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Tour of Vancouver Discussion
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| Ulrich Ulriksen |
Posted on 15-02-2024 02:24
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Directeur Sportif
Posts: 3262
Joined: 02-11-2010
PCM$: 300.00
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 Tour of Vancouver
The Tour of Vancouver enters it’s 2nd decade with the 2023 edition. Andrei Amador is the only rider to score two victories over that time. Last year it was Sepp Kuss taking the GC, he is laboring in obscure mediocrity in the PCT this year so won’t have a chance to defend his title.  Kritskiy, who won the inaugural edition of this race back in 2013, is the only former winer in the bunch, a repeat seems unlikely ( Alarcon won the White Jersey that year, and is also back).
The route is the same as last year, an opening short mountain TT up Coquitam Mountain and a closing TTT in Richmond. In between 3 sprint stages and 2 for the climbers.
And the likely identity of that new race winner is  Chiarello. No Berhane here so he has a clear edge over the rest of the field. His only concern will be to open up enough gap before the TTT, particularly versus 2nd favorite  Lunke, to make sure Crabbe doesn’t have to sweat the TTT.
The contenders include:
| Rider | MT | HI | TT | RS | RC | | Chiarello | 79 | 75 | 73 | 74 | 77 | | Lunke | 78 | 72 | 73 | 74 | 78 | | Manfredi | 78 | 65 | 65 | 73 | 72 | | Alarcon | 78 | 67 | 61 | 65 | 64 |  Elosegui | 77 | 71 | 72 | 80 | 83 |  Gall | 77 | 76 | 63 | 71 | 72 |  Grmay | 77 | 74 | 65 | 73 | 76 |  Iturria | 77 | 73 | 72 | 74 | 76 | | Schelling | 77 | 72 | 70 | 74 | 72 |  Aru | 77 | 73 | 63 | 74 | 75 | | Ciccone | 77 | 73 | 71 | 70 | 73 | | Rochas | 77 | 74 | 61 | 70 | 73 |  Roglic | 77 | 73 | 69 | 71 | 70 |  Schleck | 77 | 73 | 53 | 71 | 78 |  O'Connor | 77 | 70 | 71 | 72 | 75 |  Mannion | 77 | 71 | 64 | 76 | 65 |  Rhim | 77 | 72 | 62 | 72 | 73 |  Lemus Davila | 77 | 72 | 72 | 70 | 68 | | Kritskiy | 77 | 68 | 73 | 66 | 64 |
The two already mentioned are a cut above the rest. The next two, Alarcon and Manfredi. are heavily one dimensional. Then there is a large group of similar climbers. Among those Elosegui and Iturria stand out as being better on the TT bike and with strong secondaries, while Gall is the punchiest of the contenders. Lunke and Chiarello should take the top two steps there will be a very health battle for third and that may well come down to the TTT.
| All | Top 5 | Top 3 | | SEE Turtles | 71.3 | 74.6 | 75.0 | | Podium Ambition | 70.9 | 75.0 | 76.3 | | Bordeaux Métropole - Euskotren | 70.3 | 73.6 | 74.7 | | Crabbe-CC Chevigny | 69.8 | 71.2 | 72.7 | | Team Würth MODYF | 68.5 | 73.6 | 75.3 | | Manada Coyote | 68.3 | 70.0 | 71.3 | | Simba Cement - Tanga Fresh | 66.1 | 68.2 | 69.3 | | Adidas - Eurocash | 65.9 | 68.4 | 71.7 | | Gjensidige Pro Cycling Team | 65.4 | 69.0 | 72.7 | | Strava | 65.0 | 65.6 | 66.7 | | Caja Rural Cycling Team | 64.9 | 66.8 | 68.0 | | Air New Zealand-Alfa Romeo | 64.6 | 68.8 | 70.7 | | Babymetal Cycling | 64.0 | 66.6 | 67.7 | | Hilcona Racing Team | 63.8 | 66.6 | 67.7 | | Ekoi - Le Creuset | 63.4 | 65.8 | 67.0 | | Spark-BNZ Racing | 62.9 | 67.0 | 70.0 | | Zwift Pro Cycling | 62.0 | 64.6 | 66.7 | | Saeco | 61.1 | 63.4 | 66.7 |
Most teams have not brought TTT focused squads so the margins could be small, and how well they protect their GC riders will also be important. Chiarello’s position will be reinforced by his relatively strong TTT team. SEE Turtles and Podium Ambition bring the strongest TTT squads. The Turtles will be favorites for the stage but given Alarcon’s limited skill set it isn’t clear he will be competitive in the GC. While Podium Ambition have two solid contenders in O'Connor and Canty neither may not be strong enough to contest the top of the GC. Among the riders not called Chiarello the best placed to take advantage of the TTT are Elosegui and Iturria, both of whom ride for squads with a shot at a top 5 finish in the TTT.
In addition to the TTT and the 3-mountain focused stage there are also 3 flat stages so the race has attracted a reasonable selection of sprinters.
| Rider | FL | SP | AC | RS | | Minali | 73 | 79 | 79 | 74 |  Riabushenko | 76 | 79 | 77 | 74 | | Scott | 72 | 78 | 78 | 71 | | Sanikwathi | 72 | 78 | 78 | 67 | | Cisse | 74 | 78 | 77 | 67 | | Altanzul | 72 | 78 | 75 | 73 | | Colbrelli | 73 | 78 | 73 | 70 | | Wippert | 69 | 77 | 81 | 69 | | Mudgway | 70 | 76 | 78 | 66 | | Oka | 73 | 76 | 76 | 72 | | Kreder | 72 | 76 | 76 | 69 | | Dzervus | 72 | 76 | 75 | 70 | | Stepniak | 69 | 76 | 74 | 65 |
Minali is the strongest on paper but will have to hope his team gets the leadouts right. The Team Würth MODYF roster doesn’t include any riders suitable for that duty. In contrast some of their competitors look a little stronger, Scott and Sanikwathi both bring a legitimate lead out rider while Babymetal have a compete train in Riabushenko, Dzervus, and Niu. Simba Cement also bring two strong sprinters in Cisse and Wippert but neither seems totally suitable as a lead out man.
Overall, 18 teams and 142 riders will contest the race. Spark and Zwift representing the PCT division.
First stage should post in about 48 hours.
Startlist
 
Man Game: McCormick Pro Cycling |
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| Laurens147 |
Posted on 15-02-2024 07:25
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Protected Rider
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Thanks UU for the preview! 
My TTT line-up is better than I thought, seeing the other contenders here. I'm curious if Chiarello can score immediately in the MTT.
I hope Elosegui finally can score a top-5/top-3 here.
MG - Lotto - Caloi
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| kandesbunzler26 |
Posted on 15-02-2024 14:00
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Posts: 1119
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We're hoping for a GC Top 10 with Gall here, but it could also end like in Austria with him losing plenty of time in stage 4 and then there are not many chances for stage hunting left. But hopefully his mountain support is good enough especially with Chevrier (though Chiarello shows again and again that'a an overrated concept). And additionally we wouldn't mind seeing Jiang meddling in the sprints and getting a Top 10 or two.
Best of luck to everyone and thanks to Ulrich for the preview and the reports!
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 15-02-2024 17:21
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
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Lets see what happens here. Hoping the TT distance does count and can put us in the Top10.
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| Jakstar22 |
Posted on 16-02-2024 03:41
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Team Leader
Posts: 7293
Joined: 11-04-2012
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Hopefully Scott and Schleck can give this a crack! Obviously GC isn't going to be easy but I'd love to see them competing in this race as they have a great chance as the secondary leaders.
Good luck everyone and great preview!
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| Ezeefreak |
Posted on 16-02-2024 07:52
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Domestique
Posts: 555
Joined: 06-07-2009
PCM$: 300.00
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Thanks for the Preview.
On paper it looks like we should be able to deliver well here and score. Buuuut this was like this on other races before too and then we didnt really get the highlight we wanted.
I hope Elosegui with Schellings help can reach Top 5 overall at least. White Jersey should be the minimum. Besides this I hope Minali can finally score bigger. And I have to opose the preview here, he might not be the best sprinter (yet) but STalberg is here as the Leadout for Minali ????
I wih everyone as succesful race (but behind me of course) !
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 22-11-2024 04:03
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| seancoll |
Posted on 16-02-2024 16:18
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Domestique
Posts: 480
Joined: 20-12-2022
PCM$: 500.00
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Alarcon did well in the opening TT last year and hopefully his reduced stats still allow him a top 8 on the stage. Otherwise, I fear for my mountain core although Squire should be able to do something.
Definitely relying on dropping Alarcon and Squire in the TT though which could be very helpful. Still, looking for Oka to nab a few lower sprint placings and then a point-worthy TTT to find success.
My prediction is:
1. Chiarello
2. Iturria
3. O'Connor
4. Lunke
5. Elosegui
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 17-02-2024 07:36
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
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Good opening stage with 4th for Canty and O'Connor in the Top10. Foundation set, if we can hold onto one of those Top10's i'll be happy.
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| Imladrik |
Posted on 17-02-2024 20:48
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 808
Joined: 05-10-2021
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First stage is decent, we can capitalize on that.
TTT team is good, mountain support is decent with Armirail, Weinstein and of course Rochas as a loyal lieutenant, so top 5 should be a must.
Thanks for the report and the preview!
“...the secret of the Great Stories is that they have no secrets. The Great Stories are the ones you have heard and want to hear again. The ones you can enter anywhere and inhabit comfortably."
A. Roy
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| Fabianski |
Posted on 17-02-2024 23:15
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Grand Tour Specialist
Posts: 4669
Joined: 29-09-2018
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Chiarello doing Chiarello things, congrats to Laurens on another win! If he keeps yellow all the way, that could be yet another great scoring race for them, with Chiarello sealing promotion almost on his own...
But Lunke got really close, if he can keep that gap, Gjensidige might regret not having sent their best TTT setup. Although that didn't work out in Olympia anyway, too top-heavy...
Let's hope for some great fights in the mountains now 
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| Jakstar22 |
Posted on 18-02-2024 06:16
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Team Leader
Posts: 7293
Joined: 11-04-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Wow we really needed that!!! Cameron Scott and Mudgway have done exactly what I wanted them to do in the c2 races! Scott did excellent and gets the win!! First win of the season I think. Great work!!
Mudgway in 9th too is even more points! Keen to see Scott taking care of the points jersey tomorrow as well!
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| Laurens147 |
Posted on 18-02-2024 07:39
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Protected Rider
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Congrats Jakstar, great win!
Ofcourse we’re happy with Chiarello’s win and the good sprint from Altanzul. Curious to see how the mountain stages will evolve! Edmondson isn’t here, so the support is even worse than normal 
MG - Lotto - Caloi
[MG] New Manager of the Year - PCM.daily Awards 2022
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| Ezeefreak |
Posted on 18-02-2024 08:29
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Domestique
Posts: 555
Joined: 06-07-2009
PCM$: 300.00
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First thanks for the reports.
Now, I am not sure if i should be disappointed or not. If you read 2 reports where the game gives your riders 3 Stars and among the top 3 favorites and you barely reach top 10 i probably should be ????
For Stage 1 and Elosegui I am kinda okay with it. Top 10 and not losing too much is fine.
But for stage 2 and Minali I cant be fine with it. Again he did barely the minimum but doesnt live up to the expectations. I hope at some point in this season he will be ????
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| seancoll |
Posted on 19-02-2024 03:33
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Domestique
Posts: 480
Joined: 20-12-2022
PCM$: 500.00
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2 great sprints above our weight so we will absolutely take it. Definitely out front a bit too early, but surfing for the better train is always going to be our style, we just don't have the strength to do our own.
TT results were good for us as well. Not sure Reguigui can hold on in the high mountains, but hopefully he gets some priority with Squire. Reguigui can at least benefit from the TTT.
Congrats to our winners so far!
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 19-02-2024 06:39
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
PCM$: 0.00
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Well that was a surprise 2nd from Hasani!
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| Ezeefreak |
Posted on 19-02-2024 08:16
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Domestique
Posts: 555
Joined: 06-07-2009
PCM$: 300.00
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Disappointment.
I tried to look at it positively so far but I really cant anymore. I dont expect Minali to win every race of course but once in a while he could at least. And even if he doesnt win Top 3 or even Top 5 would be good. Especially when he seems to be one of the strongest in the field. But when I look at the reports he is just unable to bring himself in a good position.
lets hope that on the next stage our GC guys will do better.
Congrats to the winners so far and thanks for reporting!
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| Jakstar22 |
Posted on 19-02-2024 11:57
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Team Leader
Posts: 7293
Joined: 11-04-2012
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10th in stage 3 is not too bad. Scott looked good in Green so maybe he can somehow earn that back!
Excellent reports and so far a good race!
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| Caspi |
Posted on 19-02-2024 20:21
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Neo-Pro
Posts: 369
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Mixed feelings regarding the first three stages. Good MTT, but poor sprints. Excited to see what the next stages will bring
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| TheManxMissile |
Posted on 20-02-2024 05:49
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 18187
Joined: 12-05-2012
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Top work from T3A there. JMO active in the break, before Canty & O'Connor keep the double Top10 GC hopes very much alive.
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| Ezeefreak |
Posted on 20-02-2024 06:17
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Domestique
Posts: 555
Joined: 06-07-2009
PCM$: 300.00
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First congrats to the winner and thanks for the report.
Hm, I think I am satisfied with this stage. Again we couldnt set a highlight but Elosegui and Schelling delivered what they are capable off. After all the field is packed with a few better climbers and a lot of the same skill level. So they did well. Lets hope they keep it up and can slowly craw a few places in the GC, Top 5 and Top 10 would be great in the end.
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![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
