Fantasy Tour de France 2023
Discussion
I'm in for another year. Slightly odd though that when I tried to log into the site, I couldn't remember my password, and it said that my email address wasn't recognised when I tried to reset it. So I set up a new account which it has somehow managed to link to my old one and now I'm up and running again. Weird.
lauda said:
I'm in for another year. Slightly odd though that when I tried to log into the site, I couldn't remember my password, and it said that my email address wasn't recognised when I tried to reset it. So I set up a new account which it has somehow managed to link to my old one and now I'm up and running again. Weird.
The site always seems to be a bit odd for me too!Hoping for a cracking tour this year with Jumbo Visma and UAE taking lumps out of each other.
LM240 said:
Initial choices made, sick of deliberating options now! Always a compromise somewhere. See how things shake out, tough schedule to plan certain riders.
Good luck everyone.
That first stage is a nightmare to call, I can't work out if WVA is going to attack from the off and have the yellow jersey early doors. Similar with Pogi. Or whether we'll see the big teams let a none GC group go and take yellow early on. Good luck everyone.
Also a sneaking part of me wonders whether Pidcock would go fo stage 1 as Ineos don't appear to have a real GC contender this year
ukbabz said:
That first stage is a nightmare to call, I can't work out if WVA is going to attack from the off and have the yellow jersey early doors. Similar with Pogi. Or whether we'll see the big teams let a none GC group go and take yellow early on.
Also a sneaking part of me wonders whether Pidcock would go fo stage 1 as Ineos don't appear to have a real GC contender this year
Having said I’m done choosing… I’m torn over strengthening early sprint options. Only first nailed on sprint finish is stage 3. Those cat 2 climbs on stage 1 and 2 could wreck sprinters chances. Also a sneaking part of me wonders whether Pidcock would go fo stage 1 as Ineos don't appear to have a real GC contender this year
So hard to judge these days. You used to be able to predict breakaways and sprint stages early on and wait for mountains for the big guns to go for it. However it’s all guns blazing from the off now.
Can’t rule out van aert taking early yellow for jumbo. Haven’t really considered van de poel, perhaps another one week special appearance again.
LM240 said:
Having said I’m done choosing… I’m torn over strengthening early sprint options. Only first nailed on sprint finish is stage 3. Those cat 2 climbs on stage 1 and 2 could wreck sprinters chances.
So hard to judge these days. You used to be able to predict breakaways and sprint stages early on and wait for mountains for the big guns to go for it. However it’s all guns blazing from the off now.
Can’t rule out van aert taking early yellow for jumbo. Haven’t really considered van de poel, perhaps another one week special appearance again.
One thing with WVA is whether he'll stay the course, as his second child is due to be born during the tour and he's said he'll (rightly imho) leave to be with his other half.So hard to judge these days. You used to be able to predict breakaways and sprint stages early on and wait for mountains for the big guns to go for it. However it’s all guns blazing from the off now.
Can’t rule out van aert taking early yellow for jumbo. Haven’t really considered van de poel, perhaps another one week special appearance again.
I think Ineos will attack early and go for stage wins and/or short periods in yellow. Pidcock’s performance on the Alpe d’Huez stage last year garnered far more coverage for them than a top ten GC finish would. And I think that’s likely to be their best hope this year. They certainly won’t be troubling the podium.
My guess is a stage 1 battle between Pidcock, van Aert and van der Poel for yellow. Can’t wait!
My guess is a stage 1 battle between Pidcock, van Aert and van der Poel for yellow. Can’t wait!
They do this league so well. You can never quite pick your perfect 8.
Wondering whether to sacrifice two places for 5 point riders and go strong with six riders for early on. Also trying to save some swap credits for later through with some riders who will stay throughout.
THIS IS CONSUMING TOO MUCH OF MY TIME!! Arrrrgh
Wondering whether to sacrifice two places for 5 point riders and go strong with six riders for early on. Also trying to save some swap credits for later through with some riders who will stay throughout.
THIS IS CONSUMING TOO MUCH OF MY TIME!! Arrrrgh
Van Aert because I think he’ll run riot again and win across a variety of stages. Pogacar because I think he’ll take yellow and will attack for stage wins in the process. Philipsen is in form and Alpecin have no GC ambitions so will throw everything at getting him wins in the sprints. I’m hoping that now Fred Wright has had his first pro win at the Nationals last week, the floodgates will open. And if not, he’ll still be second a few times!
Nielsen for some breakaway action, Wawa for the KoM classification, Simmons for the mullet and Le Gac because French rider, French team. And cheap.
As you can see, all highly scientific!
lauda said:
I think Ineos will attack early and go for stage wins and/or short periods in yellow. Pidcock’s performance on the Alpe d’Huez stage last year garnered far more coverage for them than a top ten GC finish would. And I think that’s likely to be their best hope this year. They certainly won’t be troubling the podium.
My guess is a stage 1 battle between Pidcock, van Aert and van der Poel for yellow. Can’t wait!
I think pidcock may surprise a few he’s a talented rider. All he needs is for covid to take a few out and a crash or injury and he could find himself easily in the top 10. My guess is a stage 1 battle between Pidcock, van Aert and van der Poel for yellow. Can’t wait!
Okay. Think I’m fairly locked in on starting squad. There are others who will feature, but who started was tough balancing who will stay throughout saving credits changing and those suiting first few stages. Balancing breakaway, sprint and GC was hard.
Thinking possible breakaway days and sprints at start. Stages 5&6 a bit of a change but then back to flat/hilly. Think around 9-10 it goes GC. But who knows in recent times! Main review of team probably around stage 9-10 then another for last fee stages.
Couldn’t make some others work with credit limit and balance of team.
In descending credit order….
Pog.. because Pog. Vin will feature I’m sure later for GC points.
Van Aert. Tough one between him and VdP to be honest. Couldn’t make VdP work with the credits. I think Van Aert will be there on many of the hilly stages but risks being pulled back to assist GC. Something VdP doesn’t have.
Skjelmose I know little about but could be a surprise. Good form i.e. won, tour de suisse. Next big thing or big flop this year? Weighed up O’Connor but will likely feature later down the line.
Cav. I just want him to do well. He has always been included on my team last few years. He’s going to be pumped up for it and showed he can still do it on the Giro.
Pederson. Him or Philipsen. Probably wanted Philipsen but couldn’t balance credits. Maybe later on. However Pederson having a good year and I think can handle the inclines better on the hilly days to stay in the fight. Perhaps Green Jersey ambitions.
Wright. Good form it seems. Breakaway wins? Consistent form in top 3 finishes. Could easily be year of a couple of wins.
Pollit. Low credit. Seasoned, possible breakaway days and solid time trialler.
Gallopin. Low credit. Experienced. Breakaway? Don’t expect too much. Couldn’t see any other low credit ones who jumped out. Champossin could fit in later on.
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