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MG GT watch
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| Scorchio |
Posted on 22-07-2016 19:25
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Small Tour Specialist
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The pinnacle of the stage racing season, the four three-week long Grand Tours that populate the MG calendar offer rich opportunities to define the success of failure of a rider’s season or even career for the victors and vanquished. Here at MG GT watch we will try to gather together the latest rumours and confirmation of potential starters and welcome input, speculation or hype from across the MG community. The routes of the ProTour events have already been presented in lavish ceremonies laid on by the organisers and attended by the great and the good. Less high profile, nevertheless just as keenly contested - the route for the Continental Tours own 3-week clash had a more muted web-based presentation:
First on the agenda for any serious MG GT follower is the likely destination of the ‘gang of four’ top-line favourites, Spilak, Schleck, Pluchkin and Madrazo. Then which of the long list of second-line favourites that with a dose of luck and good fortune can challenge for victory or at least a podium spot. The continual evolution of the sprint cadre also brings questions as to who is avoiding or taking on the GT challenge. In the CT, those teams who expect to challenge for promotion often avoid committing 21 race days to 1 event, hence interest is heightened first regarding which teams will participate before turning attention to the potential start list. Nonetheless, the Tour of America often has a significant bearing on the PCT relegation scramble late on in the season.
Manager of ISA - Hexacta in the MG |
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 22-07-2016 23:15
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 16555
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You forgot the most important GT.
Spoiler Tour of the Middle East 
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Scorchio |
Posted on 23-07-2016 18:21
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Small Tour Specialist
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I think that's stretching the definition a bit far BBL!
Tour de France
Last seasons victor has already renounced defending his title instead chasing a consecurive calendar triple of the 3 GT's. Great uncertainty also surrounds the presence of his podium colleagues from 2015:
2015 Results
| 1 | Aleksandr Pluchkin | Metinvest-Dacia | 80h30'01 | | 2 | Rein Taaramäe | Bouygues Telecom | + 4'30 | | 3 | Andrei Amador | Swisscom - UBS | + 4'41 | | | | | | KoM | Paolo Scarponi | Good Energy | | | Points | Aleksander Pluchkin | Metinvest-Dacia | | | Youth | Joseph Dombrowski | Pendleton's | |
Runner-up last season Taaramae is reported to have had a number of wind tunnel testing sessions over the winter honing his TT position and equipment selection. Having improved from 6th in 2014 to spring on to the podium, will he return to challenge for the top spot or like Pluchkin turn his attnetion elsewhere?
Following in Taaramae's wheel tracks, Amador also improved by 4 places on GC from 2014 --> 2015 to claim the final podium spot. With the relegation of his Swisscom - UBS team to the PCT at the end of the 2015 season, he will not have the opportunity to compete in the GT arena in 2016, instead concentrating on trying to secure immediate promotion back to the ProTour.
Without Pluschkin, 2 of the remaining 3 members of the 'gang of four' have already confirmed their intention to line-up at the TdeF. Both previous victors, the presence of Spilak (2011) and Schleck (2014) will ensure a titanic battle for the title. Also a previous victor in 2013, Madrazo's new squad have yet to confirm his schedule for the season.
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| Smowz |
Posted on 23-07-2016 18:40
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Team Leader
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Here at Red Bull - Huawai, we can confirm that after missing out on a podium in 2015 Tour de France that the 2014 Vuelta winner will be returning to the Vuelta this year. Jose Alarcon will follow a similar program to 2014 in that he will also give the Giro another shot.
He will not be riding the Tour de France this year.
Whilst the Venezualan climbing legend likes the look of the route climbing some of the legendary mountains including the modern day trifecta of Tourmalet, Ventoux and Alpe D'Huez, he is rather despondant about the final chrono and fears any would be gains would be nuetralised by such a test.
He recognises that both the Giro and the Vuelta have earlier lengthy chrono's but he much prefers to know the gaps he will need to make up in the mountains. He also feels the Final Giro TT is doable and hints that he thinks that with the lack of any top GC talent from Italy that the startlist may be more to his liking.
Jose has also graciously stepped aside from racing in Liechtenstein, allowing the likes of Andy Schleck a much easier victory. He has istead decreed to return on a victory procession for his fans in South America at the Tour of Colombia.
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| whitejersey |
Posted on 23-07-2016 19:23
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3224
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Nice and well written announcement, will definitely be looking forward to following his climbing in both the Giro and the Vuelta.
Minor thing:
"fears any would be gains would be nuetralised by such a test."
I think you meant any gains would be neutralised by such a test 
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| SotD |
Posted on 23-07-2016 19:40
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World Champion
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I know that another two Grand Tour winners will also be attending the Tour de France this season.
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 07-12-2025 18:39
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| jandal7 |
Posted on 23-07-2016 23:04
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World Champion
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whitejersey wrote:
Minor thing:
"fears any would be gains would be nuetralised by such a test."
I think you meant any gains would be neutralised by such a test
No he meant" any would-be gains would be neutralised", I think.
Anyway really nice idea Scorchio  , and good to see some announcements flowing in too
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| whitejersey |
Posted on 23-07-2016 23:09
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3224
Joined: 07-08-2011
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jandal7 wrote:
whitejersey wrote:
Minor thing:
"fears any would be gains would be nuetralised by such a test."
I think you meant any gains would be neutralised by such a test
No he meant" any would-be gains would be neutralised", I think.
Anyway really nice idea Scorchio , and good to see some announcements flowing in too
I take my comment back I completely misread since I thought it was an error 
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 25-07-2016 10:10
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World Champion
Posts: 13662
Joined: 20-06-2011
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Nice idea Scorchio.
Metinvest was one of the first teams to announce the GT plan of their leader Aleksandr Pluchkin, whoever missed that, visit our HQ.
Aleksandr is looking forward to some tough competition at Vuelta, seems like Giro can be somewhat "easier" in terms of super-climbing lineup?
Alarcon will have a lot of chances to chase/destroy Pluchkin. 
I will be looking forward to battle of the titans Schleck vs Spilak in France.
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| jt1109 |
Posted on 26-07-2016 17:55
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Classics Specialist
Posts: 3487
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Spoiler Taylor Phinney ladies and gentleman please don't take it too seriously
Taylor Phinney has been taking over many mainstream media sites during this off-season from extra-circular magazine shoots with GQ include his own features as he aims to become a cross market star, the American has also had his attitude questioned following an interview with Sports Center.
Taylor Phinney Photo from his latest magazine shoot with GQ Magazine
Phinney Interview with Sports Center
Sports Center Said: What Kind of goals are you making this year?
Phinney Said: I've already hit one of my goals, I've proved once again I am the boss when it comes to the purest event in all of cycling the time trial and by winning the Contiential Championship I've proved i'm on course to be the worlds best rider again this season.
Sports Center said: I'm Sure Alexsandr Pluchkin would have something to say about that?
Phinney Said: He's already avoiding me, I'm the boss he knows he can't match me at the Tour this year so he's riding some shitty B grand tours instead, I don't need to talk about this rider, he won't compete with me
Sports Center said: So where will you be riding?
Phinney said: In the two races that matter here in U-S-A in California to tune up for the biggest cycle race on earth at the Tour De France.
Sports Center said: Do you not feel that's disrespectful to other races on the calendar
Phinney said: Cycling has many great events but the ones I turn up to are the ones that matter, I'm the star the organisers know that there lucky to have me anywhere else I go
Sports Center said: So how do you explain to organisers your lack of Grand Tour victories recently, and your last manager complaints that you were not putting your all in?
Phinney said: I will win a Grand Tour this year it will be the Tour de France, (who is this douche? says to agent)
RBC Agent said: I think we should cut....
Phinney said: AND who cares about this w****** of a coach from last year he's not here I am, he's talking about practise, practise , why we talking practise I put it all out their on the bike..
RBC Agent said: I really think..
Phinney said: Ohh go make me a camomile tea you jackass , Practise this man's talking about practise i'm Taylor Phinney , I'm the boss
(Storms Out)
Phinney said: PRACTISE! (laughs)
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 27-07-2016 09:08
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World Champion
Posts: 13662
Joined: 20-06-2011
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Phinney, you spoiled brat. 
Good luck beating Spilak and Schleck in France, you will need tons of luck.
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| Scorchio |
Posted on 03-08-2016 22:25
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Small Tour Specialist
Posts: 2073
Joined: 14-09-2013
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MG GT watch nuggets
MG GT watch has been collating various press releases, and without further ado brings you the latest gen:
The hot topic of conversation in the cycling press across Europe since the start of the season has been the preponderance of crashes in the early season races. Pundits are already debating the potentially devastating impact this may have on various GT contenders if this rate of spills continues. Various riders have been debating on social media what the causes of the uptick in crash rate is down to. Theories blaming bad weather, motorcycle pilots, exuberant young neo-pros and pure chance have all been floated. While crashes early season are seen by some as the norm, GT watchers will be keeping a beady eye out to see if the bunches calm down as the season progresses. If not, many riders and team managers in particular will start to fear the potential for ruined seasons in the offing
The excellent PR department at Team I-Gen - Festina has already released their full 8-man line-up for both the Tour and Vuelta. Spilak's 2016 Tour tilt looks to get the full backing of his squad with potential sprint options left at home and P-H Lecusinier onboard to act as mountain pilot extraordinaire alongside a host of TT specialists ready for duty on stage 7's TTT outing. Lecuinier is rewarded for his loyalty by being named captain for I-Gen's Vuelta campaign.
As PCT and CT teams release their respective race calendars, a number of participants at the Tour of America are becoming clear (apologies if you have announced in a thread and I have missed). Confirmed thus far are:
PCT: Visit Ukraine, In-n-Out, Team Telkom, Aeropostal
CT: Eddie Stobart, World Cycling Centre
So six confirmed starters with the majority yet to declare one way or another. Will 2016 prove a popular year for the ToA, or will we see another depleted start-list (seem to recall maybe only 12-14 teams starting a few years back???)?
Finally, thanks to the various other contributers, certainly interesting reading to see the planned activities of GT stalwarts Alarcon and Phinney!
Next installment of MG GT watch will turn attention towards the season opening Giro d'Italia .
Manager of ISA - Hexacta in the MG |
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| baseballlover312 |
Posted on 03-08-2016 22:33
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Tour de France Champion
Posts: 16555
Joined: 27-07-2011
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Totally unrealistic, an American would use wanker!
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy |
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| Avin Wargunnson |
Posted on 04-08-2016 08:06
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World Champion
Posts: 13662
Joined: 20-06-2011
PCM$: 300.00
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Nice piece Scorchio!
I have to say i am also one of the managers afraid of what seems a rising crash frequency. One bad crash in Giro or Vuelta for Aleksandr and we can write off the whole season...
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| jph27 |
Posted on 04-08-2016 12:01
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Team Leader
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Great work! Ayubowan! can confirm that we won't be at the Tour of America. It was considered, but after the traumatic experiences of the team in the Grand Tours last season the thought was quickly discounted.
Thibaut Pinot was angered by this at first (and being French contemplated going on strike), believing it presented his best opportunity to silence the French media and win a GT - until it was pointed out there was 126km of TTs on the route. Confronted with such a terrifying prospect, he quickly decided to "fermée sa bouche", and was last seen committing a spree of petty crime to remove any eligibility for a US visa - just to be safe. |
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