I'm surprised to see Zhao not renewed. If you can get him back cheaper in FA, it could be a profitable gamble, but it's a gamble nonetheless. Would be very nice to see him back with you next year, so I have my fingers crossed. And then, as others have said before, I'm quite curious what you'll do with the team. As mentioned in my HQ, I could see us having a chat
@whitejersey - Spicy and full of disappointment, just the way I like it!
@knockout - Solid golf clap for that quip But yes, a full rebuild is necessary, I learned in a previous life that keeping CT leaders (i.e. Pierre Paolo Penasa) and spunking your full budget on training doesn't actually make them into a PCT leader. We need upgrades and that means we need budget to work with.
@cunego59 - Zhao, as opposed to Dion Smith, was actually a greedy boy. I support that's expected as he's looking for his final big payday, but we weren't going to oblige him. He was effective in CT and will likely secure a leadership role there, but I have hesitations about his ability to be a leadout or really last in more strenuous tours. I think we'll be leaving that one, but much more interested in some others that were let go. I'm sure we'll have some long discussions deep into the night over several bottles of Duvel or Tsingtao.
Interesting to see that Lyu has been retained as I'm not sure that he can compete at the ProContinental level; I guess he is here to keep the sponsors happy. Other than that it looking like a complete rebuild. As a fan, I'm very excited to see what that means. As a competitor, I am not.
@Abhi - Clean slate will allow for some fun times starting tonight. Looking forward to putting personal life, work, relationships and physical health on hold for the foreseeable future!
@SotD - I'm hopeful we'll get some offers for the available guys, and I'm sure we'll be in touch regardless. Looking forward to the hard sell of the estate agent...
liefwarrior - This looks to be the first time we'll be matching up in a division, so very much looking forward to seeing what you put together as well. Good luck in the transfers. I agree with you that Lyu cannot be relied upon as a leader, but Tsingtao would've been apoplectic if all the Chinese riders were culled before the season - it was a retention of sponsorship decision in addition to a sporting one
jph27 - Lyu was one of our most solid riders last season, I'm really pleased that deal helped both sides. Certainly future development is something we're considering for him, but he'll never be a top-end leader. A steady veteran presence to help the Chinese contingent mature is the profile we see for him, if a little bit overpriced. Nevermind, the sponsors are thrilled he's been kept on.
Other managers - Be sure to have a look at the availability list, we'll have DMs open for offers on PCM and Discord. Let's get this transfer season underway!
Gearing up for the first PCT season in its history, Duvel - Tsingtao has made several opening signings, as the team begins a revamp of its roster.
In the first update of the transfer window, we are delighted to welcome the following signings. As last year, be sure to follow along for our progress of hitting the team's required 40% domestic rider target.
Quinten "Failed Mercenary" Hermans
4.100
30yo
€50,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
73
66
71
75
61
75
77
67
62
69
76
73
76
64
Quick analysis: After a brief interlude to test his worth on the open market, Hermans relented and agreed with Duvel - Tsingtao team management that indeed, his worth is only €50,000. We hope he doesn't forget that and try any shenanigans at the close of the season, but we have faith he won't given he'll be riding in a support capacity with only occasional opportunities to score in C2 races (he's right on the cusp of eligibility with an exact rating of 74.49. We're pleased to have him back, but again surprised that there wasn't further interest.
Previous team: Duvel - Tsingtao
Stan "Role: TBD" Van Tricht
4.100
26yo
€50,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
72
69
71
72
62
73
73
70
65
72
77
71
65
63
Quick analysis: Van Tricht maxed out last season on loan at Carlsberg - Danske Bank in Denmark, whilst on loan from Duvel - Tsingtao. Similarly to Hermans, with his newly improved skillset, he felt he would have an opportunity to test the market before being locked in. Like Hermans, though, he quickly made up his mind that he is happy testing himself full-time in the PCT peloton. What is his role, you ask? Great question, we'll come back to you when we have an answer. Possibly it might just be "decent Belgian guy".
Previous team: Carlsberg - Danske Bank (on loan from Duvel - Tsingtao)
Louis "Mediocre Prodigal Son" Blouwe
4.100
26yo
€65,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
71
70
74
77
67
71
73
72
61
68
74
76
69
68
Quick analysis: One of our major targets last year, Blouwe belatedly joins Duvel - Tsingtao in a domestique role to help out on the hilly parcours. Young-ish, Belgian, and clearly talented, Blouwe ticks all the boxes and adds some further stability to the roster.
Previous team: Bralirwa - Cegeka
Nicholas "Tricky Nicky" Dlamini
4.100
30yo
€90,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
75
72
72
72
75
74
72
73
50
62
68
68
62
75
Quick analysis: Joining from disbanded PCT side, ISA - Hexacta, Dlamini is a multi-talented domestique who will provide invaluable support across terrains and time trials. Coming from a squad at the top of the PCT table, team management hope he brings maturity and a calm demeanour to the team. We don't expect him to score many points, but rather provide a useful buffer for others to bring the points home in stage races.
Previous team: ISA - Hexacta
Jinyang "Ju Tang Clan" Ju
1.000
22yo
€50,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
68
59
63
66
70
66
65
69
59
58
64
63
62
70
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73
59
63
67
77
71
72
74
59
58
64
66
62
77
Quick analysis: Delighting Tsingtao management, the top Chinese youth prospect this transfer window has decided to ride for Duvel - Tsingtao in 2025. Notwithstanding that there was very little interest in the rider and likely would not have been without Duvel - Tsingtao's involvement, Tsingtao top brass have already made plans for a Ju Tang Clan cheerleading squad to celebrate.
He will develop into a very serviceable TTist in time - we are indeed pleased to welcome Ju and his supporters to the squad.
With the free agent market humming, Duvel - Tsingtao management decided to find some relatively well paid, but still underpaid riders to fill out leadership roles for its maiden PCT season.
We're delighted to have secured some more solid riders (hat tip to SotD, knockout, Heine and redordead, cheers guys), to fill out the roster. Lacking some of the bonafide star power, but slowly filling out the roster with more quality.
Javier "Lonely Spaniard" Romo
4.100
26yo
€210,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
71
72
76
80
66
78
76
70
60
67
71
78
63
63
Quick analysis: With the extreme depth on the mountains and sprinting across the PCT peloton, we saw a minor gap in the hills, and wanted to put priority on this terrain. Duvel - Tsingtao are absolutely thrilled to welcome Javier Romo, newly maxed with PT experience, and ready to rumble in 2025. This signing also drops Xianjing Lyu to his intended role of luxury domestique and added to Blouwe and Hermans' signings, completes a formidable hill squad.
Transfer fee: A cool €1 million
Previous team: cycleYorkshire
Stan "Tests Well" Dewulf
4.100
28yo
€70,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
74
66
69
71
67
75
76
70
72
70
71
76
69
66
Quick analysis: Dewulf, another former Duvel - Tsingtao rider, returns home after testing his value on the market. He's managed to secure himself a nice payrise after a notable CT season in which he secured a famous breakaway victory in the GP Plouay, contributing 115 points in the process. We're reliably informed he tests well in PCM 2024 so we're looking forward to seeing what a nuisance he can be in the PCT peloton.
Previous team: Duvel - Tsingtao
Emilien "TT Legend" Viennet
4.100
34yo
€85,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
70
52
59
65
78
72
72
67
57
53
61
71
63
78
Quick analysis: Is he overpriced? Maybe. Can he do anything besides time trial? No. Does anyone at Duvel - Tsingtao care? Not particularly. Viennet, a bonafide MG legend of the TT circuit has been brought in from Zwift - Newton Foundation after securing everything of note in the CT division last season to contribute heavily to Duvel - Tsingtao's TT unit, which will be improved this season. We'll be happy to rely on Viennet's experience, particularly with guiding the young Jinyang Ju to his full potential. Welcome aboard, Emilien!
Previous team: Zwift - Newton Foundation
Zouzou "It's a Mononym Now" Andria...
4.100
31yo
€65,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
65
76
74
72
74
74
74
76
56
52
71
76
64
70
Quick analysis: Zouzou, AKA "the cyclist formerly known as Zouzou", henceforth goes by one name only. He's a stud as a domestique and will massively support our soon-to-be identified mountain / stage race leader. Joining from disbanded PCT squad, Team Popo4Ever p/b Morshynska, Zouzou brings a healthy amount of PCT experience and should help stabilise the mountain crew.
Previous team: Team Popo4Ever p/b Morshynska
Mingrun "Sponsor's Dream" Chen
4.100
29yo
€90,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
69
77
75
73
62
73
77
77
56
65
72
61
66
62
Quick analysis: A stud domestique for mountainous races, Mingrun Chen joins Duvel - Tsingtao from PCT side Sauber Petronas Racing' famed mountain goat stable. Chen is in his prime and Duvel - Tsingtao sponsors are over the moon to have secured another top Chinese rider, despite missing out on perennial target, Chen Shikai. A significant addition for the side, we're excited to see what Chen can do to help out the mountain leader on climbs, where Zouzou will be more focused on stage races.
Transfer fee: €200,000
Previous team: Sauber Petronas Racing
Joeri "Survive, Please" Stallaert
4.100
34yo
€195,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
75
58
62
65
56
73
65
77
79
77
73
65
64
56
Quick analysis: Realistically, this man needs no introduction. We secured Joeri Stallaert from Bralirwa - Cegeka, who have the newly maxed Biniam Girmay taking over cobbles leadership. We know our place, but are still nonetheless delighted to have Stallaert as our cobbles leader for 2025. We hope his sprint abilities and sneaky planning can lead him to some key points to secure survival this season, if his rapidly waning resistance stat doesn't lead him to blow up beforehand.
I'm happy that Joeri found his new home in Belgium! Like I said before, I really hope he works out well for you and finishes exactly one place behind Bini where they go I like the other signings, too. Romo could be great value, and you're collecting a lot of quality depth.
Looks good for now, solid domestiques and some intriguing leaders. Both for Romo and Stallaert we'll see how much love they get from the new engine; Romo struggled a bit last year, but I'm not sure if it was his role or his skillset. And Stallaert will be hit or miss - if resistance somewhat matters, you could be screwed - otherwise he should still get some podiums or even wins!
Now, well into the second half of the transfer window Duvel - Tsingtao's roster is coming together. However, this transfer window hasn't been without its fair share of upheaval. Only Xianjing Lyu and Gianluca Pollefliet remain from the 2024 roster, and look to be remaining on the squad for the upcoming PCT season.
Please take a look at the rest of the new riders, with one or two further additions still expected through free agency or the transfer market.
Marcus "GC Swede" Faglum Karlsson
4.100
31yo
€186,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
71
79
76
73
73
78
75
76
56
60
68
66
74
79
Quick analysis: As free agent prices rapidly increased, GC leaders secured a premium valuation from the market and Duvel - Tsingtao saw the need to pivot into the transfer market. Luckily, after securing Javier "The Lonely Spaniard" Romo, he made team management aware of extreme loneliness, and was thus placed straight back onto the transfer block. We managed to secure Faglum Karlsson who had a similarly short stint at Aker - MOT, following a transfer from relegating PT team, Bolt - Eesti. Faglum Karlsson will be a key source of points this season to help the squad remain in PCT, and though he does not have the youth and future potential of Romo, we're delighted with the deal.
Transfer fee: Javier "The Lonely Spaniard" Romo, straight swap
Previous team: Aker - MOT (from Bolt - Eesti)
Willi "Will-he Sprint?" Willwohl
4.100
31yo
€110,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
73
53
59
65
56
71
67
78
66
79
78
61
64
56
Quick analysis: Willwohl is a budget sprint leader, in keeping with Duvel - Tsingtao tradition of underspending in the discipline. We hope he can scoop up some sneaky points this season, though he will have to adjust to Belgian/Chinese beer after seasons of German lager. He joins with recent PCT experience and some decent results in 2024, but a long history of overperforming in MG. Welcome Willi!
Previous team: Kraftwerk Man Machine
Julian "Je Ne Sais Teamwork" Alaphilippe
4.100
33yo
€50,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
71
65
69
72
61
73
68
79
64
76
76
74
72
63
Quick analysis: Framed breakaway artist Julian Alaphilippe joins the Duvel - Tsingtao stable for a final hurrah, as both a useful member of the leadout train but also a key potential scorer in CT races where a breakaway survives into a sprint finish. After riding for PT outfit EA Vesuvio last season, Alaphilippe was interested in the opportunity to not only pick up one final contract, but also have an opportunity for leadership / breakaway points in several stage races.
Previous team: EA Vesuvio
Clement "Fake Leadout" Venturini
4.100
32yo
€55,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
75
63
66
68
65
74
74
79
72
75
77
63
73
69
Quick analysis: Clement Venturini joins from fellow PCT side Indosat Ooredoo, swapping one Asian focused PCT team for another. He joins a heavily European sprinting stable, where he will fulfill the role of trusty mediocre leadout for Willwohl, particularly in the many stage races Duvel - Tsingtao will participate in this season.
Previous team: Indosat Ooredoo
Alberto "Bet on Him" Bettiol
4.100
32yo
€139,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
72
71
74
77
68
78
75
74
66
71
77
75
68
67
Quick analysis: Sensing his career winding down, Bettiol sought out an opportunity for a clear leader role, and we're glad to oblige him in the PCT this season. Bettiol, with excellent backup stats and a fighting spirit / burst of acceleration to outpunch other hilly leaders, is Duvel - Tsingtao's hope for a solid haul of points on the hills this season. He joins from former PT side Bolt - Eesti, reuniting with former teammate Xianjing Lyu to comprise a formidable puncheur squad.
Transfer fee: €450,000
Previous team: Bolt - Eesti
Gianni "Joeri's Friend" Vermeersch
4.100
33yo
€55,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
76
62
66
69
60
72
76
64
74
73
70
59
77
62
Quick analysis: With a world-class ability to ride on the flat and descend, Gianni Vermeersch really thrives in races with an elevated start, going straight downhill. Unfortunately, there aren't any races of the sort in the calendar. He joins as Joeri Stallaert's helper and matches up nicely with his leader's skillset, bringing some key resistance stats to carry his leader along the cobbles. Another rider joining with PT experience, Gianni adds further seniority to the squad and hopefully a calmness under pressure.
Previous team: Bolt - Eesti
Cristian "TT Exile" Perez
4.100
26yo
€75,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
73
63
65
67
76
73
73
72
69
66
68
75
69
76
Quick analysis: After absconding from Cuba, Cristian Perez has made a positive start to life in the MG peloton. With his youth, his skillset of solidity in time trials, and his fighting spirit, we hope he will be a useful addition to the TTT contingent. After joining from free agency for a relatively healthy wage, Perez has the room to grow and the opportunity to immerse himself in a PCT side as a key rider.
Previous team: Podium Ambition
Yikui "Jack of All" Niu
4.100
31yo
€70,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
72
74
73
72
67
76
69
75
56
74
74
73
70
67
Quick analysis: Niu joins from MOL Cycling Team after spending last season in the PCT division for ELCO - ABEA, and has expressed his delight in joining other Chinese riders for this season. Niu brings an interesting blend of skills, and crucially, is eligible for C2 races. Though the transfer fee of €200,000 might be considered inflated for a domestique, Duvel - Tsingtao management has been clear that they are delighted with Niu's versatility and expressed a willingness to include him in startlists throughout the season, across many terrains.
Transfer fee: €200,000
Previous team: MOL Cycling Team (from ELCO - ABEA)
Cian "The Future" Uijtdebroeks
1.000
22yo
€330,000
FL
MO
MM
HI
TT
ST
RS
RC
CB
SP
AC
FG
DH
PR
66
69
69
68
68
70
69
69
55
57
63
62
69
67
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67
78
76
73
75
77
76
78
55
57
66
63
70
74
Quick analysis: Sponsors' stated intent the balance performance with youth development has seen a major boost with the addition of future GC rider, Cian Uijtdebroeks. He possesses a substantial engine and the plan to develop him into a legitimate GC contender, with major investments in the golden boy's development planned. For now, Cian will gain valuable experience in the PCT peloton and supercharge his development alongside already-signed youth, Jinyang Ju. Though competition for his signature was fierce, we are thrilled to have Cian for the long-term!
Really like what you've built here. You did well to grab a bunch of really good domestiques on good wages early when others were still trying to plot bigger moves. That gives you a very strong base. I also think Romo/Bettiol will be really strong on the hills in this version. Faglum will be a great PCT leader too, and Stallaert is more than capable. And then to also get Uijtdebroeks on board is extremely impressive.
I'm seeing a potential back to back promoter without hemorrhaging the future. Great work.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
Big fan of what you built this transfers. Some very good leaders for this level but most of all love the all-rounders you've picked up - Niu, Dewulf and others. Pretty much like every signing so far - hope Bettiol can find his own races too because there's something of a Calmejane type of PCT hidden star about him. Glad it seems you view him as his own leader
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." [PT] Xero Racing
@cunego59 - Really pleased to have Stallaert for this season, it appears that the top end cobblers scared off a number of teams from participating seriously in the cobbles this year - we think it's an opportunity for the likes of Stallaert (and maybe Bini, too ) to pick up some serious points!
@Fabianski - Romo has come and gone, but hopefully Faglum Karlsson picks up the reins on the hills / GCs that we'll have to participate in this season and becomes a solid scorer. Looking back on my MG 'career', I seem to always try to pick up leaders that haven't had a proper job to be leaders, with Bettiol on the hills to take the full load of leadership duties, this isn't going to be any different this year. But Stallaert will need to come good, and as you say, we just have to hope that he's got enough stamina and teammate support not to have to dip into the resistance too early...
@redordead - Cheers pal, yeah I've been surprised how much quality depth was available in our domestic focus nations, so we've managed to build a squad that really suits the sponsors and hopefully gives us a chance of being competitive! Romo is no more, but Faglum Karlsson is in, along with Bettiol, Willwohl and Stallaert, so we at least have decent leaders on all terrains, despite the very competitive FA market this year!
bballlover - Thanks man, really happy with the balance of the squad. It's not earthshattering by any means, but hopefully the cheap-ish leaders and the loads of depth works out well. We're taking a little bit of inspiration from ISA - Hexacta's depth ideas, but just are missing out on some of those more sought after funky riders. Still though, I wouldn't be shocked to see us in the top half, but I think it might be too early for a promotion push. Let's see!
jandal7 - Thank you mate, I love having some of these all-round doms that you mention. Adding to Niu and Dewulf, we also have Hermans and Dlamini who are C2 eligible, and best believe we will be going back to the fountain of the C2 weird races where a breakaway or strong all-rounder has a chance of upsetting the peloton. Rest assured, Bettiol will be the leader, and he'll have a strong running mate in the hills in Lyu (along with Blouwe and Hermans) - pretty thrilled with the depth of the punching squad.
But yes, a full rebuild is necessary, I learned in a previous life that keeping CT leaders (i.e. Pierre Paolo Penasa) and spunking your full budget on training doesn't actually make them into a PCT leader. We need upgrades and that means we need budget to work with.
FIRST PCT SIGNINGS 
I like the other signings, too. Romo could be great value, and you're collecting a lot of quality depth.
