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[CT '24] Genii Hyundai N Cycling
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| Nemolito |
Posted on 01-09-2024 21:20
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You have certainly made some interesting changes to the team! I like the Noppachai signing as well, he can be a fun domestique in the future.
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 05-09-2024 11:02
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Classics Specialist
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The team didn't had any luck in free agency, but finally we've got one in  Luke Rowe - the 34 y.o. sprinter will join the team this season
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 27-10-2024 11:12
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Classics Specialist
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Where was ivaneurope? January review
The 2024 season has started and little was heard from the Genii Hyundai N Cycling's boss - ivaneurope. Well, he's been monitoring the team's performance during the month behind the scenes as he had to deal with some issues. Unfortunately (if you've seen the images) the Argon 18 frame has failed to pass the homologation process and the deal fell through. For similar reasons the team will be racing with the 2023 jersey for this season as the team failed to submit the new one. Giant, BWT and Ionos have agreed to support the team one more season with talks with potential new sponsors will be conducted throughout the season.
Now, onto the recap of the first month. Our first race back in the CT was Gisborne GP where we got only 4 points courtesy of KHJ's 16th place. While this was largely forgetable race, the next race - Tour Down Under, was far more productive hunting ground for the Danish puncheur. A 3rd place in Stage 2 got him in race win contention and he only needed to hang on against much stronger competition from the PCT riders and direct challengers from the CT teams like Boswell from Glanbia. But he did rise to the occasion, took the lead in Stage 5 with only 2 seconds ahead of Boswell which proved to be just enough for the overall win - the team's first Stage Race overall win since Giro del Trentino in 2018 where Petar Panayotov won.
Guadeloupe was our next stop, but unfortunately we were never remotely in contention for the overall. And just when we were ready to admit that we'll leave this race empty handed with some token provisional Teams Standings leads (which were irrelevant for the rankings), Eugert Zhupa has managed to pick up some KoM points and bonus seconds in the final two stages to get some ranking points which were enough for the team to be classified 2nd among the CT teams. Unfortunately, planning miscalculation prevented KHJ from defending his Classico San Jose title, but he will return in action in Coppa Placci in late February. In Cuba it was Momchil Robov, who picked up some ranking points for the team - 5 to be exact. Not much to be fair, but every point counts. He was the only pointscoring rider in this race as Ulysbayev was 32nd though to be fair this type of race isn't his forté and hopefully he will have his time to shine later in the season.
With the dust settled, the team got 156 points which were enough for 8th place in the team standings. We've only spent 14 RD as this time we were looking for a more balanced calendar. PPRD wise we have 11.14 which gives us a projected total of 1560 points, but that is if the current trend continues, which could go either up or down.
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| Booker |
Posted on 12-11-2024 14:52
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Very decent start to the season for you, and some really nice planning in there as well, especially those sneaky points in the Isle of Man TTT. Congrats to you Ivan as the team has been built really quite well for consistent scoring throughout the season. Let's see if it continues, as Genii are one of the teams, as you note, which is hard to predict the finishing position.
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 16-01-2025 09:43
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Genii Capital will end involvement after 2024
After relatively quiet 4th month of the 2024 season for the Genii Hyundai N Cycling the team made an announcement. After lots of rumours, it was officially revealed that Genii Capital will no longer be involved with the team in any capacity afte the conclusion of the season. The team has stated that they were already informed about that in advance and said that they respect their decision.
The question now is how the team will be named for 2025? Though the team's trade name is IESE Group MGUCI Team, IESE Group president ivaneurope has since stated that the team will not go under that moniker and instead will look at potential new naming rights co-holder. Hyundai Motor Europe has stated that they will prefer to be co-holders of the naming rights and that being the sole sponsor in the name is only 'last resort' scenario. Other smaller sponsors have stated that they may consider increadong their involvement, but nothing concrete has been made yet.
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| Ad Bot |
Posted on 24-05-2025 08:23
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| AbhishekLFC |
Posted on 17-01-2025 06:48
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Pick sponsors who are more loyal 
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 17-01-2025 08:10
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Classics Specialist
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Well, Hyundai has been part of this team since 2020 - with 5 contiguous seasons it is the sponsor that had formed part of our various guises the longest. And are here to stay - they just don't want the entire burden to be on them. And I kinda understand their choice. DT Swiss is the only partner that has been with the team since its inception. 
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 16-02-2025 09:39
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Classics Specialist
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Why the search for new co-title sponsor is more difficult
Monterrey TTT has just recently ended with yet another success for Genii Hyundai N Cycling. It was the 3rd win at the C2 TTT Classic in 4 years after wins in 2021 and 2022 + a podium finish in 2023 when the team was in the upper PCT division. This adds to the Down Under win by KHJ, the solid collective performance in Catalunya, KHJ's 2nd place in Izola, a really decent Olympia's Tour (5th in GC from Carlos Verona, 6th in GC from Lukas Postlberger,, 2nd in the TTT stage and 3rd in the Team classification) and Julien Bernard's 2nd in GC in Int. Österreich Rundfahrt. Overall, the team's performance has been decent (though there were some duds - primairly in C1 races), but off-track the team has been experiencing rough times.
As it has become known over the recent weeks, Genii Capital will no longer be title sponsor of the team after the end of the season. With Hyundai unwilling to be the sole title sponsor (unless no alternative can be found by October), the team began the search for a new partner. But as it has turned out, it was more difficult than expected. For starters, the team is in CT - not the most appealing division for some top brands. Secondly, the team has flip-floped between CT and PCT in recent years which from a marketing perspective may not seem a good return of investment. And thirdly, it there're the new rules that could potentially penalize inactive franchise holder, meaning that teams can not be sure in which division they'll be next season. Such uncertainty has made the sponsor search very tricky for the long run - BWT and Genii had stayed for just 2 seasons as title sponsors (BWT remained as a minor one after 2022).
"We've held conversations with some major companies, but unfortunately we can't guarantee them anything concrete right now. The situation is not the best, because if we finish 6th or 7th we have to wait to find out in which division we'll be in and the higher the division is, the exposure will be better for the sponsors." - said IESE Group's CEO ivaneurope.
He did not reveal the names of the companies he has contacted with partnership, but from his demeanor in the interview it didn't seem that any of the talks have come to fruition. Aside from Hyundai, Helly Hansen and DataMap have confirmed they'll keep supporting the team for 2025 and 2026, but have said that they weren't interested at the moment to expand their involvement. After the deal with Argon 18 fell through after failed homologation, Giant remained as bike supplier for 2024, but there aren't talks yet for 2025 and beyond. Recent success could entice the Taiwanese brand to continue its partnership with the team for at least one more year, but both sides have refused to comment if that will be the case.
The team is hopeful though that by July/August there will be a breakthrough in the search for new co-title sponsor
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| kandesbunzler26 |
Posted on 16-02-2025 17:36
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It will be interesting to follow this saga further on, but I'm sure you'll find a satisfying new sponsor in the end. Also a new sponsor means a new jersey and that's always something I look forward to.
Also congratulations to extending your legacy in Monterrey!
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 24-02-2025 14:42
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Classics Specialist
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A team's shocking announcement has led to another
The Tour of Vancouver has started promising with two podium finishes and two riders in Top 10 in the opening stage, ended on a sour note with sharp drop in the mountain stages which was partially salvaged by a second place in the final TTT stage. On the sponsor front it was expected to have an announcement by July at earliest, but a shocking announcement from one of the teams changed plans.
Recently Team Würth MODYF has announce that it will cease operations after the season following Würth MODYF's announcement that the sponsor will be stepping down as the primary backer of the team. This immediately led to speculations that Würth were looking to either replace Genii Capital or to facilitate a move for Genii Hyundai N Cycling to absorb Team Würth MODYF's contracts. To clear the air, IESE CEO ivaneurope had made a statement regarding his own team's future.
"I can confirm that there are no talks regarding absorbing Team Würth MODYF's riders and/or sponsors. Würth MODYF had not reach out to us with such proposal and I find all these speculations regarding both teams as disturbing. And I feel this does a disservice to both teams' efforts this season - especially when both are in a tight promotion battle. I'd want my team to promote on merit and not jumping the queue just because one team 2 or 3 places ahead of me is disbanding. Yes, I am gutted that Ezeefreak will not be part of the MGUCI next season and wish him nothing but the best in his future projects."
The Genii Hyundai N Cycling's boss had also said that the speculations have 'forced his hand' and that he has to change his plans regarding the sponsorship announcement which according to him was due to be made after the Hong Kong Challenge.
"And to end speculations further, despite my intentions to announce this after the conclusion of the Hong Kong Chanllenge, but I feel the need to push this forward. For the 2025 season, the team will be called Logitech Hyundai N Cycling after we reached an agreement with the Swiss manufacturer of computer peripherals and software for at least the next two seasons. Logitech were extremely kind to allow us to make the announcement today - earlier than planned, as they beleived that the speculations will not bring anything good."
Regarding the nationality the team will have next year, the team has yet to comment on this. No comment has been made on what bikes the team will ride next season as well.
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| Laurens147 |
Posted on 25-02-2025 08:26
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Great to hear you'll continue your project New sponsor, maybe new division? Exciting times ahead!
MG - Lotto - Caloi
[MG] New Manager of the Year - PCM.daily Awards 2022
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| AbhishekLFC |
Posted on 07-03-2025 05:16
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I'm sure the existing Swiss teams will be overjoyed
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 07-03-2025 05:24
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Classics Specialist
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It is still unclear whether or not the team will compete under the flag of Switzerland
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| redordead |
Posted on 17-03-2025 07:37
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The sponsor merry go round continues
"I am a cyclist, I may not be the best, but that is what I strive to be. I may never get there, but I will never quit trying." - Tadej Pogačar
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 09-04-2025 20:44
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Classics Specialist
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The MGUCI has held today a meeting between the team managers regarding next season as well as the stricter penalties that had been planned in case of low franchise activity. They have announced in advance that 2 franchises - Llapi-Vita and Hilcona Racing Team, were confirmed to cease activity after the conclusion of the 2025 season. MGUCI has announced that 2 other franchises - ISA - Hexacta and Team Popo4Ever p/b Morshynska, will most likely be denied licenses for 2025 with the governing body citing 'Multi-year inactivity infractions'. This comes as a shock to many managers as ISA - Hexacta are currently in the position for a PT promotion berth, while Team Popo4Ever p/b Morshynska has been a regular team in the PCT division. With two front-running teams in the second level, this may affect the promotion-relegation process. Here's what ivaneurope stated:
"After the MGUCI meeting the executive committee has announced that 2 franchises may have their licenses revoked due to multiple infractions in regards to activity. We were made aware on the MGUCI's ExCom and all we know that this decision for now is provisional and final decision will be made after the final races of the season. We are aware of the potential changes that may happen across the divisions, but right now our focus is to achieve promotion through merit (e.g. Top 5 finish)"
His words seemed to imply that the team will only accept promotion through Top 5 finish. After the July rankings were released, the team fell down to 6th, but within a rech of Top 5. Currently the team is projected to finish 6th, but could either sneak into the promotion spots, or fall all the way down to 8th. The recently concluded Giro del Trentino proved to be perhaps the final high-scoring event for the team - the team will not take part in Tour of America (where teams like Glanbia may take part), KHJ is only scheduled to take part in Tour of Britain and Zuri Metzgete after Tour de Vineyards, while Julien Bernard (the other high-scorer) will appear in Tour du Maroc in addition to joining KHJ in Zürich. Will Barta is scheduled to be the leader in Tour of San Luis and Herald Sun Tour, while the cobbled squad has GP Kigali and Tour du Faso. That structure is too reliant on other teams to flop, which is not a good sign. Which means that the team will miss out on direct promotion again.
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 23-04-2025 10:45
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Where will the team head?
The month of August has concluded for the Genii Hyundai N Cycling and the promotion picture seems to get murkier. While the team scored points in every stage race they took part - Trentino, Vineyards and Maroc, other teams around them in the standings have scored more points. While the August rankings aren't released yet (Post Danmark Rundt is the last race to not have concluded yet) it is believed that the team could fall all the way down to 9th. Which not only will jackknife their efforts at promotion through the rankings, but also through potential disbands. The team is not taking part in Tour of America (which gives HC ranking points despite being an C1 classified race) and has 20 RD left. Julien Bernard's race calendar is nearly complete with only Zuri Metzgete remaining. KHJ on the other hand has Tour of Britain scheduled in addition of joining Bernard in Zürich. William Barta is scheduled to compete in San Luis and Herald Sun Tour with Ulysbayev joining him in Argentina. The cobble/sprint crew has been so far disappointing with a bagel of a result in Kigali and will have one last chance in Tour du Faso.
However apart from Zuri (and maybe Britain if KHJ pulls a TDU) the other races offer little chance of high scoring. That does not look good for the team's promotion aspiration and may have to rely on other teams withing their reach having a bad race, which seems far fetched at the moment. And this leaves the team in a precarious position come renewals and transfer season - the team is one of the oldest and most expensive. KHJ is 33, several riders (Bernard, Lukas Postlberger, Carlos Verona and Muhamma Afif Ahmad Zamri) are 32. And excluding loanees, only 7 riders are under the age of 30 (this includes loaned out riders). Another season in the CT could may be very well force the team to undertake a different approach with promotion aspirations maybe on hold for the time being.
Those final 20 RD will be either a triumph or tragedy - time is running out and once the final rider finishes Zuri, the team will know its final fate for the season
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| Caspi |
Posted on 23-04-2025 13:31
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The future might not be as dark as you think. Good luck onwards
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| SotD |
Posted on 23-04-2025 19:37
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Regardless of promotion or not your team i probably going to undertake some drastic changes due to ages like you mention yourself. I don't think that will be a bad thing even if it obviously hurt to "start from scratch" at CT level. Some of the old riders still have a significant trading value, while others are probably dead weight after renewals.
I would consider the off season a very interesting one if I was you. Fingers crossed you'll get the points needed to claim your goal - but even if you do not succeed, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to turn it around during transfers.
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| ivaneurope |
Posted on 01-05-2025 20:05
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It was not all doom and gloom after all, but time's running out
The August monthly roundup has been released and it appears that for the Genii Hyundai N Cycling team it wasn't as hopeless as it may seem. The team finished 5th in the monthly ranking with 179 points and 11.19 PpRD (the last team to reach 10+ PpRD for the month). While it's not all doom and gloom, the team recognizes that the chance for direct promotion is sliping away and there are only 15 RD remaining after Tour de San Luis concluded.
The remaining races are - Tour du Faso (the only remaining race in September for this team), Herald Sun Tour, Tour of Britain (the last C1 race for the season) and Zuri Metzgete. Faso is perhaps the odd one out as the cobbled squad has been disappointing throughout the entire season and Stocker hasn't been impressive either (though he collected some solid ranking points lately). The hope here is for the other team to have sent teams for XP gains. Herald Sun Tour is also an oddball race where William Barta has been sent to Australia along with the youngsters, Jhonatan Restrepo and Carlos Verona. Barta did got a Top 5 finish in Tour of Britain last year, but back then that race had TT stage, which has been removed and that race is no longer suitable for him. But it could be for KHJ as he has few RD which the team decided to spent on ToB. He scored decently in the Vineyards - a race that is not like Tour of Britain or even Tour Down Under (a race he won earlier in the season), but scored decently enough so perhaps if he can't go for the GC, maybe go for breakaways and Sprint/KoM. But that won't be the last we will see from KHJ this season as he will go to Zürich where he will pair up with Julien Bernard (who makes a stellar season as he reinvented himself in the CT) and Ulysbayev in one last attempt for ranking points.
The current model predicts the team sliping down to 7th, losing the 6th place to the Spark BNZ team which has been climbing up fast in the ranking and has been buiding up further momentum from the Tour of America. There's also Ethiopian Airlines, but they had spent 6 RD more (and were also in San Luis) and the model so far puts them in 9th behind even Glanbia. Neither are predicted to be close to Genii in the projected standings, meaning that 7th is most likely the worst place the team could end up. This means that they'll be 2nd in line to get additional promotion berths in case a team in an upper division decide to not continue. Well, MGUCI has declared two teams to have their licenses revoked due to repeated offenses regarding managerial activity. Nothing has been confirmed, but right now 6th and 7th in CT (and 6th in PCT) are now positions that will be sought after and currently Genii is in a position for promotion by technicality. But in this case - will this be third time's the charm?
As mentioned previously, the team is one of the oldest and perhaps isn't built for a PCT survival for next season in mind. KHJ and Bernard are good, but many analysts believe they are past their prime and are no longer the building blocks for an aspiring PCT team. But the team also had pitfalls during its last two attempts in the second tier. In their first attempt they signed Preidler on a doozy 600k wage and his planning was botched from the start, which the team has later acknowledged. In 2023 they had Triple-P and an aging (but still reliable at the time) Romain Sicard, but the supporting cast was severely lacking (though Barta had a late surge in Tour of Britain) and the quantity trumped quality. The team did confirmed that they've been keeping tabs on some PCT teams to determine which path will guarantee them at least back-to-back-PCT seasons. The general consensus is that the team needs at least one top tier rider to be able to be competitive in PTHC races. Secure that type of rider first and then build the rest up.
The question is whether the team will follow this path, or fall yet again into the abyss in case it gets promoted? If promotion gets denied, how should the team proceed? Going for continuity with a now even older roster, or start from scratch? We'll find out in the off-season.
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| Booker |
Posted on 01-05-2025 21:38
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I love the thoughts and analysis, Ivan, surely some interesting decisions to come this offseason whether you get promotion (I think you will given how incredibly Bernard has been performing) or not.
Duvel-Tsingtao will see you at Tour du Faso (a goal race for us), Herald Sun Tour and Zuri Metzgete, while we also race GP Plouay and Tropicale Amissa Bongo. Though not expecting any points from our C1 misadventure, while you're clearly targeting ToB.
Good luck!
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