and that affected him with 62 Mountain. Time to get training Tarik.
Ghafari did very well to get eighth in the end, salvaging at least something from this race. Dissapointed in his final sprint though, as he has got a good sprint on him.
Congrats to aidan, getting a great surprise result for MTN. Always good to see them do well. Thanks for the report tsmoha
Edited by FroomeDog99 on 01-01-2014 11:54
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| aidanvn13 |
Posted on 01-01-2014 14:16
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A very unexpected win for us! I originally thought Ngue would be our top placing, but it turned out that the Mountain stat was very important in this race. That could explain why a favourite like Chaoufi was so disappointing. Niyonshuti hasn't exactly over-performed this year, but this is by far one of the best results for him and us!
Thanks for taking over the reporting reins, Tsmoha! And thanks FroomeDog for the kind words
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| FroomeDog99 |
Posted on 01-01-2014 14:48
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It could have been the mountain stat, but Rodriguez was also dropped with 76 mountain which was strange. |
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| aidanvn13 |
Posted on 01-01-2014 14:51
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FroomeDog99 wrote:
It could have been the mountain stat, but Rodriguez was also dropped with 76 mountain which was strange.
He was dropped, but that was after his crash
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| DubbelDekker |
Posted on 01-01-2014 20:21
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Congrats Aidan! A well deserved victory; Niyonshuti was amazing.
2nd and 11th is a fine result; I'm satisfied. Another goal reached.
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| Smowz |
Posted on 01-01-2014 22:44
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Agreed that it is always nice to see an active manager rewarded. MTN have a philosophy it is easy to admire, a fine win here over a decent cast.
A pretty nice tactical race also, with the most attacking rider rewarded.
Thanks Tsmoha for taking the reins.
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| Cycleman123 |
Posted on 01-01-2014 22:53
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Great race! Gripping 'till the end.
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| Vien |
Posted on 07-01-2014 15:42
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Finally back at uni and what a nice surprise to see one of our talents doing so well! Keep dem African points coming
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