But I think the biggest challenge is in prioritization of the C1/HC races. You have to play a complicated guessing game of which races the PCT teams want to prioritize while also making sure you beat out your other CT managers. For example, Olympia TTT is a HUGE priority for my team, but every year I push it low on the rankings because I've never seen it threaten oversubscriptions. Luckily, this has typically meant being able to get a good stage race in return.
I should do my prioritization differently next season...
Simba Cement - Tanga Fresh
Good: International Oster. Rundfardt: Probably the best available GC race for Rachid although he'll also enjoy Trentino.
GP Plouay: Unlike the races mentioned below, Plouay is perfect for a rider like Sureda. If the race finishes in a sprint, he's almost a lock for a top 5 given his strength on the hills.
Questionable:
All the C1/HC sprinting classics - Sureda really should not be strong enough to have earned any priority in HC races and Medvedev isn't quite strong enough to get fighter priority in my opinion. Should end up a wasted race day or minimal impact.
Strade Bianchi - No really good riders for the gravel classic as the climb/hill/stamina balance is not great for anyone. Think they'll be disappointed here but I understand the risks.
Debated back and forth, but ended up not sending Sureda to Plouay
Nice call out on Greg Daniel, the Hill/TT combo is a path to sneaky points. He is always good for some points in Norway, not sure which CT races would be the recipe but expect there are options. Although don't think his ceiling is that high.
Agree on your call out of the CT C1 planning. I think it is probably an unfair ask. Many team lost 10+ race days. I am inclined to reduce the protection for PCT next year to spread the unpredictability around a little. But also could more races to C1.
