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The Astro League (2016)
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 03-01-2013 12:22
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World Champion
Posts: 11469
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Flens NC!
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 06-12-2025 20:56
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Bot Agent
Posts: Countless
Joined: 23.11.09
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 13:04
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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A banana without placing a rider in the top 100 of a race 
Ehm... Keep it up Rick, go win the Diamond League and keep the readership happy 
*Edits Rick Flens' stats to 'Level 5'* |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 14:08
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
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PCM$: 200.00
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JANUARY RANKINGS
Well no surprises in the January rankings but they might as well be posted. Only results from Cancer Research Classic and National Championships count towards the rankings so far.
Riders
Teams
Remember, bottom 2 teams get relegated, like FDJ and Thorn were last season. |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 18:46
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Let's fill some time with a few graphs from season 1.
What, you don't love graphs? Too bad 
But seriously, if you're interested in a little more season 1 background, read on, but if graphs aren't your thing... Look Away! 
Alberto Contador (2nd Overall)
(graph shows monthly rank progression)
Contador's season was the story of a man finding his feet as the season went on. A timid performance at the Giro was backed up by a strong showing at Suisse to put some points on the board. The Tour was good for Bertie, and he kicked again at the Vuelta to nip ahead of Valverde for 2nd position.
Andy Schleck (11th overall)
Yep, you guessed it. Nothing, nothing, nothing... TOUR! Clearly no LBL in the calander didn't help Andy's cause either.
Samuel Sanchez (6th overall)
Another predictable graph shows Sanchez's points tally. Well, not predictable on its own necessarily, but let's compare it with Euskaltel's tally and... who senses a little déja-vu in the air?
Tom Boonen (7th overall)
The stage-racers had to wait time to secure points, but for the classicists there was less delay. Tom Boonen picked up points at the Tour de Luxembourg and then during the cobbled season but struggled to find opportunities after this. Still, he only spent one month (January) outside the top 10.
Thor Hushovd (23rd overall)
Thor Hushovd took the model of a strong early season too far, and can only thank his double national championship victory for saving an otherwise timid season.
Alessandro Petacchi (8th overall)
A similar trend for now-retired Ale-Jet, although he was able to kick again at the Tour of Britain after he won the Cancer Research Classic to finish the season as highest ranked sprinter.
Simon Gerrans (15th overall)
Two distinctive peaks for Simon Gerrans as he made full use of the only hilly classics - GP Cape Town and Il Lombardia - to improve his rank. As part of an ongoing balancing process, more opportunities should await the puncheurs on this year's calendar.
Robert Gesink (1st overall)
In contrast to his climbing exploits, Robert's season graph is far less exciting. He held top rank from the Giro onwards. Killjoy 
Edited by pcm2009fan on 03-01-2013 18:47
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 20:07
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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FEBRUARY
 Tour of Qatar
 Tour of the Kenyan Highlands
More pre-season action continues in these warm-up races. You will begin to notice that tours are shorter than in real life. Minor ones are 3-4 stages long, Grand Tours are 7 days but race organisers have the option of haggling an extra day or two in exceptional circumstances.
I found shorter races made the whole thing more dynamic and interesting last season. Hopefully most people happy enough for the story to continue like that? |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 20:23
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
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Stage 1
Sylvain Chavanel and Giovanni Visconti form the break today. 2 riders who failed to impress last season and are evidently keen to refind their legs.
Impey is making a good lead-out for Cavendish. Farrar is lurking on his wheel though.
Here he comes...
...What?! Where did those two come from? Fischer and Bennati take the 1-2 for Liquigas out of nowhere!
Results
 1. Murilo Fischer (LIQ)
 2. Daniele Bennati (LIQ)
 3. Tyler Farrar (BMC)
 4. Assan Bazayev (AST)
 5. Mark Cavendish (BAR)
Fischer has hit the road flying this season and seizes the leaders jersey to follow up his victory in Melbourne. |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 20:48
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Protected Rider
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Stage 2
Raimbekov is out proudly displaying his national champion's jersey in today's break. Apparently he wouldn't stop bragging about it to a grumpy Filippo Pozzato.
Ah, here we go, splits in the crosswinds. That's what we're here for. Has anyone been caught out?
Yep - 2nd placed Bennati is way back, along with Greipel (Vacansoleil) as well as Thor Hushovd (the Caisse guy getting a little to friendly with some poor Joker rider).
His team-mate, and race leader, Murilo Fischer is hanging on to the leading group, just about...
In the front group, Impey looks to set up Cavendish once more, whilst an anti-mainstream Galimzyanov decides to do his own thing. You see, in Soviet Russia, sprint wins you! Or something like that...
Woah... Galimzyanov goes down in front of a rather disinterested Farrar, and amidst the confusion, the pack is suddenly bearing down upon the lead group.
Well Cavendish can hold off the others to take his first season victory, but no time gap was formed by that group.
Results:
1. Mark Cavendish (BAR)
2. Murilo Fischer (LIQ)
3.  Matti Breschel (CSC)
4. Tyler Farrar (BMC)
5.  Daryl Impey (BAR)
GC:
1. Murilo Fischer (LIQ)
2. Mark Cavendish (BAR)
3. Daniele Bennati (LIQ)
4. Giovanni Visconti (JOK)
5. Tyler Farrar (BMC)
So, after a hectic day, Fischer can breathe easy after retaining the lead.
Astana aren't the most popular team in the peleton right now, after Raimbekov and Galimzyanov's exploits today. |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 03-01-2013 21:39
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
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Final Stage
So we're all set for the last stage of - Wait, what is this I don't...?!
You get back here Control Rider, or I'm going to slawp you so hawrd..!
Eventually (after the 2 seconds it took for his red bar to deplete), we manage to bring the culprit back for thorough interrogation.
"I swear, it was like a force from above or something..!" Yeah, yeah. What a pathetic excuse.
"Go on without me, you fools!"
He couldn't even get the quote right! Clearly the only rational solution is...
EXTERMINATION! Muhahahaha
Control Rider shall trouble us no more. Sorry for the mess, people of... Al Wakra (did I pronounce that correctly?), but that's what local council's are for, eh?
A familiar face is setting up the sprint for Cavendish once more.
Here comes Farrar again, and this time he's more than willing to knock any pesky Brazilian pretenders off their bike.
Fischer stays well out of arms-reach, allowing Farrar to take the stage, and sealing the overall clasification for the Brazilian.
Results:
1. Tyler Farrar (BMC)
2. Mark Cavendish (BAR)
3. Murilo Fischer (LIQ)
4. Matti Breschel (CSC)
 5. Juan Jose Rojas (CAI)
Final GC:
1. Murilo Fischer (LIQ)
2. Mark Cavendish (BAR)
3. Tyler Farrar (BMC)
4. Daniele Bennati (LIQ)
5. Giovanni Visconti (JOK)
6. Matti Breschel (CSC)
 7. Frederik Willems (CER)
 8. Yaroslav Popovych (SAU)
 9. Fumiyuki Beppu (LIB)
10. Joaquin "Rouleur" Rodriguez (CAI)
Points Murilo Fischer
U25  Alexander Kristoff
Team Caisse
So after another eventful day in Qatar, we can crown Fischer as the race winner, which he will add to his victory at the Cancer Research Classic. 2/2 ain't bad. |
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 03-01-2013 21:45
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World Champion
Posts: 11469
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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lolz the control rider
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| Pinktay3 |
Posted on 03-01-2013 22:14
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Breakaway Specialist
Posts: 939
Joined: 08-04-2012
PCM$: 200.00
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Very interesting. The control rider should know better Good thing you got rid of him |
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| Ian Butler |
Posted on 03-01-2013 22:55
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 21379
Joined: 01-05-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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Awesome vanquishing of the demonic control rider |
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| mpardo |
Posted on 04-01-2013 16:34
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Sprinter
Posts: 1737
Joined: 06-09-2011
PCM$: 200.00
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Good luck with this new story!
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 04-01-2013 18:14
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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@mpardo thanks  I hope you don't see it as too similar to yours and we can co-exist in harmony in this forum
Meanwhile, following an internal investigation due to the control rider's behaviour at the Tour of Qatar, and last year's Vuelta where they decided to march onto the team podium for 2 days straight, we contacted our supplier.
They said that a faulty batch of Control Riders may have been issued around the time of our initial purchase, and offered a full refund, or a hefty discount on the latest "Control Team 3000" pack. We took them up on the offer and so I'd like you to meet our brand new control team!
Rider3004 at your service, sir.
Jeez, the things you have to do nowadays to get a reliable set of Control Riders...
The picture was from the start of the Tour of the Kenyan Highlands, a fantasy mountain classic which is underway as I speak, and will be posted later.
Edited by pcm2009fan on 04-01-2013 18:14
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 04-01-2013 19:12
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
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TOUR OF THE KENYAN HIGHLANDS
Some young hopeful grimpeurs are present in the day's breakaway, such as Thibaut Pinot and Winner Anacona.
Final climb comes and first serious attack is by Dominik Nerz, but it doesn't come to much.
Gorka Verdugo is churning out a huge gear and neutralising any attacks right now.
He finally moves aside and the damage is clear - only 6 riders remain out front.
De Gendt does well to claw his way back up. It's him, Verdugo, Nerz, Frank Schleck, Henao, and Mathias Frank up front.
Finally, Frank Schleck tries a late move on the final ramp.
And he thinks he's clinched it, only to look horrified as he sees young Dominik Nerz flying up behind him...!
Schleck looks like he's still celebrating, but in reality he is raising his arms to the heavens and prays that he's not been made to look like an idiot...
This time he's really raising his arms in celebration, and breathing a huge sigh of relief no doubt.
Results:
1.  Frank Schleck (JOK)
2.  Dominik Nerz (LAM)
3.  Sergio Henao (AND)
4. Andrei Kashechkin (AST)
5. Gorka Verdugo (TKF)
6.  Mathias Frank (BOU)
7. Thomas De Gendt (VAC)
8. Tejay Van Garderen (BMC)
9.  Ryder Hesjedal (CER)
10. Yaroslav Popovych (SAU)
So Schleck's prayers were answered and he takes the victory by a matter of inches. It's a huge win for Joker - these points could go a long way to saving them from relegation.
Edited by pcm2009fan on 04-01-2013 19:13
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 04-01-2013 20:52
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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FEBRUARY RANKINGS
The rankings might not hold much bearing at this stage of the season but Murilo Fischer's lead is something to behold after winning both the Cancer Research Classic and the Tour of Qatar. Strong performances from Farrar in both these races see him into 2nd. Meanwhile, Frank Schleck put valuable points on the board for himself and especially Joker in Kenya.
Riders
15 riders have scored at least one point so far, 46 out of 160 riders have entered the rankings in some form.
Teams
Well, Liquigas lead via Fischer (+ Bennati's efforts in Qatar), Joker are up to 4th but it would be a surprise for them to remain there for long, and Vacansoleil aren't making life easy for themselves at the bottom, but there's still plenty of time yet.
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 05-01-2013 19:32
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
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MARCH CALANDER
Giro dell'Emilia
Monte Paschi Eroica
Emilia moves from it's traditional autumn slot to kick off the classics season. The puncheurs and cobblestone specialists will then battle it out as we head into Siena in what promises to be a crazy spectacle (now known as Strade Bianche). This will get us warmed up for the big cobblestone races in April.
Frequency of posts throughout the next few weeks will depend on how well my revision/exams are going, so now is a chance to catch up on all the transfers, rosters and races so far! |
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 06-01-2013 14:01
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
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GIRO DELL'EMILIA
Well, theres no proper breakaway but some guys who did well in Kenya decide to attack half-way through the stage, eg Nerz, Verdugo and Kashechkin.
The winner in Kenya, Frank Schleck, sees those guys as a threat to his team leader, Visconti, and starts to pull them back.
He pulls over, and less than 20 riders remain out front. The break is going to be reeled in soon.
Oh god not this again. I didn't even press attack by accident this time, he just drifted off the main group behind!
I guess you better do the honours, Sebastien!
Hoogerland ignites the attacks on the penultimate climb
And so 4 riders head up to the finish together: Lagutin, Van Avermaet, Hoogerland and Visconti.
Visconti hits the climb first and he hits it hard!
It's back to back wins for Joker as the Italian wins Emilia!
Results:
1. Giovanni Visconti (JOK)
2. Greg Van Avermaet (LOT)
 3. Serguiy Lagutin (VAC)
 4. Johnny Hoogerland (BOU)
 5. Jimmy Engoulvent (COF)
6. Andrei Kashechkin (AST)
 7. Simon Clarke (DPC)
8. Ruben Perez (SAU)
9. Jay Thomson (BAR)
10. Tony Martin (AND)
 Comment
Well, who'd have expected Joker to be doing so well - they are definitely outperforming themselves so far. Meanwhile, I'm going to be having some very stern words with our control rider supplier over the coming days...
Edited by pcm2009fan on 06-01-2013 14:04
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 06-01-2013 16:03
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Today's hopeful escapees: Gilbert, Porte, Agnoli, Sorensen, Chavanel, Vanendert.
Saunier set a high pace all day for Ruben Perez and the break looks to be caught.
But what's this? Richie Porte kicks again and heads into the final hill with a notable advantage!
...But he soon gets swallowed up when the big boys come a-knocking.
It's between Perez, Visconti, Phinney and Engoulvent as they slog it to the line...
Perez is strongest and can celebrate Saunier's first victory of the season.
Results:
1. Ruben Perez (SAU)
2. Johnny Hoogerland (BOU)
3. Giovanni Visconti (JOK)
4. Taylor Phinney (LOT)
5. Jimmy Engoulvent (COF)
6. Stijn Devolder (QST)
7. Jay Thomson (BAR)
8. Magno Prado Nazaret (AND)
9. Serguiy Lagutin (VAC)
10. Simon Clarke (DPC)
Comment:
Giovanni Visconti came close to making a nice Italian double here following Giro dell'Emilia. But Ruben Perez had the strongest team and strongest legs today.
So far there's been plenty of chances for the smaller names like Visconti, Kashechkin, Perez and co, but from now on we can expect to see the bigger names dominating the season's action as we head into the big races. |
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| SSJ2Luigi |
Posted on 06-01-2013 16:05
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World Champion
Posts: 11469
Joined: 21-07-2012
PCM$: 400.00
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need more extermination
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| pcm2009fan |
Posted on 06-01-2013 16:11
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Protected Rider
Posts: 1016
Joined: 30-07-2010
PCM$: 200.00
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Dude, I'm running out of Control Riders |
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