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English Cff Forum => General Forum => Topic started by: Combuijs on March 17, 2019, 11:08:49 PM

Title: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 17, 2019, 11:08:49 PM
The Combuijs Capers

In this topic I will keep you updated on the Capers of the Combuijs Cycling Team on a not-too-daily basis. Feel free to react to posts!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 17, 2019, 11:20:16 PM
First press conference

Welcome all to the first press conference of the Combuijs Cycling Team. First of all we would like to thank our sponsor Combuijs Honey Ales for their financial support which enabled us to be here in Australia. Yesterday we have tasted the local Foster beer and we have immediately doubled the export capacity of our ale as we see brilliant opportunities in this desert-ridden country.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/28/Tanunda.jpg/1920px-Tanunda.jpg)

Of course we are very happy to be in Tanunda this week for our preparations for the season. And we are happy we brought our own beer because, believe it or not, there is only wine here in this water hole...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)

So remember: Combuijs Honey Ale, the beer with the sting, Combuijs Cycling Team, the team with the sting!


Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on March 18, 2019, 07:07:43 AM
Everything tastes better than Dutch beer!!!!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on March 18, 2019, 11:05:42 AM
Just to let you know, Aussies don't drink Fosters.  And in the Barossa Valley, you're not going to want beer anyway.

Btw: Coopers is the beer you'd want in South Australia.  And welcome to Aust.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 18, 2019, 07:42:53 PM
Nice read, Combuijs!

Let's have some fun together with AA, plopsala and others in 3g this season, the division for the Original G's.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Angovis on March 18, 2019, 08:45:58 PM
It's always sunny in Combuistralia!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 19, 2019, 12:33:11 PM
The riders

We will compete this season on the Continental Tour level and if you are a very talented cyclist or if you know how to spell the word "bike" we might be interested to take you on. In the Tour Down Under we will start with (definite jersey numbers yet unknown):

1 Carlo Bemelmans
2 Julius Maalderink
3 Eduard Brouwers
4 Harrie van der Haar
5 Julius van Zandbeek

We really don't know what to expect as we haven't scouted the opponent teams yet. It is however worrying to be in the same group as experienced teams like WinterIsComing, Plopsala, Aurora Australis and Real Betis Balompié. On the bright side, we are reunited with Kalarratas, a team we have encountered on a still lower level in a previous life.

There have been complaints about the Dutch beer, which are fully unjustified, although they have a point about the Dutch pilsener which tastes like ... eh ... Fosters. Admittedly the current Dutch beer revival has been largely inspired by our Belgian neighbours, but there are some really nice beers now in the Netherlands. If you don't want to drink Combuijs Honey Ale for whatever reason, can I recommend "Van Moll Ons Blackie", a very good stout?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 23, 2019, 05:33:58 PM
The Mechanic

As a new team we have been looking hard to get personnel, but it is of course very difficult these days. There are a lot of jobs to fill and not many to fill them.

But we proudly present our 47 year old mechanic to you, our Russian expert Tigran Filin.

We are very glad with his invention of the anti-kangaroo bike, this should give us a serious advantage in the first tour.

(https://www.wintherbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/Winther-E-Kangaroo-Luxe-4-top-view.jpg)

We have our doubts about his choice of material though. We don't hope that "Cube" represents the shape of our wheels...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 23, 2019, 08:19:58 PM
The team director

For a team director we have been able to secure the immense experience of Spanish Roque Moron. If this 52 year old can't find some genius tactics, who can?

Of course we will need him in the Vuelta, to cut off some nasty parts of the stages, but he will be very useful in Catalonia and the Basque County as well.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 24, 2019, 02:52:12 PM
The Doctor

Before the start of the season we did not have a doctor in our team, but we have managed to pick up one in Australia: Virgil Warrenburg. With that name we suspect there is some Dutch ancestry involved, but more important for now is his nice collection of pots and pills to keep our riders top notch...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 24, 2019, 04:17:02 PM
The Masseur

In a new youthful team you need some tight discipline and we have found it in our masseur Herr Doctor Kreuzer. Don't call him Eugen however, you won't race for a while after that. Oh, and don't tell him he is getting less money than doctor Warrenburg otherwise the team manager might be in for an uppercut...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 24, 2019, 05:01:14 PM
The Marketing Manager

With such lovely ales to work with who needs a marketing manager? Well, here in Tanunda we have noticed that there are some strange people who don't like beer at all, so that's why we have appointed a marketing manager called Gerard Brown. The problem is of course that being an Englishman he is already addicted to the Combuijs Honey Ale, so whether we will gain anything by hiring him is the question. We might be in for a miniature "no deal" Brexit in a short time.

Tomorrow we leave lovely Tanunda and we will going via Campbelltown and Gawler to Hahndorf in our first races. We wish everyone a lot of fun, good luck and slightly less points than our team!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 25, 2019, 04:11:10 PM
We would like to welcome all press here at the press conference of the Combuijs Cycling team in Gawler. We immediately knew we were in the right place when we arrived here:

(http://sacountrypress.com.au/images/newspaper-listing/Gawler-Town-Image.jpg)

Sadly no Combuijs Honey Ale to be seen, but this will change quite soon as the first Combuijs shirts have been sold in our webshop!

First of course we like to thank our Moron, who devised a really genius tactics for the first stage. The attack in the fourth section brought 4 riders of us in the leader group of 19. No silverware yet, but we have all confidence in his qualities:

With 88 starting riders we were:

5. Julius Maalderink
7. Julius van Zandbeek
9. Eduard Brouwers
18. Carlo Bemelmans
27. Harrie van der Haar

This results means that we will start to scout for more riders named Julius and that Carlo Bemelmans will be our leader in the next three stages.

Of course this fantastic result has attracted some eager sponsors and our marketing manager Gordon Brown, eh... pardon ... Gerard Brown has signed a contract with Ford, famous for their ... eh ... four wheel bikes. We have promised to finish 10th in the Vuelta and having a Spanish director should secure this spot without any problems. Having said that our Moron has declared that Argamasilla de Alba is still far away...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/ford.jpg)

This result also means we are top in our division ranking with 253 points and this has caused some very knowledgeable boards to award us some prices for being in the top 5 and top 10 of the national ranking.
Some more knowledgeable people would even have noticed that we are simply 2nd behind a Red Rag. And people who know best know that a Red Rag should trail the peleton, not lead...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cffrank2.jpg)
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cffrank3.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 25, 2019, 08:27:47 PM
And good news in Hahndorf as we managed to secure some honourable places again:

4. Julius Maalderink
5. Carlo Bemelmans
8. Julius van Zandbeek
21. Eduard Brouwers

There are four leaders now in the same time after this race, three of them Dutch:

Pieter Vermeltfoort (WinterIsComing)
Julius Maalderink
Amadeo Reig (Cojonudos)
Carlo Bemelmans

However we stay calm and cool in Hahndorf, helped by the local shop:

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/ADH_hahndorf_27_icecreamery.jpg/1280px-ADH_hahndorf_27_icecreamery.jpg)

Gerard Brown is really well placed in England, he managed to secure a sponsor deal for the first stage of the Tirreno Adriatico. If we reach 4th place then Blanch House Hotel will entertain the whole team for a weekend. If only there were races in Britain...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/blanch.jpg)

Tomorrow we ride from Stirling to Paracombe and the local Courier tips Carlo Bemelmans as the man to watch. We will certainly do that!

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 26, 2019, 08:04:54 AM
You are enjoying a great start of the season Down Under, Sir Combuijs. Well done.  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 26, 2019, 03:57:29 PM
Today the Combuijs Honey Ale team have gained their first victory! In a convincing style without any helpers Carlo Bemelmans took stage 3 of the Tour Down Under. He was 13 seconds in front of a group of 5, among them his great rival for the general classification Patrick Vermeltfoort.

After the race Carlo of course took a Magnum bottle of champa... eh ... Combuijs Honey Ale, but refused to spray this costly liquid into the crowd.
The offer for a luxurious stay in Paracombe was not refused however.

(https://i2.au.reastatic.net/800x600/bcc1a8543092894f71d070d4a883483a9b265a816ee6a4a6cc1ff60b33183f70/main.jpg)

With this victory he takes over the lead in the Tour Down Under, for which he is awarded a very appropriate jersey for a Dutchman:

(https://tourdownunder.com.au/~/media/tdu/images/jersey%20large%20graphics/2019_ochre-jersey-m_400x400.ashx?h=200&w=200&la=en)

There is of course much speculation about the reasons for the successes of the Combuijs team. The Adelaide Now thinks it is because of their good resistance against the rain, The Courier had the same argument but thought is was due to their sun protection system and The Advertiser even went as far to claim their insensitivity to cold was the key to their success. The Southern Times Messenger blatantly stated that their support of the UCI is the reason.

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/lluvia.jpg) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/sol.jpg) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/nieve.jpg) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/supporter.gif)

According to the Eastern Courier Messenger in this afternoon's race from McLaren Vale to Willunga Hill, Carlo Bemelmans is the man to beat, but Patrick Vermeltfoort is a man to watch out for, as his teamleader is very cunning. What trick will he play?

In a final note Gerard Brown seems to have contacts with Haribo, but their offer for the Dauphine Libere has been declined. Imagine you get a ton of Haribo sweets if you win the last stage. Undescribable...
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/haribo.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 26, 2019, 08:27:21 PM
Does Carlo Bemelmans know that those Magnum bottles of Combuijs Honey Ale are a limited edition? He finishes first again, this time on Willunga Hill.

(https://adelaidehillclimbs.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/willunga-sv-1.png?w=479&h=271)

He wins 6 seconds on runner up Patrick Vermeltfoort, so in the mini stage tomorrow in Adelaide he will have a margin of 19 seconds. Will that be enough?

Helper Julius Maalderink takes 19th place.

The Combuijs Honey Ales selection for Omloop het Nieuwsblad will be:

1 Julius Maalderink
2 Carlo Bemelmans
3 Thomas van Fessem
4 Koen Helder
5 Rikkert Vandenbeginne

We are of course very proud of wearing the number 1 jersey!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 27, 2019, 02:49:52 PM
51 flat kilometers in Adelaide, what possibly could happen with 19 seconds in the lead?
(https://www.kilroyworld.nl/media/11587/adelaide-edu-street.jpg?width=430&height=520&mode=crop&quality=70&center=0.64889466840052,0.48)

Not a lot in first 40, but in the last 11 hell broke loose and Carlo Bemelmans lost contact with helper Harrie van der Haar and saw rival Pieter Vermeltfoort riding away with the leaders. Fortunately a lot of riders tried to get back to the lead and Carlo lost in the end only 16 seconds, which was a narrow escape:

7. Eduard Brouwers
8. Julius Maalderink
9. Julius van Zandbeek
13. Harrie van der Haar
21. Carlo Bemelmans

So, Combuijs Honey Ales has just won its first tour and well, 1 out of 1 is not a bad average, isn't it?

1    Carlo Bemelmans   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   500   100000
2    Pieter Vermeltfoort   19   WinterIsComing   0: 03"   400   90000
3    Johan Dockx   19   Plopsala   0: 30"   325   80000
6    Julius Maalderink   19   Combuijs   1: 42"   225   50000
20    Julius VanZandbeek   19   Combuijs   4: 07"   10   1000

Division standings:

1º      Combuijs   1870   2   0   0   
2º      Plopsala   1266   2   1   1   
3º      WinterIsComing   1202   0   1   3   
4º      $Tourmalet   915   0   2   0   
5º      CojoNudos   828   1   0   0   

An interesting article in the Adelaide Advertiser stated that Carlo Bemelmans was the fastest ever in yesterday's race to Willunga Hill.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tro1.png).

However, there were also some accusations that the Honey Ale and the raceshirts are too expensive for the die-hard fans.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tienda1.jpg)

We have given Gerard Brown some weeks off after he had secured a deal with Lacoste for the Tour of Catalunya. According to him 7th place in the general classification should not be a problem at all.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/lacoste.png)

Well, back in the airplane to Europe, where we will stay for the rest of the season!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 27, 2019, 05:18:52 PM
Nice victory Combuijs. I came close, but it just wasn't enough.  :)

You seem to have a pretty lucky hand this far with your cyclists, having the best hiller (Bemelmans), climber (de Cleer) and the 4th best cobb-hiller (Maalderink) in the division so far. Nice assets for a head start in the new game. Keep up the good work and even better posts  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 27, 2019, 08:51:33 PM
Some people ask how we scout these incredible youth riders. Of course there can only be one answer: The irresistable Combuijs Honey Ale attracts lots of good riders, all keen to get their hands on a Magnum bottle. In Ninove Jules Maalderink just missed out on such a bottle in the Omloop het Nieuwsblad as he was 3 seconds short of winner Kirk Trump from $Tourmalet. Helper Koen Helder finished 29th, so he is off the mark too.

(http://i1.wp.com/aktueel.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/ninove-jaarmarkt.png?resize=326%2C235)


In Italy these riders are selected for the Strade Bianchi:

1 Julius Maalderink
2 Harold Helder
3 Koen Helder
4 Norman Schuh
5 Rikkert Vandenbeginne

In France the Combuijs Honey Ales start in Paris - Nice with:

1 Julius Maalderink
2 Carlo Bemelmans
3 Harold Helder
4 Vincent van Vleuten
5 Julius van Zandbeek
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 28, 2019, 03:09:16 PM
Already on the first white road stroke in the beautiful Strade Bianchi race a definite split was made between the have-a-chance and the won't-have-a-chance. In the end only three riders arrived in the lead in the stunning town of Siena and trust WinterIsComing to have his tactics in order: Robin Crone wins the final sprint before Kirk Trump ($Tourmalet) and our Julius Maalderink. The helper brothers Helder finished 24th (Harold) and 29th (Koen).

(http://www.traveller.com.au/content/dam/images/g/z/9/i/u/n/image.related.articleLeadwide.620x349.gz9ir0.png/1509586048094.jpg)

Anyway, another podium place for our team. Division standings after the first classical races:

1º      Combuijs   2710   2   1   1   
2º      $Tourmalet   2225   1   3   0   
3º      WinterIsComing   2187   1   1   3   
4º      Plopsala   1671   2   1   1   
5º      Kalarratas   1473   0   1   0   

Finally, not to make WinterIsComing jealous, but experts have seen a new star in the Combuijs Honey Ales formation: Tristan Prins. The beer did its work again...

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 28, 2019, 09:14:52 PM
In the first stage of Paris-Nice to Amilly Julius Maalderink finished in the leading group on place 6, so for the moment he is still in contention for the general classification. Helper Julius van Zandbeek finished in the third group on place 24.

(https://www.lagalissonne.fr/local/cache-vignettes/L450xH338/patri-amilly-d-94266.jpg?1553750142)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 29, 2019, 02:37:10 PM
In this morning's stage from Contres to Commentry the Combuijs Honey Ale team helper Carlo Bemelmans launched Julius Maalderink on the only hill with devastating effects. Only two other riders could follow but in the end gnome Johan Dockx of the Plopsala team proved the stronger sprinter. So again a second place for Julius Maalderink. Honourable mentions for Carlo Bemelmans (10th) and Julius van Zandbeek (20th).

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/52/5b/3e/place-de-commentry-un.jpg)

In the general classification Julius Maalderink is now the new leader, although fellow Dutchman Piet Huybrechts is second in the same time. Yellow has always been my favourite colour.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ae/Maillotjaune.jpg/220px-Maillotjaune.jpg)

In L'Équipe there was an article which featured the Combuijs Honey Ale Cycling Team. Especially their tactics during windy and stormy stages were mentioned. There was also probably a comment on the youthfulness of the team but the French became quite ineligable there. Aren't all cycling teams youthful these days?

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/viento3.jpg) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tormentas.png) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/apucant.png)

Some experts have stated that Carlo Bemelmans is not the super talent he seemed to be.

O, and by the way, they think Maalderink is favourite in the next stage. Now, that is what I call a quality paper!


Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 29, 2019, 09:32:03 PM
In Vierzon we again lost a Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale, this time to Julius Maalderink who in a sprint à deux managed to beat Ricardo Rogge (eaglesOFcarthage). He even managed to get 10 seconds in front of Kirk Trump. Helper Harold Helder was marvellous, he finished 6th.

(https://www.my-loire-valley.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/escapade-vierzon-patrimoine-medieval-AD2T-N-BOCCANFUSO.jpg)

In the general classification Julius has a lead of almost a minute. He will need that because tomorrow waits the infamous Croix de Chaubouret. Frankly, we don't think that will be enough to win Paris-Nice as Valentijn Teffer (WinterIsComing) is looking very good and only 2 minutes behind.

In other news, thanks to the Combuijs Honey Ale we have the best shop of all teams at the moment!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 30, 2019, 02:56:52 PM
No surprises on the Croix de Chaubouret, Julius Maalderink could absolutely not follow the climbers there. In the end he finished almost 4 minutes after the predicted winner Valentijn Teffer. Trust WinterIsComing to win a race where his 5th favourite! The best Combuijs rider was Vincent van Vleuten with a 14th place.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Chaubouret.JPG/800px-Chaubouret.JPG)

In the general classification Valentijn is the glorious leader and 3rd place Julius Maalderink won't threaten him with 2 minutes behind.

For the last race to Vendome Carlo Bemelmans is favourite but he will to have help Julius to second place in the GC.

In other news a Cycling International expert declared that Yvo de Cleer is not really a top talent.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 30, 2019, 08:20:43 PM
In Vendome Carlo Bemelmans rode to help Julius Maalderink and so he finished on 3rd place after Stig Dreyer of Bolaverde. Julius Maalderink took 19th place on 15 seconds and instead of challenging second place he disappointingly lost his third place.

(https://en.hotel-saint-georges-vendome.com/usermedia/photo-634164300670348195-1.jpg?dummy=0&crop=True&w=515&h=343)

Glorious winner of Paris-Nice was Valentijn Teffer of WinterIsComing. Carlo Bemelmans just finished 20th.

Division standings after Paris - Nice:

1º      WinterIsComing   3780   2   1   3   
2º      Combuijs   3736   3   2   2   
3º      $Tourmalet   3736   1   3   2   
4º      Plopsala   2349   4   1   1   
5º      Kalarratas   2251   0   3   0   

So the first three are very close, the gap to number four though is considerable.

Tomorrow the Combuijs Honey Ales start in Tirreno Adriatico with:

11 Tristan Prins
12 Carlo Bemelmans
13 Yvo de Cleer
14 Enifanio Merchan
15 Sebastiaan Vermaelen

Goals are the first stage and of course the general classification!

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 31, 2019, 05:50:33 PM
In the hills around Offida Tristan Prins and Carlo Bemelmans rode an almost perfect first stage and finished 3rd and 6th. $Tourmalet proved to be the better team getting first second place with Stu Beal and Patrick Fredickson.

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0e/1f/c1/42/offida.jpg)

Yvo de Cleer showed his unability in hilly country, he lost almost 4 minutes and from now on he will have to assist Tristan in winning the Tirreno.


But we have our first happy sponsor (apart from Combuijs Honey Ales of course). Blanch House have announced they have every trust in the Combuijs Cycling Team after a place within the first four in the first stage of the Tirreno Adriatico.

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/blanch.jpg)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 31, 2019, 09:00:30 PM
Salsomaggiore Terme will never be our favourite destination, but we still got some points:

14. Yvo de Cleer
16. Sebastiaan Vermaelen
21. Carlo Bemelmans

Winner was Plopsala's Johan Dockx, not for the first time.

To be honest, the after-race-party was better:

(http://turismo.comune.parma.it/it/canali-tematici/divertimento-e-relax/sport/piscine/piscina-termale-coperta-di-salsomaggiore-terme/immagine_large)

Tristan Prins loses more than three minutes, so in the GC Carlo Bemelmans is our best men. He will continue to be there after the next stage, but our hopes have been set on Prince Tristan.

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 01, 2019, 03:24:46 PM
This morning Cascinia was in a festive mood when the third stage of the Tirreno Adriatico arrived there.
 
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d1/Municipioeexprigioni.JPG/1280px-Municipioeexprigioni.JPG)

We though we not in a festive mood, given these results:

19 Carlo Bemelmans
22 Yvo de Cleer
27 Sebastiaan Vermeulen

Tristan Prins lost 2 minutes, which tempted La Gazzetta dello Sport to comment that he really is not as talented as previously thought. Gnome Johan Dockx (Plopsala) won the sprint, business as usual for him, and Valentijn Teffer (WinterIsComing) got 3rd place. First in the GC is Paul Portero of CojoNudos (which seems to mean cripple buttons?).

Rai Uno stated that the mountain time trial will be to fought out between Plopsala and our team, so there is hope for points yet.

De Telegraaf seems to have woken up to our cycling team as it featured an article about our youth cyclists and our terrific socuting team. They also belately mentioned our new sponsor...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/promos1.png)(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/buenoje1.png)(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/meta1.jpg)

And last but not lease Gerard Brown has woken from hibernation and got in a sponsor deal from France Telecom. Second place in the Tour of Switzerland would sway them to sponsor us. If only they would give the cyclists to reach that goal...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/francetelecom.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 01, 2019, 08:10:00 PM
While it rained in Terminillo we had a very shining afternoon in the mountain time trial. Epifanio Merchan finished 2nd, Yvo de Cleer 3rd and Tristan Prins 12th. But Sammuel Alexandre (Plopsala) unfortunately proved to be the fastest climber. In the GC Carlo Bemelmans is still our best rider on place 14, but we have higher hopes for Yvo dfe Cleer in 21st position.


(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/34/Terminillo_%281917378783%29.jpg/800px-Terminillo_%281917378783%29.jpg)

Tomorrow the Combuijs Honey Ales start in Milano - San Remo with:

21 Julius Maalderink
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Mads Ibsen
24 Norman Schuh
25 Sebastiaan Vermaelen
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 02, 2019, 01:01:53 PM
Ouch, we have had our first tactical misunderstanding in the last stage of the Tirreno Adriatico. Our team director Moron was adamant that Yvo de Cleer should be the leader, but both he and Tristan Prins thought they just could do what they want. As a result Yvo finishes 9th and Tristan 10th, while there is an honourable mention for Epifanio Merchan in 28th place.

In the GC Carlo Bemelmans drops out of the top 20 as expected but Yvo and Tristan join in at 13th and 17th.

Overall winner is Paul Portero (CojoNudos) while Valentijn Teffer (WinterIsComing) does disappoint a bit with third place.

(http://wwwservizi.regione.emilia-romagna.it/turismogestionelocalita/imgs_upload/1__Sestola%20centro.jpg)

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      WinterIsComing   5504   2   2   5   
2º      $Tourmalet   5496   2   4   2   
3º      Combuijs   4624   3   3   4   
4º      CojoNudos   3859   1   0   0   
5º      Plopsala   3683   8   1   2   

CojoNudos is clearly bubbling up in these short tours!

For Milano - San Remo Roque Moron has ensured me that all riders know what their role will be!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on April 02, 2019, 02:56:05 PM

...while Valentijn Teffer (WinterIsComing) does disappoint a bit with third place

 :o

I reckon you post this to check wether I am still reading this topic  ;)

Of course I do. Just haven't found the time to actively participate in the forums these days.

I really enjoy reading this topic though. Please keep up the good work!  :)

Oh, and I think 3rd place for Teffer is a good position. He didn't ride a TT before in his life, so we both are happy he is still alive.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 02, 2019, 08:31:42 PM
Milano - San Remo did go well, Jules Maalderink finished 3rd while Carlo Bemelmans as a helper ended up 18th, both in the leader group. Amadeo Reig (Cojo Nudos) and Pieter Vermeltfoort (WinterIsComing) were first and second. Trust WinterIsComing to beat you in the sprint. Or to keep alive a rider in a time trial...

(https://res.cloudinary.com/prestige-property-group/image/upload/q_auto,f_auto/resources/nw/images/hero/it-sanremo.jpg)

Tomorrow the Combuijs Honey Ale team give these riders the nod in the E3 Harelbeke:

21 Julius Maalderink
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Harold Helder
24 Koen Helder
25 Mads Ibsen

In the afternoon the selection for the Tour of Catalunya will be:

21 Yvo de Cleer
22 Eduard Brouwers
23 Sebastiaan Vermaelen
24 Vincent van Vleuten
25 Andreas van Zijl
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 03, 2019, 03:01:33 PM
Julius Maalderink really made his claim to fame this morning in the E3 Harelbeke. In a sprint with 4 you usually don't have a chance against a WinterIsComing rider, but this time winter stayed away and Julius ended up first. The Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale was no problem for him and he finished it off with a Magnum bottle of Season by the local brewery de Meester.

(http://www.brouwerij-demeester.be/files/gallery/13/23/03season_s.jpg)

Domestique Koen Helder finished in 18th place.

Studio Cycling stated that Julius Maalderink really seems to be very well talented and they advised to set up training more to his liking. They also speculated about the wealth the Combuijs Honey Ale Team is gathering. One expert offered the view that it is caused by very good sales of their ale, while eyeing his empty glass speculatively.

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/millonario.jpg) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tienda2.jpg)

League standings after this race:

1º      WinterIsComing   6904   2   3   5   
2º      $Tourmalet   6536   2   4   3   
3º      Combuijs   5629   4   3   5   
4º      CojoNudos   5384   2   0   0   
5º      Plopsala   4093   8   1   2   

Miele, there ain't nothing better, offered to sponsor us for a 9th place in the 5th stage of de Tour de Romandie, but we refused as there is nothing better than Combuijs Honey Ale!
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/miele.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 03, 2019, 08:07:17 PM
Yvo de Cleer breaks down somewhere around Barcelona and in the end loses 54 seconds in the first stage of the Tour of Catalunya to Torremdebarra. Eduard Brouwers gets 21st place.

(https://photos.pierreetvacances.com/admin/fp2/photos/pano/1368x456/WEB_63567_pano.jpg)

For the next stage Yvo is top favourite according to the bookmakers.

Alpina has offered a sponsor contract for the time trial stage in Tour de Romandie. They should get some experts in their commercial activities, we don't have a time trialist in our team. Nowhere near!
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/alpina.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 04, 2019, 03:12:29 PM
The big news of today is of course the transfer of talented cobblehiller Chester Laybutt from the team of Lemarche. There were several other teams that showed interest in him, but of course the thought of a Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale swayed his choice to our team. That and the fact that he is going to train with the talented Julius Maalderink. And maybe the serious transfer sum played a role as well. If it earned him 10% then he has now a ton in his pocket. Our treasurer is now frantically looking for some small change in his pockets...

But there is other big news. This morning Yvo de Cleer managed to win the second stage in the Tour of Catalunya to Vallter 2000. He really devastated all opponents, number two finished almost one minute behind him. Helpers Andreas van Zijl (12th), Vincent van Vleuten (26th) and Eduard Brouwers (27th) also managed to get some points in. Yvo van Cleer rode a really attacking race, already making a difference in the first serious climb. Master helper Andreas van Zijl could pick him up in the flat terrain after that. In the second climb of the day Yvo showed that no one could follow him.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Vallter2000.jpg/1280px-Vallter2000.jpg)

In the GC Yvo de Cleer has a lead of about 2 minutes on Atanas Rebko (Kalarratas). He will need that because time trials are not really his forte...

Cimpor has shown some interest to sponsor us in the first stage of the Tour Down Under next season, but they did not know what kind of race that would be, so we kindly declined the offer. Stupid people...
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/cimpor.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 04, 2019, 08:45:40 PM
From my own experience I know you can have a very nice cycling tour around the lake of Banyoles.

(http://turisme.banyoles.cat/bbimagehandler.ashx?File=/Portals/0/Imatges/aeri.jpg&width=425&height=162&ResizeMode=Crop)

It surely inspired our riders. And in the land of no-wheelers one-wheeler is king! In the time trial Sebastiaan Vermaelen finishes 4th, Andreas van Zijl 16th and Yvo de Cleer 21st. Right, Yvo is now 2:30 in front of number two and he is wearing this very nice jersey:

(https://i.pinimg.com/236x/2e/5e/40/2e5e4052aa2f1be1211f894111e3b7a1.jpg?b=t)

And another very knowledgeable sponsor arrived: NCL just shows you that in Norway they don't know what cycling is. 4th in the 5th stage of the Tirreno Adriatico? Not a clue what to expect, so this request is filed in the garbage can.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/ncl.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 05, 2019, 02:54:56 PM
On the Circuit de Catalunya race this morning Yvo de Cleer lost contact on the only hill of the circuit, but managed to stay within one minute of winner Simon Wiedemann (eaglesOFcarthage) thanks to helper Sebastiaan Vermaelen.

(https://cdn-1.motorsport.com/images/mgl/6bpXane2/s8/f1-spanish-gp-2018-the-pit-straight-at-the-circuit-de-catalunya.jpg)
(No hill to be seen anywhere...)

Eduard Brouwers managed to stay in the leading group to finish 14th and to everyone's surprise he is now second in the GC with 2:36 minutes behind on Yvo. This is what I call domination! In the last stage Yvo de Cleer is favourite to win, so you might say that first place overall should be possible...

Some sad news also: Million euro boy Chester Laybutt is not really a long term talent it seems. Shame...

But this is a sponsor we like: Banco Santander wants 10th place in Gent-Wevelgem. They must have seen Julius Maalderink in action!
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/santander.jpg)

De Telegraaf has woken up late again: they reported we have bought our first rider. Welcome in the modern world with fast communications!
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1compra.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 05, 2019, 08:44:35 PM
Yvo de Cleer could not contain himself in the Valls - Lo Port stage of the Tour of Catalunya and attacked already before the last climb began! Only four riders could follow him there, but they lost contact one by one in the climb itself. Yvo finished 26 seconds in front of Raul Arango (Jediondos). Eduard Brouwers (9th), Vincent van Vleuten (21st) and Andreas van Zijl (25th) did show themselves as well.

(https://www.montsport.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/P9200003.jpg)

In the GC Yvo of course was first, but big surprise was that Edouard Brouwers could defend his second place. The result in the last Tour has swayed Lacoste to sign a sponsordeal. So we are all wearing cycling shoes from a certain french brand from now on...

(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/lacoste.png)

We have now another report on the talent of Chester Laybutt which seems to doubt the result of the previous report in true expert style. We will await developments...

Division standings after the Tour of Catalunya:

1º      WinterIsComing   7561   2   3   5   
2º      Combuijs   7267   6   3   5   
3º      $Tourmalet   7259   2   4   3   
4º      CojoNudos   6168   2   1   0   
5º      Plopsala   4581   8   1   2   

So, back to second place, albeit with a margin of 8 points.

Tomorrow morning the line up for the Combuijs Honey Ale team in Gent - Wevelgem will be:

11 Julius Maalderink
12 Mads Ibsen
13 Chester Laybutt
14 Paul Nijboer
15 Garret Rose

In the afternoon these riders will start in Dwars door Vlaanderen:

11 Chester Laybutt
12 Koen Helder
13 Julius Maalderink
14 Paul Nijboer
15 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 06, 2019, 02:23:43 PM
In Gent-Wevelgem this morning the first split occured in the flat cobble section and of course Julius Maalderink was paying attention and got himself with helper Garret Rose in the front group. On the Kemmelerberg Tirso Alcalo (CojoNudos) did the forcing and only Julius Maalderink and Richard Harris (WinterIsComing) could follow. In the final flat section a group of 12 was formed and it was clear the sprint would be decisive. Normally you would expect Richard Harris to win it, he is from the WinterIsComing team, but there can only be one Kristoff in the peleton and that was Julius Maalderink.

He shared his Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale with Garret Rose (8th), Chester Laybutt (23rd) and Paul Nijboer (24th). All supporters in our team shirt also got a free normal bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale which raised sales in our shop considerably.

(https://dsocdn.akamaized.net/Assets/Images_Upload/2012/07/06/Wevelghemzomer2012-1_LuchtfotoCentrumWevelgem.jpg)

After the win in Gent-Wevelgem we have transferred all bank accounts to the Banco Santander for a nice fee...
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/santander.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 06, 2019, 08:22:20 PM
In Dwars voor Vlaanderen million boy Chester Laybutt was in the leading group of 4, but both $Tourmalet riders Kirk Trump and Kane Paxton finished before him. All Combuijs riders scored points: Julius Maalderink (8th), Koen Helder (17th), Paul Nijboer (19th) and Garret Rose (24th).

(https://kw.knack.be/medias/4802/2458665.jpg)

Tomorrow in the Tour of Flanders we will ride with:

21 Chester Laybutt
22 Koen Helder
23 Julius Maalderink
24 Adam Neeskens
25 Garret Rose

In the Tour of Basque Country these five riders will go for glory:

21 Tristan Prins
22 Chester Laybutt
23 Adam Neeskens
24 Eddy Room
25 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 07, 2019, 05:53:27 PM
In de Tour of Flanders we saw today an impressive win by Alberto Bettiol, ... eh ... Kirk Trump ($Tourmalet). Most impressive rider though was our Mathieu van der Poel, ... eh ... Chester Laybutt on fourth place. Altogether good team effort with Julius Maalderink 12th, Garret Rose 18th, Adam Neeskens 22nd and Koen Helder 26th.

(https://nbocdn.akamaized.net/Assets/Images_Upload/2018/02/14/c1607351-33f2-4d33-9e9c-482df42d34ab_original.jpg?maxheight=460&maxwidth=638)

Division standings after the three Flemish races:

1º      $Tourmalet   10024   4   6   4   
2º      WinterIsComing   9936   2   3   6   
3º      Combuijs   9477   7   3   6   
4º      CojoNudos   7208   2   1   0   
5º      Plopsala   4936   8   1   2   

The gap between CojoNudos and us is widening which is reassuring...

Our mechanic Tigran Filin got some nice compliments today because of his recent improvements on our bikes. Unfortunately he has not found a shock absorbing system fit for cobblestones.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mej1.jpg)

And we hav won our first challenge it seems. There was a personal bet between Koen Helder and Niles Jameson (gzlm) which Koen has won. Great, as long as Koen does not forget to ride for the team!
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/desafio1.gif)

Oh, and has somebody seen Gerard Brown, our marketing manager? We are longing for new sponsordeals! He might have been lost somewhere in the Bexit-swamp...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 07, 2019, 08:24:19 PM
Halfway the first stage in the Tour of Basque Country leader Tristan Prins already lost contact with his helpers. In the end he lost 1:30 at the finish in Zalla. Chester Laybutt (8th), Garret Rose (10th) and Adam Neeskens (20th) were more worried about his position than their own, so they did not play a significant part in the stage, which was won by Bolaverde's Hallgeir Solhaug, who seems to be a very good GC rider. We will see if Tristan Prins can get close to him tomorrow in a race in which he is favourite to win!

(https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EBqWq76pnE0/V-JHD8PN69I/AAAAAAAAG-U/zAryNVTvqSMh11tlxM9Ml0V6xMuBgPrZgCLcB/s1600/IBI_AereaZalla_CM.jpg)

And thank you Gerard Brown, we did not know you were on the way to Australia. Orika will sponsor us for a 4th place in the last stage of the Dauphine Libere which we have gratefully accepted.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/orika.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 08, 2019, 01:13:20 PM
Helper Eddy Room lost track of leader Tristan Prins after the first mountain in today's stage to Lekunberri. And so did all but one of the riders after the first serious climb. In the end Tristan Prins finished first with Romeu Maximo (Kalarratas) second on 7 seconds. All other riders lost a minute or more and to their regret did not share in the Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale.

(https://s.iha.com/1069300004694/Gite-Lekunberri-Casa-rural-Lizartzanea_4.jpeg)

That means that in the GC Tristan is now leader with a solid 1 second lead on Ivan Chiapucci ($Tourmalet). Luckily he is favourite again in the next stage...

(https://www.itzulia.eus/uploads/8ec74cd8-b794-4219-97c1-6b27e7e07df5.jpg)

In strengthening our training program Dutchie Oscar Meijer was bought from Kun Team. Again the cobblestone training and of course the Combuijs Honey inspired him to sign for our team.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 08, 2019, 10:38:09 PM
Tristan Prins arrives first in Arrate with 25 seconds in front of Romeu Maximo (Kalarratas) and 44 seconds before Ivan Chiapucci ($Tourmalet).
That means that Tristan has 39 seconds in the GC on Romeu and 46 seconds on Ivan. The good news is that Tristan is favourite in the next stage as well. The bad news? Well, there is still a fifth stage...

(https://presttocome.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/santuario-arrate-santutegia-eibar-1024x768.jpg)


Olivetti wants to sponsor a Tirreno Adriatico stage. Well, the Tirreno will be there next year, but Olivetti is something of the past I fear, so we have politely refused.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/olivetti.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 09, 2019, 03:08:40 PM
The Getxo - Getxo stage is of course familiar from another life, albeit this stage is hilly, while the previous one was flat. Well, Basque-Country-flat, but still sprinters ruled then. Nowadays they don't, and this suits us better.

In a finish à deux Tristan Prins had to give way to Hallgeir Solhaug. This means that both have now won two stages in this Tour. Pretty dull that... The team did well with Adam Neeskens on 12th, Eddy Room on 14th, Chester Laybutt on 16th and Garret Rose on 23rd place.

(https://static2.elcorreo.com/www/multimedia/201901/18/media/cortadas/getxo-pisos-krXC--624x385@El%20Correo.jpg)

We forgot to tell you that Eddy Room finished 30th yesterday, which is pointwise inifinitely better than his 31st place in the stage before...

In the GC Tristan Prins has now opened up the gap between Chiapucci and Maximo to around 1:30, which is hopefully enough for tonight's race.

The Euskal Kazeta presented an article about our team and made compliments about the weather resistance of some of our riders.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/malclima2.png) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/lluviaverano.png) (http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/desertstorm.png)
Mind you, you need that very much in the Basque Country!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 09, 2019, 08:42:13 PM
We will have to have a serious talk with our mechanic Tigran Filin. Tristan Prins's bike broke down in the hills section on our way to Valdegovia and he immediately lost contact with his competitors. In this way what should have been a nice calm ride became a nailbiting affair. In the end helper Eddy Room could limit the loss to 1:22 which was enough for a 27th and 29th place and the first place in the GC.

(https://www.euskadilagunkoia.net/images/valdegobiaaaa.jpg)

We have now won 3 of the 5 Tours, which certainly deserves an extra Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale.

1    Tristan Prins   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   500   100000
2    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   0: 35"   400   90000
3    Ivan Chiapucci   19   $Tourmalet   1: 29"   325   80000
4    Hallgeir Solhaug   19   Bolaverde   1: 39"   275   70000
5    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   2: 07"   250   60000

Division standings after the Tour of Basque Country:

1º      $Tourmalet   11476   4   7   7   
2º      WinterIsComing   11124   3   4   6   
3º      Combuijs   10770   9   4   6   
4º      CojoNudos   8193   2   1   0   
5º      Kalarratas   5863   0   8   2   

Plopsala has fallen out of the top 5 now.

Barclays will sponsor us if we get a result in the 4th stage of the Tour de France. Hmm, interesting, although Banca Santander won't like it...
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/barclays.jpg)

We are of course looking forward to Paris - Roubaix and we will be doing that with:

21 Jules Maalderink
22 Innocencio Aleixio
23 Chester Laybutt
24 Oscar Meijer
25 Norman Schuh

The first of the hill classics will be our own Combuijs Honey Ale Race where we are going to start with:

21 Carlo Bemelmans
22 Chester Laybutt
23 Adam Neeskens
24 Garret Rose
25 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 10, 2019, 03:02:05 PM
Paris - Roubaix was in fact decided at the "Bos van Wallers". Our team placed an attack and 10 riders were away with four from our team. Only Chester Laybutt got a flat tyre at a crucial moment. Four other riders could reach the lead in the flat section behind that, but in the next cobble strokes our Julius Maalderink flew away. He would have beaten everyone in a sprint on the Velodrome in Roubaix, but there was no one to be seen.

(https://sportnieuws.nl/app/uploads/2017/04/BosvanWallers-756x422.jpg)

This is our 10th victory this season and with three Tour wins we have ordered some extra Magnum bottles of Combuijs Honey Ale as our current stock depletes rapidly... Innocencio Aleixio (12th), Norman Schuh (14th) and Oscar Meijer (18th) shared the bottle in the Combuijs Beehive bar (copyright Vos), only Chester Laybutt was pissed of and had an intensive chat with Tigran Filin, the mechanic.



Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 10, 2019, 08:34:10 PM
In our own Combuijs Honey Ale Race Carlo Bemelmans just missed out on first place. He became second in a sprint à trois after Stu Beal ($Tourmalet) and before Pim Broeder (WinterIsComing). So for once a Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale for a non-Combuijs rider.  Stu might feel slightly less good in tomorrow's races... Eddy Room finished 10th, Chester Laybutt 20th and Adam Neeskens 29th.

(http://medias.photodeck.com/7bd9bfe6-e380-4a3e-a9d2-490eac1c8021/304201_xgaplus.jpg)

We will provide La Fleche Wallone with the following riders:

11 Carlo Bemelmans
12 Chester Laybutt
13 Adam Neeskens
14 Tristan Prins
15 Eddy Room

These riders will go from Lieja to Bastogne and back to Lieja:

11 Carlo Bemelmans
12 Chester Laybutt
13 Adam Neeskens
14 Eddy Room
15 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 11, 2019, 04:27:24 PM
First of all we welcome Arjan Rutte to the team. He was bought for a substantial sum from De Rode Vod and Arjan has told us he was glad that he could exchange a red triangle for a bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale. We wish him all the beer he can get and a succesfull Vuelta.

In the Fleche Wallone Carlo Bemelmans looked better than his opponents according to a Eurosport reporter, but in the sprint à quatre on the Muur van Hoei he proved the worst after Stu Beal ($Tourmalet), Pim Broeder (WinterIsComing) and Patrick Fredickson ($Tourmalet again). Slightly worse were Tristan Prins (15th), Adam Neeskens (16th) and Eddy Room (17th) but you don't get extra points for nice series... Chester Laybutt finished 29th.

(https://dsocdn.akamaized.net/Assets/Images_Upload/2015/07/05/4403f9de-2321-11e5-8f34-d6d6e8380d56_original.jpg?maxheight=416&maxwidth=568)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 11, 2019, 07:20:56 PM
In Bastogne Carlo Bemelmans kept up with three other riders, but back in Lieja Stu Beal and Patrick Fredickson again proved stronger than Carlo, so he had to settle for third place, before Pim Broeder. 15th place for Eddy Room, 24th place for Chester Laybutt and 27th place Garret Rose.

Carlo told reporters that $Tourmalet trains his riders simply better hillwise. And really, those hills in Lieja are steep:

(https://ardennen.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Montagne-de-Bueren-in-Luik-600x338.jpg)

After the classical cobbles and hills the division standing is:

1º      $Tourmalet   15136   7   8   8   
2º      WinterIsComing   13799   3   5   7   
3º      Combuijs   13490   10   5   7   
4º      CojoNudos   9883   2   1   0   
5º      Bolaverde   7470   3   3   2   

New kid on the block Bolaverde is approaching but has a very large gap to manage.

These riders will be on a French language course in the Tour of Romande:

21 Eduard Brouwers
22 Julius Maalderink
23 Epifanio Merchan
24 Sebastiaan Vermaelen
25 Andreas van Zijl
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 12, 2019, 03:10:35 PM
In the cobbles around Fribourg all riders were pampering Eduard Brouwers in order to keep his losses restricted. They more or less succeeded and Eduard lost three minutes in the end. There was one exception of course. Hero Julius Maalderink could go his own way and as he only knows one way he won the race as well, his 5th victory in total. Andreas van Zijl could not restrict himself and finished 18th.

After his win Julius was driven around Fribourg in a very peculiar vehicle:
(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/7/37/56245/c6796120f3f8f13cb3fe70ea9af244fc4e05f05f_3000.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 12, 2019, 07:27:56 PM
A pleasant surprise in the time trial today around Genève. Not around the lake itself, that is far too long. But Sebastiaan Vermaelen to everyone's astonishment finishes 3rd and justifies his selection for this Tour. Andreas van Zijl finishes 20th, Epifanio Merchan 22nd.

(https://www.tourderomandie.ch/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/p90-91_GE_image.jpg)

In the GC Andreas van Zijl is our best rider on place 9 and 1:15, but tomorrow will be the day of Eduard Brouwers, who, some claim, is favourite to win in, again, Genève.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 13, 2019, 03:03:18 PM
Eduard Brouwers has now had his first sip of a Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale after his win in the Aubonne - Genève stage. He attacked in the mountains where only two other riders could follow, but in the long descend and the last flat stage to Genève other riders came back. Eduard wisely saved some power up for the sprint à dix and beated Valentijn Teffer (WinterIsComing) by a small margin. Epifanio Merchan got 18th and Andreas van Zijl 21st.

In the GC Andreas van Zijl is now 3rd after Albano Roseiro (Kalarattas) and Jim Einarsen (Bolaverde). Eduard Brouwers is now 9th. We have now retreated to a secluded space in Genève to decide on the leadership this afternoon in the Sion stage.

(https://i1.wp.com/lenews.ch/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Park-la-Grange_2_%C2%A9-Mikhail-Derevnin-Dreamstime.com_.jpg?resize=800%2C533)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 13, 2019, 08:21:07 PM
Eduard Brouwers got the vote of confidence this afternoon and he did a very good job by finishing 4th in Sion on 0:47. He got terrific help from Epifanio Merchan who finished 8th. Andreas van Zijl became 16th.

(https://img.myswitzerland.com/mys/n49464/images/buehne/ville_de_sion.jpg)

In the GC we have now place 4 and 5:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Atanas Rebko   19   Kalarratas   1: 04"   0   0
3    Albano Roseiro   19   Kalarratas   1: 21"   0   0
4    Andreas van Zijl   19   Combuijs   1: 30"   0   0
5    Eduard Brouwers   19   Combuijs   1: 51"   0   0

but Eduard Brouwers should be far better in the last stage to, again, Genève.

These riders will start tomorrow afternoon in Rundum der Henniger Turm (which unimaginative person did come up with Eschborn-Frankfurt?):

11 Tristan Prins
12 Eduard Brouwers
13 Adam Neeskens
14 Eddy Room
15 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on April 14, 2019, 10:09:58 AM
Do you have some Honey Ale 0.0% for those kids in Frankfurt??
(https://www.bing.com/th?id=OIP.xW3UdWjgi9_pHY5APM_XnwHaE7&w=200&h=199&c=7&qlt=90&bgcl=ececec&pid=PersonalBing) ;D
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 14, 2019, 05:55:10 PM
For the third time we rode to Genève in this Tour and Julius Maalderink helped Eduard Brouwers to a 23rd place at the finish, he himself finishing 19th.

Big goal however was the GC and Eduard nearly succeeded:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   500   100000
2    Eduard Brouwers   19   Combuijs   0: 20"   400   90000
3    Albano Roseiro   19   Kalarratas   0: 39"   325   80000
4    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   0: 51"   275   70000
5    Valentijn Teffer   19   WinterIsComing   0: 58"   250   60000

Andreas van Zijl finishes 13th in the GC. After the last race we had a nice evaluation:

(https://kathatravelling.files.wordpress.com/2013/03/geneva-city-center.jpg?w=584&h=389)

Division standings after the Tour de Romandie:

1º      $Tourmalet   16724   7   8   9   
2º      WinterIsComing   14905   3   6   8   
3º      Combuijs   14781   12   5   8   
4º      CojoNudos   10449   2   1   0   
5º      Kalarratas   8286   1   9   3   

$Tourmalet has now a serious gap, Kalarratas have taken over from Bolaverde.

From the measuring unit we got the message that Garret Rose is really a considerable talent, which is really good news.

There have been requests for a Combuijs Honey Ale U19 youth team, but really, you can't call ale without alcohol ale, can't you? Maybe we will do a Combuijs Honey Lemonade team...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 14, 2019, 10:12:58 PM
You know you have a problem when a rider of WinterIsComing is favourite to win. So Tristan Prins was very happy to finish second after Valentijn Teffer in Rundum der Henniger Turm as it was the best he could do. His helpers Eddy Room en Eduard Brouwers finished 10th and 29th.

(https://www.welt.de/img/regionales/hessen/mobile163728590/6132505717-ci102l-w1024/urn-newsml-dpa-com-20090101-170415-99-79845-large-4-3-jpg.jpg)

Division standings after Rundum der Henniger Turm:

1º      $Tourmalet   17344   7   8   9   
2º      WinterIsComing   15935   4   6   9   
3º      Combuijs   15381   12   6   8   
4º      CojoNudos   11064   2   1   0   
5º      Kalarratas   8561   1   9   3   

Tomorrow starts the first great Tour of this season in Cuneo. In the Giro only 5 riders can start and these lucky guys are:

21 Yvo de Cleer
22 Inocencio Aleixo
23 Eduard Brouwers
24 Ørjan Henningsen
25 Epifanio Merchan

Yvo de Cleer will go for the mountain stages and the general classification, Inocencio will assist on the cobbles, Eduard in the mountains and sprints, Epifanio in the mountains and  Ørjan on the cobbles, in the hills and in the sprint. The helpers will in some situations get their own chance to prove their worth.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 15, 2019, 03:02:20 PM
The first stage in the first grand tour in the first season and Yvo de Cleer takes the victory. Dutch television commentator Maarten Ducrot said he looked better than his opponents and for once he was right. He was tremendously helped by Epifanio Merchan who finished 11th in the end. Eduard Brouwers could not help as much as he liked but managed to finish 27th.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/4c/Pinerolo_001.JPG)

Yvo is very proud to wear this famous jersey, although probably not for long
(https://dctw199675d83.cloudfront.net/media/image/95/9b/4f/16675_1_600x600.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on April 15, 2019, 06:07:42 PM
You know you have a problem when a rider of WinterIsComing is favourite to win. So Tristan Prins was very happy to finish second after Valentijn Teffer in Rundum der Henniger Turm as it was the best he could do. His helpers Eddy Room en Eduard Brouwers finished 10th and 29th.


Proud to be part of a of an All-Dutch podium in Frankfurt!  :D

And congrats on the Pink Jersey. My cyclist Kleinbergs did better than expected in his debut race with a 3rd place and 14 seconds behind.  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 15, 2019, 10:59:32 PM
Well, we did try to guide Yvo de Cleer over the cobbles to Montalcino today, but it was, as expected, no great success as he lost almost 3 minutes. Inocencio Aleixio did pretty much ignore his orders and rode to place 5 as a domestique, while Ørjan Henningsen finished 11th.

Lovely place by the way, Montalcino. A bit difficult to get the teambus parked, but still...

(https://keyassets.timeincuk.net/inspirewp/live/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2015/03/000009e16-Montalcino2.jpg)

In the GC the differences are rising slowly:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   0: 14"   0   0
3    Nick Johnson   19   $Tourmalet   0: 22"   0   0
4    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   0: 26"   0   0
5    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 30"   0   0
6    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   1: 04"   0   0

Nobby and Oto will be a problem as they climb almost as good as Yvo.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 16, 2019, 03:25:33 PM
In the slightly downhill stage from Clusone to Milano all team attentions were focused on Yvo de Cleer, but he slightly outclassed his helpers by finishing 19th on one minute of the all eaglesOFcarthage podium. Eduard Brouwers finished 20th and Ørjan Henningsen 24th.

(https://www.stedenman.nl/attachments/Milaan_navigli-1a.jpg)

By the way, what letter does Ørjan get at the Sinterklaas festival? No wonder that the festival is not popular in Scandinavia...

Anyway, a good result for Yvo as he climbs up in the GC:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 39"   0   0
3    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   1: 16"   0   0
4    Raul Arango   19   Jediondos   1: 19"   0   0
5    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   1: 23"   0   0

You can't keep anything from King Corona Magazine, so we have admitted that we sent Carlo Bemelmans on training camp to Les Vieilles Forges.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/concentra1.png)

We are sure he will take this very seriously...

(https://cdn-2.homair.com/z-z/carousel_park/photos/france/ardennes/les-mazures/lac-des-vieilles-forges_044880_ori.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 16, 2019, 09:17:21 PM

In tonight's stage from the fearsome Zoncolan to Scanuppia our goal was to get as much time as possible between Yvo de Cleer and the other riders. Maarten Ducrot as usually repeated himself by saying again that Yvo looked better than his rivals, and of course by "this is the new way of cycling". But again there was no serious opposition for Yvo, so he wins his second stage this Giro and 21 seconds on rival Nobby Kellman.
Epifanio Merchan gets 15th and Eduard Brouwers a very skillful 30th place.

Yvo took some extra luggage with him to make it the race more interesting:
(http://www.lonelycyclist.rtij.nl/Garda41.jpg)

Nobby unfortunately stays in pink, but there is only 17 seconds in between:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 17"   0   0
3    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   1: 31"   0   0
4    Raul Arango   19   Jediondos   1: 33"   0   0
5    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   1: 45"   0   0

Oh, and guess who is favourite tomorrow in the stage to Zoldo Alto. Indeed...

It seems we have started our publicity campaign for young new riders a bit too late as skilful young riders only now start to emerge. The team selection is getting a little messy now...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 17, 2019, 02:52:59 PM
Again a climbing stage in the Giro, this time from Marostica to Zoldo Alto. So the only question was who would finish first behind Yvo de Cleer and that were not unexpectedly Nobby Kellman and Oto Kleinbergs. Epifanio Merchan got 17th place and minimalist Eduard Brouwers again 30th...

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/10/2a/21/31/chiesa-di-san-valentino.jpg)

Unfortunately Yvo did not win enough time to blink in pink:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 11"   0   0
3    Raul Arango   19   Jediondos   1: 52"   0   0
4    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   1: 57"   0   0
5    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   2: 08"   0   0

Maybe in tonight's stage Yvo can claim the pink jersey again?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 18, 2019, 03:46:57 PM
Yvo de Cleer and his team hunted for the pink jersey in the stage from Pordenone to Di Lavaredo. In the first hills he made a surprise attack together with helper Ørjan Henningsen and they found GC-leader Nobby Kellman fast asleep! Nobby never recuperated and in the final climb Yvo de Cleer and Romeu Maximo (Kalarratas) made a deal. Romeu the stage win, Yvo the pink jersey!

(https://www.pustertal.org/images/cms/754x435/B-P8140180-drei-zinnen-sexten.jpg)

This time Epifanio Merchan was the minimalist with 30th place.

The GC and proud we are indeed:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 26"   0   0
3    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   1: 50"   0   0
4    Raul Arango   19   Jediondos   2: 01"   0   0
5    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   2: 17"   0   0

Getting the pink jersey is difficult, but keeping it might prove more difficult...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 18, 2019, 03:47:23 PM
In the stage to La Spezia the main goal was keeping the pink jersey on the shoulders of Yvo de Cleer. The good news was that Nobby Kellmann lost contact in the last flat section, the bad news that Oto Kleinbergs was far ahead in the leader group. He apparently knows how to manage a hill. In the end Yvo lost 1:20 on Oto and won 29 seconds on Nobby. That gain came as a surprise as $Tourmalet seems to be training riders for hills. Free roler Ørjan Henningsen hobbled to 15th place.

(https://www.msccruises.nl/nl-nl/Assets/LaSpezia-Italy-intro_2582_12333_433-280_Images.jpg)

The GC has changed a bit, but the right man is still at the right place:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   0: 30"   0   0
3    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 42"   0   0
4    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 55"   0   0
5    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   1: 25"   0   0

That is, for the moment, because next race is on the dreaded cobbles...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 19, 2019, 02:36:38 PM
Bad communications here in Italy, so we will do two stages for the price of one.

First the cobbles to San Vendemiano. Inocencio Aleixo finished 2nd in a free rol, which was better than expected. Ørjan Henningsen as a helper finished 23rd. He of course tried to help Yvo de Cleer but Yvo suffered mainly alone and lost 2:33 in the end.

(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/p/AF1QipPzZTzbvS2Dr_k5uYSExF-JHIdSADiw2-BzbvIr=s1600-h1600)

The stage to Praia a Mare brought more fun, mainly because there are some serious hills before you arrive at the sea. Helper Ørjan Henningsen finished 10th and Yvo de Cleer only lost 1:28.

(https://odis.homeaway.com/odis/listing/daeb7539-7887-4e7f-8f54-76795a47f036.c10.jpg)
Interesting place for a training camp...

In the GC all gaps are closing up:

1    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 16"   0   0
3    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 17"   0   0
4    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   0: 24"   0   0
5    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   0: 38"   0   0

So, it will be a very interesting last sprint stage. Camera footage might be difficult as they expect a lot of rain this afternoon...

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 20, 2019, 08:00:28 PM
Communications have opened up hee in France and we have a lot to tell. First of all the last stage of the Giro: we did it! Or better: Yvo de Cleer did it. The team attacked from the beginning of the flat stage and important riders like Oto Kleinbergs in the first section and Nobby Kellman in the second one lost contact. In the end Yvo de Cleer finished 11th, helper Eduard Brouwers even 7th and Ørjan Henningsen 23rd.

Final GC of the Giro:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   1000   166667
2    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 48"   800   150000
3    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 52"   650   133333
4    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   2: 02"   550   116667
5    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   2: 13"   500   100000

We hope every team keeps on underestimating sprint for GC-riders, but meanwhile we are enjoying the admiring gaze of the local people Lido Santa Maria del Cedro:
(https://www.dltviaggi.it/immagine/25492/Image_gallery/4%20APPART%20HOTEL%20RESIDENCE%20GANDHI.jpg)

In Dauphiné Libéré, the paper, not the race, the cycling expert explained the tactical qualities of Roque Moron after the spectacular win in the last stage of the Giro.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tactica1.png)

Division standing after the Giro:

1º      $Tourmalet   20990   8   12   11   
2º      WinterIsComing   19325   4   7   13   
3º      Combuijs   18476   15   8   8   
4º      Kalarratas   11206   2   10   3   
5º      CojoNudos   11064   2   1   0   

In the Dauphiné Libéré, the race, not the paper, Combuijs is represented by:

21 Yvo de Cleer
22 Tristan Prins
23 Daniel Rooijakkers
24 Arjen Rutte
25 Julius Wiegel

We thought it appropriate to send the sons of two liberal politicians to a liberating race...

The first stage to Valmorel was (of course?) a win for Yvo de Cleer, who simply can't be beaten in the mountains. Helper Tristan Prins took 25th place.

The second stage to Belley saw Yvo again doing well with a 16th place. Arjen Rutte scored his first points with place 18.

In the GC Yvo leads:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Valentijn Teffer   19   WinterIsComing   0: 44"   0   0
3    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   1: 07"   0   0
4    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   2: 02"   0   0
5    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   2: 08"   0   0

but we will have to see what happens in the time trial tomorrow.

(https://cycling-jersey-collection.com/files/photos/filename/2013-06-05-santini-le-dauphine-2007-credit-agricole-overall-yellow-leaders-jersey.jpg)

After the Dauphiné Liberé, Arjan Rutte will be on training camp in Heerlen Thermen for the Binck Banck Tour and the Vuelta.
(http://romeinen.info/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/22-Badhuis130.jpg)

On Dutch and Australian social media there has been a vivid discussion which team to support, so with this in mind we have decided to give a free package with a bottle of our lovely Combuijs Honey Ale and our lovely designed race shirt to everyone who supports us against $Tourmalet, WinterIsComing and CojoNudos (we do want to go to division 1 after all...).

We have now a very sad treasurer who for the third time in his short career saw an empty chest after we bought cobblehiller Adam Balogh to strengthen our squad.


Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 21, 2019, 06:16:01 PM
The time trial to Louhans Chateaurenaud in the Dauphiné proved to be quite succesfull for acknowledged non-time-trialists like us. Daniel Rooijakkers is lacking some stamina so after a good start he finished 7th in the end. There were also points for Julius Wiegel (18th), Yvo de Cleer (22nd) and Arjen Rutte (29th). The only rider in the squad not scoring any points for us is Adam Balogh who admittedly has not ridden a race for us until now...

(http://bf-louhans-chateaurenaud.e-monsite.com/medias/images/louhans.02.jpg)

Yvo de Cleer has strengthened his position in the GC and it is hard to see him losing first place:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   1: 42"   0   0
3    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   1: 48"   0   0
4    Policarpo Mendoza   19   MelonKas   1: 58"   0   0
5    Albano Roseiro   19   Kalarratas   2: 06"   0   0

Earlier reports by De Telegraaf con be confirmed by now. Chester Laybutt is far from a great talent, which is a pity. There is an internal heavy debate now going on which rider will be central to our training. Obvious candidates are Julius Maalderink and Garret Rose, but there might be more talents in the team.

Tigran Filin is doing his very best and is still doing a good job, but he has not been able to find a trick to improve our cobble bikes.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mej2.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 21, 2019, 08:41:45 PM
Yvo de Cleer felt very safe in the stage to Vaujany. Too safe it seems as he looked around a bit, eyeing the girls in the crowd and chatting with other riders. So he totally missed an important escape and was in trouble the rest of the race. Tristan Prins in the end finished 3rd, mainly because he was looking behind him to see where Yvo was. Yvo lost 1 minute on 11th position, but is still in the lead in the GC:

1    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   1: 24"   0   0
3    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   1: 31"   0   0
4    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   1: 33"   0   0
5    Valentijn Teffer   19   WinterIsComing   1: 58"   0   0

But let's give him a warning for tomorrow: beware of Harry Tjoens!

(https://www.isere-tourism.com/sites/default/files/sitra/94845_1128192.jpg)

Tomorrow we start in the Tour of Switzerland and we more or less take a break with the GC riders:

21 Andreas van Zijl
22 Inocencio Aleixo
23 Julius Maalderink
25 Eddy Room
25 Daniel Rooijakkers
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 22, 2019, 05:31:46 PM
In the last stage of the Dauphiné Yvo de Cleer could ride quite defensively to retain the leader jersey, so Harry Tjoens was able to win the last race, before Yvo and Tristan Prins (8th).

(http://leplanica.com/en/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/le-planica-la-rosiere-1850-ete.jpg)

With the second place in the last stage of the Dauhpiné Orica has decided to sponsor us for the rest of the season. Which probably means all our riders will become more explosive in the near future?
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/orika.jpg)

GC of the Dauhpiné:

1    Yvo De Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 00"   500   100000
2    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   1: 09"   400   90000
3    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   2: 12"   325   80000
4    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   2: 36"   275   70000
5    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   3: 24"   250   60000
6    Valentijn Teffer   19   WinterIsComing   3: 52"   225   50000

Division standings after the Dauhpiné:

1º      $Tourmalet   22405   8   12   12   
2º      WinterIsComing   20698   4   7   13   
3º      Combuijs   19713   16   9   9   
4º      Kalarratas   12211   2   10   6   
5º      CojoNudos   11678   2   2   0   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 22, 2019, 07:54:31 PM
The first stage of the Switzerland Tour to Grimselpass did not bring a lot of points, Andreas van Zijl finished 14th. He apparently had time to take this picture...
(https://www.cycling-challenge.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/4977262382_19cb078533_b.jpg)

A sponsor bid for the second stage of the BinckBank Tour from Fertil France proved ... eh ... fertile.
(http://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/fertilfrance.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 23, 2019, 02:37:28 PM
In the second stage in Switzerland to Tiefenbachferner Andreas van Zijl became 9th and Eddy Room 30th. Andreas is now 10th in the GC, which is not bad at all. Unfortunately hills are not his forte... Eddy Room is tipped as 3rd favourite in the next stage though.

(http://www.quaeldich.de/img/10172/DSCN8584_thumb_1080px.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 23, 2019, 07:55:58 PM
Eddy Room arrives 5th in Baar in a free role. Not bad at all that.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/44/Baar02.jpg/260px-Baar02.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 24, 2019, 05:23:59 PM
In the time trial around Bellinzona Daniel Rooijakkers looked good in the beginning, but he faded in the end to place 8. Andreas van Zijl did not bad at all with 13th place and even Eddy Room scored points on place 25.

(https://img.myswitzerland.com/mys/n64487/images/buehne/st0035457-1.jpg)

In the GC Andreas is now 12th and he knows his way around the cobbles too, so he might be in the top 10 after tonight's race. But we will focus on a win for Julius Maalderink of course.

We have now an exclusive report by our health service that Arjen Rutte and Julius Wiegel both are medium talents. Not too disappointing then...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 24, 2019, 08:43:06 PM

OK, we seem to have a little team problem. In the cobble stage around Frauenfeld Inocencio Aleixo forgot to hand over first place to Julius Maalderink. We will need to talk about this afternoon, but maybe we will to discipline Inocencio, for instance by not allowing him to start in races anymore this season. 12th place for Andreas van Zijl meant a 7th place in the GC, which was the expectation somewhat. Daniel Rooijakkers finished 16th.

(https://images0.schweizmobil.ch/image/Frauenfeld_1219_a.jpg)

The Swiss Tour was convincingly won by Harry Tjoens (Plopsala) with his teammate Raoul Dedeyne on second place.

Division standings after the Tour of Switzerland:

1º      $Tourmalet   23822   8   13   13   
2º      WinterIsComing   21602   4   7   14   
3º      Combuijs   20631   17   10   9   
4º      Kalarratas   13310   2   11   6   
5º      Plopsala   12495   13   4   3   

Plopsala on the rise now, but will they and Kalarratas threaten third place? We will see in the Tour de France.

And in that Tour de France we have an exquisite selection:

21 Tristan Prins
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Epifanio Merchan
25 Eddy Room
25 Daniel Rooijakkers

Tristan Prins will be our GC man, Carlo Bemelmans and Eddy Room are there for the Monthermé stage, Daniel Rooijakkers can do a decent time trial and Epifanio Merchan will be the helper in the mountains.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 25, 2019, 08:30:21 PM
This morning all our riders did well at the opening time trial in Cholet. That is, all our riders, except for our intended leader Tristan Prins. Alright, he has some weak points as a GC-rider, but aren't they all hampered by youth? Anyway, place 83 out 88 and a 3:31 loss was the not what we had in mind. And we have to plan for another 4 minutes in the closing time trial. If that is enough to remain a contender for the GC only time will tell.
But let's rejoice with Daniel Rooijakkers (3rd), Epifanio Merchan (15th) and Carlo Bemelmans (30th).

In the Grenoble - Courchevel stage this afternoon Tristan Prins took revenge with a 4th place (well timed, he did not have to go doping control...) while Epifanio Merchan helped him and himself to place 12.

(https://qpr2l7.imagenii.com/static1.seecourchevel.com/image_uploader/photos/05/large/what-s-on-in-courchevel-summer-2018-courchevel-1850-644.jpg?f=q(v=.8)&auth=b4d1f5a9844c2494cfbaecc885a0a03c8f0cdbd3)

In the GC Harry Tjoens is already leading:

1    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   0: 00"   0   0
2    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   0: 09"   0   0
3    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 19"   0   0
4    Jos Daatzelaar   19   Plopsala   0: 20"   0   0
5    Epifanio Merchan   19   Combuijs   0: 28"   0   0

Tristan Prins's fans don't have to worry, he is 16th on 1:45.

In Eva Jinek's show one guest praised our great youth team. Which does not tell anything at all as usual...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/promos2.png)

More interesting was the remark that Ørjan Henningsen is quite a talent, which is quite good news.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 26, 2019, 02:40:57 PM
What is a Tour de France without a stage to Pau? Yvo de Cleer enjoyed it very much and again managed to avoid doping control with place 4. Epifanio Merchan got 19th.

(https://en.nice.aeroport.fr/var/anca/storage/images/passagers/vols-destinations/100-destinations-en-direct-de-nice/france/pau/gallery-pau/pau-4/12819901-1-fre-FR/Pau-4_galleryfull.png)

In the GC Tristan is now 10th, Epifanio even 8th, but he will sink into oblivion very soon.

Sponsor Barclays is expecting an 8th place in the coming stage and Carlo Bemelmans is ready for it. Some claim he is second favourite in this stage, but we will claim first favourite...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 26, 2019, 09:27:42 PM
The training camp in Les Vieilles Forges of Carlo Bemelmans did pay out very nicely. He beated Bolaverde's Stig Dreyer in the final sprint to win the stage to Monthermé. Helper Eddy Room finished 8th, GC man Tristan Prins 13th.

(https://travelguide.michelin.com/sites/default/files/styles/poi_slideshow_big/public/images/travel_guide/NX-38800.jpg?itok=0zA-nwDQ)

Sponsor Barclays was expecting at least place 8, but of course we did want the stage win.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/barclays.jpg)

Happy to have another sponsor aboard, but they have to share their bank services with Banco Santander, I'm afraid.

Tristan Prins climbs to 5th place in the GC:

1    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   0: 00"   0   0
2    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 01"   0   0
3    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   0: 07"   0   0
4    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   1: 00"   0   0
5    Tristan Prins   19   Combuijs   1: 06"   0   0

Tomorrow Tristan is favourite to win the stage, so let's see if he can claim the yellow jersey for a while. Keeping it might be difficult as there are still a few difficult stages for him left.

Mercedes Benz will sponsor us if we will have result in the 9th stage in the Vuelta. This is a somewhat odd stage around Avila on some goat trails. Well, we don't mind to have a Mercedes Benz as a teamcar...

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/mercedesbenz.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 27, 2019, 03:19:50 PM

Well, we have to chat a bit with director Roque Moron, because tactical the Loriol-Mont Ventoux-Loriol stage went wrong. Helpers Carlo Bemelmans and Eddy Room started too quick for leader Tristan Prins and on the Mont Ventoux itself they could not follow him, so Tristan was virtually helpless. In the end he lost the sprint to Pedro Kranz and made up some time, but it was not enough for the yellow jersey, which will be out of reach now.
Eddy Room finished 14th and even Carlo Bemelmans, declaring that the Mont Ventoux is his least favourite mountain, got 25th place.

(http://valdedrome-tourisme.com/imgs/filemanagerImages/imgsDiaporamas/Val%20de%20Dr%C3%B4me%20-%20Loriol/vue-de-loriol-lointaine.jpg)

The GC at the moment:

1    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 00"   0   0
2    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   0: 24"   0   0
3    Tristan Prins   19   Combuijs   1: 05"   0   0
4    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   1: 08"   0   0
5    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   1: 54"   0   0

No WinterIsComing then? Sure, he has four riders in the top 10 of the GC...

In other news Julius Wiegel seems to be a moderate talent.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 27, 2019, 07:44:24 PM
Troyes-Nancy was always going to be a struggle for Tristan Prins, he lost 2 minutes in the end. Carlo Bemelmans in a free role got 15th place and helper Eddy Room 22nd.

(https://d1bvpoagx8hqbg.cloudfront.net/originals/experience-nancy-france-laura-e2198ca5685f3f060ec26d5df7fd1346.jpg)

In the GC Tristan has now drifted to 5th place:

1    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 00"   0   0
2    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   1: 31"   0   0
3    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   1: 38"   0   0
4    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   2: 18"   0   0
5    Tristan Prins   19   Combuijs   2: 48"   0   0
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 28, 2019, 05:54:55 PM
In the cobblehill stage to Le Puy en Velay Daniel Rooijakkers finished 5th in a free role. Carlo Bemelmans as a helper finished 19th, while Tristan Prins lost 1:20 to go down to 8th place in the GC. A top 10 should be possible for him, but not much more.

Tristan was disappointed that the stage did finish uphill, that would have improved his chances:

(https://dotnlgul4mfwg.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/23110207/Le-Puy-en-Velay-1.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 28, 2019, 07:40:50 PM
From Bourg d'Oisans to Valence Tristan Prins was always going to be in trouble. He finished 2:46 behind winner Simon Wiedemann (eaglesOFcarthage). Best Honey Ale drinker was Carlo Bemelmans on place 15. Tristan has now gone to 10th place in the GC, so he will need a very good mountain stage tomorrow morning.

(https://media.valence-romans-tourisme.com/photos/structure_15349/4451794.jpg.580x580_q70_crop_upscale.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 29, 2019, 01:53:16 PM
The stage from Jaca to Val Louron was paved with mountains, but Tristan Prins did not feel too well, so in the end he finished 3rd. Helper Epifanio Merchan finished 11th.

(https://pyreneescollection.co.uk/graphics/library/Louron%20Valley%208.png)

In the GC Tristan goes up to 6th place, which will not improve in the last time trial.

Oh, and I got a letter today: I am eligible to vote for the national manager. Finally, recognition of my abilities...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 29, 2019, 09:50:16 PM

The Tour de France decided by a final time trial, where did we see that earlier in history? Anyway, for Daniel Rooijakkers Chartres was some kilometers too far to finish on the podium, in the end he was 5th. Epifanio Merchan was 20th and Carlo Bemelmans 25th. Tristan Prins lost almost 4 minutes to finish in 10th place in the GC.

(https://www.chartres.fr/fileadmin/_processed_/d/d/csm_Homepage1_1920x1200_492613fec5.jpg)

1    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 00"   1000   166667
2    Harry Tjoens   19   Plopsala   2: 04"   800   150000
3    Henrik Michael-Møller   19   $Tourmalet   3: 50"   650   133333
4    Oto Kleinbergs   19   WinterIsComing   4: 20"   550   116667
5    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   4: 24"   500   100000
6    Bernhard Rooks   19   WinterIsComing   5: 37"   450   83333
7    Raoul Dedeyne   19   Plopsala   5: 48"   400   66667
8    Valentijn Teffer   19   WinterIsComing   6: 35"   350   58333
9    Olivier Napoleon   19   WinterIsComing   6: 37"   300   50000
10    Tristan Prins   19   Combuijs   6: 38"   250   41667

Tristan would have been the worst WinterIsComing rider if he had been in that team...

Division standings after the Tour de France:

1º      $Tourmalet   26740   9   14   13   
2º      WinterIsComing   25678   4   7   16   
3º      Combuijs   22962   18   11   11   
4º      Kalarratas   16308   3   13   7   
5º      Plopsala   15755   16   4   3   

$Tourmalet and WinterIsComing are slowly escaping from our fingers and Kalarratas is slowly coming nearer

The line up for tomorrow's Clasica San Sebastian will be:

21 Tristan Prins
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Ørjan Henningsen
24 Adam Neeskens
25 Eddy Room

Of course we to excel in our only Dutch Tour and these riders have been selected for that:

21 Carlo Bemelmans
22 Julius Maalderink
23 Eddy Room
24 Daniel Rooijakkers
25 Arjen Rutte

We will concentrate on the second stage where we have a sponsordeal and on the hilly stages. Daniel Rooijakkers can eat his heart out on the time trial and maybe Carlo Bemelmans can do something in the GC.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 30, 2019, 02:46:20 PM
In the Clasica de San Sebastian Tristan Prins got 2nd place behind Olivier Napoleon (WinterIsComing) who apparently did not find his Waterloo here. Eddy Room did help really well and finished 15th. Carlo Bemelmans still feels the benefits of a training camp and finished 27th.

(https://lonelyplanetimages.imgix.net/mastheads/GettyImages-163188684_medium.jpg?sharp=10&vib=20&w=1200)

Division standings after San Sebestian:

1º      $Tourmalet   27425   9   14   13   
2º      WinterIsComing   26888   5   7   16   
3º      Combuijs   23522   18   12   11   
4º      Kalarratas   16603   3   13   7   
5º      Plopsala   15755   16   4   3   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 30, 2019, 08:25:17 PM
The first stage in our own Tour went from Heerlen to Philippe Gilbert Country. Carlo Bemelmans was inspired as he should be and was only in the sprint without a chance against a combine of two $Tourmalet riders. Still, second place is encouraging, as was Eddy Room's 14th place.

(http://www.campersite.be/parkings/wallonie/prov_luik/Aywaille/aywaille_parking.jpg)

Tomorrow we are in Zealand and as we have sponsordeal it is good to see we are first and second favourite...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 01, 2019, 11:34:06 AM
We love Breskens, especially after this morning's race where Julius Maalderink finished first and helper Arjan Rutte second. Daniel Rooijakkers was only 14th...

(https://www.zeelandtravel.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/visserijfeesten-breskens-2018.jpg)

In the GC we all are doing well, so let's enjoy it while it lasts:

1    Richard Harris   19   WinterIsComing   0: 00"   0   0
2    Pelayo Torregrosa   19   CojoNudos   0: 26"   0   0
3    Julius Maalderink   19   Combuijs   0: 36"   0   0
4    Dries Witsche   19   WinterIsComing   0: 43"   0   0
5    Victor Rødland   19   Bolaverde   0: 48"   0   0
6    Arjen Rutte   19   Combuijs   0: 53"   0   0
7    Nick Janson   19   Jediondos   1: 18"   0   0
8    Carlo Bemelmans   19   Combuijs   1: 21"   0   0

Anyway, we have a happy sponsor Fertil France, so we all can work very hard in the garden during our winter vacation...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/fertilfrance.jpg)

Olivetti can't get enough of us as they propose a deal for the 5th stage in the Tour of Switzerland around Bellinzona. We have no serious time trialists in our team, and the did not offer enough money anyway.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/olivetti.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 01, 2019, 08:24:17 PM
In the Friesian lowlands we travelled from Heerenveen to Bolsward and we saw Julius Maalderink finishing 7th, Arjen Rutte 18th, Carlo Bemelmans 22nd and Daniel Rooijakkers 28th.

(https://www.harrebolsward.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/bolsward_harre-900x479.jpg)

In the GC we have three riders in the top 7:

1    Richard Harris   19   WinterIsComing   0: 00"   0   0
2    Pelayo Torregrosa   19   CojoNudos   0: 03"   0   0
3    Julius Maalderink   19   Combuijs   0: 12"   0   0
4    Dries Witsche   19   WinterIsComing   0: 43"   0   0
5    Victor Rødland   19   Bolaverde   0: 48"   0   0
6    Arjen Rutte   19   Combuijs   0: 53"   0   0
7    Carlo Bemelmans   19   Combuijs   1: 21"   0   0
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 02, 2019, 11:28:07 AM
We are actually not too bad in time trials and the one around Sittard or Geleen (they could not decide which city to take?) was no exception. Daniel Rooijakkers finished 5th, Eddy Room 18th, Arjen Rutte 19th and Carlo Bemelmans 22nd.

(https://www.1limburg.nl/sites/default/files/public/styles/media-paragraph/public/sittard_1_0_0.jpg?itok=qGnF2Gnn)

This gives us 4 riders in de top 10, a WinterIsComing-esque result:

1    Pelayo Torregrosa   19   CojoNudos   0: 00"   0   0
2    Sebastien Galmanov   19   Bryggen   0: 48"   0   0
3    Arjen Rutte   19   Combuijs   1: 00"   0   0
4    Richard Harris   19   WinterIsComing   1: 05"   0   0
5    Brendan Owen   19   $Tourmalet   1: 11"   0   0
6    Julius Maalderink   19   Combuijs   1: 31"   0   0
7    Daniel Rooijakkers   19   Combuijs   1: 33"   0   0
8    Victor Rødland   19   Bolaverde   1: 33"   0   0
9    Kenneth Wind   19   Jediondos   1: 36"   0   0
10    Carlo Bemelmans   19   Combuijs   1: 39"   0   0

In the last stage to Lanaken we will play the Carlo card though. See if we can get our 20th victory this season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on May 02, 2019, 05:52:21 PM
Unlike Combuijs, my cyclists have to learn a lot about Time Trials. I hope to climb a bit in the Allround Classification in the BinckBank Tour though. Good luck with Carlo!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 03, 2019, 12:07:12 PM
In the last stage of the Binck Bank Tour to Lanaken Carlo Bemelmans was 6 seconds short and finished 4th, while helper Eddy Room managed a 10th place.

(http://www.lanaken.be/dsresource?objectid=cd9de70d-d02c-458c-9241-d9a5fddc98c3&type=webimage)

In the GC Carlo finished 6th and the rest of our team was 11th, 12th, 14th and 15th. So, in the GC we did a "WinterIsComing" but then on a lower level (they were 2nd, 7th, 8th, 10th and 24th).

Too many goals in this season's Vuelta and only five riders to achieve them:

21 Arjen Rutte
22 Yvo de Cleer
23 Julius Maalderink
24 Daniel Rooijakkers
25 Andreas van Zijl

We have a shared leadership between Arjen and Yvo, one of them has to reach 10th place, we want get Julius up in the individual division standings, Daniel can do his thing in the time trial and help on the cobbles and Andreas is here to please a sponsor in stage 9.

In the first stage the Chicken Pass Yvo de Cleer managed to become second in a free role. Andreas van Zijl got 26th place and Arjen Rutte lost 7 minutes, which is more than expected. We will have a conference this afternoon about the leadership in our team...

(https://d19tiqumqauva7.cloudfront.net/var/andorra/storage/images/_aliases/intro_slide/www.andorra.ad/multimedia/galeria/natura/cicloturisme/ruta-de-ciclisme-14-coll-de-la-gallina/1906x960_ruta-de-ciclisme-14-coll-de-la-gallina/24033262-1-cat-ES/1906x960_ruta-de-ciclisme-14-coll-de-la-gallina.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Vuelta:

1º      WinterIsComing   29032   5   7   18   
2º      $Tourmalet   28739   11   15   14   
3º      Combuijs   25251   19   15   11   
4º      Kalarratas   17502   4   14   8   
5º      Plopsala   16000   16   4   3   

We have a new leader, which is a bit unexpected. Or maybe not...

Next five weeks updates may be more scarce due to holidays of our spokesman, but we will try to keep you informed.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Rico on May 03, 2019, 12:14:21 PM
Five weeks!!!???!!!

The sale of honey ale must have gone through the roof.  ;D
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on May 03, 2019, 03:36:27 PM
Have a nice holiday, Combuijs! Pity if we cannot enjoy your reviews in the final week of the season, but it's more important that you will enjoy your well deserved holiday. Thumbs up for your work throughout the season.  :)
I really had fun reading all of it, as well as I enjoyed racing together with you in 3g! Next season we will both be in 1st division. Hope you will keep your Combuijs Capers alive :)

I will try to consolidate my first place in the rankings, although it was a bit unexpected to me as well that I was able to overtake $Tourmalet.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 06, 2019, 04:43:45 PM
Some nice results in the Vuelta until now:

Stage 2 saw Julius Maalderink finsihing 10th, before Arjen Rutte (19th) an Yvo de Cleer (23rd).

In stage 3 Yvo de Cleer finishes 11th.

In stage 4 we have Julius Maalderink 20th and Arjen Rutte 18th.

Daniel Rooijakkers wins the 5th stage, a time trial. Andreas van Zijl 7th, Yvo de Cleer 8th and Arjen Rutte 24th. This was our 20th win this season, so a special Spanish edition of our Combuijs Honey Ale was appropriate.

Arjen Rutte wins the 6th stage before Julius Maalderink, Daniel Rooijakkers picks up 7th place.

Arjen Rutte wins also the 7th stage before Julius Maalderink, Daniel Rooijakkers picks up 15th place, Andrea van Zijl 19th.

The GC after this stage:

1    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   0: 00"   0   0
2    Yvo de Cleer   19   Combuijs   0: 10"   0   0
3    Giovanni Arias   19   WinterIsComing   0: 25"   0   0
4    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   0: 50"   0   0
5    Les Winger   19   WinterIsComing   1: 01"   0   0

In the Giro di Lombardia these riders will finish amidst the carlights:

21 Tristan Prins
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Yvo de Cleer
24 Chester Laybutt
25 Eddy Room

In the WC time trial these riders will be tortured:

21 Daniel Rooijakkers
22 Koen Helder
23 Norman Schuh
24 Julius Wiegel
25 Andreas van Zijl

In the WC race these riders will represent their countries:

21 Carlo Bemelmans
22 Chester Laybutt
23 Adam Neeskens
24 Tristan Prins
25 Eddy Room

Our mechanic Tigran Filin is really doing his best, but still no improvements for cobblestones...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mej3.jpg)

We are very happy with our sales manager though. As Ricoo already remarked, the sale of Combuijs Honey Ale is going through the roof.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tienda3.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 09, 2019, 04:12:34 PM
The 8th stage of the Vuelta was won by Yvo de Cleer, but in the 9th stage we were very disappointed by the 11th place of Arjen Rutte, the 14th place of Andreas van Zijl and the 19th place of Yvo de Cleer. Also sponsor Mercedes Benz was disappointed, so we won't ride in a Mercedes bus next season.

The last stage of the Vuelta was won by our Arjen Rutte before Julius Maalderink (2nd), Daniel Rooijakkers (13th) and Andreas van Zijl (23rd). That was our 5th win in the Vuelta.

In the GC we got a happy sponsor Ford who could choose between Yvo de Cleer and Arjen Rutte:

1    Les Winger   19   WinterIsComing   0: 00"   1000   166667
2    Pedro Kranz   19   MelonKas   1: 26"   800   150000
3    Giovanni Arias   19   WinterIsComing   1: 33"   650   133333
4    Nobby Kellman   19   $Tourmalet   2: 01"   550   116667
5    Romeu Maximo   19   Kalarratas   2: 08"   500   100000
6    Yvo De Cleer   19   Combuijs   2: 25"   450   83333
7    Michel Elzinga   19   WinterIsComing   2: 47"   400   66667
8    Arjen Rutte   19   Combuijs   5: 55"   350   58333

And we had Andreas van Zijl on 19th place. So we will ride in Ford Transits next season :-)
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/ford.jpg)

Still some food for thought as we had calculated that Arjen would end higher than Yvo in the GC which was not the case, even when Arjen was leader in all stages.

Tristan Prins was second in the Giro de Lombardia, helper Eddy Room 29th.

The World Championship time trial was won by Spaniard Jesus Alberto Soto of WinterIsComing. Our Daniel Rooijakkers was 12th, Koen Helder 21st and Norman Schuh 26th.

The World Championship race was won by Australian Isaac Montgomery of WinterIsComing. Our Carlo Bemelmans was 12th.

Team classification at the end of the season:

1º      WinterIsComing   39220   9   8   20   
2º      $Tourmalet   33786   11   17   15   
3º      Combuijs   30182   24   19   11   
4º      Kalarratas   21321   4   14   10   
5º      CojoNudos   19924   3   6   4   
6º      Plopsala   17388   17   4   4   
7º      Bolaverde   16378   7   6   8
8º      Jediondos   14243   0   2   4
9º      MelonKas   10835   2   5   1   
10º      eaglesOFcarthage   10494   9   3   5   

Individual classification at the end of the season:

1º      Pedro Kranz   19   5982   MelonKas   2   5   1   
2º      Julius Maalderink   19   5454   Combuijs   6   6   2   
3º      Romeu Maximo   19   5269   Kalarratas   1   3   3   
4º      Yvo De Cleer   19   5260   Combuijs   7   3   1   
5º      Valentijn Teffer   19   5079   WinterIsComing   3   2   3   
6º      Kirk Trump   19   4942   $Tourmalet   3   2   5   
7º      Nobby Kellman   19   4802   $Tourmalet   0   5   3   
8º      Hallgeir Solhaug   19   4351   Bolaverde   5   1   0   
9º      Lucas Freitas   19   3730   Kalarratas   0   2   0   
10º      Tristan Prins   19   3699   Combuijs   2   5   3   
11º      Carlo Bemelmans   19   3667   Combuijs   3   2   2   

And so we are going to prepare for a very tough next season on World Tour level.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 10, 2019, 03:08:32 PM

All riders have been salivating as they saw our new Specialized bikes. We don't want to hear complaints about their material from now on!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/bicis/specialized.jpg)

The riders had some problems with masseur Egon Kreuz, so he has been replaced by Vince Haber, who wants to spend more time in Europe after the Brexit.

We had some problems with the tactical views of Roque Moron, so we have replaced our director with Portuguese Belarmino Farinha. That of course means we will have still some communication issues, but with some Portuguese lessons for everyone we feel that can be solved.

The UCI has published some remarkable figures about last season, and one of them is that our team has raced in all stages.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/diploma1.png)

Another one is that we have raced them all with 5 riders. To quote George Clooney: What else?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/diploma2.png)

We will ride in the Cup for the first time and we will do a Paris-Nice stage from Chatou to Meudon, a flat hill cobble race, against Continental Pro Saul Salinas Team. With cobbles and hills as their weak point, I think we are favourite in this race.

These rider will make their cup debut:

11 Chester Laybutt
12 Adam Balogh
13 Julius Maalderink
14 Arjen Rutte
15 Julius Wiegel

In the Tour Down Under these riders will represent the Combuijs Honey Ale team:

441 Carlo Bemelmans
442 Adam Balogh
443 Adam Neeskens
444 Tristan Prins
445 Eddy Room

We have not ordered any Magnum bottles yet, we just hope for some points on this difficult World Tour level.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 13, 2019, 03:56:24 PM
Yesterday evening we had a nice cup race against Saul Salinas Team. In the race from Chatou to Medon, Chester Laybutt did what we was bought for last season:

1    Chester Laybutt   a hours 0 minutes 0 seconds
2    Adam Balogh   a hours 0 minutes 15 seconds
3    Earl Stamer   a hours 0 minutes 15 seconds    

In the next round we will ride Milan - San Remo against fellow World Tour team Skyliners. At the moment both teams have not any sprinters, so this might be a close one.

Yesterday evening also Carlo Bemelmans made his international debut for the Dutch team, and he even did finish. Way behind winner Erling Brynildsen, but let's not talk about details, shall we?

The first stage of the season in the Tour Down Under was won by that phenomenal Erling Brynildsen of Borinot Team, but more importantly our Tristan Prins managed 8th place in a free role. So the first points are already there and we are immediately out of the relegation zone. Leader Carlo Bemelmans Finished on 1:28 which is not too bad.

And de Telegraaf strikes again: according to this quality paper we have been in the top 5 of the first division. Oh yes, and pink elephants can fly!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/top5.png)

(Admittedly, we had rank 3 when I first logged in in this new season, but that was before we bought our new cycling equipment. We probably just had a lot of money...)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 15, 2019, 12:48:39 PM
In the second stage of the Tour Down Under Carlo Bemelmans finished 18th, so some additional points for us. But in further stages we did not do well enough, as expected.

Division standings after the Tour Down Under

1º      BorinotTeam   958   2   0   0   
2º      Rekutxuteam   861   0   1   0   
3º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   740   2   0   0   

26º      galegospolabici   95   0   0   0   
27º      Combuijs   93   0   0   0   
28º      Skyliners   92   0   0   0   

Already the relegation line is approaching rapidly...

Mechanic Tigran Filin received a compliment for the quality of the bikes
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mate1.png)

De Telegraaf reported that money should be no problem for us. Well, we are not Ajax, aren't we?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/millonario2.jpg)

They also reported that we have had our first international rider in the team, Carlo Bemelmans. Well international he was, but he did not finish within the first 100 in Sallanches.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1int.gif)

That being true, the rest of the news was rather trivial: We scored points with an U23 rider in the first division. Great deal that!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/jovenpuntos.png) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d324.jpg)

No doubt they will report tomorrow that we sold our first rider, Daniel Rooijakkers. Milanezen wanted him very badly. The paper will speculate that millions will be involved, but in fact it was only 40,000

These riders will do the first stage in Europe, de Omloop het Volk (yes, I know this is called different nowadays).

261 Chester Laybutt
262 Adam Balogh
263 Ørjan Henningsen
264 Julius Maalderink
265 Arjen Rutte

These riders will bite the dust in the Strade Bianchi:

261 Chester Laybutt
262 Ørjan Henningsen
263 Julius Maalderink
264 Oscar Meijer
265 Arjen Rutte

We again hope to score some points here!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 16, 2019, 11:46:35 AM
Chester Laybutt finished 13th in de Omloop het Volk, which was a bit disappointing. He complained about having a bad night before, in which he had a point. Next time we will protect the team bus against night noises.

In the Strade Bianchi he became 19th, well rested now, but this race is less to his liking.

Division standings after the white roads:

1º      CobbleCrushers   1370   1   0   1   
2º      Atlantico   1360   1   0   0   
3º      Rekutxuteam   1206   0   1   0   

22º      galegospolabici   335   0   0   0   
23º      Combuijs   313   0   0   0   
24º      KunTeam   226   0   0   0   

We have bought Thomas Freitag from Vitimper for services in Milan - San Remo, the cup, hill sprints in general and long term hill training.

These riders are going to the sun:

221 Eddy Room
222 Carlo Bemelmans
223 Thomas Freitag
224 Julius Maalderink
225 Arjen Rutte
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 16, 2019, 12:54:11 PM
From what I've heard Konrad Magnussen is looking forward to the first flat-cobble confrontation with Maalderink and Rutte.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 17, 2019, 12:13:43 PM
In the first stage of Paris-Nice we did nothing to remember, but the second stage over the cobbles to Vierzon had our interest beforehand. And as you might have heard, not only our interest. In hindsight Zatarra's remark was brilliant tactics, because now Arjen Rutte looked over his right shoulder to note with satisfaction that he would beat Konrad Magnussen, but alas, on his left side Rolv Sele could surprise him. Very happy with second place, but it could have been more, one feels. Julius Maalderink finished 30th as a helper. Still, congratulations to Zatarra from a farmer with dental problems...

And yes, De Telegraaf has awoken one day after the event:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1venta.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 17, 2019, 12:55:56 PM
Thank you, Mr. Combuijs. Rolv was very happy with the stage win and Konrad was happy to see his team mate win. He knows he will get a chance to beat Arjen himself later on.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 18, 2019, 12:08:55 PM
Arjen Rutte knows now over which shoulder to look in the cobble race in the Tirreno Adriatico. He will be prepared!

Yesterday afternoon Carlo Bemelmans picked up a 19th place on Mont Brouilly with some help from Eddy Room.

Thomas Freitag has started his ale drinking career quite promising with a 10th place in Orléans after terrific help from Carlo Bemelmans.

We have sold our second rider. Andreas van Zijl has found hope and a new team in Espérance. He can show off his cobbleclimbing skills there.

After a heated conversation with Norman Schuh we have allowed him to find another team in which he can flourish, of course against certain financial conditions.

Yvo de Cleer will be our second national rider. He received a phone call from coach GinneR this morning while trying to get some rest after this night's training.

De Telegraaf has noted our yesterday's podium place as well:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1podium.png)

Additional news:

These riders are going to beat Konrad Magnusson in the Tirreno Adriatico:

191 Arjen Rutte
192 Thomas Freitag
193 Ørjan Henningsen
194 Guido Leeghwater
195 Epifanio Merchan
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 20, 2019, 12:34:43 PM
No serious results in the remainder of the stages in Paris-Nice, this were the division standings after the first stage of the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Rekutxuteam   2163   0   2   0   
2º      BorinotTeam   1550   2   1   1   
3º      Atlantico   1546   1   0   0   

24º      Codex   551   0   0   0   
25º      Combuijs   538   0   1   0   
26º      vercors   476   0   0   0   

In the flat stage to Salsomaggiore Terme in the Tirreno Adriatico Thomas Freitag was of course not up to Wilfred Bentinck (but then who is?) of Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycling but 24th place for a hill sprinter is not bad. 19 year old Guido Leeghwater did well as a helper, he finished 45th.

Thanks to Thomas we have passed to the third round of the cup. He was the one who could just beat Rolf-Peter Baumgartner of Skyliners in Milan-San Remo. Somehow very satisfying to beat a German team with a German rider. The next round we will have a time trial finishing on a hill against teamsomio from the Pro Continental Tour and it is really a pity we have sold our two less bad time trialist. We will have to ponder how we are going to handle this.

This afternoon there will be snow on the top of Terminilio, so we will have to see what Epifanio Merchan can do there. And tomorrow morning there is the important cobble race where we will play the Arjen and Ørjan cards...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 21, 2019, 01:14:38 PM
In the mountain time trial Epifanio Merchan just got some points with 30th place.

In the cobble stage to Follonica, Arjen just started too fast for Ørjan, so in the end he was short of breath and had to make do with 5th place. The good news was that is was one place better than Konrad Magnusson, the bad news was that Rolv Sele again finished before him, this time as 3rd. Glorious winner was Yannick Pierre of the aptly named Cobble Crushers. Again honourable mentions for Guido Leeghwater who as a helper finished 40th.

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Rekutxuteam   2200   0   2   0   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   1990   1   0   0   
3º      CobbleCrushers   1838   2   0   1   

25º      Caracoles   670   2   0   0   
26º      Combuijs   647   0   1   0   
27º      CC_Porco_Jones   632   0   1   0   

These riders are going to ride the Prima Vera:

251 Thomas Freitag
252 Carlo Bemelmans
253 Eelco van der Laan
254 Guido Leeghwater
255 Oscar Meijer

These 5 go for the E3:

251 Garret Rose
252 Koen Helder
253 Oscar Meijer
254 Arjen Rutte
255 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 21, 2019, 01:40:45 PM
Rolv was very happy he could beat Arjen once again. Now it was his turn, however to not look at the other rivals. I think for now it was the best result possible. Magnussen had a free role: he could barely keep Arjen's wheel. Together with Amund he rode a pretty good result!

Good luck and we'll meet again in the E3 although I think our biys will be beaten by Yannick once again.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 22, 2019, 12:29:35 PM
In Milan - San Remo Thomas Freitag proved he can compete with the best hillsprinters of his age. In the leading group of 50 he finished 11th and we are quite happy with that.

We now know how to beat Zatarra's Rolv Sele! Just let him watch Arjen Rutte and then pass him with another rider, the highly talented Garret Rose. That resulted in a 5th place, Yannick Pierre was unbeatable again. There are still improvements possible in tactics, Koen Helder helped more than expected and as a consequence Julius Wiegel did less. Arjen Rutte got 24th place in a free role.

Division standings after the E3:

1º      Rekutxuteam   2975   1   2   0   
2º      CobbleCrushers   2678   3   0   1   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   2215   1   0   0   

18º      skunk   1162   0   0   0   
19º      Combuijs   1112   0   1   0   
20º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   1038   0   0   0   

BMW was wise after the event: if we would finish within place 8 in the E3 they would sponsor us. We just had finished 5th, but that did not count in their eyes. Stupid cars anyway!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/bmw.png)

The lineup for the Tour of Catalunya:

181 Yvo de Cleer
182 Carlo Bemelmans
183 Thomas Freitag
184 Guido Leeghwater
185 Tristan Prins

Yvo is there for the mountain stages and the GC, Tristan will support him in everything, Carlo Bemelmans will be there in the flat hill stage and we use again our sprint couple for the sprint stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 22, 2019, 01:15:44 PM
Sele was not amused. His tactics were not as good as we hoped beforehand. Good to see you have several other riders to compete with on the cobbles. Next stop: G-W. Sele will be there again.

Congrats on your fifth place! 
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 23, 2019, 12:28:01 PM
Well, Yvo de Cleer has taken a subscription on place 11, he finished there in the first two stages of the Tour of Catalunya. And guess where he stands in the GC?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 24, 2019, 12:33:34 PM
In the sprint stage to Torremdebarra Thomas Freitag gets 21st place in a free role and Yvo de Cleer got up to 2nd place in the GC.

Carlo Bemelmans gets himself in a free role an 11th place in the flat hill race to Olot. Unfortunately Yvo de Cleer could not keep second place in the GC in his weakest stage of the Tour and he is back to place 12 now.

For tomorrow morning this will be the line up for Gent-Wevelgem:

181 Arjen Rutte
182 Adam Balogh
183 Chester Laybutt
184 Oscar Meijer
185 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 25, 2019, 03:56:00 PM
In the last race of the Tour of Catalunya, Yvo de Cleer got 12th place, which gave him a 9th place in the GC, our first GC points on the World Tour.

I don't think we did an optimal tactical race in Gent-Wevelgem, but leader Arjen Rutte finished 9th and Garret Rose finished 19th in a free role. Alas, that was behind Rolv Sele (3rd), but lo, it was before Yannick Pierre (10th). Winner was Ketil Fossum of Thorboassonarvesen.

Division standings after Gent-Wevelgem:

1º      Rekutxuteam   3335   1   2   0   
2º      CobbleCrushers   3301   3   1   1   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   3156   2   0   0   

11º      CrossAndGo    1895   2   0   0   
12º      Combuijs   1761   0   1   0   
13º      $Tourmalet   1755   2   0   1   

Norman Schuh had found a new home and it is a very well known home: AJFactoryCycling. No doubt he will have to find another home after Paris-Roubaix...

We have our first iconic rider! His name is Yvo de Cleer and this is where he is iconic in:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)

We have accepted a sponsor offer by Ukr Telecom. They have assured us their wifi connections are better than our current ones, which does not tell anything actually. We assured them we will finish with the best six in the second stage of the Tour of Switzerland
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/utel.jpg)

These riders will go across Vlaanderen:

111 Chester Laybutt
112 Adam Balogh
113 Oscar Meijer
114 Garret Rose
115 Julius Wiegel

And these riders will go around in the Ronde van Vlaanderen:

111 Chester Laybutt
112 Adam Balogh
113 Oscar Meijer
114 Garret Rose
115 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 26, 2019, 11:37:56 AM
In Dwars door Vlaanderen we rode without the notorious earplugs in the so called no-wifi modus, very watchful, but no results.

In the Tour of Flanders we had leader Chester Laybutt on place 10 en free role Garret Rose on 21st place. We had not expected to beat winner Ketil Fossum, but we had hoped to do better.

Division standings after Vlaanderen:

1º      CobbleCrushers   4671   3   2   1   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   3756   2   1   0   
3º      Rekutxuteam   3595   1   2   0   

12º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2010   0   0   2   
13º      Combuijs   2001   0   1   0   
14º      CrossAndGo    1895   2   0   0   

Looks good, one would say, but just as Cobble Crushers we have very few good races left...

De Telegraaf have noticed our bronze rider Yvo de Cleer too:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/montebronce.png)

What they did not spot is that Tristan Prins has got one now too...

For the Itzulia these riders will learn how to speak Basque:

121 Eddy Room
122 Chester Laybutt
123 Tristan Prins
124 Garret Rose
125 Trevor Taylor

Eddy will be our leader, Tristan will be his luxury helper, Chester and Garret will star in the cobble hill race and Trevor might prove his worth in the closing time trial.

The line up for the cup race, a flat time trial with a hilly ending:

1 Trevor Taylor
2 Koen Helder
3 Guido Leeghwater
4 Epifanio Merchan
5 Julius Wiegel

Trevor came over from time trial specialist Aurora Australis especially for this race, we won't give up the cup without a fight!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 27, 2019, 12:25:53 PM
Buying Trevor Taylor was a good decision as he really made the difference in the cup flat hill time trial. Before the hilly ending he was still second to Teamsonio's Xabier Merido, but uphill he was four seconds faster, enough for a place in the last 16. There we will be up to Cojo Nudos, who we know from last season, in a flat cobble race. We should be favourite as we have some very good cobblers.

In the Itzulia we can only boast a 29th place for Tristan Prins in the first stage, but that will change tonight...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 28, 2019, 12:32:20 PM
Great succes in the Zalla cobble hill race. In a free role Chester Laybutt was 3rd en Garret Rose 5th. No Zatarra rider to be seen, which was an extra. Sentinental Chicken Lenny Ford was un(b)eatable though. Anyway, it is our second piece of silverware this season!

In the Getxo hilly race in the Itzulia Eddy Room got 14th place. The old Getxo race was flat, but this one suits Eddy better.

The lineup for the most important race of the season will be:

101 Julius Maalderink
102 Inocencio Aleixo
103 Ørjan Henningsen
104 Chester Laybutt
105 Arjen Rutte

Avianca will sponsor us for a 5th place in the Strade Bianchi. Now, there is an interesting goal, certainly because they won't change the parcours every season. Now we only have to find out who or what Avianca is...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/avianca.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 28, 2019, 12:37:49 PM
Sele missed the boat in the first section already. The constant beating of Combuijs riders had cost him too much energy to recover the gap. Also, he complained about the hilly sections between the cobbles. Although the tour director promised 5 cobblesections, the hills were too rebundant.

We are really looking forward to the most important race of the season as well. Wondering where Julius Maalderink has been few weeks. We are however not so sure about the line-up yet. Let's say we have too much choice ::). Anyway; Cobbles4Life!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 29, 2019, 01:20:16 PM
No successes in the Itzulia, Trevor Taylor even finished behind Eddy Room in the final hilly time trial, so he will be looking for a new team shortly. Eddy finishes 23rd in the GC, which was won by Caracoles' Guilherme Fonseca.

Mixed feelings about Paris-Roubaix. Julius Maalderink finishes 4th (with training camp, well spotted Zatarra!), but tactics could have been better. He was pretty alone the last three sections of the race, while I was afraid that Arjen Rutte would ride too hard for him. Not so, obviously... Zatarra's Amund Svendsen finished 3rd, but the jury overlooked his poking a stave in Julius's wheel just before the finish... Winner was Jean Philippe Mescoff of Atlantico.

Division standings after Paris-Roubaix:

1º      CobbleCrushers   5335   3   3   1   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   4415   2   1   0   
3º      SentinelChickens   4120   1   4   1   

10º      BorinotTeam   2635   2   1   2   
11º      Combuijs   2520   0   1   1   
12º      ProdopingPong   2440   0   3   0   

De Telegraaf has found out we have scored points on the World Tour with more than ten riders:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/10dif.png)

Well, for Telegraaf news this is pretty accurate, but in fact it is wrong, we did it with exactly ten riders, not more...

We now know Avianca is an airways company, and it is always good for cutting travel costs to have them as a sponsor, only there are not many World Tour races in their country, Colombia.

In our home monument we will start with:

101 Eddy Room
102 Carlo Bemelmans
103 Chester Laybutt
104 Adam Neeskens
105 Garret Rose

While in La Fleche Wallonne we will start with:

101 Eddy Room
102 Carlo Bemelmans
103 Chester Laybutt
104 Adam Neeskens
105 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on May 29, 2019, 01:34:14 PM
Zatarra's Amund Svendsen finished 3rd, but the jury overlooked his poking a stave in Julius's wheel just before the finish...

Where can I object such an imputation? I assume you as well as I did saw Julius having trouble with his gear. Seems like you have to speak to your mechanic instead of insinuating false play of Zatarrians. :-\

Anyway, good job on have made Paris-Roubaix interesting from start to finish. Hopefully we'll meet again soon!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 30, 2019, 12:21:22 PM
Controversy about the accusations of Julius Maalderink yesterday in Paris-Roubaix. We have spoken with our Russian mechanic Tigran Filin and he is adamant in his statement that the gear was working very well. In this statement his is backed up by his president, a certain Mr. Putin, so there can be no doubt whatsoever that the gear was working correctly. Can you aim that Kalashnikov somewhere else now? Thank you...

Zattarians is by the way an interesting form of Zatarra, you picked up a t somewhere, but lost an r in the process...

Meanwile Eddy Room showed that special training in the Limburg mountains helps to flourish in the hill classics: 16th place in the Combuijs Honey Ale Race and 18th in the Wallonian Arrow. It is not spectacular, but it is points, and that is more than most teams can boast.

These riders will realise in Bastogne that they will have to return to Liege:

141 Eddy Room
142 Carlo Bemelmans
143 Chester Laybutt
144 Adam Neeskens
145 Garret Rose

In the Tour of Romandie you will find amongst others these riders:

141 Yvo de Cleer
142 Ørjan Henningsen
143 Tristan Prins
144 Eddy Room
145 Arjen Rutte

Yvo will be our mountain man and GC man, Tristan his lovely assistant in the mountains and hills, Eddy in the hills and on the cobbles and our cobble couple Ørjan and Arjen are there to beat Zatarra in the last race.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 31, 2019, 12:43:14 PM
Eddy Room finishes 25th in Liege and Yvo de Cleer finishes 25th in Zinal. We will take the points and see if we can keep Yvo in front.

Division standings after the first stage of Romandie:

1º      CobbleCrushers   5935   3   3   1   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   5268   2   1   2   
3º      Rekutxuteam   4441   2   2   0   

14º      $Tourmalet   2837   2   1   1   
15º      Combuijs   2787   0   1   1   
16º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2755   4   0   1   

For a (no doubt short) while we are the second Dutch team now. And the place just behind $Tourmalet somehow feels comfortable, we are only missing WinterIsComing in our neighbourhood. It seems he is less present after the HBO Game of Thrones series ended...

We have sold Oscar Meijer to Franc Team for a substantial amount in Euros. Not in Belgian Francs luckily...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 01, 2019, 12:27:11 PM
In the third stage to Leukerbad Yvo de Cleer finishes 17th which gives him 18th place in the GC. That will probably mean he will be on his own in the last stage while the team focuses on Arjen Rutte.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on June 01, 2019, 05:07:44 PM

14º      $Tourmalet   2837   2   1   1   
15º      Combuijs   2787   0   1   1   
16º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2755   4   0   1   

For a (no doubt short) while we are the second Dutch team now. And the place just behind $Tourmalet somehow feels comfortable, we are only missing WinterIsComing in our neighbourhood. It seems he is less present after the HBO Game of Thrones series ended...


Well noticed  :)

If you play the Game of Thrones, you either win or you die.... so I decided it was best not to play along with the big boys this season, as my army was clearly not ready for the battle. We are still in training mode, with wooden swords and sticks.  :P
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 02, 2019, 12:20:06 PM
In the fourth stage of the Tour de Romandie we rode with wooden bikes it seems...

In the cobble stage Arjen Rutte reaches place 8, not only right behind Zatarra's Amund Svendsen, but also three places behind Zatarra's Konrad Magnusson. Sentinental Chicken Sandor Rath won the stage. Arjen declared after the race that he would have preferred to ride with Julius Maalderink instead of Ørjan Henningsen, whom he did not see again after the second section. The team manager concedes he might have a point...

Yvo de Cleer finishes 23rd in the GC, 10 seconds after 10 points. All in all this Tour should have given more points...

Division standings after the Tour de Romandie:

1º      CobbleCrushers   6114   3   3   2   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   6036   2   1   2   
3º      SentinelChickens   4571   2   4   1   

14º      BorinotTeam   3040   2   1   2   
15º      Combuijs   2883   0   1   1   
16º      $Tourmalet   2881   2   1   1   

These riders will go around the Henniger Tower this afternoon:

141 Tristan Prins
142 Ørjan Henningsen
143 adam Neeskens
144 Eddy Room
145 Garret Rose

The cup cobblers will be:

1 Julius Maalderink
2 Inocencio Aleixo
3 Ørjan Henningsen
4 Chester Laybutt
5 Arjen Rutte

And these 10 riders will be up for the Giro tomorrow morning:

141 Tristan Prins
142 Carlo Bemelmans
143 Thomas Freitag
144 Julius Maalderink
145 Epifanio Merchan

Oh, wait, we can only have five... We only go for stages this tour then.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 03, 2019, 12:56:23 PM
In the Cup Julius Maalderink did what he had to do in the cobble race to Armagasilla de Alba. Cojo Nudes did what he could and had some surprising tactics with only two riders, but Juan David Velasco could simply not follow on the cobbles. In the quarter finals we will be up to mastodont Matterhorn in a mountain hill flat time trial to the Col d'Iseran. Not sure what to think about that race, but we won't fall to some genius tactics in any case.

Tristan Prins was the 22nd rider around the Henniger Tower. Not bad as already half way he was without help. He became second of the second group which with his sprinting skills quite remarkable.
 
In the mountain time trial to Santuario di Oropa Epifanio Merchan got to 25th place. Given that he has had an excellent preparation for this race it is clear to the management team that his Combuijs Honey Ale years are almost over.

Division standings after the first stage of the Giro:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   6281   2   1   2   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6114   3   3   2   
3º      Rekutxuteam   5051   3   2   0   

16º      CC_Porco_Jones   3014   2   4   0   
17º      Combuijs   2973   0   1   1   
18º      CrossAndGo    2959   3   0   1   

We have signed up Australian Sam Parker as a free agent. He will be trained up to become a very good tour rider. Our scouts could not say how talented he is, so this will be a bit of a gamble. We are currently negociating his racing program for the rest of the season. As a consequence time trialist and cup hero Trevor Taylor is for sale.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 04, 2019, 12:53:29 PM
No news from the Giro and that is not good news because Tristan Prins was 3rd favourite for the second stage. He finished 48th however, thanks to a bad wifi-tactics: a very watchful free role.

We have just checked with our team director Belarmino Farinha and he is sure it won't happen again... in this Giro anyway...

In other news Adam Balogh has been selected for his national team, in his case the Hungarian one. He will ride on Dutch and Belgian ground from Riemst to Sittard-Geleen.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 10, 2019, 04:55:09 PM
After almost a week in no-wifi-land (a very large country...) let's do some updates on the team results:

Carlo Bemelmans 14th in Imola (5th stage Giro).

Thomas Freitag 18th in Milano (6th stage Giro), 5th in Lissone (7th stage Giro) and 21st in Saint Vulbas (1st stage Dauphiné), which were all very satisfying.

(http://www.comune.lissone.mb.it/flex/images/1/6/e/D.16362cf8ae8f7d169bd8/lissone_piazza_libert___piccola4448.jpg)

Tristan Prins 17th on the Pinerolo (8th stage Giro)

Julius Maalderink 6th in Frosinone (9th stage Giro), where CobbleCrusher Cyril Dockx won the stage before Zatarra's Amund Svensen.

These riders went liberating the Dauphiné:

141 Yvo de Cleer
142 Carlo Bemelmans
143 Thomas Freitag
144 Julius Maalderink
145 Epifanio Merchan

Yvo de Cleer 23rd in La Rosière (2nd stage Dauphiné) and 11th in Valmorel (5th stage Dauphiné), but unfortunately only 22nd in the GC, which was no goal anyway.

Division standings after the Dauphiné Liberé:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   8482   3   1   2   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6657   4   3   2   
3º      AJFactoryCycling   5917   3   1   3   

23º      CrossAndGo    3472   3   0   1   
24º      Combuijs   3467   0   1   1   
25º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   3328   0   1   0   

AJFactoryCycling entering the top three, so numbers 1 and 2 should be alarmed. We should be alarmed too as we are going nearer to the red line.

The cup mountain hill flat time trialists were:

11 Sam Parker
12 Yvo de Cleer
13 Epifanio Merchan
14 Tristan Prins
15 Eddy Room

Unfortunately Sam Parker could not beat Matterhorn's Anatoly Yarkin (a margin of almost half a minute), so we are out in the quarter finals. We wish the four remaining the best of luck in the semi finals and final.

De Telegraaf can count apparently, we have had 5 international riders in our team at the same moment, cobble hillers in fact. They were Adam Neeskens, Julius Wiegel (Netherlands), Garret Rose, Chester Laybutt (Great Brittain) and Adam Balogh (Hungary)
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/5int.gif)

These riders are going to start in Switzerland:

231 Yvo de Cleer
232 Julius Maalderink
233 Sam Parker
234 Arjen Rutte
235 Julius Wiegel

The big goal will be the stage around Frauenfeld where we expect a 6th place or better for Arjen Rutte, helped by Julius Maalderink. Yvo de Cleer will be going for the two mountain stages and perhaps the GC, helped by Sam Parker. Julius Wiegel will be a general helping hand.

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 10, 2019, 09:28:47 PM
The first stage in the Tour of Switzerland to Tiefenbachferner was won by CrossAndGo-er Ton Jansma, while our own Yvo de Cleer finished 12th.

(https://mapio.net/images-p/12129226.jpg)

The Thurgauer Zeitung thinks Sentinental Chicken Sandor Rath is favourite for tomorrow morning's cobble race around Frauenfeld. Our Arjen Rutte is second favourite and helper Julius Maalderink is fourth. Let's see if another Dutchman can win a stage...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 11, 2019, 10:27:17 AM
Tour de Suisse stage 2 winner = Arjen Rutte ( Combuijs )
Well done and congrats with the first 1A victory, Combuijs !  8)

And you won in a very special place ; Frauenfeld (translation = field of women)  :))
I guess that is why your riders were extra motivated^^
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 11, 2019, 11:59:00 AM
We really love Frauenfeld! Its castle, its church, its city hall, its Altstadt and its field of women.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/20080507_1708MESZ_Schloss_Frauenfeld_1680x1050_HDR.jpg)

And it is the setting of our first ever victory in the World Tour!

We started sharp and after the first section it was clear that only 16 riders could follow the speed set by our Julius-helpers Wiegel and Maalderink. After another section this was reduced to 8. After the third section we lost the Julius couple but the damage was done. In the one but final section there were only two riders left in the lead, Cobble Crusher Sander Nurk and our Arjen Rutte. At the finish Arjen had no trouble to crush Sander in a sprint à deux to cap an impressive race. Favourite Sandor Rath was very disappointed to stay 4 seconds short on third place. Zatarra's Konrad Magnussen shook his head at the finish line 17 seconds later, he simply had started too slowly. Helper Julius Maalderink finished 11th.

Luckily our Magnum bottles of Combuijs Honey Ale do conserve very well, so we could uncork one without fear of health problems. It tasted very sweet and it is of course the greatest motivation for our riders to win a race...

On the downside GC man Yvo de Cleer lost almost 5 minutes, so he has some catching up to do.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 12, 2019, 11:14:12 PM
In the last stage of the Tour of Switzerland, a time trial around Bellinzona, we have Sam Parker on a 24th place and so an unexpected 18 points. Leader Yvo de Cleer finishes 27th in the GC and so no points.

(https://www.helvetia.com/ch/web/en/services/contact/agencies/bellinzona/_jcr_content/cta/image.1553502903187.transform-fp/1200x900/ga-bellinzona.jpg)

Division standings after the Tour of Switzerland:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   8978   3   1   2   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6928   4   4   2   
3º      AJFactoryCycling   6429   3   1   3   

19º      Caracoles   3835   6   1   2   
20º      Combuijs   3755   1   1   1   
21º      Psychoedge   3748   1   1   5   

We have now better wifi during our travels over the world as the result in Frauenfeld has brought us a sponsor deal with UkrTelecom.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/utel.jpg)

The Thurgauer Zeitung had an impressive article on our first ever win on the World Tour:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1victoria.png)

They also have noticed our rich treasury:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/millonario3.jpg)

At the moment we are looking for the person who has leaked this sensitive information to the press...

Today we have changed the focus of our training program. Instead of concentrating on cobblestone we are now doing an intensive hill training. This will also mean that we will slowly start to change the team around a bit.

We will present these riders in the Tour de France:

191 Yvo de Cleer
192 Ørjan Henningsen
193 Julius Maalderink
194 Garret Rose
195 Arjen Rutte

Arjen and Julius will be focussing on the cobbleraces, Yvo will be our mountain man and Garret and Ørjan are there for a helping hand and gaining experience.

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 13, 2019, 10:40:06 AM
And after endless team presentations, interviews and commercials the Tour de France has now really started in Roubaix. We had our eye of the first stage to Reims and immediately attacked on the first cobble stroke. 18 riders could follow including two Zatarra's and in the dull flat sections after that 11 could come back. On approaching Reims we attacked for the second time and leader Arjen Rutte could get away with 5 other riders, including Zatarra's Rolv Sele. In the last kilometers Rutte could not shake off his co-pilots, even one other rider could come back and in the final sprint he was beaten by Atlantico's Daniel Bahrami, Rolv Sele and Cobble Crusher Sander Nurk to finish 4th. Helpers Julius Maalderink and Ørjan Henningsen took 17th and 25th place. We had hopes for another win, but of course, you can't win them all.

(https://img.fifa.com/image/upload/t_l4/wms27366utildfeiqdta.jpg)

We have sold Epifanio Merchan to Grifos, a Portuguese team operating on the Continental Tour. We are certain that he will score many points on that level.

After complaints about the intensive hill training we have agreed with Guido Leeghwater to let him go for any reasonable offer. As you can see in the lists of promising 19 year old Dutch riders he feels at home on cobbles, in a sprint and in a time trial.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on June 13, 2019, 11:37:38 AM
Rolv Sele obviously was happy with his second place (and fifth top3 ranking of the season). However, in evaluating the race he said he was too focused on Rutte; his reaction on Behrami's sprint should have been better. Anyway, he is happy that he could keep up with the flat cobble kings even without a training camp. He will get even better soon and although his mediocre hill skills makes him suitable for cobble hill stages too, he is happy the team has focused on the flat cobble niche. He will have no issue beating Rutte every time next season and will be able to focus on beating the Behramis and Raths of the division.

Good luck to the GC ambitions of De Cleer by the way. Zatarra will focus on Mitt. However, he is the worst cobbler of the team. That gives us a nice challenge! :).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 14, 2019, 11:17:34 AM
We have bought hill sprinter Midas van Veldhuizen from "Peachy" Melocotons (peachy peaches, who would have thought...) for a substantial amount. He fits in very nicely in our training schedule and he will be a good couple with Thomas Freitag. The transfer is our biggest so far.

(https://www.fruitatwork.eu/assets/variant-outputs/580/free-crop-2311x924.jpg)

As for the GC ambitions of Yvo de Cleer, he is now in the upper quarter of the classification, 7 place is behind Ivari Mitt. Now, there is a goal...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 16, 2019, 05:52:29 PM
We have sold Guido Leeghwater for about one million to PIPIGU. This sprintcobble time trial rider will be very useful on the pro Continental Tour Level.

After a heated debate we have decided to allow Portuguese rider Inocensio Aleixo to seek his future in a team that does not do any hill training as he is very bored by it. He is very good at dancing over the cobbles, he has won a cobble stage in the Continental Tour version of the Tour of Switzerland last season.

As for the Tour de France, no points have been coming our way, but Yvo de Cleer is now in the upper 5th of the GC, still 3 places behind Ivari Mitt.

(https://www.enroute.nl/images/stories/com_form2content/p1/f44/gallery498/AlpedHuez-04.jpg)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 17, 2019, 03:37:20 PM
Some surprises in the flat Tour de France stage to Nancy. Wilfred Bentinck (Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycling) did not win (3rd), Rode Vod Dolf Hessels did not win (2nd), but Psychoedge Bastian Arnaboldi did! And the biggest surprise? Three Combuijs Honey Ale riders finish in the top 30. Julius Maalderink 21st, Arjen Rutte 25th and Yvo de Cleer 27th.

(https://www.ahstatic.com/photos/1068_ho_00_p_2048x1536.jpg)

For tonight's stage to Le Puy en Velay Arjen Rutte is second favourite, and we have high expectations...

Eelco van der Laan, Arjen Rutte and Julius Maalderink have been called up by a very knowledgeable national coach for services in a flat cobble race.

The Daily Cycler has called Chester Laybutt an iconic cobble rider, to which we only can agree.
(https://cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

For the Clasica San Sebastian we think these riders will do the trick:

201 Tristan Prins
202 Koen Helder
203 Eelco van der Laan
204 Adam Neeskens
205 Eddy Room
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 17, 2019, 10:25:36 PM
In the last stage in the Tour de France to Pari... oh wait, to Le-Puy-en-Velay, our helpers did a very good job for Arjen Rutte and it was a shame he just lost to Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen) at the finishing line. Still happy with 2nd, 16th (Garret Rose), 17th (Julius Maalderink) and 24th place (Ørjan Henningsen).

(https://www.tourisme.fr/images/otf_offices/552/rocher-corneille-puy-en-velay.jpg)

In the GC Yvo de Cleer finishes 38th which was 4 places behind Ivari Mitt and 12:19 after winner Cyking Mike Bauer. Second and third were two Dutchies, AJFactoryCycler Ed van Vliet and Flying wheel Ron van den Hemel.

Division standings after the Tour de France:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   9982   3   1   2   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   8023   4   1   5   
3º      CobbleCrushers   7334   4   4   3

18º      Thorboassonarvesen   4392   4   1   1   
19º      Combuijs   4381   1   2   1   
20º      SPORTLIFE   4318   0   2   1   

It's hard to see how The Norwegian Flying Wheels won't win the division, but with AJFactoryCycling you never know... We are of course very happy to be just in front of SPORTLIFE, but the question is how long that will last.
 
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 18, 2019, 10:11:29 AM
In the GP San Sebastian Tristan Prins did very well. His assistant Eddy Room brought him without any problems (apart from a flat tyre) to the start of the only mountain in the race. From there on no one could stop Ed van Vliet, not even Mike Bauer (4th) and Tristan finished 9th, for which he received many compliments. (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

(https://www.cruisemapper.com/images/ports/9325-934be0a5cc3.jpg)

Division standings after the GP San Sebastian:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   10122   3   1   2   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   8523   5   1   5   
3º      CyKings   7486   8   3   1   

16º      Matterhorn   4773   1   1   4   
17º      Combuijs   4561   1   2   1   
18º      BorinotTeam   4510   3   1   2   

On Spanish television the commentators praised the brilliant tactics thought out by team director Belarmino Farinha in the Clasica San Sebastian.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tactica2.jpg)   

They also talked about the development of Thomas Freitag, not riding in the Clasica. They think he is a real talent for the future.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 18, 2019, 10:39:57 AM
These riders will do the Binck Bank Bolero:

161 Arjen Rutte
162 Carlo Bemelmans
163 Koen Helder
164 Eelco van der Laan
165 Julius Maalderink

Arjen is our GC man, in all stages helped by Julius. Carlo will be a free agent in the hills race. Koen and Eelco are simply hungry for races.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 18, 2019, 10:01:30 PM
We are of course very happy to be just in front of SPORTLIFE, but the question is how long that will last.

For the first time my team was very close to your team this season, and than you decide to ride with brilliant tactics in SSB, grrrrrr^^ :

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tactica2.jpg)   

If you continue like this it will be difficult for SPORTLIFE to gain up on your team.  :D
Also because I have a very bad BB-Tour selection.
Maybe in the Vuelta it is possible to get close to your team again.
Another possibility is that you give a bribe of many bottles of honeybeer, then you don't have to worry about my team this season.  :P ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 19, 2019, 10:54:45 AM

Free agent Carlo Bemelmans manages to finish 22nd in Aywaille without any help whatsoever. Arjen Rutte is now 107th in the GC, but his time will come in the last two stages. Or not...

(http://www.campersite.be/parkings/wallonie/prov_luik/Aywaille/aywaille_parking.jpg)

We have a very very sad treasurer at the moment as our general manager has thought it worthwhile to splash out almost all of the money in buying Inglorious Bastard Oliver King. The Bastards are well known for their quality riders, but also for their high prices. And for their rock bottom place on the World Tour... With Oliver we hope to have a high talented youngster who can cooperate with our Tristan Prins in mountain hill races and who can sometimes ride for a GC.

We now know that although Julius Maalderink is really very talented, he is not of the highest level possible.

In the last great tour of the season these riders will be vulnerable to a bribe from Vos:

181 Oliver King
182 Yvo de Cleer
183 Sam Parker
184 Tristan Prins
185 Garret Rose

We are going to try out Oliver for the GC, while the others may go for their chance if there is one. And we will see what will be more luring than a Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 19, 2019, 10:39:48 PM
Your Vuelta team looks good, Combuijs.  8)
I suspect that it is by far better as the SPORTLIFE team. Hopefully my estimation is wrong. ;)
Good luck in the Vuelta.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 20, 2019, 09:53:31 PM
In the interesting part of the Binck Bank Tour we did pretty well, although we had hoped for a podium place somewhere. In the stage to Vogelwaarde Arjen Rutte was 5th. He lost to Zatarra's Konrad Magnussen, which was disappointing, but in fact nice to see Zatarra scoring his second win.

In stage 5 to Rotterdam it appeared that our cobblers did not really have a chance to be in front, Arjen Rutte finished 26th and Julius Maalderink 28th.

In the GC Arjen Rutte finishes 16th, which is encouraging. Winner was EuskaPiero Marcello Peron.

(https://www.thonhotels.com/siteassets/hoteller/nederland/rotterdam/rotterdam-destinasjon-3.jpg?width=1100&height=550&mode=crop&quality=80)

Division standings after the Binck Bank Tour:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   10337   3   1   2   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   9044   5   1   5   
3º      CyKings   7736   8   3   2   

19º      BorinotTeam   4746   3   2   2   
20º      Combuijs   4743   1   2   1   
21º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   4652   0   2   1   

The Gazet van Antwerpen had an article about the money that our team has splashed around. I'd rather have them writing about our Honey Ale, but apparently no beer in Antwerp can beat that...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/buy1.png)

Of course the team for the Vuelta is much better than SPORTLIFE's, but the more interesting question is, will they score more points? Of that, I am not so sure. We have a margin of 215 points to play with...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 21, 2019, 10:04:53 AM
The first stage to Lloret de Mar brought a 17th place for Garret Rose, 50 points more than SPORTLIFE and a 3:20 loss for our GC riders. Oh, and this sad view of the town:

(https://www.vakantiediscounter.nl/blog/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/vakantie-lloret-de-mar.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 21, 2019, 12:57:22 PM
The first stage to Lloret de Mar brought a 17th place for Garret Rose, 50 points more than SPORTLIFE.
:)

In case you are wondering if your team will do better as mine. Below the link to the preview.

(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/logos/c8892128eff206aeb674bcc6880a73a6.png) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)  selectie SPORTLIFE

https://cyclingforfun.org/smf/index.php?topic=372.msg8704#msg8704
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 21, 2019, 09:37:56 PM
Climbing the Angliru is always a tiring task and stamina is not the strongest point of our Sam Parker. So he took off in 3rd position to finish 26th in the time trial up. I guess we were lucky the climb did not last another 3 km. So 23 points for us, but 170 for SPORTLIFE, which means we are 97 behind at the moment.

Oliver King loses 6 seconds to our measuring unit Mike Bauer, which brings him to 51st place in the GC. Well, Madrid ... eh ... Ribeira Sacra is still far away...

(https://marmot-tours.co.uk/app/uploads/2017/01/situacion_angliru.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 22, 2019, 08:41:20 AM
stage 3 Vuelta :
stage victory of Miorlin 8) versus 12th place of King.
Vuelta total points : SPORTLIFE vs Combuijs = 420 versus 148.  :)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 22, 2019, 04:52:36 PM
We went from Almeria to Alto de Velefique and Oliver King lost sight of Mike Bauer on the seocnd climb of the day. In the end he finished 12th on 39 seconds from the winner. And that winner, I'm sad to report, was SPORTLIFE's Nicola Miorlin, who deservedly beated Mike Bauer in the last meters.

So we lost 175 points to SPORTLIFE, 272 in total, they even passed us in the division standings. But you no doubt have heard that news already...

(https://cdn2.cyclist.co.uk/sites/cyclist/files/styles/gallery_adv/public/2017/08/big_ride_velefique_1.jpg?itok=IzoFS6qC)

In the GC Oliver King rises to 19th place, almost 2 minutes behind leader Karl Dahlen from Valeronidolo.

This evening we ride again to Lloret de Mar and Yvo de Cleer is tipped for the podium. He won't stand there as he will try to help our King.

Well, it took them some time but now also El Pais acknowledges that Arjen Rutte is an iconic rider.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

They also are sure that Thomas Freitag is one of the greatest talents around, which is really good news.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 23, 2019, 03:47:45 PM
In the mountain sprint stage to Lloret de Mar, Yvo de Cleer helped Oliver King to a 13th place and himself to a 15th one. So, did we get nearer to SPORTLIFE? Not quite, Nicola Miorlin finished 2nd, to win another 70 points (342 the difference now). We might as well give up...

Starting place Manlleu is much nicer than Lloret de Mar:
(https://www.femturisme.cat/_fotos/pobles/general/0641-placa-del-campanar.jpg)

At least we did not lose more points in the sprint stage to Cuenca, which was lucky because SPORTLIFE's Coen Bogarde managed to finish 31st...

In the GC Oliver King is still 19th, now 2:25 behind, you guessed it, Mike Bauer.

For the next race, again to Cuenca, Garret Rose seems to be an outsider. Maybe he can surprise us...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 23, 2019, 09:23:29 PM
Outsider Garret Rose gets 5th place in the cobble hill race to Cuenca in a free role. No expert predicted that. We win 125 points back (217 to go), SPORTLIFE should be very pleased they did not get penalty points for not finishing within the first 100...

(https://www.clubvillamar.nl/blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Cuenca.jpg)

Oliver King is up to place 17 in the GC now, a solid 3:39 behind Bauer.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 24, 2019, 12:47:28 AM
SPORTLIFE should be very pleased they did not get penalty points for not finishing within the first 100...
;D
Well, my best cyclist (120th) in stage 6 will do better in stages 7 and 8, he is time trialist Bogarde.
So, time to score some points again.^^

And good result with Rose in stage 6, well done.
Let's see if Nieuwendijk can pass your best GC rider King, he is not far ahead : 23th on 4:30" versus 17th on 3:39"
Although Nieuwendijk is a climber, he has TT TC bonus due to the WC time trial. I hope King is worried now.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 24, 2019, 12:43:48 PM
In the classical hill time trial to Aledo SPORTLIFE extends its point lead thanks to Coen Bogarde, another 113 points to make up, totalling 330 now.

(https://www.spain.info/export/sites/spaininfo/comun/carrusel-recursos/murcia/r_aledo_castillo_t3000691.jpg_369272544.jpg)

In the GC though Oliver King goes up to place 13, 3:50 behind our measuring unit. He has now just passed SPORTLIFE's Nicola Miorlin, and that distance will become greater, I feel. Albert Nieuwendijk? Hmm, never heard of...

Ah, De Telegraaf strikes again: It seems we have reached the last 16 and the quarter finals of the cup. In which season, did you say?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cffcup4.gif) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cffcup5.gif)

They also wrote we have had 10 elite international cyclists in the team. Fact check: indeed, exact 10 riders have been called up once for the Netherlands, Great Britain or Hungary. So apparently there were three wise national coaches...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/10int.gif)

And I almost forgot, but they say Oliver King is an iconic rider too. I somehow expected that already...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 24, 2019, 01:09:26 PM
Albert Nieuwendijk? Hmm, never heard of...
Thanks Combuijs, because Albert Nieuwendijk reads your topic also and he is now extra motivated to perform in the flat TT of this evening.
His stage 8 goal = finishing at least 26 seconds before King.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 25, 2019, 10:24:26 AM
In the time trial to Zaragoza SPORTLIFE took a podium place with Coen Bogarde, while a certain Nieuwendijk finished 17th, so they won a nice 250 points.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/c1/Basilica_del_Pilar-sunset.jpg/260px-Basilica_del_Pilar-sunset.jpg)

After 128 kilometers flat and the Angliru Oliver King arrived at 7th place for which he was the talk of the town. After the race he declared that he owned everything to a very helping Yvo de Cleer.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

The SPORTLIFE couple Miorlin and a certain Nieuwendijk finished 19th and 20th, so we won a whopping 22 points and reduced our deficit to 558 points. Right, where is that towel to throw...

In the GC Oliver King is now 13th on 4:08 and as he is training very hard on his hill climbing skills there might still a top 10 place possible. Mike Bauer has a 0:33 lead on KunTeam's Romeu Rosario, so can the last hill stage have a suprising end?

We have sold Inocencio Aleixo for a small amount to the new French Yoteam which operates on the Continental level. We wish them lots of success with their first purchase!

The last monument will be visited by:

181 Tristan Prins
182 Koen Helder
183 Oliver King
184 Eelco van der Laan
185 Eddy Room
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 25, 2019, 11:14:07 AM
After 128 kilometers flat and the Angliru Oliver King arrived at 7th place for which he was the talk of the town. After the race he declared that he owned everything to a very helping Yvo de Cleer.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

The SPORTLIFE couple Miorlin and a certain Nieuwendijk finished 19th and 20th, so we won a whopping 22 points and reduced our deficit to 558 points. Right, where is that towel to throw...

Very good race with King, Combuijs.  8)

And sorry about the thowel.  :))
This Vuelta is going everywhere a little bit better as I expected. And all those little bits are together a nice/big number of points extra.
However, my expectations in advance could be good (besides 2 mistakes, see 2nd paragraph), and the competion could be bad or riding with bad tactics, also for sure a possibility.  ;)
The main goals were stage 3 and stage 8, and of course I hoped for a stage 3 victory and a 2nd place in stage 8.
But also of course, not calculated in advance. And top results are always very rewarding (regarding points).

And in advance I made a mistake in estimating how good Miorlin was in stage 4. I did not expect at all that he could finish 2nd there, in advance I estimated he could finish max. as 20th or so due to his low flat- and low sprint skill. His tactics were perfect, which plays naturally also a role in deviatons from expectations.
The other mistake/miscalculation could be GC points for Nieuwendijk. Surprising to me (see preview).
Nieuwendijk is bad in the final hills stage. But at the moment he is 9th, he has a good lead of 2:04" on the nr20, and other GC contenders could be bad as well in the final stage. So there is a good chance Nieuwendijk will score GC points, it depends on his rivals in the final stage.

Without maybe possible GC points ; very satisfied with these 1.040 points in the Vuelta.  8)
A few hundred points more as I estimated in advance.

Good luck in the final Vuelta stage and in Clasica San Sebastian the Giro di Lombardia, Combuijs.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 25, 2019, 11:33:16 AM
Quote
Good luck in the final Vuelta stage and in Clasica San Sebastian, Combuijs.

San Sebastian? That's another season and another 6 weeks  ;D . But I will take that good luck to the Giro de Lombardia, as you no doubt intended...

In fact I started our mutual Vuelta competition to show you that you usually underestimate your riders (and your tactical capacities). And unfortunately, you did...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 25, 2019, 11:40:58 AM
LOL, I just noticed my mistake and was correcting that.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 25, 2019, 11:56:59 AM
Well, it is difficult to estimate/guess in advance how good my cyclists are compared to the competition.
For example Bogarde was not even a favorite in the time trial and he finished as 2nd. This means some rivals did not have TC bonus, and if and where the competition TC bonus has, that is many times unknown to me.
And as I already mentioned ; besides the 2 clear guess mistakes, I think I estimated it good in advance. And everywere a little bit better as I expected could also mean that the competition is not good. For example health/or form issues at the end of the season, and many more other reasons other than that my estimation of my own cyclists is not correct.

About the "battle" between our teams this Vuelta. I read that you were going for the GC with King, so I expected at least a top10 GC place with him, although you never wrote that goal down. That could be my mistake too, including that I often make the mistake at my estimation in advance that the competition is riding the same as I do. That is not always the case, although regularly I make tactical mistakes too. Especially this season a lot of mistakes, but not in the Vuelta, more motivated thanks to your topic, I guess^^. Thanks for that.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 25, 2019, 07:26:26 PM
Congrats Combuijs, despite the thowel, you win the battle in the GC :
10    Oliver King   20   Combuijs   4: 46"   250   
12    Albert Nieuwendijk   20   SPORTLIFE   5: 25"   180   

And good Vuelta of your team, a few lightbulbs and a nice amount of points. Compared to some others who posted the total points, I think you scored even more, but I lost count, so I'm not sure.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 25, 2019, 09:47:02 PM
In the last stage in the Vuelta to Ribeira Sacra Tristan Prins clinches 26th place in a free role. Oliver King manages to enter the the top 10 in the GC, far above (e.g. two places) the first SPORTLIFE rider Albert Nieuwendijk, and just above AJFactoryCycler Ed van Vliet, which is encouraging. Winner was of course Mike Bauer, before KunTeams Romeu Rosario and TeamRHB's (Rolf Holds Back?) Dino Moresi.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/rvp42-YQRuA/maxresdefault.jpg)

Division standings after the Vuelta:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   11431   3   1   2   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   9560   5   1   5   
3º      CyKings   9546   9   4   3   

18º      DeRodeVod   5528   2   6   4
19º      Combuijs   5519   1   2   1   
20º      Psychoedge   5403   2   3   6   

Luckily we lost count of how many points we were short on SPORTLIFE, but it was not even close!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 26, 2019, 10:28:52 AM
In the Giro di Lombardia Oliver King could repay Tristan Prins for services in the Vuelta. Because of that help Tristan finished 16th, which was 6 places before the first SPORTLIFE rider. That should have been less, but their team first travelled to San Sebastian before realising the race was held in Italy.

(https://ostrichlab.nl/comomeer/wp-content/uploads/Comomeer_steden-como-m.jpg)

In Innsbruck these riders will try the world championship time trial:

171 Sam Parker
172 Yvo de Cleer
173 Koen Helder
174 Oliver King
175 Trevor Taylor

A day later these riders will go to the only race in America to become world champion:

171 Yvo de Cleer
172 Olvier King
173 Eelco van der Laan
174 Sam Parker
175 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 28, 2019, 10:33:39 AM
The UCI apparently does not hold records of the time trial World Championships, so while we can remember vaguely Sam Parker scored some points in that race, we don't know the exact result anymore. Too much Combuijs Honey Ale in the end of season party...

The UCI do hold records of the latest Road World Championships, unfortunately filed under next season's one, but at least it is there. Flying Wheel Carl Martinussen won the race before SPORTLIFE's Nicola Miorlin and Cykings Mike Janson. The Combuijs Honey Ale riders did not feature on the first page of the results...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ec/Duitama_Centro_01.JPG/266px-Duitama_Centro_01.JPG)

Final standings for season 2, search for your favourite team:

1    Flyvende_hjul   13461
2    CyKings   11771
3    AJFactoryCycling   9870
4    Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   9702
5    Wiggo_pupils   8939
6    CobbleCrushers   7799
7    CrossAndGo    7698
8    °Peachy°Melocotons   7559
9    Codex   7521
10    SentinelChickens   7491
11    SPORTLIFE   7474
12    CC_Porco_Jones   7394
13    Rekutxuteam   7233
14    Atlantico   6641
15    Zatarra   6593
16    ProdopingPong   6228
17    DeRodeVod   6198
18    Combuijs   5809
19    Psychoedge   5713
20    Caracoles   5616
21    Matterhorn   5615
22    Pomilles_Balears   5575
23    ValeronIdolo   5512
24    KunTeam   5219
25    Thorboassonarvesen   5123
26    LOSRAYOSDELARRY   5059
27    BorinotTeam   4996
28    FlyEaglesFly   4601
29    CaptainOrange   4566
30    MortoviaCycling   4493
31    skunk   4162
32    galegospolabici   4126
33    Senglarsdeflandes   4094
34    $Tourmalet   3832
35    Huesca   3609
36    EuskaPiero   3418
37    TeamRHB   3349
38    Mlb   3156
39    OmicronDS   3124
40    NormanTeam   2345
41    Turrones   2190
42    Deabruak   2131
43    Sonfuga   1807
44    RIO_mare    1560
45    Telleriarte   1431
46    WinterIsComing   1419
47    vercors   1352
48    Skyliners   898
49    KinchenTeam   743
50    Inglourious_Bastards   90

The Norwegian Flying Wheels are the first champions, congratulations to them. It would be fair if next season they just kept to the road instead of flying around. Both teams coming from the same 3rd division as we did have relegated. WinterIsComing is no surprise as they switched to a new youth academy, but $Tourmalet is a surpise, they simply stopped scoring points. Anyway, it's clear it's pretty difficult to stay on the World Tour if you want to.

While he has hardly appeared in a race De Telegraaf has called Adam Neeskens an iconic rider. As always they can draw conclusions based on very few data...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

So, bring on season 3!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on June 28, 2019, 10:44:45 AM
Congratulations on your good season. You've won a race at last and you're able to right at WT level next season as well!

The question for season 3 remains: will you be able to finish in front of the Zatarrians this season? :D.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 29, 2019, 02:45:31 PM
We are preparing for the next season in Australian Prospect, so that's a good reason to see what our prospects are for season 3.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/52/Prospect%2C_Adelaide%2C_South_Australia_%28aerial_view%2C_2010%29.jpg)

As you can see not a very inspiring environment, but now we can focus on the things that really matter. Our main goals will be to stay in the World Tour and to develop our greatest talents. These are hill cobbler Garret Rose, hill sprinter Thomas Freitag and tour rider Oliver King. A very diverse group of targets, but we think we can manage to train them all more or less optimal. The big puzzle will be where to fit in a spell of sprint training for Thomas. We might do it after the current hill training or we might do it after all the other necessary skills have been trained.

Of course we want to beat Zatarra and SPORTLIFE this season, but they have shown to have a better team than we have. I think we will depend on a holiday-lapse from their side...

In long term we will be cutting away the less talented riders and we will try to find some replacements in other fields, like a time trialist, another tour rider and a nice 19 year old to train up. We have started by firing our current time trialler Trevor "no score" Taylor. We have seen some interesting riders, but our treasurer keeps shaking with his head. Prices are extremely high now.

Our short term goals are the Omloop het Nieuwsblad and the Strade Bianchi as we have sponsor deals for both of these races.

After consulting our mechanic Tigran Filin and our treasurer we have decided to go for Scott bikes this season as they are a bit cheaper than the Specialized ones of last season and we don't have a serious time trialler up until now.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/bicis/scott.jpg)

Our ultra short term goals are the Tour Down Under, which will feature:

171 Midas van Veldhuizen
172 Carlo Bemelmans
173 Thomas Freitag
174 Tristan Prins
175 Eddy Room

And our first goal will be the cup ride against Telleriarte (Continental Pro Tour), which is a village of 207 inhabitants in Basque Country. These 5 riders are going to battle against these 207 in a climbing hill race in Switzerland:

1 Tristan Prins
2 Olvier King
3 Chester Laybutt
4 Sam Parker
5 Eddy Room

We wish all players lots of fun and success (in that order), and just that little bit less success than we will have.

Proost!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 30, 2019, 10:45:00 PM
Carlo Bemelmans was called up in the national team for helping services in a hill race around Offida. His help was of such quality that Dutchman Jurgen Lustig could finish second.

The cup race to Rheinfelden against Telleriarte was too close for comfort. In the end Tristan Prins with help from Oliver King could take 6 seconds on Marcus Røsner-Hansen.

(https://vcdn.bergfex.at/images/downsized/52/0453b86ddd27b952_3a442cefa86051f9@2x.jpg)

For the next round we stay in Switzerland for a hill sprint race against Continental Pro Tour team Kinchen. We should be considered favourite for that race, but Geneve is still far away...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 01, 2019, 07:11:57 PM
Two races in the Tour Down Under and still no points. Unhappy? Not entirely, we have Midas van Veldhuizen on place 17 in the GC, so there might be still some points for us long term.

The first stage to Lyndoch went to Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycler Wilfred Bentinck, no doubt the first of many to come this season. In the second stage Bloemen aan de Mitte showed that they don't need to adjust to the World Tour level as Elvijs Igaunis won in Paracombe.

No beer or champagne for them though:

(https://www.paracombewines.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/DSCF3787-autumn.gif)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 02, 2019, 11:50:59 AM
Wilfred Bentinck wins the ultra short stage in Adelaide, but Midas van Veldhuizen manages to lose 1:16, so for the time being he is out of the top 20 in the GC. We expect to see him back tonight and tomorrow.

(https://www.atomix.com.au/media/2018/08/Adelaide-city-centre-view.jpg)

And De Telegraaf has just noticed that we were on the World Tour last season. O dear, under which stone have they been laying?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/permanencia1.png)

These riders will be there for the people's Tour, Omloop het Nieuwsblad:

481 Chester Laybutt
482 Julius Maalderink
483 Adam Neeskens
484 Arjen Rutte
485 Julius Wiegel

These riders will bite the dust in the Strade Bianchi:

481 Chester Laybutt
482 Ørjan Henningsen
483 Julius Maalderink
484 Arjen Rutte
485 Julius Wiegel

These riders will ride to the sun in Paris-Nice:

481 Yvo de Cleer
482 Thomas Freitag
483 Oliver King
484 Tristan Prins
485 Midas van Veldhuizen
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 02, 2019, 08:57:11 PM
And the Combuijs Honey Ale team has earned their first points in season 3. This was done by free roler Tristan Prins who finished 14 in the Unley-Stirling stage.

(https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Q1IvZiYeZXI/maxresdefault.jpg)

Midas van Veldhuizen has gone up to place 19 in the GC, so we expect a top 20 place tomorrow morning. First in the GC? Josep Lluis Cabo of AJFactoryCycling. How does he do it everytime?

Our youth academy has produced a nice young hiller called Quintijn de Graaf. He can stay with us for a learning period.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 05, 2019, 11:04:50 AM
Right, we have a lot of catching up to do!

First of all the Tour Down Under. In the last stage Midas van Veldhuizen lost 1:19 and finished on a disappointing and pointless 21st place in the GC. The Tour was won by AJFactoryCycling's Josep Lluis Cabo with quite a gap (0:34) to peachy Artis Laksa.

As in the previous season Chester Laybutt had huge sleeping problems while preparing for the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. Must be something in the air in Gent. Nonetheless he rode very attentive and he was there when Marcus Beaumont (Atlantico) and Yannick Pierre (Cobble Crushers) attacked. That was a bit premature because Sentinental Chicken Lenny Ford could overtake them in the last meters. Chester paid the toll for his lack of sleep and finished 5th. Arjen Rutte in a free role got 11th place, just before Zatarra's Rolv Sele who was complaining about the hills.

Luckily Chester was really fit for the Strade Bianchi. In a fantastic race he was always in the leading group accompanied by helper Ørjan Henningsen. In the end he finished just outside the podium on place 4 after unbeatable Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre. Free role Arjan Rutte finished 17th, Ørjan 23rd.

In the first stage of Paris-Nice to Biot Yvo de Cleer managed to get a 21st place, which was pretty good as he could have done with a little rest himself... In the GC Yvo de Cleer is now 45th. The time trial stage went to Duncan Dekeyser. It seems Bloemen aan de Mitte has absolutely no problem to win on the World Tour level. Why were they not there last season?

(https://french-riviera-confidential.com/assets/uploads/2017/02/23-02-2017-11-33-41-853x565.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      CobbleCrushers   1548   1   0   1   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   1199   0   0   0   
3º      Atlantico   944   0   1   0   
4º      Combuijs   911   0   0   0   
5º      SentinelChickens   888   1   0   0   

We went from 49th to 4th, which is a new record high for us!

We all are carrying a cross around our necks, because of the 5th place in the Omloop het Nieuwsblad. If we had known that before...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/espiritosanto.jpg)

Thanks to the 4th place in the Strade Bianchi we can now fly for free to Columbia. We are looking for a reason to actually do that apart from the rarely occuring World championship race.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/avianca.jpg)

Chester Laybutt has earned back his transfer fee with these two sponsordeals alone...

We have bought time trialler Robert Brubaker from Pro Continental team Skrimshaw. Robert is very glad to compete on the highest level possible, especially as good time trialers are relatively rare on the World Tour. In cooperation with his personal manager we will try to make a nice schedule for him this season. We will have to free up space in the squad, but no decision has been made yet which rider will have a future without any free Combuijs Honey Ale.

We have some new iconic riders as well: Garret Rose (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg), Carlo Bemelmans and Eddy Room (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg).

We have been awarded the Youth Development Award for giving experience to young riders. The speech that was delivered in this event was not completely understandable, so it might be something else entirely...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/exp1.png)

What was understandable however is that we have a total of 10 sponsors now, apart from our main sponsor Combuijs Honey Ale of course. Our marketing manager Gerard Brown thinks he can get some better deals now. He better be true to his word, because there is no sponsor waiting for us at the moment...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/meta2.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/prestigio1.jpg)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on July 05, 2019, 11:12:33 AM
Haha, well, congratulations on your good start. Seems you will have a better season than last season, which for you is a good thing of course! Hopefully you can keep scoring the big points in the cobblehill classics.

For Zatarra this season will be hard. As you've heard, Sele is not as good in getting over the hills than Rutte, Laybutt or the unbeatable Pierre and Ford. However, the first flat cobble race hopefully will give us some hope for the rest of the season. Pity there won't be so many points to catch in those races.

Also, this night Sansonetti made his way over to Zatarra. Rolv was very happy with that as now he at least will have a solid domestique for the upcoming classics in Flanders. We'll see.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 06, 2019, 03:02:05 PM
Yvo de Cleer finishes on 1:22 in Nice, quitely riding the last few hunderd meters, forgetting to sprint for points, so he collects zero points on place 31. We will have a nice little talk with him, but first he has to perform in the last stage to improve his GC, which is now 30. Our guess is he will finish 21st... Nice win by Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin by the way.

(https://img.yellohvillage.fr/var/plain_site/storage/images/site_marchand/choisissez_votre_camping/par_ville/nice/1971648-14-fre-FR/nice.jpg)

In an interview with NOS Sport we were asked if we knew we had iconic hill rider. Yes, as told yesterday, we have two. Difficult job, interviewing.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/colinasbronce.png)

These riders will bounce between the Tirreno and the Adriatico:

41 Oliver King
42 Thomas Freitag
43 Chester Laybutt
44 Sam Parker
45 Midas van Veldhuizen

We will count on the GC of Oliver King, assisted by Sam Parker, while Thomas Freitag and Midas van Veldhuizen will go for the hill sprint race. Chester Laybutt is there for the publicity...

These riders will do the second round of the cup:

1 Midas van Veldhuizen
2 Carlo Bemelmans
3 Thomas Freitag
4 Julius Maalderink
5 Adam Neeskens
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 09, 2019, 10:57:59 AM
Yvo de Cleer did not have a frustrating 21st place in the Paris-Nice GC, he finished 27th, exactly 5 minutes behind Flying wheel winner Robrecht Kemperman.

In the Tirreno Adriatico we had some hopes for a good result in the hill sprint race to Cascinia, but Midas van Veldhuizen could not cope with the strong opposition he was faced with. Wilfred Bentinck had no such trouble as he claimed his second victory in this Tour.

The last mountain stage in the Tirreno Adriatico to Monte San Vicino overhauled the GC quite a lot, as was to be expected. Our Oliver King finished 26th without too much help from his assigned domestiques, and he climbed to place 18 in the GC, which was satisfying. It's not scoring points like AJ Factory Cycling (2nd and 4th) or Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycling (3rd) are doing, but it still are points. The tour was won by Rekutxu Adam Roethlisberger.

(http://www.bellemarche.it/uploads/zone_da_vedere/monte_san_vicino/immagini/monte-san-vicino_1400_1400.jpg)

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   2663   0   0   0   
2º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2069   4   1   1   
3º      SaulSalinasTeam   1742   0   3   0   

13º      Wiggo_pupils   963   1   1   1   
14º      Combuijs   956   0   0   0   
15º      Pomilles_Balears   952   0   0   2   

It looks like the Tour de France, Dutch teams take over...

In the CFF Cup we managed to beat Kinchen Team in a hill sprint race. After a bad start they never recovered although their Emeterio Vela came within 15 seconds from our Midas van Veldhuizen. In the next round we will take on Pro Continental Tour team Rio mare from Italy in a flat cobble race. They will need all the luck they can get. Or a good new rider...

In the Gazetta della Sport a full page was devoted to our team and they named Julius Wiegel as an iconic rider. Big deal, half the team is now iconic...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

More interesting was the remark that Chester Laybutt is a rider which every team dreams of riding him in a hill cobble race. Well, for us we don't need to dream about it...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cpaves.jpg)

In Milan-San Remo we will present:

131 Thomas Freitag
132 Carlo Bemelmans
133 Ørjan Henningsen
134 Arjen Rutte
135 Midas van Veldhuizen

In the E3 Harelbeke we think these riders will do best:

131 Chester Laybutt
132 Adam Balogh
133 Adam Neeskens
134 Garret Rose
135 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 10, 2019, 10:59:56 AM
Last season Thomas Freitag in a free role could get points in Milan-San Remo, but this season helped by Midas van Veldhuizen he finished just outside the points on place 32. Like a lot of other riders he had been surprised in the first kilometer by a serious attack and in the other 293 kilometers he could not come back...

In the E3 Harelbeke almost everything went well, apart from the hilly section where Chester Laybutt did not get handy support. Chester again finished just outside the podium on place 4, 4 seconds after winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen). Garret Rose on a free role was 12th, three place in front of Zatarra's Giacommo Sansonetti. So, quite satisfied with this race, Chester just needs to step up one place...

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTS9azfZ7MZNzT1rcourEdAey55hzQMcmHqTuGzO01vGEEBeS4D7Q)

Division standings after the E3:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   2908   0   0   0   
2º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2344   4   1   1   
3º      CobbleCrushers   2221   1   0   3   

11º      Wiggo_pupils   1438   1   2   1   
12º      Combuijs   1381   0   0   0   
13º      Psychoedge   1244   0   0   0   

On the sports pages of Het Nieuwsblad one journalist mentioned that Oliver King is really one of the greatest talents around. That is not unexpected news, but it is still welcome of course!

These riders will get a taste of the sun in Catalunya:

131 Oliver King
132 Robert Brubaker
133 Yvo de Cleer
134 Adam Neeskens
135 Arjen Rutte

We are curious what Robert can do in the time trial and further on we have interests in the second stage with Arjen and the fourth stage with Yvo. We won't go for the GC, but we will watch Arjen and Oliver with interest.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 11, 2019, 10:30:39 AM
First points for Robert Brubaker in the time trial around the lake of Banyoles as he finished 20th.

In the stage around Olot Arjen Rutte lost his helper Adam Neeskens after the first cobble section and he had to find his own way to 19th place. An honourful mention for Zatarra's Martin van Groningen who would have finished higher than his current 3rd place if an umbrella had not crossed the street in the last section.

(https://www.turismeolot.com/files/slider/homenatural1-124-6.jpg)

In the GC Arjen Rutte is now 32nd, Oliver King ... eh ... 144th.

According to the patriottic Világgazdaság Hungarian Adam Balogh is an iconic cobblestone rider. Well, he can prove that in the coming races in Flanders...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on July 11, 2019, 10:33:07 AM
First points for Robert Brubaker in the time trial around the lake of Banyoles as he finished 20th.

In the stage around Olot Arjen Rutte lost his helper Adam Neeskens after the first cobble section and he had to find his own way to 19th place. An honourful mention for Zatarra's Martin van Groningen who would have finished higher than his current 3rd place if an umbrella had not crossed the street in the last section.

(https://www.turismeolot.com/files/slider/homenatural1-124-6.jpg)

In the GC Arjen Rutte is now 32nd, Oliver King ... eh ... 144th.

According to the patriottic Világgazdaság Hungarian Adam Balogh is an iconic cobblestone rider. Well, he can prove that in the coming races in Flanders...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

Martin was not amused. Actually two umbrellas crossed the street. In the final km, but also with about 20km to go causing him to lose touch with the goruo he was in. Anyway, he's done a good job. Zatarra is still waiting for the first win, though...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 12, 2019, 11:18:32 AM
The fourth stage in Catalunya to Lo Port gave us an enlightened 6th place for Yvo de Cleer. If supporters of Cross and Go had kept quiet during the night in front of our team bus, he might have been on the podium together with winner Ton Jansma, but we are still happy with the result.

(https://www.montsport.es/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/P9200003.jpg)

In the GC Arjen Rutte is back to place 31, so it is doubtful whether he will get within the first 20. The Cross and Go fans no doubt will be a pest for Flying Wheeler leader Ron van den Hemel who has 8 seconds on Ton Jansma and 15 seconds on Maarten Hoekstra before the last stage.

We have decided to sell our 19 year old hiller Quintijn de Greef. We hope he can prosper somewhere else to gain experience.

El Periodico de Catalunya published a story of Julius Maalderink being an iconic cobble rider. They wonder why he won't ride the Flemish classical races and link that to his current hill training.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

The line up for Gent-Wevelgem will be:

111 Arjen Rutte
112 Adam Balogh
113 Ørjan Henningsen
114 Adam Neeskens
115 Garret Rose

These riders will ride Dwars door and around Vlaanderen:

111 Chester Laybutt
112 Adam Balogh
113 Adam Neeskens
114 Garret Rose
115 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 12, 2019, 08:49:24 PM
Well, well, well, who would have thought the Sagrada Familia could inspire our riders? In the hills around Barcelona we had chosen Adam Neeskens as a leader and he managed to get his first points on World Tour Level with a 12th place. The icing on the cake however was Arjen Rutte finishing on 2 minutes from winner Quintijn Nelissen (PDM Cycling Team) which got him unexpectedly to 12th place in the GC. Flying Wheel Ron van den Hemel won the Tour while both Cross and Go-ers fell far away to place 20 and 26.

(https://weekend.knack.be/medias/11274/5772435.jpg)

At the moment Arjen Rutte is tipped as a top 5 finisher for Gent-Wevelgem, no doubt based on his fantastic results in the Tour of Catalunya.

Division standings after that Tour:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   3405   0   0   0   
2º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2952   5   1   2   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   2365   1   0   0   

10º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1878   2   1   0   
11º      Combuijs   1648   0   0   0   
12º      CyKings   1619   0   1   2   

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 13, 2019, 06:17:32 PM
Gent-Wevelgem was more succesfull than expected as Arjen Rutte could quite easily remain in the leading group. He finished 5th, behind winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen) but before Zatarra's Rolv Sele.

(https://www.leiedal.be/sites/leiedal/files/media/2013_leievallei_wervik_tot_waregem_129.jpg)

The Gazet van Antwerpen told us today Chester Laybutt is able to finish on the podium of Dwars door Vlaanderen. That might be a bit optimistic as he did not really prepare for this race.

They reported also that Sam Parker is not a really great talent, which is a pity.

In the Itzulia we will start with:

101 Tristan Prins
102 Adam Balogh
103 Robert Brubaker
104 Eddy Room
105 Garret Rose

Tristan will be there for the mountain hill stages and the GC, helped by Eddy, Garret and Adam will be there for the hill cobble stage and Robert Brubaker may shine in the time trial.

These riders will do the third round of the cup:

11 Julius Maalderink
12 Ørjan Henningsen
13 Eelco van der Laan
14 Chester Laybutt
15 Arjen Rutte

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 14, 2019, 06:58:50 PM
We seem to have a fear of the podium because Chester Laybutt finished 4th again in Dwars door Vlaanderen. Maybe they can extend the podium with two places? Or are they afraid the winner will fall very badly from those extended heights? Garret Rose in a free role finished 12th.

(https://static1.squarespace.com/static/52d4cadee4b0ba94ab0ae8d3/52d523c1e4b03a2f958567db/5cbf1748e4966b0789d7157c/1556028123905/Image+from+iOS.jpg?format=1000w)

In the Tour of Flanders it was thought Chester Laybutt could finish on the podium, but we knew better. Satisfied with his 14th place and the 22nd place of Garret Rose.

Division standings after the Flemish classics:

1º      CobbleCrushers   4602   2   2   3   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   3585   0   0   0   
3º      SentinelChickens   3069   1   1   1   

7º      Flyvende_hjul   2695   1   0   0   
8º      Combuijs   2518   0   0   0   
9º      Wiggo_pupils   2303   1   2   1   

8th place will be as high as it gets as we have had our favourite races. From now on we will go downhill...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 15, 2019, 12:24:29 PM
In the cup race to Follonica we had no trouble with Rio Mare. They only did turn up with two riders and they were both half a minute behind after the first section. So Jules and company made it into a nice training ride. In the last 16 we will meet World Tour team Flying Wheels which is quite unfortunate. It is however very fortunate that we can ride a hilly cobble race against them from Perwez to Namur.

In the time trial around Lodosa Robert Brubaker did better than last time as he finished 16th.

In the stage around Güeñes Tristan Prins did very well although podium fear stroke again in the end. Still, 5th place is encouraging.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/06/Encar_003.jpg/250px-Encar_003.jpg)

In the GC he is 51st so he still has a lot of time to take back after a very bad time trial.

Quintijn de Greef has found a fine new home in Plopsala, who no doubt will take good care of him. If only the gnomes there would stay quiet...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 16, 2019, 11:36:10 AM
In the Urdax-Vitoria race Tristan Prins finishes 12th in the leader group. He was lucky enough to come back on the flat sections without a helper after some problems in the mountains.

In the hills around Getxo Tristan Prins proved his hill training really helps him as he finishes 17th. He immediately praised Eddy Room for his terrific support. Eddy himself managed to get 20th place which are his first points this season.

(https://www.getxo.eus/ImagesPublic/turismo/turismo2/mas_fotos/descubre-getxo-principal.jpg)

In the GC Tristan Prins rockets to 9th place, but he will go down the last race as he really does not like the cobblestones of Zalla.

The Diario Vasco thinks Koen Helder is an iconic rider. How would they know? He hardly has had a race on the World Tour level!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

We are going to hobble on the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix with:

71 Julius Maalderink
72 Ørjan Henningsen
73 Eelco van der Laan
74 Chester Laybutt
75 Arjen Rutte

Julius will take some extra ketones in his Combuijs Honey Ale this evening, so he will be really ready for Roubaix.

We will provide these riders on The Combuijs Honey Ale, the Fleche Wallone and Liege-Bastogne-Liege races:

71 Eddy Room
72 Carlo Bemelmans
73 Chester Laybutt
74 Adam Neeskens
75 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 17, 2019, 11:33:17 AM
The last stage in Basque Country around Zalla was rather succesfull. Garret Rose reached place 10 in a free role and Adam Balogh, in another free role, scored his first World Tour points with place 17. More importantly, Tristan Prins only lost 2:43 thanks to helper Eddy Room, so he finished 9th in the GC, 1:28 after winner Asger Anthonisen (Atlantico).

Julius Maalderink has been in a training camp for Paris-Roubaix but as we concentrate on hill training we did expect not too much of him, and we were right. He finished 14th, his helper Arjen Rutte 28th. Winner was Ikibasque Bram Travin, honourable mentions for Zatarra's Rolv Sele (4th) and Konrad Magnusson (6th).

(https://nos.nl/data/image/2018/04/08/464920/xxl.jpg)

Division standings after Paris-Roubaix:

1º      CobbleCrushers   4905   2   3   3   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   3913   0   0   0   
3º      Atlantico   3911   0   2   0   
4º      SentinelChickens   3631   2   1   1   
5º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   3442   5   1   3   
6º      Combuijs   3151   0   0   0   
7º      Flyvende_hjul   3107   1   0   0   

Did I say really say after reaching place 8 it could only go downhill? Hmm, it looks like a Tour de France road book, there is always just a little climb when you least expect it...

After the hill classics the line up for the Tour of Romandy will be:

51 Oliver King
52 Koen Helder
53 Julius Maalderink
54 Tristan Prins
55 Arjen Rutte

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 19, 2019, 11:14:35 AM
For us the hill classics were the Eddy Room show. 18th in the Combuijs Honey Ale race, 27th in the Fleche Wallone and 24th in Liege-Bastogne-Liege. He won't be very well known in public now, but he is still collecting points.

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/5d/e6/ef/img-0389.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour of Romandy:

1º      CobbleCrushers   5457   2   3   3   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   4956   1   0   0   
3º      Atlantico   4151   0   2   0   

9º      Thorboassonarvesen   3557   3   1   0   
10º      Combuijs   3336   0   0   0   
11º      ProdopingPong   3063   1   2   1   

We are the highest team now without a podium place. That feels like a milestone somehow, but I doubt it will be one...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 20, 2019, 08:08:02 PM
We have no time trial specialist in the Tour of Romandy but Oliver King finishes on the last point worth position. This did compensate for his first pointless position in the previous Aubonne-Geneve stage. He was then on the one but last point worth position in the GC.

On the cobbles around Fribourg Julius Maalderink gets 10th position, supported by Arjen Rutte who finishes on the one but last point worth position. Oliver King lost his position completely in the GC, but will still be leader in the last stage around Sion.

(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/7/37/59756/1/remparts1920x1080cfribourg-tourisme_3000.jpg)

The Tribune de Genève notes that we have an excellent sleet rider. That is well spotted as we have recruited the very fast winger ... eh ... young cyclist Johannes Overmars who likes most races in Scandinavia...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d302.jpg)

Robert Brubaker has been called up for international time trial services by an expert USA coach. He won't score international points though...

These riders will circle around the Henninger Turm:

91 Tristan Prins
92 Oliver King
93 Eelco van der Laan
94 Eddy Room
95 Midas van Veldhuizen

These riders will circle around Italy:

91 Yvo de Cleer
92 Thomas Freitag
93 Chester Laybutt
94 Julius Maalderink
95 Midas van Veldhuizen

Yvo will be our GC and mountain man, Thomas and Midas will do the sprint races and Chester and Julius the cobble races.

These riders will do the fourth round of the cup:

1 Chester Laybutt
2 Julius Maalderink
3 Garret Rose
4 Arjen Rutte
5 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 22, 2019, 05:00:40 PM
In the last Romandian stage around Sion Oliver King lost only half a minute and finished 19th. That way he catapulted up to 18th place in the GC. Winner Igor Paraje got flowers at the finishing line for his very good Tour win.

In Rundum der Henninger Turm Tristan Prins finished 19th and helper Oliver King 27th. It is always a surprise when helpers are winning points for us.

The Giro starts in Belgium this season, as every grand Tour should do. In the stage to Namur Chester Laybutt and Julius Maalderink did not stay close together as planned, but finished 7th and 8th. Winner was Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre. They have to repave the whole Namur citadel now...

(https://www.namurtourisme.be/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/GLE_0170_DxO.jpg)

Leader Yvo de Cleer managed to finish within the time limit and can note the first lost 4 minutes.

Division standings after the first stage in the Giro:

1º      CobbleCrushers   6088   3   3   4   
2º      AJFactoryCycling   5772   1   1   1   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   4796   1   0   1   

9º      Thorboassonarvesen   3830   3   1   0   
10º      Combuijs   3783   0   0   0   
11º      CyKings   3724   1   2   3   

We could ride the cup race as a kind of introduction show to the Giro as we rode exactly the same stage. Flying Wheeler Alex Bornemissza could only keep Julius Wiegel behind him, but had to let go four other Combuijs riders. So for the second time in succession we are in the quarter finals of the cup!

We are up to World Tour rival Psychoedge in a sprint race with a little hill. We will get out our sprinters then, but chances are that we again will go out in the quarter finals.

In the international race around Lake Banyoles apparently only 20 riders did finish. We presume the rest got lost in the water. We will have to drag out Robert Brubaker before his next race somehow...

Arjen Rutte, Julius Maalderink, Julius Wiegel and Adam Neeskens have been called up by the Dutch National team manager. You would expect a hill cobble race then and indeed we will be riding from Bornem to Geraardsbergen. The four of them are about equally strong, so at least they can help themselves...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 22, 2019, 08:04:17 PM
These riders will circle around Italy:

91 Yvo de Cleer
92 Thomas Freitag
93 Chester Laybutt
94 Julius Maalderink
95 Midas van Veldhuizen

Yvo will be our GC and mountain man, Thomas and Midas will do the sprint races and Chester and Julius the cobble races.

Time to challenge Combuijs again in a big tour.  :)
For sure no shame to finish below Combuijs in 1A and his team is doing great this season.
But the gap* is too big at the moment, so in this way my cyclists are more motivated.
* =
11º      Combuijs   3823
22º      SPORTLIFE   2396

My Giro selection (startnumbers 261 to 265 because of the 27th place in 1A before the Giro)  :

261 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/italia.jpg) Miorlin ( climber ) --> stage 2 and stage 8.
262 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/belgica.jpg) Saint-Germain ( allrounder ) --> GC ? despite he will be just 4 or 5 stages the teamcaptain.
263 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/italia.jpg) Tafi ( climbsprinter ) --> stage 10
264 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/holanda.jpg) Nieuwendijk ( flat- and TT-climb ) --> stage 9
265 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/spain.jpg) Gallardo ( hillsclimber ) --> stage 3

The teamcaptain role is uncertain in some stages, it depends on if Saint-Germain can ride a GC.
Startnumber with an 1 in it is of course for an Italian, he has home advantage and I have high expectations of Miorlin in stage 8.

Miorlin did great as teamcaptain in stage 2 despite his low flat, because he had 2 active weather icons and that helped a lot.
The helper role tactic of Gallardo was bad, his 5 EP start was not enough so Miorlin had to do it on his own. He should have had another helper.
Happy with the excellent 5th place of Miorlin. Also Nieuwendijk did great, in a free role he finished as 13th.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)
Combuijs scored already 195 points in stage 1 and his climber De Cleer was the only one in stage 2 that finished with a light bulb.
Well done Combuijs !  8) 
For now the Giro duel =
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)235   versus (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)195
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 23, 2019, 10:45:24 AM
The stage to Montevarchi ended with a tricky downhill section, but no accidents were reported. Yvo de Cleer finishes 19th, six places behind a certain Albert Nieuwendijk.

(https://s.iha.com/00171505596/Montevarchi-Bezoek-aan-loro-ciuffenna-naar-montevarchi.jpeg)

In the GC Yvo is now on 64th place, so we will concentrate on individual stages for a while.

That same Nieuwendijk finished 21st in the third stage to Di Lavaredo. Not that good but a lot better than our Yvo (55th) who had concentrated on Nicola Miorlin (45th). So Sportlife doing better than we did, but we are still in front with 235 to 230. Now, do they have any point scoring sprinters? Eh... and do we have them? We will see tonight.

We are not only training youth riders now, but also new managers. The victim is Cycling Team Wiekevorst, which operates on the Amateur Tour level. But next season they will ride their races on the Continental Tour for sure!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/padrino1.gif)

RAI Sport 1 commentator Silvio Martinello remarked that Robert Brubaker is a medium talent. It will have to do...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 23, 2019, 10:54:44 AM
stage 3 Giro :
Not a really good race for teamcaptain Saint-Germain and helper Gallardo.
Gallardo was 6 seconds behind in s4 so no extra bonus for his team captain in the final climb.
Saint-Germain finished as 41st and now in the GC 65th on 4:44"
Very uncertain if he can score GC points, perhaps he is already too far behind because he has just a little sprint. For now too soon to tell.

Nieuwendijk did again great in a free role and scored some points with a 21st place.
This means almost as many points as Combuijs at the moment :  :)
( but no points for SPORTLIFE in the next 2 stages, and Combuijs might score points there )

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)235   versus (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)230
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 24, 2019, 08:54:41 AM
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png) Again a lightbulb for a Combuijs rider ; Freitag did great in stage 5 and finished as 9th.  8)
He also scored points in stage 4, and as expected zero points for SPORTLIFE in these hill-sprint-stages. So the Giro duel is now :
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)345   versus (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)230

In these 2 stages team captain Saint-Germain (SPORTLIFE) moved up 34 places in the GC.
At the moment he is 31st GC on 6:54", that is still 1½ minute behind the number 20 GC.
It does not look promising that he can score GC points.
But that is no problem, SPORTLIFE has other cyclists to score many points in the final 3 stages.

edit ; and it could be that I made a mistake in the choice of teamcaptain in these 2 stages,
because Tafi and Nieuwendijk are not far behind Saint-Germain in the GC.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 24, 2019, 12:02:26 PM
In Praia a Mare Thomas Freitag got 27th place, which was a bit disappointing. We had expected better with all these hills so late in the race.

Thomas has however very fond of memories of L'Aquila as he finished 9th there in the 5th stage of the Giro. We got compliments as our tactics were really a light in the darkness of mediocrity. If only we knew what we did right, because after entering the first hills Thomas was completely out of help...

(https://d1bvpoagx8hqbg.cloudfront.net/originals/erasmus-experience-laquila-italy-kristina-62b2d294236d32f7c7cb530204710309.jpg)

Anyway, useful points, certainly as all Sportlife riders were only busy emptying water bottles on their head. We have gained 110 points these two races.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 24, 2019, 07:35:22 PM
Ups, mistake in stage 6, the wrong team captain.  :-[
Saint Germain should have been the team captain here also. Perhaps too hot outside otherwise I cannot explain this mistake. Because somehow now Tafi was the team captain and I knew of previous season he is not suited at all  for this stage with his 22 downhill.
Anyway, no problem, most likely it costs Saint-Germain just 19 seconds and a few points. Now he finished as 27th in a free role.

Combuijs did better (17th) with his German hill sprinter Freitag who scored points 3 times in a row now.
And probably that will be 4 times in a row when he scores also points in the flat sprint stage 7.

So, again more points for Combuijs, but I don't have to worry about this Giro-ranking below, said my climber Miorlin to me.  ;)
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)395   versus (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)250
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 25, 2019, 07:24:58 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/7lG7k8b.jpg?1)
In stage 7 to Milano the cyclists of Combuijs and SPORTLIFE were just enjoying the scenery ; zero points for both teams.
And it seems the manager of SPORTLIFE is trying to avoid GC points, because in this stage there was not even a team captain.  :-[ :D
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 25, 2019, 10:55:27 AM
The stage to Lissone was an odd one, starting with a little climb, then a long downhill section and finally a very long flat section with two small hill for good measure. Hard to judge, but we managed to get Thomas Freitag on 17th position. How Sportlife's Saint-Germain came to 27th place we will never understand. We have heard rumours he pushed away several riders, but he was not taken out of the Giro because the head of the jury is also Belgian.

This morning there was also a sprint stage and let's be short: we gambled and lost. Don't know if Sportlife gambled, but luckily they also lost. So, all in all 30 points gained.

Now there are also rumours there is a GC. Never noticed before... We have Yvo de Cleer on 42nd place on a respectable 10 minutes from leader Adam Roethlisberger (Rekutxuteam). He has however three Sportlife riders in front of him and probably their best man behind him. Let's see if we can nudge some Sportlife riders out of the Giro...

We have changed our training regime to stamina, and for the first time all riders can actually profit from that. We have build a nice annex to our training complex:

(https://pwsc.alaska.edu/health-fitness-center/_images/_hero-images/healthAndFitnessCenterAtPWSC.jpg)

Garret Rose and Chester Laybutt have not unexpectedly been called up for Great Britain in the next international race. We will notify you when the Hungarian national coach wakes up...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 25, 2019, 12:48:42 PM
Don't know if Sportlife gambled
I gambled without a team captain.  ;D
So, again a dumm team captain mistake, twice in a row now.  :-[ :-[  :)
Also here Saint-Germain should have been the team captain, now he finished as 121st in a free role and was riding in a team captain tactic.

I estimate that this mistake costs him 0:53" or even 1:20", because I think he could have finished as teamcaptain 2 or 3 groups earlier.
Very unnecessary time loss, and together with the also dumm mistake in the previous stage of 0:19" =
in total 1:12" or 1:39" time loss due to stupid team captain mistakes.

It is uncertain at this moment if these 2 mistakes will cost GC points in the end. I will know that after stage 10, and positive that he is not a cyclist who could compete for the pink jersey. He is competing just for the nr20 GC position.

I checked the tactics of the next stage now 5 times, just to be sure.  ;)
Saint Germain gets a free role and Miorlin is the teamcaptain in stage 8.
Miorlin is going for the stage victory despite he is just the 8th favorite or so (he can only challenge the 5th favorite).
Of course stage victory with an 8th favorite could (or even should) be an unreachable goal, but Miorlin has home advantage.^^
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 25, 2019, 01:13:16 PM
Let's see if we can nudge some Sportlife riders out of the Giro...
Now my team is scared :)), especially because your Giro team has a German and an English rider.
They could be the Tony Martin and Luke Rowe of CFF.  :P
Well, it could be that nothing happens despite the orders of their manager, because in the next stage : 8ºC, rain and hard wind.
So, hopefully they keep their cool.^^
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 25, 2019, 07:34:08 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/DNp6pbx.jpg?1)
Point of view of Miorlin during stage 8 of the Giro, he was far ahead of most other climbers and on his way to victory !  8)

Miorlin is going for the stage victory despite he is just the 8th favorite or so (he can only challenge the 5th favorite).
Of course stage victory with an 8th favorite could (or even should) be an unreachable goal, but Miorlin has home advantage.^^
:)

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/tools.png) De Cleer (Combuijs) had a mechanical breakdown on a very bad moment ; the final climb.
But he scored also points with a 24th place and he is now 20th in the GC  and that is before all SPORTLIFE cyclists. ( for now ;) )
The Giro duel^^ =
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)500   versus   (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)423
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 26, 2019, 11:45:49 AM
In the stage up the Scanuppia Yvo de Cleer did not bad, he finishes 24th. And for a moment I thought we might even gain some points on Sportlife, until my eye fell on the first place for Nicola Miorlin. Ouch, that's a lot of points...

(http://www.televignole.it/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/scanuppia45.jpg)

Trust Sportlife to have a good time trialist. A certain Albert Nieuwendijk finishes 8th on the Santuario de Oropa. In total we lost 317 points on Sportlife in two races. Luckily in this weather we don't have a towel left at the moment.

In the GC Yvo de Cleer is 19th, just behind a certain Albert Nieuwendijk, but he might pass him in the last stage, which suits Yvo pretty well.

In the Dauphine Libere we will show up with:

91 Tristan Prins
92 Yvo de Cleer
93 Thomas Freitag
94 Sam Parker
95 Midas van Veldhuizen

Tristan is there for the GC and the mountains, helped by Yvo and Sam, Thomas and Midas will do the first two sprint stages.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 27, 2019, 12:40:27 AM
As already mentioned Nieuwendijk finished as 8th in stage 9.
Stage 10 was very bad due to again a manager-mistake, and for the first time a dissapointing face icon. That "price" was not yet achieved in CFF3 and I have to gain everything at least once in this game. ;D Tafi finished as 22nd in stage10.  :-[

Remarkable for this Giro, way too many mistakes and almost all not even real tactical ones with energypoints but plain dumb mistakes.
Also funny to see that Nieuwendijk finished as best of my team in the GC with a 20th place and he was never the team captain, also not in the stages where scoring points was not an option.
As a reward Nieuwendijk gets rest. Al the other Giro riders have to ride the Dauphiné as well.
Nieuwendijk is replaced by his fellow countryman Engelberts.

But it was not all bad in this Giro ; the stage victory and a few other good results. And my team beat Combuijs in the Giro duel.  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 27, 2019, 06:10:32 PM
In the final stage of the Giro to Reggio de Calabria we saw Yvo de Cleer finishing 36th and Sportlife scoring another 46 points with Lorenzo Tafi and Paris St. Germain.

In the GC however Yvo de Cleer finishes 18th, far above a certain Albert Nieuwendijk (20th), so in a way we have won the Sportlife challenge... It's telling that Vos had not shown the final result of the challenge...

The Giro winner was Adam Roethlisberger (Rekutxuteam), a whopping 1 second before Mike Bauer (Cykings). No doubt Cykings are filtering through television footage to see if there has been a stopwatch error somewhere.

(https://nbocdn.akamaized.net/Assets/Images_Upload/2018/07/29/a4f4ee80-92b1-11e8-9a64-ea7b0da07a7a_web_translate_-8.74999_-4.374996__scale_0.1125919_0.1125919__.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage in the Dauphine:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   6826   1   2   2   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6143   3   3   4   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5506   6   2   1   

10º      SentinelChickens   4280   2   2   1   
11º      Combuijs   4071   0   0   0   
12º      Thorboassonarvesen   4022   3   1   0   

The Dauphine Libere reported that Tristan Prins is not only an iconic mountain rider, but that he also knows his way around the hills. They wonder if that will help him in this year's tour.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)

We will try to sprint to the semi finals of the cup with:

1 Thomas Freitag
2 Julius Maalderink
3 Johannes Overmars
4 Arjen Rutte
5 Midas van Veldhuizen

You know you are in trouble when a 19 year old is in your cup selection...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 27, 2019, 06:46:42 PM
In the GC however Yvo de Cleer finishes 18th, far above a certain Albert Nieuwendijk (20th), so in a way we have won the Sportlife challenge... It's telling that Vos had not shown the final result of the challenge...
You're asking or it  :))

Final ranking Giro duel :
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)100.483   versus  (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)661

WTF ! :o  My team lost ! I suspect a bribery scandal. The jury of this Giro duel must like Combuijs Honey Beer a lot, because suddenly they awarded 100.000 extra points because a Combuijs rider finished above a SPORTLIFE rider in the GC.  :(  :))
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on July 27, 2019, 11:41:29 PM
No bribery needed, cycling is naturally corrupt.  After all, an Aussie cyclist last year got disqualified for "taking an unfair advantage" after going behind a pack of idiots who decided that standing on the middle of the road was the correct place to watch the race, costing him at least 35-40 positions in the peloton; then a few days later Sagan pushes through those on the side of the road & takes an actual 300 metre shortcut through a square (gaining him 150 odd places in the spread out peloton - btw, there'd been no incident prior, he just wanted to get to the front), and there's no penalty (Sagan may have won that race, don't remember).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 28, 2019, 02:47:33 PM
In the La Ravoire - Vaujany stage Tristan Prins manages a 24th place. He is now on his way to the top of the GC, currently ... eg ... 179th.

(https://uk.oisans.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/06/communes-vaujany-slider01.jpg)

The Hungarian national coach did not call up Adam Balogh. Adam is very disappointed with that, the Bornem-Geraardsbergen stage is part of his daily training routine. Adam has noted that several non-cobble-hillers are selected from the Intellinet Cycling FF team. Guess who is the national coach... Who said that cycling is naturally corrupt?

The Dauphine Libere now stated that Sam Parker is an iconic time trialist. He certainly is, a pity he is not that good after the first few kilometers. But he is working on it!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 29, 2019, 05:18:10 PM
In the quarter finals of the cup we lost to Psychoedge with more than an edge. Only Thomas Freitag could keep one of them behind him in the final sprint, the other four did seal our fate. So again we stumble in the quarter finals...

In the last stage of the Dauphine to Albertville we were lucky that the roads were not overflown with mud. Tristan Prins finished 30th and got 45th place in the GC, far behind winner Adam Roethlisberger.

(https://cdn.cnn.com/cnnnext/dam/assets/190726115845-digger-tour-de-france-0726-exlarge-169.jpg)

Division standings after the Dauphine Libere:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   7413   2   2   2   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6210   3   3   4   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   6054   1   0   1   

11º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   4105   2   1   1   
12º      Combuijs   4097   0   0   0   
13º      IKIBASQUE   4064   3   2   0   

To quote Bruce Springsteen: "I'm going down, down, down, down, I'm going down, down, down, down...". Nice song, but sad to be behind Flowers at the Finish...

O dear, de Telegraaf sports editor has read the Dauphine Libere: we have an iconic time trialer. Big news indeed...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)

Luckily they also had news which was new to me. We now apparently have a rider who scored international points. Ah, yes, Chester Laybutt finishes second in Bornem-Geraardsbergen after Belgian Yannick Pierre. Well done by Chester and very well done by Great Britain coach CC Porco Jones!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/winnerabs.png)

As a consequence sales in our shop have gone up again, which is nice. No Adam Balogh in the Hungarian selection, and so they scored no points. We can only shake heads at that...

These riders love the Swiss cheeses:

111 Arjen Rutte
112 Robert Brubaker
113 Julius Maalderink
114 Johannes Overmars
115 Sam Parker

Arjen's main point of attention will be in Frauenfeld, although he might do a nice GC as well. Julius will help him everywhere, Sam, Robert and Johannes in some stages and for Robert we have a nice time trial as well...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 30, 2019, 10:48:49 AM
In the time trial around Bern Robert Brubaker collected 15 points with place 26.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Bern_luftaufnahme.png/266px-Bern_luftaufnahme.png)

The JuJu's of the Tour de France will be:

121 Arjen Rutte
122 Carlo Bemelmans
123 Julius Maalderink
124 Eddy Room
125 Garret Rose

As this Tour seems to be designed for JuJu we have assigned the leadership to Arjen.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 31, 2019, 10:38:56 AM
Last season Arjen Rutte won in Frauenfeld, but while he developed his hill climbing skills other riders have gone on with cobble training and so this time he finished 8th. Zatarra's Amund Svendsen missed a podium opportunity with 6th place, winner was Iki Basque Bram Travin. In the GC Arjen is now 40th and we hope this can be halved tonight.

Lots of fans gathered in Frauenfeld:
(https://www.toitoi.ch/fileadmin/content/documents/Referenzen/Open_Air_Frauenfeld/Frauenfeld_02.jpg)

The Frauenfelder Zeitung thinks Adam Neeskens is apart from an iconic cobble rider also an iconic hill rider. We agree, and he can show what he can in the coming Binck Bank Tour.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 02, 2019, 11:03:14 AM
In the last stage of the Tour of Switzerland Arjen Rutte just fell out of points, but it was good enough not only to half his 40th place in the GC, but even to finish 14th, 3:17 behind winner, who else, Cyking Mike Bauer.

Thanks to this result he was named as a favourite for the Tour de France by an internet pundit.

In the second stage of the Tour to Digne-les-Bains Arjen Rutte scored our first podium place this season as he finished 3rd. He was helped very well by Julius Maalderink. Halfway the stage they let go a lot of too ambitious riders, which they all got back in the second half, except for winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen) and Cobble Crusher Lenny Seaman. Garret Rose and Julius Maalderink finished 17th and 18th.

(https://travelguide.michelin.com/sites/default/files/styles/poi_slideshow/public/images/travel_guide/voyage_media-NX-48001/digne-les-bains.jpg)

After 3 stages in the Tour Arjen Rutte is on place 69 on 5:37 from leader Amando Almansa (Codex).

Division standings after stage 3 of the Tour:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   7688   2   2   2   
2º      CyKings   6833   2   2   4   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   6795   1   0   1   

10º      SentinelChickens   4739   2   2   1   
11º      Combuijs   4503   0   0   1   
12º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   4491   2   1   1   

We have passed the Flowers, but of course they will only be handed out at the finish of the season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 03, 2019, 04:30:53 PM
The Tour went abroad to Antwerp and Arjen Rutte finished 25th over the cobbles. We had expected a bit more, but Arjen complained about being tired. Which is understandable half way the Tour.

In the hilly stage to Lyon Carlo Bemelmans worked on his reputation by finally scoring points in a free role, he finished 16th. Eddy Room did only a little bit less and finished 24th.

(https://images.france.fr/zeaejvyq9bhj/306qIaeHlhXvdRSJVt08nP/a91161afeb50f164f5e1634b069879f1/AdobeStock_75536529_BD.jpg?w=1120&h=490&q=70&fl=progressive&fit=fill)

Arjen Rutte has now entered the top 20 and is 4:01 behind Amando Almansa.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 04, 2019, 04:38:35 PM
In the hilly stage to Monthermé Carlo Bemelmans again proved his worth and finished 9th in a free role. Arjen Rutte is getting nearer to the top in the GC, he is now 9th on 2:41 of leader Amado Almansa. Unfortunately he will lose some places in the time trial.

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/photos/meander-montherme-24591_w300.jpg)

L'Equipe called Robert Brubaker an iconic time trialer. He can prove that in the Vuelta, not in the next stage of the Tour...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)

They also estimate that Johannes Overmans is not very high talented, which is a pity...

In the Clasica San Sebastian these five are our classics:

101 Tristan Prins
102 Carlo Bemelmans
103 Sam Parker
104 Eddy Room
105 Midas van Veldhuizen

Our Binck Bank Battlers will be:

101 Adam Neeskens
102 Carlo Bemelmans
103 Ørjan Henningsen
104 Eelco van der Laan
105 Chester Laybutt

All for Adam, Adam for all...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 05, 2019, 04:17:59 PM
Time trials and sprint will never be Arjen Rutte's favourite hobbies, but that goes also for three quarters of all riders, and also for the GC riders in the Tour. Arjen is now 9th in the GC, 3:33 behind leader Tyler Carpenter (AJFactoryCycling). The only way is up now, but can he reach the podium? We will see it tonight.

This was the man who won the Roubaix-Reims stage in 1973:
(http://capovelo.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/fullsizeoutput_285c.jpeg)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 06, 2019, 11:10:49 AM
After the last stage of the Tour to Paris there was still another stage. That was lucky for us because in Reims Arjen Rutte finishes 11th, 13 seconds behind winner Ikibasque Bram Travin. With that result he could climb upon the final podium in Reims as he became third in the GC, 2 minutes after winner Tyler Carpenter (AJFactoryCycling) and 11 seconds after Lenny Seaman. That final result waa a bit unexpected for us, although we knew Arjen had a good Tour de France in him.

Tristan Prins finishes 22nd in the Clasica San Sebastian, which makes him the Gregor Mühlberger of our universe. The Remco Evenepoel of our universe was Daniele Kolb (Codex). Tristan Prins had a bad start, all his helpers except Sam Parker were far in front of him. He still did a good job to finish where he did, but things could have gone far better.

(https://www.27vakantiedagen.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/spanje-san-sebastian-isla-santa-clara.jpg)

Sales in our shop have soared after the Tour de France podium. It is not only the Honey Ale that is popular, everyone wants to be seen in a Combuijs Honey Ale shirt. Especially sizes XXL, XXXL and XXXXL are en vogue.

Le Figaro remarked that the third place of Arjen Rutte in the Tour de France was the first time a Combuijs Honey Ale rider reached the podium in a Tour.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1podvuelta.png)

They analysed that Arjen Rutte got there partly through the guidance by the young, but very experienced Julius Maalderink.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d331.png)

Division standings after the Clasica:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   9046   2   2   2   
2º      CyKings   8169   2   2   5   
3º      CobbleCrushers   7761   3   5   4   

9º      Rekutxuteam   6175   2   1   0   
10º      Combuijs   5496   0   0   1   
11º      IKIBASQUE   5364   5   2   1   

Now, can AJFactoryCycling stay in front? And can we finish in the top 10? To the former I say yes, to the latter I say no...

That tenth place will be defended in the Vuelta by:

91 Oliver King
92 Robert Brubaker
93 Yvo de Cleer
94 Ørjan Henningsen
95 Julius Maalderink

Oliver and Yvo will be our GC men, though in what order is still unclear. If we were team Ineos that would mean we would finish first and second, but we are not that good. Ørjan and Julius are there for the cobble stages and Robert for the time trial.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 06, 2019, 11:03:51 PM
Great GC podiumplace with Arjen Rutte in the Tour de France, well done Combuijs.  8)
If we had a big tour duel in this TdF, you would have won with a giant lead.

Good luck in the BBT and the Vuelta, a good season for your team so far.
My team is almost in the red zone (29th) and zero points are expected in the BBT, so in this way also an exciting season for my team.  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 09, 2019, 11:07:46 AM
We have a whole Binck Bank Tour to catch up with. Luckily this is not a three week Tour. The first stage finished in Aywaille and Adam Neekens started well with a 13th place. In the third stage to Lanaken Carlo Bemelmans could go for his own chance and he managed to pick up some points with place 29.

In the last two stages all pundits predicted a podium place for Chester Laybutt, but we had other plans as we were interested in a GC place for Adam Neeskens, who had trained especially for this event. In the stage to iconic Geraardsbergen Adam was 5th, a perfect good result, with Chester on place 19.

In the last stage to Sint Pieters Leeuw Adam Neeskens proved we can trust on him as he finished second behind winner Estevao Espirito (Thorboassonarvesen). Our third podium place, although UCI staticians don't count Arjen Rutte's third place in the Tour de France as such. Chester Laybutt finished 22nd in helping role.

(https://www.toerismevlaamsbrabant.be/Images/sint-pieterskerk-sint-pieters-leeuw-header._tcm251-125150_w2048_n.jpg)

In the GC Adam Neeskens got 16h place on 2 minutes from winner Flying Wheel Gascogne Carrera. That was a bit disappointing, but still happy with his performance. He just needs to improve his sprinting abilities.

Division standings after the first stage of the Vuelta:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   9318   2   2   2   
2º      CyKings   8668   2   2   6   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   8624   1   3   2   

10º      SentinelChickens   5952   3   3   1   
11º      Combuijs   5868   0   1   1   
12º      Thorboassonarvesen   5646   5   1   0   

It's pretty close at the top. Some headless chickens are blocking us from a top 10 position... Sportlife is two places above the red line, so still in danger. But trust him to win a huge amount of points in the time trial World Championship.

Our mechanic Tigran Filin recently got some compliments about his fiddling with our equipment. Especially downhill our bikes are really superb. And we need that as our riders rarely train on downhill sections.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mate2.png)

We have agreed with both Johannes Overmars and Adam Balogh to go seperate ways. We will need space to accomodate better talented riders.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 09, 2019, 07:43:05 PM
It's pretty close at the top. Some headless chickens are blocking us from a top 10 position... Sportlife is two places above the red line, so still in danger. But trust him to win a huge amount of points in the time trial World Championship.

Two places up after stage 2, now 27th.  :)
I suspect my team is (and was) not in danger because of the expected points in the Vuelta and the WC RR.
But true, it is just a suspicion so I could be wrong, and officially it is at this moment not sure my team will stay in 1A.
In the WC TT my Dutch time trialist will also score points, but I have just 1 flat TT specialist (this season 50th in the NT time trial).
The Australian time trialist with a silver icon is a climb TT specialist.
Maybe you overlooked that and that is why you thought my team will score a huge amount of points in the WC TT. Unfortunately not.

(https://i.imgur.com/RKMvhVm.png?1)

Good luck in trying to beat the Chickens, Combuijs !
The picture shows that this could not be easy. Also the name (sentinel) shows that that team can maintain its position very well.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 10, 2019, 02:09:17 PM
We have scored our first points in the Vuelta. Better, we have scored our first 13 points in the Vuelta, with the 30th place of Yvo de Cleer in the stage to the Bola del Mundo.

(https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/71L2T1dYCwL._SY355_.jpg)

In the GC Yvo is now 15th on more than 3 minutes from, yes he is there again, Cyking Mike Bauer.

Admittedly de Telegraaf was not far behind for once, because yesterday evening I noticed we have our first silver mountain rider: Tristan Prins.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanaplata.jpg)

In an extended article about our team de Telegraaf highlighted that as well.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/monteplata.png)

They also think Chester Laybutt is not only an iconic cobble rider, but also an iconic hill rider.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)

And last but not least they rated us 25 stars in a rather vaguely star counting system. The maximum is 50 stars, so in a way we are halfway...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/25est.png)

Already 4 teams have approached Adam Balogh, so we are very curious how much they want him...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 11, 2019, 06:36:17 PM
In the cobble stage to Cariñena Julius Maalderink took 15th place. He could not do better because we are in wine country, not in beer country...

(https://253qv1sx4ey389p9wtpp9sj0-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/CarinenaHeroImage-700x461.jpg)

In the GC Yvo de Cleer is holding out on place 13, almost 6 minutes behind Mighty Mike.

Arjen Rutte and Eelco van der Laan have been called up for national services. Arjen is no surprise, but Eelco is. He must have been called up to gain experience, which we can only applaude.

Ørjan Henningsen is now an iconic rider as well, the last (but not the least) of our bunch of 21 years old cobble hill riders.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: GinneR on August 11, 2019, 07:18:00 PM
Arjen Rutte and Eelco van der Laan have been called up for national services. Arjen is no surprise, but Eelco is. He must have been called up to gain experience, which we can only applaude.

Indeed, glad I could do this for Eelco and Combuijs Capers.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 12, 2019, 03:52:05 PM
In stage 7 Oliver King could act as leader and he did very well. He finished 8th in Cerler.

(https://img00.rhimg.com/h.9716119.795.500.0.ffffff.1026e375.jpg)

In the GC Mike Bauer lost the red jersey but he reclaimed it in Cerler. Yvo de Cleer is now 15th, Oliver King 22nd. After the time trial we will decide who can claim leadership for the two final stages which they both don't like at all...

Adam Balogh is now a Milanese inhabitant after a transfer of almost 3 million to Pro Continental Tour team Milanezen. That team might promote to World Tour Level this season however.

Johannes Overmars will be fitted out with a poncho after his slightly less expensive transfer to Pro Continental Tour Team Ponchocycling RSC. May they both prosper...

There was no succes for the Dutch national coach in the last race of the season. He of course had had bad luck that Arjen Rutte focused on hill training this season instead of sprint. The Dutch team finished just out of the top 10, but before Belgium! Just as we will finish just outside the top 10 on the World Tour, but before Bloemen aan de Mitte...

Winner was Norway with a margin of 10 points on Hungary. If the national coach of the latter had only selected Adam Balogh for the appropriate race...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on August 13, 2019, 01:30:18 AM
Quote
Just as we will finish just outside the top 10 on the World Tour, but before Bloemen aan de Mitte...

Are you sure??? :) ;) 8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 13, 2019, 10:55:49 AM
In the time trial to Zaragoza Robert Brubaker gets his first top 10 position, which is not surprising as he has extensively explored the parcours.

(https://inassets1-internationsgmbh.netdna-ssl.com/image/static_1280_720/static/bundles/internationsseo/frontend/images/localcommunityHeroV3/357.jpg)

In the GC Yvo de Cleer is now 13th with more than 11 minutes behind Mike Bauer, Oliver King is now 20th. They won't keep that place in the last stage though, but let's hope for some points. Mike Bauer perhaps won't keep his place either as Flying Wheel Robrecht Kemperman is only 26 seconds behind. In the final stage around Vigo everything will be decided.

In an interview in UCI Weekly we have stated we are confident we can keep second best Belgium team Bloemen aan de Mitte behind us. In the photograph that came along the article you can see surprised and unbelieving faces of Oliver King, Robert Brubaker and Thomas Freitag in the background during that interview.

In the Tour of Lombardy these riders will have to beat Bloemen aan de Mitte:

101 Oliver King
102 Carlo Bemelmans
103 Sam Parker
104 Tristan Prins
105 Eddy Room

These riders will be tasting sand in the WC time trial in Doha:

101 Robert Brubaker
102 Koen Helder
103 Oliver King
104 Sam Parker
105 Julius Wiegel

These riders will try to beat Wilfried Bentinck under the sun in Doha:

101 Thomas Freitag
102 Ørjan Henningsen
103 Eelco van der Laan
104 Julius Maalderink
105 Midas van Veldhuizen
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 16, 2019, 11:09:22 AM
The third season comes at an end, time to recapture the last stages. In the Giro de Lombardia Oliver King just missed out on the podium after a very good race. He placed a ferocious attack on the only mountain in the race, which gave him a 4th place in the end. His helper Tristan Prins finished 20th. Unfortunately these were the last points of the season as Robert Brubaker finished on place 34 in the time trial and our sprinters were nowhere to be seen in the world champions race. Who did we see in that race?

1º   Seb Walkins   21   SaulSalinasTeam   0: 00"   1000   500000
2º   Rafael Engelberts   21   SPORTLIFE   0: 00"   800   450000
3º   Wilfred Bentinck   21   Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   0: 00"   650   400000
4º   Lorenzo Ferreiro   21   Zatarra   0: 00"   550   350000
5º   Nicolas Tirado   21   AJFactoryCycling   0: 00"   500   300000

Wilfred Bentinck on the podium, but he must have been very disappointed as he really had focused on this race. Good results for Sportlife and Zatarra.

For the time trial we only have the result of the first section which is not that helpful.

(https://wielerflits-wpuypigxmvanblj7abke.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/lombardia.jpg)

Just at the end of the season we have bought Russian rider Valentin Litenko for a limited fee from Continental Pro Tour team Turrones. Valentin stated that he was happy he could ride on the World Tour level now. He apparently forgot that Turrones will be acting on that level too next season as they have just been promoted.

Time for some statistics to close the season:

Division standings at the end:

1º      AJFactoryCycling   12344   2   5   2   
2º      CyKings   11998   3   3   6   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   11017   1   3   2   
4º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   10465   12   4   6   
5º      CobbleCrushers   8417   3   6   4   
6º      °Peachy°Melocotons   8172   8   2   2   
7º      Atlantico   7916   1   5   3   
8º      SaulSalinasTeam   7838   5   3   1   
9º      Rekutxuteam   7439   2   1   0   
10º      Wiggo_pupils   7327   3   3   1   
11º      Combuijs   6631   0   1   1   
12º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   6583   2   1   1   
13º      Psychoedge   6447   0   1   3   
14º      SentinelChickens   6387   3   3   1   
15º      IKIBASQUE   6286   6   2   1   
16º      SPORTLIFE   6136   2   4   4   
17º      Zatarra   6032   0   1   2   
18º      CC_Porco_Jones   5991   7   2   4   
19º      Thorboassonarvesen   5981   5   1   0   
20º      Codex   5980   2   3   1   
21º      Oska   5926   3   1   4   
22º      Denver   5866   0   3   3   
23º      CrossAndGo    5841   2   1   5   
24º      Vitimper   5722   4   5   2   
25º      ProdopingPong   5353   1   3   1   
26º      Matterhorn   5080   3   1   2   
27º      Caracoles   5048   3   2   0   
28º      DeRodeVod   4933   1   4   4   
29º      CaptainOrange   4926   0   2   1   
30º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   4732   0   1   3   
31º      Pomilles_Balears   4593   0   2   3   
32º      PDM_cycling_team   4426   1   0   5   
33º      FaltososDeChigre   4280   0   1   3   
34º      KunTeam   4153   0   1   0   
35º      ClubCiclistaLaFallera   4131   4   3   1   
36º      Marcatone_Due   4051   0   0   1   
37º      ValeronIdolo   3113   1   1   1   
38º      Ares   3044   0   2   2   
39º      FlyEaglesFly   2855   0   0   1   
40º      Jumanji   2457   1   2   1   
41º      BorinotTeam   2432   0   2   1   
42º      Dutch_Lions   1700   0   0   0   
43º      Wizards   1516   0   0   2   
44º      Legendaryks   1342   0   0   0   
45º      MortoviaCycling   1128   0   0   0   
46º      Flandria   699   0   0   0   
47º      CAO   667   0   0   0   
48º      CojoNudos   490   0   0   0   
49º      Amezola   406   0   0   0   
50º      CR7Team   8   0   0   0   

As predicted we could not finish within the top 10, but we could leave Bloemen aan de Mitte behind us, so still a satisfying season... Warm congratulations to AJFactoryCycling who did a terrific job to win the title with in the end a comfortable margin of 346 points. What a brilliant manager he is! The Wilfred Bentinck Pro Cycling team just missed out on the podium. A pity, but still a good result. The PDM Cycling Team will act a level lower next season, which they don't seem to mind as they are focusing on training. De Rode Vod and Captain Orange could in the end buy their World Tour tickets again, but it was perhaps a bit too close for comfort.

These are the top riders of the season:

1º      Adam Roethlisberger   21   5415   Rekutxuteam   2   1   0   
2º      Mike Bauer   21   4740   CyKings   1   0   3   
3º      Seb Walkins   21   2986   SaulSalinasTeam   5   2   0   
4º      Ed VanVliet   21   2818   AJFactoryCycling   1   2   1   
5º      Ketil Fossum   21   2730   Thorboassonarvesen   4   1   0   

22º      Arjen Rutte   21   1723   Combuijs   0   0   1   
29º      Chester Laybutt   21   1354   Combuijs   0   0   0

Nice to see a different winner this season in Adam Roethlisberger.

Our team points overview at the end of the season:

Arjen Rutte   21   1723
Chester Laybutt   21   1354
Tristan Prins   21   605
Oliver King   21   560   
Garret Rose   21   472   
Julius Maalderink   21   387
Adam Neeskens   21   363
Yvo De Cleer   21   359
Eddy Room   21   238
Robert Brubaker   21   162
Thomas Freitag   21   160   
Carlo Bemelmans   21   155   
Ørjan Henningsen   21   60

Adam Balogh scored some points too, but he is not at our team anymore.

Right, on we go to season 4!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 16, 2019, 09:25:20 PM
We have bought Specialized equipment again as Robert Brubaker was not happy with his material and we all know what can happen if a renowned time trial specialist is not happy with his material...

The first cup round will be in Italy against an Italian team, so we are in trouble. We are doing the mountain time trial to Santuario di Oropa and we fear that motorists will severely favor Euska Piero.

These riders are going to try to stay as close to their motorist as possible:

1 Sam Parker
2 Robert Brubaker
3 Yvo de Cleer
4 Oliver King
5 Tristan Prins

The season starts this time in Lobethal and we send everyone a new seasons greetings from there:

(https://clubfleurieu.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/fleurieucoast-club-fleurieu-lobethal-lights1.jpg)

These riders will not spend their Christmas home, but are preparing for the Tour Down Under:

101 Carlo Bemelmans
102 Eelco van der Laan
103 Adam Neeskens
104 Eddy Room
105 Midas van Veldhuizen

Carlo will be our leader, Midas might have some luck in the sprinting stages.

We wish all teams a very inspiring season and just that little bit less success than we might have...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 19, 2019, 04:39:12 PM
In the first round of the Cup opponent Euska Piero did not show up, so even the motorists could not prevent Sam Parker from winning the stage. Next round sees us against Pro Continental team Spitz. They specialise in climbers and hillers and unfortunately we have gotten a mountain hill race from the Itzulia. Could be a close race, hopefully they don't have a rider which combines both.

First stage of the season and the first points of the season. Carlo Bemelmans finishes on 16th place in Stirling. A good start for us and an even better start for Team RHB where 21 year old (!) Arno Verbeek wins the stage. Very well done that!

(https://live.staticflickr.com/3319/3530669206_f85067a00e_b.jpg)

We are in Australia now and the Lobethal Courier remarked that Sam Parker, apart from an iconic time trial rider, is an iconic mountain rider too.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 19, 2019, 06:31:22 PM
We wish all teams a very inspiring season and just that little bit less success than we might have...
:))
Good luck and have fun this season, Combuijs.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on August 19, 2019, 06:59:39 PM
We wish all teams a very inspiring season and just that little bit less success than we might have...
:))
Good luck and have fun this season, Combuijs.

Copy that! Let's make it a splendid season. I'm more active again, so hopefully will be able to compete with you seriously!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 20, 2019, 11:12:45 AM
The Tour Down Under stage to Lyndoch saw another Dutch victory. It was a sprint race so you can probably guess who won it...

According to the Paracombe Daily Carlo Bemelmans was a light in an ocean of otherwise murky tactics. Anyway, it gave him a 10th place, just behind snooker legend Ali Carter who apparently has chosen a different career. Eddy Room proved to be a brilliant helper (to Carlo, not to Ali).
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUMSo37NwJcv4FCw42HCHMP7aQ9dEF0RoRVOGKuOKx9R7T9S0-)

No Arno Verbeek this time, probably due to his celebrating his first victory on the highest level he was thoroughly asleep in the first half of the race. In the GC Carlo Bemelmans is now on 14th place and while the last race does not suit him very well, he could finish in the top 20.

At the moment we are happy to report that both Sportlife and Zatarra are keeping their side of the deal as they are below us in the division standings. Wether they can keep restraining themselves remains to be seen.

We will ride de Omloop het Nieuwsblad with:

201 Arjen Rutte
202 Ørjan Henningsen
203 Chester Laybutt
204 Julius Maalderink
205 Adam Neeskens

Very important will be the Strade Bianchi for which the Russian Sberbank will donate us half a million if we can reach the top 8:

201 Arjen Rutte
202 Koen Helder
203 Ørjan Henningsen
204 Chester Laybutt
205 Julius Maalderink

These riders will be looking for a nice tan in Paris-Nice:

201 Oliver King
202 Robert Brubaker
203 Yvo de Cleer
204 Chester Laybutt
205 Arjen Rutte

Oliver will be our leader, Chester has his eye on the cobble hill stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 21, 2019, 02:00:13 PM
At the moment we are happy to report that both Sportlife and Zatarra are keeping their side of the deal as they are below us in the division standings. Wether they can keep restraining themselves remains to be seen.
Well, then I predict you will be happy for a long time or even the whole season.  ;)
Because my team has no cobblehills- and hills-riders.  :-[
So unfortunately, my opponent will not be Combuijs, but probably the real opponent will be the "relagation ghost" :)) :
(https://i.imgur.com/k7PPVBs.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 21, 2019, 02:18:38 PM
At the moment we are happy to report that both Sportlife and Zatarra are keeping their side of the deal as they are below us in the division standings. Wether they can keep restraining themselves remains to be seen.
Well, then I predict you will be happy for a long time or even the whole season.  ;)
Because my team has no cobblehills- and hills-riders.  :-[
So unfortunately, my opponent will not be Combuijs, but probably the real opponent will be the "relagation ghost" :)) :

Há, I just noticed this (your text is wrong till 7pm this evening).  :))

(https://i.imgur.com/k7PPVBs.jpg)
(https://i.imgur.com/EipfeTi.png?1)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 22, 2019, 02:12:01 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/gfuxNQ7.jpg?1)
In the picture ; halfway (section 3) in the very wet and stormy Strade Bianche, Henningsen (Combuijs) takes the lead of the 1st group of just 6 riders to make pace for teamcaptain Rutte (Combuijs), who is also in that 1st group. Rutte did great and finished as 2nd in Siena.  8)

One day later as my previous post, Combuijs is 24 places up, and now in the top 10 of 1A.  :o

(https://i.imgur.com/nxPKpIK.png?1)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 23, 2019, 11:05:52 AM
In the Tour Down Under we took too many risks in stage 4 and Carlo Bemelmans lost too much time. In the end his finished on a disappointing 46th place in the GC.

In the Omloop het Nieuwsblad there was some controversy because Chester Laybutt felt he should be leader this race, but we could convince him Arjen Rutte was in a good mood, so in the end he gave in. Arjen showed his qualities with a nice 5th place while Chester was 18th over the line, just before Julius Maalderink in a free role. It was a good start of the classical season.

Like last season probably the most important race of the season was the Strade Bianchi. As you no doubt already have read Arjen Rutte had no trouble with our high expectations and finished second after Mario Benito (Antequera) after a brilliant race. Helper Chester Laybutt picked up 24th place, but admittedly Ørjan Henningsen really was the best helper until he lost breath over half way. That he did finish was a miracle. As a consequence we can now put our black money on the Russian Sberbank and we even get paid for it!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/sberbank.jpg)

Paris-Nice has started very well for us. In the first stage Oliver King finished on 24th place while CC Porco Jones' Sam tasted the sweetness of victory.

In the second stage Chester Laybutt was too tired to sprint uphill for victory in a group of three, but in this way he managed a podium place in Meudon. Arjen Rutte could return Chester's help in this race and still finished 24th. Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre won before Sentinental Chicken Lenny Ford.

In the GC Olvier King is on 14th place, 1:37 behind Flying Wheel Ron van den Hemel, and we can now focus on him.

Division standings after the second stage of Paris-Nice

1º      CobbleCrushers   1294   1   0   1   
2º      SentinelChickens   1278   1   1   0   
3º      Wiggo_pupils   1232   0   0   1

5º      Antequera   1145   1   0   0   
6º      Combuijs   1115   0   1   1   
7º      Flyvende_hjul   1067   1   1   1   

14º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   575   1   0   0   
15º      Zatarra   538   0   0   0   
16º      AJFactoryCycling   527   1   0   0   

33º      IKIBASQUE   215   0   0   0   
34º      SPORTLIFE   205   0   0   1   
35º      skunk   175   0   0   0   

Cobble Crushers in the lead, which is kind of tradition in the first week of the season. Zatarra is in really good company, while Sportlife has fallen in love with Casper the cute relegation ghost...
   
We have managed to sell Carlo's younger brother Chris Bemelmans for more than 4 million to Pro Continental Tour team Kelme4ever, who is apparently starting a new sprinting generation. We wish him a nice future there while we will ponder our fortune after the largest transfer out in our history.

Our store is doing very well as we sell lots of shirts after Arjen Rutte's result in the Strade Bianchi. Which is amazing when you look at Vos's picture above as no one could even recognise the shirt when he arrived in Siena.

Le Parisien commented on our brilliant tactics and we have passed the compliment to our director Belarmino Farinha.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/tactica3.png)

We have shifted the focus of our training to technique. The training facilities have been extended for this:
(https://mantis-vision.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Technical-room-scanning-1024x683.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 24, 2019, 01:18:47 PM
We have had two stages in Paris-Nice and apart from a second place for Wilfred Bentinck (is he getting old?...) there is not much to mention. Oliver King is now 25th in the GC. Let's hope he can get into the top 20, though a time trial is not his favourite hobby...

(https://media.nu.nl/m/bovxh0aaobn9_wd1280.jpg/video-meerdere-renners-komen-hard-ten-val-bij-tijdrit-binckbank-tour)

An article in Nice Aujourd'hui remarked that Valentin Litenko is an iconic mountain rider, which did not come unexpectedly. Midas van Veldhuizen is an iconic sprinter now they say. What kept him?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/sprintbronce.jpg)

They also noticed we have gotten some money by selling very good riders. They wonder how we still manage to get results in and if we can continue this. Regarding this we like to mention that the best 19 year old Dutch hiller Marcel Fentener is for sale at the moment. His uncle is rumoured to swim in money...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/selle1.png)

We are already looking forward to the Tirreno Adriatico:

61 Oliver King
62 Robert Brubaker
63 Yvo de Cleer
64 Koen Helder
65 Tristan Prins

We will concentrate on the first stage as Latvia Exports are ready to part with some money for a nice result.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 25, 2019, 03:11:12 PM
The final time trial of Paris-Nice was a two way disappointment. Robert Brubaker did not score any points in the stage and Oliver King finished 24th in the GC, almost 5 minutes behind winner Mike Bauer.

In the first stage of the Tirreno Adriatico from Lugo to Sestola Oliver King lost contact with helper Tristan Prins before the hill section started. In the final climb he could hold out to place 10, which was just enough to secure a deal with Latvia Exports. We were really lucky there.

(https://q-cf.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max1024x768/128/128174611.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tirreno:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   1787   1   2   1   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   1718   0   0   2   
3º      CyKings   1378   0   0   0   

7º      Antequera   1245   1   0   0   
8º      Combuijs   1172   0   1   1   
9º      skunk   1071   0   0   0   

21º      Denver   604   0   0   0   
22º      Zatarra   555   0   0   0   
23º      Cabrasverdes   553   0   0   0   

33º      CC_Porco_Jones   409   1   0   0   
34º      SPORTLIFE   391   0   0   2   
35º      Oska   390   0   0   0   

We are still the first Dutch team! That won't last long though...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 26, 2019, 09:24:03 PM
I forgot to mention the CFF Cup. These riders did take on Spitz in an Itzulia mountain hill race:

1 Tristan Prins
2 Oliver King
3 Valentin Litenko
4 Sam Parker
5 Eddy Room

In the first two mountain sections the three riders of Spitz were 18 seconds behind, but they came back in the two flat sections. Luckily Tristan Prins had enough energy left to decide the race in our advantage in the final hill section.

In the third round we are up against World Tour team Prodoping Pong in another Itzulia hill mountain sprint. That might be a tough nut to crack, but luckily I am familiar with table tennis.

Yvo de Cleer was called up for international duties. Let's say he was instrumental in the suruprising victory of conpatriot Ronald Blaak.

Meanwhile we are doing quite well in the Tirreno Adriatico.

In the time trial do Donoratico Robert Brubaker scored his first points with a 29th place, and surprisingly Oliver King could gain some places in the GC.

In the flat mountain stage to iconic Montecassino Oliver King finished in the top 10, which gave him a second place in the GC, 33 seconds behind iconic Mike Bauer. It will be difficult to defend the podium in the last stage, but we will give it a try!

(https://www.tripsavvy.com/thmb/mkS6_hqrfNHYT4b84gUCrHi4kgM=/950x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/MontecassinoabbeyPeterNoyce-LOOPIMAGESGettyImages-522227392-5ace09011d6404003cfbbd20.jpg)

We have now another iconic sprinter in the house in Thomas Freitag. It took a while, but now they come fast.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/sprintbronce.png)

After the Tirreno we stay in Italy for Milano-San Remo:

71 Thomas Freitag
72 Ørjan Henningsen
73 Julius Maalderink
74 Arjen Rutte
75 Midas van Veldhuizen

And then move back to Belgium on the E3:

71 Chester Laybutt
72 Adam Neeskens
73 Garret Rose
74 Arjen Rutte
75 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 26, 2019, 09:53:50 PM
In the flat mountain stage to iconic Montecassino Oliver King finished in the top 10, which gave him a second place in the GC, 33 seconds behind iconic Mike Bauer. It will be difficult to defend the podium in the last stage, but we will give it a try!

2nd GC with King, very nice. A lot of rivals for the podiumplaces, I suspect. Good luck in the final stage, Combuijs !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 27, 2019, 08:58:53 AM
That was close, but King managed to keep his 2nd place in the GC, well done Combuijs.  8)
Your team is now 4th in 1A, impressive !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 27, 2019, 11:47:47 AM
A nail biting last stage in the Tirreno Adriatico to the aptly named Terminillo. Oliver King lost contact on the second climb, but thanks to tremendous help from Tristan Prins and Yvo de Cleer he could easily come back in the flat sections. The last climb proved very taxing, in the end Oliver finished 13 seconds behind the Sweet winner on place 10. That was just enough to maintain his second place in the GC:

1    Mike Bauer   22   CyKings   0: 00"   500   300000
2    Oliver King   22   Combuijs   0: 46"   400   270000
3    Daniele Kolb   22   Codex   0: 47"   325   240000
4    Jarl Ulvestad   22   Flyvende_hjul   0: 51"   275   210000
5    Anatoly Yarkin   22   Matterhorn   0: 54"   250   180000

That's our best result in a GC on the World Tour level!

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/03/7c/34/6d/monte-terminillo.jpg)

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   2335   1   2   1   
2º      CyKings   2188   1   0   0   
3º      Wiggo_pupils   2164   0   0   3   
4º      Combuijs   1696   0   1   1   
5º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1562   0   2   1   

25º      TeaMetal   702   1   1   1   
26º      Zatarra   688   0   0   1   
27º      TeamRHB   687   1   0   0   

32º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   607   0   0   0   
33º      SPORTLIFE   579   0   1   2   
34º      DeRodeVod   542   0   0   1   

We are on dazzling heights at the moment...

We sold Marcel Fentener yesterday to Continental Tour team Albero. May this talented youngster prosper there. We have now another young hill sprinter for sale, Gijs Wiegel, the younger brother of our Julius. Check him out!

With a Brexit rapidly approaching we have secured our export of Combuijs Honey Ale to the beer loving British nation by opening a shop over there. The British will need some good beer in the near future to drink their worries away and they will need every job they can get their hands on...

These riders are going to Catalunya:

31 Oliver King
32 Robert Brubaker
33 Yvo de Cleer
34 Thomas Freitag
35 Tristan Prins

A mixed bag of GC riders and stage winners. That usually gives no result whatsoever...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on August 27, 2019, 12:32:40 PM
Well done Combuijs!

I really thought Ulvestad would catch up and secure the podium for me, but King rode a great race and just about secured the podium for your team!

Already we can see the three teams on the top who will probably fight for top3 in the end.
Outsiders, and probably 4th and 5th contenders as it seems now will be among you, Peachy and maybe AJFactory if he can speed up his season in the upcoming races!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 30, 2019, 11:29:39 AM
You can't always have luck, Thomas Freitag finishes 33rd in Milano-San Remo after his main helper Midas van Veldhuizen missed the start completely. Next season we might spend less energy on the Passo del Turchino.

In the E3 Harelbeke we had a brilliant result as Chester Laybutt finished second behind Cobble Crusher Artúr Bereményi while Arjen Rutte was just outside the podium on 4th place. Brilliant result indeed, but brilliant tactics too? I am afraid not, the intended helpers Garret Rose and Adam Neeskens lost contact with leader Chester at the start, while Arjen had strict instructions not to help Chester in any way. So, really a bad tactic gone right.

The Tour of Catalunya did not go very well, but Robert Brubaker gathers some points with place 28 in the time trial around Lake Banyoles and Thomas Freitag manages a 30th place in the Mataró-Olot stage in a free role. Tristan Prins and Oliver King missed out at the start of the Barcelona race and couldn't recover the situation.

(https://volcano.si.edu/Photos/full/119091.jpg)

Division standings after the fourth stage of de Tour of Catalunya:

1º      Wiggo_pupils   2873   1   0   3   
2º      CyKings   2746   1   0   1   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   2538   1   2   1   
4º      CobbleCrushers   2483   2   1   1   
5º      Combuijs   2391   0   2   1   
6º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2284   1   2   2   

20º      Matterhorn   1087   0   0   1   
21º      Zatarra   1085   0   0   1   
22º      Thorboassonarvesen   1038   0   1   0   

33º      IKIBASQUE   790   1   1   0   
34º      SPORTLIFE   777   0   1   2   
35º      TeamRHB   772   1   0   0   

El Periodico de Catalunya mentions that Valentin Litenko is a huge talent. That is good news because he has still some ground to cover to score points on the World Tour.

On we go to Gent-Wevelgem:

41 Julius Maalderink
42 Ørjan Henningsen
43 Adam Neeskens
44 Garret Rose
45 Arjen Rutte
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 31, 2019, 02:13:22 PM
In the last stage of the Tour of Catalunya Yvo de Cleer was praised for his enlightening race. He finished 9th on Lo Port. Funny enough he was only the 5th Dutchman, with a full Dutch podium (Jansma, Bergman, van Vliet) and a 6th place for van den Hemel. I don't need to tell you who won the Tour, Oliver King was 4:22 behind Mike Bauer on place 32.

Well, you can see that training on technique works wonders for Julius Maalderink. In Gent-Wevelgem he was supported by Arjen Rutte from Gent to Wevelgem and in the end he could take second place behind winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen). Arjen was awarded 16th place for his efforts.

Training technique is really necessary for Gent-Wevelgem:
(https://www.gokkenopsport.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Gent-Wevelgem-2018-1-800x445.jpg)

Division standings after Gent-Wevelgem:

1º      Wiggo_pupils   3469   1   0   3   
2º      CyKings   3303   1   0   1   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   3085   1   2   1   
4º      CobbleCrushers   3008   2   1   2   
5º      Combuijs   2961   0   3   1   
6º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2556   1   2   2   

20º      Matterhorn   1282   0   0   1   
21º      Zatarra   1275   0   0   1   
22º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1232   0   0   1   

36º      IKIBASQUE   790   1   1   0   
37º      SPORTLIFE   777   0   1   2   
38º      Vitimper   754   0   0   1   

Eelco van der Laan is now also recognised by cycling magazine de Muur as an iconic cobblestone rider.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg)

As all riders in the Combuijs Honey Ale team are now iconic, this should mean that we are an iconic team now...

Next stop is Dwars door Vlaanderen:

41 Chester Laybutt
42 Adam Neeskens
43 Garret Rose
44 Arjen Rutte
45 Julius Wiegel

And then we will advertise our Combuijs Honey Ale at the Ronde van Vlaanderen:

41 Chester Laybutt
42 Julius Maalderink
43 Adam Neeskens
44 Garret Rose
45 Julius Wiegel

These riders will try to secure a place in the last 16 of the cup

11 Valentin Litenko
12 Yvo de Cleer
13 Thomas Freitag
14 Ørjan Henningsen
15 Midas van Veldhuizen
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 01, 2019, 02:28:59 PM
In Dwars door Vlaanderen tactics failed quite seriously as Chester Laybutt had no help when the race went into the hills. He still got 9th place, but things should have gone better than that.

We took some revenge in the Ronde van Vlaanderen. Tactics were not optimal, but good enough for Chester Laybutt to finish 4th. Garret Rose in a free role arrived in 10th place. Good to see former Combuijs Honey Ale rider Adam Balogh on 8th place with a shining tactic. Well done Milanezen!

(https://www.abscis-architecten.be/uploads/images/0-0/01c9b4eb7223a3611bbab590c79b8311288.gif)

Division standings after the Flemish classics:

1º      CobbleCrushers   4488   4   1   2   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   3729   1   0   3   
3º      Combuijs   3586   0   3   1   
4º      CyKings   3403   1   0   1   

21º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1422   0   0   1   
22º      Zatarra   1330   0   0   1   
23º      AJFactoryCycling   1211   1   0   1   

36º      IKIBASQUE   790   1   1   0   
37º      SPORTLIFE   777   0   1   2   
38º      Vitimper   754   0   0   1   

Third place! Wish that the season was already at the end! (OK, not for Sportlife...)

On we go to the Basque Country:

21 Oliver King
22 Carlo Bemelmans
23 Valentin Litenko
24 Tristan Prins
25 Eddy Room

We will do everything for a high GC place of Oliver King, although we might change that in the last stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 01, 2019, 04:49:55 PM
Third place! Wish that the season was already at the end! (OK, not for Sportlife...)
3rd place in 1A, amazing ! ! ! Keep it up, Combuijs !  8)

My team is almost 3rd too, if you read the 1A ranking upside down.  :)
I have and had no cyclists for all one-day-races, so I'm missing out way too many points.
My own fault, not active in buying, and without new cyclists it will be very difficult to stay in 1A, perhaps even impossible.

But it is time for a little tour and I expect some points. How many, I cannot estimate that in advance.
Also because I'm still in doubt who will be the teamcaptain, most likely Saint-Germain because it is fun to see if he can ride a GC.

(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/logos/b97e3f6347c2b7c51f7d1d23a07ef93b.png)  (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png) selection SPORTLIFE
361 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/belgica.jpg) Saint-Germain (22) --> GC rider
362 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/italia.jpg) Tafi (22) --> climbsprinter / stage 3 and maybe stage 4
363 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/australia.jpg) Thompson (22) --> hillsclimber / stage 1
364 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/australia.jpg) Trautemberg (22) --> hillsclimber / helper
365 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/alemania.jpg) Meister (21) --> semi-hillsclimber / helper ( unfortunately he is not a meisterknecht^^ )
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 03, 2019, 10:25:58 AM
(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/logos/b97e3f6347c2b7c51f7d1d23a07ef93b.png)
I chose for Saint-Germain(PSG) as teamcaptain in every stage. This means less points in the stages, but hopefully a good GC can compensate that.

stage 1 : Helper Trautemberg did a great job in this for PSG hard stage. PSG finished as 62nd on 1:21"
Thompson was not happy with his free role, he finished just outside the points with a 33rd place.

stage 2 : Again Trautemberg did great as helper in the first 4 sections. A remarkable good result of PSG ; 35th on again 1:21"
PSG finished in the same group as free role rider Thompson who could score some points with a 23rd place.

stage 3 : This is a better suited stage, especially because PSG had a top helper with Tafi who launched his teamcaptain hard into s5.
Splendid results 8) ; PSG 4th and helper Tafi 14th, both on 0:00"

stage 4 : Tafi was not suited as helper because he is very bad in hills-section 1, in a free role he finished as 1st of the 2nd group (15th).
PSG did awesome despite he had no helper in s2 and further. He managed to stay in the front and finished as 9th on 0:00"

So far my team scored 255 points in Itzulia, and SPORTLIFE is now just above the red zone on the 30th place.
( Temporarily, because my team does not have riders for the hills classic races. )
But the main objective in this tour is the GC of PSG.
Very exciting tour for the top GC contenders above the dot line. And a lot of Dutch managers have a GC rider in this tour (for now).

1    Adam Roethlisberger   22   Rekutxuteam   0: 00"  :o
2    Nate Henderson   22   AJFactoryCycling   0: 00"  :o
3    Marzio Pantani   22   Wiggo_pupils   0: 05"  :o
4    Jarl Ulvestad   22   Flyvende_hjul   0: 28" 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6    Dries Smulders   22   CaptainOrange   0: 54"
9    Pallieter Saint-Germain   22   SPORTLIFE   1: 15"  8)   
10    Pol Claesen   22   Flyvende_hjul   1: 28"
13    István Kasztel   22   Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1: 32"
14    Eddy VanAmerongen   22   CrossAndGo    1: 38"   
15    Oliver King   22   Combuijs   1: 58"  :-*
17    Erki Kirsiaed   22   Zatarra   2: 06"
23    Nicolas Boilleau   22   DeRodeVod   2: 47"

It would be great if PSG can ride a top 10. The time differences in the GC are small and the final hills stage can mix up the GC a lot.
In this situation I cannot predict if top 10 GC is possible, I assume PSG must hope that many GC contenders are not so good in the hills.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 03, 2019, 12:00:04 PM
We had a very close cup race against Prodoping Pong. In a hill mountain sprint stage from the Itzulia our Valentin Litenko went into the attack on the only mountain. He took a lead on two Pingpongers of 42 seconds there, which I thought was enough. In the remaining flat sections Aart van Sant however reduced that to 0 seconds, so we had sprint à deux as a decider. Luckily Aart had given too much in the flat sections, so Valentin could sprint us into the last 16 of the cup. There we face another sports team in Pro Continental Tour Chess Power in a mountain hill race from Paris-Nice. Our tactics should be really good then as we might be out thought here...

In the second stage of the Itzulia to Lukunberri Oliver King finished 6th, while his helper Tristan Prins just forgot to pick up points. In the third stage to Eguesibar Oliver King was tremendously supported by Valentin Litenko, so he got 24th place there.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Uztarrotz.jpg)

As some other reporters have shown Oliver King is 15th in the GC now, so we will give him our confidence for the last stage. We will see if he can get passed Pallieter of Sportlife.

Diario Vasco noted we have a cobble rider who is capable of getting silverware. And they are right, Chester Laybutt is the person they write about:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/pavesplata.png)

Cobbler Arjen Rutte and time trialist Robert Brubaker have been called up by their national coaches. The Dutch coach must have a very cunning plan indeed to call Arjen up as the race in question is a time trial...

A long list of coming races starting with Paris-Roubaix:

41 Julius Maalderink
42 Ørjan Henningsen
43 Eelco van der Laan
44 Chester Laybutt
45 Arjen Rutte

Continuing with the Combuijs Honey Ale Race, the Wallonian Arrow and To Bastogne and back again:

41 Carlo Bemelmans
42 Chester Laybutt
43 Adam Neeskens
44 Tristan Prins
45 Eddy Room

And finally the Tour de Romandie:

41 Yvo de Cleer
42 Valentin Litenko
43 Sam Parker
44 Garret Rose
45 Julius Wiegel

Yvo will be our GC man, assisted by Valentin and Sam, Garret and Julius are there to train their technique in practice.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on September 03, 2019, 12:59:39 PM
Very exciting tour for the top GC contenders above the dot line. And a lot of Dutch managers have a GC rider in this tour (for now).

1    Adam Roethlisberger   22   Rekutxuteam   0: 00"  :o
2    Nate Henderson   22   AJFactoryCycling   0: 00"  :o
3    Marzio Pantani   22   Wiggo_pupils   0: 05"  :o
4    Jarl Ulvestad   22   Flyvende_hjul   0: 28" 
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
6    Dries Smulders   22   CaptainOrange   0: 54"
9    Pallieter Saint-Germain   22   SPORTLIFE   1: 15"  8)   
10    Pol Claesen   22   Flyvende_hjul   1: 28"
13    István Kasztel   22   Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1: 32"
14    Eddy VanAmerongen   22   CrossAndGo    1: 38"   
15    Oliver King   22   Combuijs   1: 58"  :-*
17    Erki Kirsiaed   22   Zatarra   2: 06"
23    Nicolas Boilleau   22   DeRodeVod   2: 47"

What is interesting, is that Ulvestad actually would have been at 0:00 too, if I had not messed up roles in stage 3, where I managed to race Ulvestad as helper instead of captain...   ??? ::)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 03, 2019, 11:52:45 PM
In the end it did not matter so much, Ulvestad finished as 7th in the GC and that could have been 5th.
Not a mistake that cost a tour victory, for example. And remember, the competition makes mistakes too ( although your mistake is rare ;) ).

Saint-Germain finished as 118th in the final stage. And in the final GC a 14th place, 3 places behind King (Combuijs).
Hopefully another SPORTLIFE cyclist can score somewhere a top 10 GC in this season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on September 04, 2019, 01:36:56 PM
Actually I dont know what im doing this season. Im making more mistakes than usually. Like last stage, I forgot to remove the last two energy points for Ulvestad, meaning he spent to many...
I will think I lost about 30 seconds on it.

So combined 28 + 30 seconds = 58 seconds. My mistakes this tour costed him a 3rd and maybe 2nd place in GC. Points lost = 125 or 200.

I need to get my shit together, haha! My mistakes have probably costed me around 400-500 points this season already, and that can make the difference in the end...

Too bad you lost your top10, but I know you have an upcoming chance later this season! :).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 05, 2019, 12:00:42 PM
In the last Itzulia stage around Getxo we broke a new team record by getting four riders in the top 30 of a World Tour race: Carlo Bemelmans 16th, Eddy Room 20th, Tristan Prins 22nd and Oliver King 25th. Oliver got awarded the Lightbulb Trophy for his efforts. As a result he finished 11th in the GC, 8 seconds out of the top 10, more than two minutes behind winner Marzio Pantani (who is apparently a pupil of Wiggo), but more importantly three places above Sportlife's Pallieter Saint-Germain. I know this has been mentioned before, but I repeat it in case someone overlooked the original text...

In Paris-Roubaix Julius Maalderink showed off his improving technique skills and finished 20th, which was some distance from first place Bram Travin (Ikibasque) and second place Konrad Magnussen (Zatarra).

Some nice results in the hill classics. Carlo Bemelmans picks up 12th place in the Combuijs Honey Ale race and 19th place in the Fleche Wallonne with in general a good team effort.

(http://walloniebelgietoerisme.be/sites/default/files/styles/ifttt/public/243735_Huy-VueDuFort_%28c%29WBT-DavidSamyn.jpg?itok=NUsFEA_o&hash=9de6a35d5e5b4229e39755b776a508c5c325d93498acaad6439f280aca598fb7)

Division standings after the Wallonian Arrow:

1º      Wiggo_pupils   5188   2   1   3   
2º      CobbleCrushers   5046   4   1   2   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   4731   1   2   2   
4º      CyKings   4497   2   0   2   
5º      Combuijs   4185   0   3   1   
6º      °Peachy°Melocotons   3981   3   2   2   

19º      Matterhorn   2135   0   2   1   
20º      Zatarra   1988   0   1   1   
21º      Antequera   1985   1   0   0   

34º      TeamRHB   1136   1   0   0   
35º      SPORTLIFE   1102   0   1   2   
36º      Facha_Bartolo   1091   1   0   1   

So, Flying Wheels complaining about lost points, but still 3rd in the rankings. If he does not want the points, he can give them to us...

In order to improve our sprint train we have bought Dénes Nemcsik from World Tour team Intellinet Cycling FF. Dénes is our second most expensive buy and we hope he will bring almost as much points as our most expensive one Oliver King. We will work on a nice program for him in the remaining races.

As a result we have put Midas van Veldhuizen on the transfer list because his wagon has derailed now from that same sprint train.

La Wallonie published an article in which it stated that the Combuijs Honey Ale is worth 30 stars. From a Wallonian paper this is a compliment indeed, though it is unclear wether they meant the ale or the team.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/30est.png)

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 05, 2019, 02:03:11 PM
34º      TeamRHB   1136   1   0   0   
35º      SPORTLIFE   1102   0   1   2   
36º      Facha_Bartolo   1091   1   0   1   

No hills-classics for SPORTLIFE, looking at the 1A ranking this seems a more suited activity for my team  :) :

(https://i.imgur.com/evCIyCo.jpg?1)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 06, 2019, 10:56:41 AM
In Liège-Bastogne-Liège Carlo Bemelmans picked up his expected points with a 17th place.

In the first stage of the Tour of Romandie to Leysin Yvo de Cleer started well with a 13th place. He had a nice chat with Zatarra's Ivari Mitt and Sportlife's Albert Nieuwendijk who finished in the same group. Only Flying Wheel Oscar Luis Sepulveda spoiled the party by finishing in a group before them.

(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/6/28/57896/1/leysin-ete_2000.JPEG)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour of Romandie:

1º      Wiggo_pupils   5782   3   2   3   
2º      CobbleCrushers   5321   4   1   2   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   4984   1   2   2   
4º      °Peachy°Melocotons   4724   4   2   3   
5º      CyKings   4697   2   0   2   
6º      Combuijs   4332   0   3   1   
7º      SentinelChickens   3377   1   1   1   

20º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   2222   0   1   0   
21º      Zatarra   2041   0   1   1   
22º      IKIBASQUE   2023   2   1   1   

35º      CaptainOrange   1197   0   0   0   
36º      SPORTLIFE   1172   0   1   2   
37º      Facha_Bartolo   1151   1   0   1   

Sportlife is apparently still enjoying the red light district...

Tribune de Genève praised our way of setting up a training camp. You can see that our riders are really motivated after a fortnight of sun, sea and ...eh... cycling.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/concentra2.png)

They also noted that Thomas Freitag is now not only an iconic sprinter but also an iconic hill rider and Oliver King is now not only an iconic mountain rider, but also an iconic time trialist. He can use that in the coming Tour de France...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/colinasbronce.png) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 06, 2019, 12:49:07 PM
(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/logos/c61102f7ec06a98faff60612b2c41637.png)
Ups, I made a teamcaptain mistake. I forgot that I had a sponsordeal for top10 of stage 1.
And Tafi could have scored that sponsordeal. Now he finished as 17th in a free role. (and Nieuwendijk was 16th as teamcaptain)

Nieuwendijk can ride a GC in Romandie, but I also forgot that in every stage (except the TT) there is a better SPORTLIFE-rider.
In this situation it is smarter to ride for stage results instead of a GC result, especially in stage 1 with that sponsordeal.
One huge advantage of this mistake : now Nieuwendijk had a nice chat with de Cleer and Mitt in the final climb.  :))

His helper Saint-Germain had an off-day, because despite he accelerated in s4 with 2 EP, he was suddenly in the wrong 2nd group in s4.
Free role rider Miorlin trusted his active weather icon too much, with no energy and no worries at all he was enjoying the scenery in s4.
Again a mistake because also he could not follow the front group in s4 and finished because of that outside the points (33rd).

Actually I dont know what im doing this season. Im making more mistakes than usually.
+1, the same in team SPORTLIFE  :))
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 07, 2019, 03:20:59 PM
In the second stage of the Tour de Romandie to Aigle Yvo de Cleer took 18th place.

After the time trial Yvo de Cleer is now on place 20 in the GC, behind leader Dario Fernandez (skunk), Zatarra's Ivari Mitt and Sportlife's Albert Nieuwendijk and Nicola Miorlin. We expect him to win some places in the last two stages, certainly when Sportlife keeps making mistakes...

(https://www.myswitzerland.com/-/media/st/gadmin/images/destinations/summer/various/dscf4659_229512.jpg)

To his surprise Julius Maalderink was called up for the national team. To his even greater surprise he has to ride on a time trial bike, just like his teammate Arjen Rutte. They both wonder if that has something to do with their current technique training. National coach Spammie has assured them that if they take this time trial seriously, they will get selected for the international race on the Strade Bianchi. Now, that is what we call a coach with a vision!

Le Courier mentioned that Oliver King is a rider capable of winning silverware.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanaplata.jpg)

These riders will try to secure a place in the quarter final of the Cup for the third consecutive time:

1 Tristan Prins
2 Oliver King
3 Valentin Litenko
4 Sam Parker
5 Eddy Room
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 07, 2019, 04:23:45 PM
After the time trial Yvo de Cleer is now on place 20 in the GC, behind leader Dario Fernandez (skunk), Zatarra's Ivari Mitt and Sportlife's Albert Nieuwendijk and Nicola Miorlin. We expect him to win some places in the last two stages, certainly when Sportlife keeps making mistakes...
It could be, because Nieuwendijk and Miorlin are not the team captains in the last two stages.
It would be a mistake to go for the GC, because I can get more points out of the stages.
And every point is needed to get out of the red zone.^^

1 Tristan Prins
Good luck in the CFF Cup, Combuijs.
SPORTLIFE is also still in the CFF Cup.
And also an interesting race tomorrow : Zatarra(1a) vs Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling(1a)
That last team eliminated my team in the CFF Cup the past 2 seasons.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 07, 2019, 07:38:37 PM
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/tools.png) stage 4 Tour de Romandie :
The race went very well, but a mechanical breakdown in the final section causes missing out a sponsor deal of top 8.
Now the unfortunate Engelberts finished as 9th, one place short.

Nieuwendijk and Miorlin cannot sprint, in a free role they finished on 3:17"
To my surprise Nieuwendijk is still participating for the GC points with his current 14th place. ( 9 seconds before de Cleer^^ )
Now it is uncertain who will be the teamcaptain in stage 5.
I have to think about that, but first things first, I have to talk with Don Clickett (the mechanic) about his future in my team. :))
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on September 07, 2019, 07:43:08 PM
In the first stage of the Tour of Romandie to Leysin Yvo de Cleer started well with a 13th place. He had a nice chat with Zatarra's Ivari Mitt and Sportlife's Albert Nieuwendijk who finished in the same group. Only Flying Wheel Oscar Luis Sepulveda spoiled the party by finishing in a group before them.

Yeah, sorry about that, Sepulveda has been in a rush this tour, in stage 2 he even felt the need to finish in front of everyone  ::)

Lets see if he is more social in the last stage, but I cant make promises  ;D
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 08, 2019, 11:36:32 AM
Not satisfied at all about stage 5 Romandie, in fact not satisfied about this whole little tour.
Except for Miorlin who did great in stage 2 and he surprised me in stage 5 with scoring a few points in a free role.
But in general, less points as expected in Romandie and still in the red zone :
(https://i.imgur.com/kvrVLFG.png?1)
33º      DeRodeVod   1459   0   2   1   
34º      SPORTLIFE   1425   0   1   3   
35º      TeamRHB   1391   1   0   0   

For comparison the solid 6th place of Combuijs in his better named zone  :) :
(https://i.imgur.com/xbG5y5B.jpg?1)
1º      Wiggo_pupils   6088   3   2   3   
      Flyvende_hjul   5943   2   2   3   
3º      CyKings   5512   2   0   3   
4º      CobbleCrushers   5321   4   1   2   
5º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5193   4   2   3   
      Combuijs   4412   0   3   1   
7º      SentinelChickens   3469   1   1   1
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 08, 2019, 07:48:55 PM
The sprint stage around Montreux in the Tour of Romandie was won by, of course, Wilfred Bentinck.

In the GC Yvo de Cleer finishes 16th, before all Sportlife riders, but behind Zatarra's Ivari Mitt (12th), Flying Wheels Robrecht Kemperman (7th) and Oscar Luis Sepulveda (3rd) and of course far behind Cyking Mike Bauer (1st).

(https://www.torgon.ch/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LOGO_tdr_2017.png.png)

Rundum der Henniger Turm will feature:

51 Valentin Litenko
52 Thomas Freitag
53 Dénes Nemcsik
54 Eddy Room
55 Garret Rose

In the Giro you will see after long deliberations:

51 Sam Parker
52 Thomas Freitag
53 Chester Laybutt
54 Dénes Nemcsik
55 Arjen Rutte

We will go for stage points, especially the second stage has our interest, but if feasible Arjen might have a try in the GC.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 08, 2019, 10:26:39 PM
I expect the record of most spectators in a CFF Cup race will be broken next week :), because :
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cffcup4.gif)  SPORTLIFE(1a) vs Combuijs(1a)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 09, 2019, 12:26:44 PM
In the CFF Cup we outplayed Chess Power in the opening and things went wrong from there for them, so for the third consecutive time we have qualified for the quarter finals. And for the third consecutive time we might go out as we have been paired with Sportlife in a hill sprint race from the Tour Down Under. In that race one of his riders finished 6th this season, so we are definitely not favourite.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/etapas/lyndoch.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Giro:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   6343   2   3   3   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   6121   3   2   3   
3º      CyKings   5927   2   0   4   
4º      CobbleCrushers   5321   4   1   2   
5º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5258   4   2   3   
6º      Combuijs   4412   0   3   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   3654   3   2   0   

22º      IKIBASQUE   2216   2   1   1   
23º      Zatarra   2180   0   1   1   
24º      SaulSalinasTeam   2156   1   0   1   

35º      Oska   1520   0   0   1   
36º      SPORTLIFE   1470   0   1   3   
37º      TeamRHB   1391   1   0   0   

Flying Wheels are on top now!

Arjen Rutte, Julius Maalderink and Adam Neeskens have been called up by the very knowledgeable Dutch national coach. I think the services required from them are a lot more serious than last time...

La Gazetta della Sport mentioned that some of our young cyclists are already very experienced indeed. It seems Julius Maalderink and Yvo de Cleer already have the experience of someone who has raced 40% of his total career.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d332.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 10, 2019, 10:58:08 AM
The second stage of the Giro to Montalcino had our full attention as we had a sponsor deal for place 6. We aimed for Arjen Rutte with help from Chester Laybutt. The aim was right, but the help failed. So Arjen had only some assistance from Dénes Namcsik in the first two sections and was on his own after that. In all likelihood this cost him the deal because now he finished on place 8 in the same time as number 5 and 10 seconds behind winner Yannick Pierre (Cobble Crushers). So no second sponsor deal from Columbian air travel company Avianca...

(https://cdn4.tuscanynowandmore.com/storage/app/media/discover-italy/montalcino-main.jpg)

Il Giorno noticed Midas van Veldhuizen is, apart from being an iconic sprinter, an iconic hill rider now as well. And he is for sale...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on September 10, 2019, 04:23:27 PM
In the CFF Cup we outplayed Chess Power in the opening and things went wrong from there for them, so for the third consecutive time we have qualified for the quarter finals. And for the third consecutive time we might go out as we have been paired with Sportlife in a hill sprint race from the Tour Down Under. In that race one of his riders finished 6th this season, so we are definitely not favourite.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/etapas/lyndoch.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Giro:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   6343   2   3   3   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   6121   3   2   3   
3º      CyKings   5927   2   0   4   
4º      CobbleCrushers   5321   4   1   2   
5º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5258   4   2   3   
6º      Combuijs   4412   0   3   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   3654   3   2   0   

22º      IKIBASQUE   2216   2   1   1   
23º      Zatarra   2180   0   1   1   
24º      SaulSalinasTeam   2156   1   0   1   

35º      Oska   1520   0   0   1   
36º      SPORTLIFE   1470   0   1   3   
37º      TeamRHB   1391   1   0   0   

Flying Wheels are on top now!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d332.png)

We plan to stay there for the rest of the season!  8)
Hopefully Sportlife will join the rest and take the trip out of the Red Light District, however I think it will be hard, as ive heard he likes to stay there...  ::)

Congrats with the quarter finals! Will be a very interesting quarter final between you and Sportlife!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 13, 2019, 11:10:49 AM
In the third stage in the Giro Dénes Nemcsik scored his first points for the Combuijs Honey Ale team, with an unexpected 8th place in Reggio di Calabria. There was even a mountain involved in this stage but that did not deter Dénes this time.

The cobble race to Namur was a surprise Giro move to Belgium and Arjen Rutte likes it over there, this time he picked up 9th place, unfortunately three places behind Zatarra's Rolv Sele.

The seventh stage, a mountain time trial, was won by Sportlife's Leroy Benett, while Sam Parker got his best result ever with place 8.

In the 8th stage to San Vendemiano Arjen was back on his favourite underground and finished 16th, 11 seconds behind winner Bram Travin (IkiBasque) and Zatarra's Amund Svendsen.

His fanclub was happy, but perhaps had expected him to be leader in the Giro by now:
(https://notizieplus.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/unnamed-2-600x330.jpg)

With one stage to go Arjen Rutte is now 9th in the GC, but differences are small and the last stage is difficult for him. We will see what will happen. Leader at the moment is Tyler Carpenter of AJFactoryCycling, both back from a relative bad season until now.

Il Manifesto thinks that after his suprise points Dénes Nemcsik is a medium talent.

The Dauphiné will be visited by:

51 Oliver King
52 Julius Maalderink
53 Dénes Nemcsik
54 Tristan Prins
55 Arjen Rutte

Oliver and Tristan have a very special interest in the second stage, Dénes will go for stage 4, Julius and Arjen for stage 5 and perhaps Oliver can have a go at the GC, but that will be lower on the priority list.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 16, 2019, 11:50:56 AM
The last stage of the Giro was indeed too difficult for Arjen Rutte and in the end he finished 21st in the GC.

The second stage of the Dauphiné was the most important one for us and we were very glad Oliver King delivered with a second place in Vaujany. We can now order pizza's whenever we want, at least whenever we are in Spain.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/telepizza.jpg)

In the last stage of the Dauphiné around Grenoble we probably made the wrong choice to go for a stage result. Julius Maalderink finished 22nd and Arjen Rutte 30th, but Oliver King lost his top 20 position in the GC to finish 21st, more than 3 minutes behind winner Adam Roethlisberger. So, we have scored two consecutive 21st places in a GC...

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/photos/grenoble-17732_w300.jpg)

Division standings after the Dauphiné:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   8417   2   3   4   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   8179   5   3   3   
3º      CyKings   6934   2   0   7   
4º      °Peachy°Melocotons   6793   4   2   3   
5º      CobbleCrushers   6561   6   2   3   
6º      Combuijs   5005   0   4   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   4683   4   2   0   

19º      Cabrasverdes   3136   0   0   1   
20º      Zatarra   3054   0   3   1   
21º      CaptainOrange   2996   0   1   0   

25º      IKIBASQUE   2706   3   1   1   
26º      SPORTLIFE   2539   1   1   3   
27º      Caracoles   2497   2   0   2   

Sportlife is out of the red zone, which might take some time to get used to...

The international race was a cobble hill stage from the Binck Bank Tour, so we had 6 riders from our team involved: Arjen Rutte, Julius Maalderink, Julius Wiegel, Adam Neeskens, Chester Laybutt and Garret Rose. Chester was awarded leadership for Great Britain and finished 7th, Julius Maalderink finished 21nd in a supporting role for Noah Nelisse who finished 3rd. Belgian Yannick Pierre won the race.

These riders tried to secure a place in the semi final of the Cup for the first time:

11 Dénes Nemcsik
12 Thomas Freitag
13 Julius Maalderink
14 Arjen Rutte
15 Midas van Veldhuizen

As we considered Sportlife favourite we attacked at the only hill at the start of the race, but they managed to come back. In the final sprint Dénes Nemcsik and Thomas Freitag could not beat a very strong Rafal Engelberts. We wish Sportlife lots of success against Rekutxuteam in a mountain time trial.

We have sold Midas van Veldhuizen to World Tour Team Cykings. Let's hope for Midas he can score points for them, because he could not do that for us. He is now for sale again, but he will cost you five times as much, so if you buy him you missed out on a bargain a few days ago. In our team WhatApp-group Midas told us he did not like to be sales fodder...

In the Tour of Switzerland these riders will have some mountains to climb:

51 Oliver King
52 Yvo de Cleer
53 Eelco van der Laan
54 Sam Parker
55 Tristan Prins

Oliver will go for the GC, Eelco will have a free role in the cobble stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 17, 2019, 11:07:26 AM
The Tour of Switzerland has started and in the second stage to Tiefenbachferner we had a small success with Oliver King, who finished 12th. He is now 13th in the GC, more than one minute behind leader Ton Jansma (Cross and Go). Oliver will however hobble cobble downwards tonight. Let's hope he can climb back in the last two stages.

This is Tiefenbachferner's most famous inhabitant:
(https://historiek.net/wp-content/uploads-phistor1/2015/01/%C3%96tzi-de-ijsmummie.jpg)

In the Tour de France these riders will be part of the big media circus:

51 Oliver King
52 Robert Brubaker
53 Ørjan Henningsen
54 Adam Neeskens
55 Sam Parker

Oliver King is our GC man, Sam his assistant, Robert will do the many time trials and Adam and Ørjan are there for the cobble hill race.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 17, 2019, 01:43:14 PM
As we considered Sportlife favourite we attacked at the only hill at the start of the race, but they managed to come back. In the final sprint Dénes Nemcsik and Thomas Freitag could not beat a very strong Rafal Engelberts. We wish Sportlife lots of success against Rekutxuteam in a mountain time trial.

Thanks Combuijs. As you noticed my tactics were to save energy in s1 and return in s2, and therefore a very strong finish.
Maybe a bit of a gamble, but my teamcaptain his GV for this race was very good despite the hill in s1. Most likely a much better GV as your sprinters. But respect for your tactical attempt to win of such a better sprinter as Engelberts.

And very happy with the mountain TT in the upcoming semi final.
With specialist Benett in my team, already it seems sure that SPORTLIFE will be in the CFF Cup final.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on September 17, 2019, 01:47:07 PM
And good luck in the Tour de Suisse, Combuijs, hopefully this time not a 21st place in the GC. Two times in a row was already too much. ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 20, 2019, 12:18:24 PM
In the final stages of the Tour of Switzerland Oliver King gets 18th place on Grimselpass and 19th place in Ambri to finish 19th in the GC. Points are points, and it's certainly better than becoming 21st, but it was a bit disappointing in the end. Winner was AJFactoryCycling's (there he is again!) Konstantin Hahn, just before Flying Wheel Leo Bjørndal.

It is a time trial Tour de France and Robert Brubaker is enjoying himself immensely. In the uphill one in stage 1 he gets 29th place, in the flat one in stage 3 he gets 24th place. In between Adam Neeskens gets 28th place in a free role in the hilly stage 2 to Lyon.

In the GC Oliver King is not enjoying himself, he is now number 32, almost three minutes behind leader Heinz-Dieter Maurer (Facha Bortolo).

Division standings after the third stage in the Tour de France:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   9211   2   4   4   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   8658   5   4   3   
3º      CyKings   7755   3   0   7   
4º      °Peachy°Melocotons   7238   4   2   3   
5º      CobbleCrushers   7119   7   3   3   
6º      Combuijs   5193   0   4   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   5122   4   2   0   

18º      galegospolabici   3514   0   1   0   
19º      Zatarra   3354   0   3   1   
20º      Cabrasverdes   3324   0   0   1   
21º      CaptainOrange   3279   0   1   0   
22º      CC_Porco_Jones   3271   3   4   0   
23º      SPORTLIFE   3244   2   1   3   
24º      SaulSalinasTeam   3150   2   1   2   

Flying Wheels pretty solid in the lead, just like season 2. We can only look behind us now as Rekutxuteam is rapidly approaching and Cobble Crushers are far, far away.

We've changed our training regime again, this time we are concentrating on dull flat training. In order to inspire our riders our mechanic Tigran Filin has made some interesting improvements on our bikes:
(https://draftmag.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/6_pack_frame_cinch__polo_mallet_holder_.jpeg)
Just a little Combuijs Honey Ale paint on strategic places and motivatation is there...

L'Équipe thinks Adam Neeskens is fit for silverware now when he is riding on the cobbles:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinplata.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 21, 2019, 03:52:11 PM
We had quite a succesfull hill flat mountain time trial to the Col de L'Iseran. Oliver King finishes 10th and Sam Parker 23rd.

In the Briançon - Dignes-les-Bains stage we went full for Adam Neeskens and he did not disappoint with 4th place, just behind the very well known trio Fossum, Seaman and Ford.  As mentioned yesterday, he is really ready for silverware. His helper Ørjan Henningsen finished 20th. It cost Oliver King some places in the GC, he is now 22nd, almost on 3 minutes from leader Dino Moresi (Team RHB).

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/6/61/Digne-les-Bains_05.JPG)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 22, 2019, 03:43:28 PM
No results in the Tour de France but Oliver King is 20th now in the GC, more than 5 minutes after leader Mike B... eh ... no Mikhel Väli (Atlantico).

Le Figaro brought the news that 15 riders of the Combuijs Honey Ale team have scored points on the World Tour level this season. That's what you get with staticians who have nothing better to do...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/15dif.png)

Robert Brubaker has been called up for the American team for a time trial, and so were Arjen Rutte and Julius Maalderink for the Dutch team. The national coach probably thinks this fits in with their flat training regime.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/camiusa.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/camiholanda.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 23, 2019, 03:18:04 PM
In the Tour de France we did nothing noteworthy, Oliver King is now 20th in the GC, 7 minutes behind leader Mike Bauer. We expect him to keep his place tonight.

The next international race is the Strade Bianchi and we expect some Combuijs Honey Ale riders to be called up. For the moment the counter is on 3: Arjen Rutte and Julius Maalderink for the Netherlands and Ørjan Henningsen for Norway. We expect some more riders though, like Chester Laybutt and Garret Rose for England.

The Clasica San Sebastian will be fought out by:

61 Tristan Prins
62 Oliver King
63 Valentin Litenko
64 Sam Parker
65 Eddy Room

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZd0wurlg9sXjKeSC_K1QiB1M76mFlN9Wxup11_i8jQS4ri8HFXQ)

In the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour all riders will be present, but these riders will be on the road:

61 Julius Maalderink
62 Carlo Bemelmans
63 Robert Brubaker
64 Eddy Room
65 ARjen Rutte

Julius will be our GC man, Robert will go for the time trial and Eddy for the flat hill race.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 24, 2019, 11:31:00 AM
In the final climb of the Tour de France to La Pierre Saint Martin Oliver King lost over a minute on winner Ton Jansma (Cross and Go). That itself was not bad, but him finishing 21st in the GC, 7 seconds behind Wiggo Pupil Honoré Bontecou, was. It's the third time this season that Oliver finishes 21st in a GC and we have told him to terminate the subscription on that place. The GC was won by Cyking Mike Bauer, so no surprise there... Honourful mention for Sportlife's Albert Nieuwendijk who finishes just outside the top 10.

In the Clasica San Sebastian Tristan Prins finishes 11th after terrific help from Oliver King.

Tristan's girlfriend looked from far:
(https://intrepid-guewuklbkgvxhkhdo.stackpathdns.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Top-things-to-do-in-San-Sebastian-Spain-Balcony-at-Monte-Igueldo-1170x775.jpg)

Division standings after the Clasica:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   10899   4   4   4   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   10127   5   4   3   
3º      CyKings   9686   3   1   7   

9º      AJFactoryCycling   5653   1   3   4   
10º      Combuijs   5644   0   4   1   
11º      CrossAndGo    5358   4   3   0   

15º      skunk   4465   0   2   1   
16º      SPORTLIFE   4283   2   2   3   
17º      ProdopingPong   4226   2   2   2   

24º      SaulSalinasTeam   3658   3   1   2   
25º      Zatarra   3624   0   3   1   
26º      Caracoles   3609   3   0   3   

We have dropped some places now and we are not the best Dutch team anymore. We most likely won't recover, but hopefully the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour will see us back a bit higher.

Relations with our sponsor Combuijs Honey Ale are usually very good, but we have had our first disagreement now. In order to stimulate sales in France we have been put up with a French climbing talent which we did not want. True, our sponsor did pay for him, we did not, but we really can't say Damien Lambert is a useful addition to the team. As a plus we can say he is an iconic climber...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)

There is some interest for Chester Laybutt from other teams, but we have let them know that he is not for sale for the moment.

In the Vuelta we will be represented by:

91 Yvo de Cleer
92 Julius Maalderink
93 Dénes Nemcsik
94 Sam Parker
95 Arjen Rutte

Yvo will be our GC man, supported by Sam, Dénes and Julius will go for stage success.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 27, 2019, 11:53:14 AM
In the second stage of the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour, Julius Maalderink did very well with a 5th place in both Sittard and Geleen.

In the time trial around Sittard and Geleen Robert Brubaker finished 13th, one of his better results.

In the fourth stage to Lanaken we saw Eddy Room up to 6th place, a tremendous performance, supported by Carlo Bemelmans.

In the final stage to Rotterdam we focused on Julius Maalderink and with the help of Arjen Rutte he finished 11th. That was quite good, but not good enough to satisfy potential sponsor Baltika, who had expected a 9th place. We hope for a better result next season. The result was however good enough for a 14th place in the GC, so we still have reason to celebrate.

(https://images1.persgroep.net/rcs/3cWU_zN0K6YafjE_bO9edYup--o/diocontent/134382442/_fitwidth/694/?appId=21791a8992982cd8da851550a453bd7f&quality=0.9)

Division standings after the first stage of the Vuelta:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   11385   4   4   4   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   10477   6   4   3   
3º      CyKings   10077   3   1   7   

8º      AJFactoryCycling   6020   1   3   4   
9º      Combuijs   5972   0   4   1   
10º      Atlantico   5947   1   1   2   

15º      ProdopingPong   4584   2   2   2   
16º      SPORTLIFE   4573   2   2   3   
17º      skunk   4465   0   2   1   

22º      galegospolabici   4069   0   1   1   
23º      Zatarra   3968   0   4   1   
24º      Matterhorn   3926   1   2   2   

Yvo de Cleer is considered a mountain rider capable of winning silverware, Koen Helder an iconic time trialer, Garret Rose an iconic hill rider.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanaplata.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)

We have decided to make Eddy Room available for other interested teams. He is an accomplished hill rider, almost being able of winning silverware, but we don't need him anymore for the hill races.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 28, 2019, 05:07:10 PM
In the second stage of the Vuelta to Argamasilla de Alba Julius Maalderink cobbled to a 12th place, fiercely supported by Arjen Rutte.

The third stage to Alto de Velefique brought Yvo de Cleer a 10th place, the stage itself was won by AJFactoryCycling's Ed van Vliet with NIcola Miorlin (Sportlife) as second. It improved his GC place from somewhere over 100 to 16, more than 2 minutes behind leader Robrecht Kemperman (Flying Wheels).

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/alto-de-velefique-sierra-los-filabres-almeria-andalusia-spain-high-mountain-pass-elevation-m-ft-above-sea-149508543.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 30, 2019, 04:12:14 PM
The fourth stage in the Vuelta to Baiona saw Yvo de Cleer finishing 19th in the same time as winner Andrus Heinsoo (Vitimper).

Julius Maalderink obtained 10th place in the 5th stage to Lloret de Mar. That was a very good ride, but if he had finished one place higher he would have been rewarded with a sponsor deal. Winner of this stage was Zatarra's Martin van Groningen. We will send him a nice Magnum bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale...

Yvo de Cleer finishes 23rd on the Coll de la Gallina, which takes him to place 20, more than 6 minutes behind leader Ed van Vliet (AJFactoryCycling), the winner of the stage.

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/0e/2b/73/b7/ruta-cicloturistica-14.jpg)

We have sold Eddy Room for a substantial amount to crack team AJFactoryCycling. It will be nice for Eddy to be part of a winning team. It is the biggest outgoing transfer for our team so far.

In the Giro di Lombardia these riders go for points:

81 Tristan Prins
82 Carlo Bemelmans
83 Oliver King
84 Valentin Litenko
85 Sam Parker

These riders will do penalty training in the WC time trial in Lisboa:

81 Robert Brubaker
82 Koen Helder
83 Eelco van der Laan
84 Damien Lambert
85 Valentin Litenko

And hopefully these riders don't get a hunger knock in the WC race in Hamilton:

81 Carlo Bemelmans
82 Koen Helder
83 Oliver King
84 Adam Neeskens
85 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 01, 2019, 10:45:13 AM
The mountain time trial up the Angliru saw Sam Parker finishing 25th, which was a little surprise. Yvo de Cleer did not do bad either, but failed this morning in the hill sprint stage to Santiago de Compostela. In the GC he is now 26th and it is hard to see him finishing in the top 20. The Vuelta will be decided tonight, it's between Adam Roethlisberger (Rekutxuteam) and Robrecht Kemperman (Flying Wheels).

(https://fietsbeklimmingen.nl/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/Cuena-les-Cabres.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on October 03, 2019, 12:01:49 PM
And hopefully these riders don't get a hunger knock in the WC race in Hamilton:

81 Carlo Bemelmans
82 Koen Helder
83 Oliver King
84 Adam Neeskens
85 Tristan Prins
You have feed them well from the Combuijs-car : (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png) Bemelmans was the only rider with a light bulb in this WC road race.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 04, 2019, 11:20:16 AM
In the last stage of the Vuelta to Lleida Dénes Nemcsik was 24th in a free role. Yvo de Cleer took 25th place in the GC 10 minutes after winner Adam Roethlisberger (Rekutxuteam).

In the Giro di Lombardia Tristan Prins did traditionally very well and took 6th place.

In the World Championships we usually don't do anything worth mentioning. In the timr trial Oska's Gerald Vercammen became world champion, in the hill race the title went to Gaël Gilbert (Codex). The Hamilton Spectator though was most impressed by Carlo Bemelmans whose tactical finesse brought a glowing reference and place 18.

(https://www.vantageairportgroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/iStock_000016596188_Double1-1290x800.jpg)

Final standings for season 4:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   13492   4   5   4   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   12070   6   6   3   
3º      CyKings   11469   3   1   9   
4º      °Peachy°Melocotons   9288   4   2   4
5º      CobbleCrushers   9104   9   4   3   
6º      Rekutxuteam   8151   4   2   1   
7º      AJFactoryCycling   7657   3   3   4   
8º      Codex   7476   3   3   0   
9º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   7110   3   3   7   
10º      Atlantico   7040   1   1   3
11º      Combuijs   6745   0   4   1   
12º      CrossAndGo    6658   4   3   0   
13º      ProdopingPong   6317   2   3   2   
14º      SPORTLIFE   6109   3   3   3   
15º      SentinelChickens   5836   1   3   4   
16º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   5727   0   0   2   
17º      SaulSalinasTeam   5534   5   2   3   
18º      Oska   5467   2   2   2   
19º      Psychoedge   5424   0   1   2   
20º      IKIBASQUE   5351   5   3   1   
21º      CC_Porco_Jones   5235   3   4   0   
22º      CaptainOrange   5153   0   3   0   
23º      Caracoles   5085   3   0   5   
24º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   5075   0   1   0   
25º      Matterhorn   5045   1   2   2   
26º      Thorboassonarvesen   4976   2   4   1   
27º      Zatarra   4931   1   4   1   
28º      Facha_Bartolo   4816   3   1   1   
29º      galegospolabici   4718   0   1   1   
30º      DeRodeVod   4503   0   2   3   
31º      skunk   4465   0   2   1   
32º      Denver   4395   1   0   6   
33º      TeaMetal   4364   3   4   3   
34º      Turrones   4169   1   1   1   
35º      TeamRHB   4104   1   0   2   
36º      Cabrasverdes   3850   0   0   1   
37º      azerite   3623   1   1   0   
38º      Vitimper   3541   2   2   2   
39º      IntellinetCyclingFF   3252   5   2   1   
40º      Antequera   3107   1   0   0   
41º      Cycling101   2660   0   0   2   
42º      $Tourmalet   2619   0   0   0   
43º      Senglarsdeflandes   2163   1   2   0   
44º      Milanezen   1996   0   0   0   
45º      Frier_Accounting   1492   0   0   0   
46º      Ciclokillers   1302   0   1   0   
47º      TipiCyclingTeam   1206   0   0   0   
48º      Calde13   1117   0   0   0   
49º      Vivoteam   830   0   0   0   
50º      team_piroshki   488   0   0   0   

In the end we just fell out of the top 10 with an 11th place. It is actually the same place as last season, although we score some 100 points more now. Flying Wheels has regained the title, congratutulations to them. AJFactoryCycling was again the best Dutch team, although their season was worse than the last one. Sportlife had a terrific end of the season, as usual, and finished 14th. Zatarra managed to stay from relegation with place 27. A really close shaving for De Rode Vod who in the last kilometer managed to stay on the World Tour.

Individual standings:

1º      Mike Bauer   22   5158   CyKings   1   1   2   
2º      Adam Roethlisberger   22   4630   Rekutxuteam   4   2   0   
3º      Ketil Fossum   22   3045   Thorboassonarvesen   2   4   1   
4º      Yannick Pierre   22   2645   CobbleCrushers   5   0   2   
5º      Mihkel Väli   22   2631   Atlantico   0   0   0   
36º      Arjen Rutte   22   1301   Combuijs   0   1   0
44º      Oliver King   22   1146   Combuijs   0   1   0   
49º      Chester Laybutt   22   1108   Combuijs   0   1   1   

This season Mike Bauer managed to beat Adam Roethlisberger. We now had three riders within the first 50, albeit on lower places.

Our team points overview at the end of the season

Arjen Rutte   22   1301
Oliver King   22   1146
Chester Laybutt   22   1108
Julius Maalderink   22   943
Carlo Bemelmans   22   641
Tristan Prins   22   407
Yvo De Cleer   22   342
Garret Rose   22   170
Adam Neeskens   22   156
Sam Parker    22   150
Dénes Nemcsik   22   123
Robert Brubaker   22   112
Ørjan Henningsen   22   38
Thomas Freitag   22   8

Eddy Room scored some points too, but he is not in our team anymore.

Well, we can't wait for season 5. Let's see if we can finally get to the top 10 on the World Tour.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 07, 2019, 04:34:25 PM
The 5th season has started in Stirling and we wish all teams a satisfying season and lots of second places!

In the first cup round we had Continental Pro Tour team  ValeronIdolo as an opponent in a cobble hill race. They had 1 specialist, we had 5 and that made the difference.

1 Adam Neeskens
2 Chester Laybutt
3 Julius Maalderink
4 Garret Rose
5 Julius Wiegel   

In the next round we are up against fellow World Tour team Caracoles in a time trial. They have a better time trialist than we have, so this might be our earliest exit in the Cup...

11 Robert Brubaker
12 Koen Helder
13 Oliver King
14 Sam Parker
15 Julius Wiegel

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/David_Zabriskie2.jpg/1024px-David_Zabriskie2.jpg)

Chester Laybutt was a surprise British selection for the first national race. All we can say is that he did finish in the end...

According to Adelaide Now Julius Maalderink is an iconic sprinter. As he already was an iconic hill and cobble rider he is now the second Combuijs Honey Ale rider who is iconic in three skills, the first being Oliver King.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/sprintbronce.jpg)

They also think that Garret Rose is capable of winning silverware on the cobbles.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinplata.jpg)

These riders are upside down at the moment:

311 Carlo Bemelmans
312 Robert Brubaker
313 Thomas Freitag
314 Dénes Nemcsik
315 Adam Neeskens

These riders will start the European season in Belgium and Italy:

311 Julius Maalderink
312 Koen Helder
313 Ørjan Henningsen
314 Adam Neeskens
315 Julius Wiegel

And these riders will be looking for the sun in Paris-Nice:

311 Tristan Prins
312 Carlo Bemelmans
313 Robert Brubaker
314 Yvo de Cleer
315 Dénes Nemcsik

We will go for individual stages there.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 11, 2019, 11:41:19 AM
The fourth stage of the Tour Down Under to Hahndorf brought our first points as Dénes Nemcsik picked up a 26th place.

In the monster time trial around Adelaide the differences between riders were very small and Robert Brubaker scored his first points of the season with place 21.

In the first serious race of the season, De Omloop het Nieuwsblad, we had a overnight change of leadership when we switched to Adam Neeskens. He did do well with a 9th place, but he was disappointed to finish right behind Zatarra's Rolv Sele.

In the second serious race of the season, the Strade Bianchi, leader Julius Maalderink fought himself to place 9, while freebee Julius Wiegel finished 26th. Not the results we are used to in this race, but then we had no sponsor deal for it for the first time in three seasons.

In the first stage in Paris-Nice, a time trial to Saint-Etienne, Robert Brubaker scored a 21st place again. He knows his place in the time trial peloton now...

(http://ee.france.fr/sites/default/files/imagecache/atf_slider_contentv2/place_de_jaude_-_e-r_crdta_-_joel_damase_0.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage in Paris-Nice:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   1524   1   2   2   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1137   2   0   1   
3º      CobbleCrushers   1047   0   1   0   

15º      EuskaPiero   558   0   0   0   
16º      SPORTLIFE   552   0   0   0   
17º      CrossAndGo    487   0   0   0   

19º      PDM_cycling_team   472   0   0   0   
20º      Combuijs   466   0   0   0   
21º      Atlantico   458   0   0   0   

Flying Wheels have found their form early and also Sportlife has a better start than usual. We are still in a kind of startup mode...

The Nice Magazine proudly told the world that French rider Damien Lambert is a huge talent. That more or less compensates the way he was forced into our team...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on October 11, 2019, 04:05:01 PM
No worries, Combuijs, soon your team will do way better as mine because you have a few very good cobble-hills riders.
But as usual, watch out for the "catching up" mentality of my team in the 2nd half of the season.  ;)
Have fun and good luck this season !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 13, 2019, 03:59:42 PM
In the final stage of Paris-Nice (to Nice as it should be!) Yvo de Cleer gets 17th place, while Mike Bauer wins the GC.

(https://thesavvybackpacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/things-to-do-nice-france.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage in the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   1987   1   2   2   
2º      CyKings   1738   0   0   0   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1425   2   1   1   

15º      AJFactoryCycling   757   0   0   1   
16º      SPORTLIFE   755   0   0   0   
17º      SaulSalinasTeam   746   0   2   0   

28º      Facha_Bartolo   508   0   1   0   
29º      Combuijs   499   0   0   0   
30º      Atlantico   498   0   0   0   

These riders have to choose between the Tirreno and the Adriatico:

281 Oliver King
282 Yvo de Cleer
283 Thomas Freitag
284 Garret Rose
285 Julius Wiegel

Oliver King is our GC man and our only goal in the Tirreno (and the Adriatico)...

Tonight these riders will get some extra training in the cup:

11 Robert Brubaker
12 Koen Helder
13 Oliver King
14 Sam Parker
15 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 14, 2019, 05:24:16 PM
In the Cup Robert Brubaker did what he could but he was 6 seconds short of Caracole Atanasio Ferrero, so we have had our earliest exit in the Cup ever...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Brasserie_Caracole.jpg/266px-Brasserie_Caracole.jpg)

In the Tirreno Adriatico Oliver King did not score points, but he is now 16th in the GC on 1:24 behind Pomilles Balear Vital Jeronimo. We aim to half his position...

The Gazetta della Sport have now rated our team as 35 stars, when in fact we only have 19...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/35est.png)

They think Julius Wiegel and Julius Maalderink are capable of winning silverware when riding on cobbles:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinplata.jpg)

These riders are going to wriggle their way to San Remo:

351 Thomas Freitag
352 Carlo Bemelmans
353 Julius Maalderink
354 Adam Neeskens
355 Dénes Nemcsik

While these riders will have to find their way to Harelbeke:

351 Chester Laybutt
352 Julius Maalderink
353 Adam Neeskens
354 Garret Rose
355 Julius Wiegel

An early sun will be there in Catalunya for:

351 Valentin Litenko
352 Ørjan Henningsen
353 Julius Maalderink
354 Sam Parker
355 Arjen Rutte

Valentin will be our GC man for the first time in his career, Julius will go for the second stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 15, 2019, 10:19:03 AM
In the one but final stage in the Tirreno Adriatico to Montecassino Oliver King finished 20th.

In the last stage to Pomarance Oliver King finished 28th and that was better than most GC riders.

(https://www.terredipisa.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Pomarance_aperura.jpg)

So indeed he managed to half his position in the GC to place 8, 1:46 after, who else, Mike Bauer. And with that we have sealed a sponsor deal with Galp, so we have a happy team now. Galp, as we all know, is a Portuguese energy company, and we hope we can spend some more energy now in the races...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/galp.jpg)

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      CyKings   2554   0   0   0   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   2266   1   2   2   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1768   2   1   1   

12º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1053   3   0   0   
13º      SPORTLIFE   1014   1   0   0   
14º      CrossAndGo    1004   1   0   0   

24º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   725   0   1   0   
25º      Combuijs711   0   0   0   
26º      Astanadena   709   0   1   1   

Cykings, the Mike Bauer team, is the new leader, while we are still trying to stay ahead of the relegation line.

Having a new sponsor we have splashed out some transfer money for a new GC rider. We welcome American Will Miller, an iconic mountain rider, to the Combuijs Honey Ale team. He came over from Ares and he hopes to get a chance in one of the big Tours and of course he hopes to quench his thirst with a bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale. We only have to revise our season planning now.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 17, 2019, 10:54:28 AM
In Milan-San Remo there again was controversy about riders not able to come back after a weak start. We did hot have that problem and Thomas Freitag finished 20th, behind winner Dimitro Isupov (Los rayos del arry).

In the E3 Harelbeke Chester Laybutt took up his favourite position again, 4th. Finally some solid points. Winner was Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen). Garret Rose in a free role picked up 18th place, while master helper Adam Neeskens just fell outside the points.

In the second stage of the Volta around Olot Julius Maalderink took a dissappointing 24th place while being leader. A bad start and a bad health did not help of course. Our GC man Valentin Litenko is on a suprising 12th spot, so this gives some hope.

(http://www.catalonia-valencia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Olot-Girona-400x400.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage of the Volta Catalunya:

1º      CyKings   2709   0   0   0   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   2563   1   2   2   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2208   2   2   1   

18º      CrossAndGo    1174   1   0   0   
19º      Combuijs   1169   0   0   0   
20º      FlyEaglesFly   1137   0   0   0   

22º      CaptainOrange   1042   0   0   0   
23º      SPORTLIFE   1036   1   0   0   
24º      PDM_cycling_team   993   0   0   2   

Relatively late in the season we have passed Sportlife now, so at the moment we are not doing that well and they are.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on October 17, 2019, 12:10:53 PM
Great result and a lot of points in E3 Harelbeke, Combuijs, well done.  8)
I expect my team will be in the red zone soon. My cobblehills rider is not so good (33rd E3H) and I have no hills specialists.
But I expect enough points in the 2nd half of this season to stay in 1A.
And maybe a higher 1A final ranking this season as your team. Because 3 seasons in a row finishing above my team would be too much.  :P
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 18, 2019, 11:22:00 AM
In the GC of the Volta Catalunya Valentin Litenko is now 7th and with one stage to go a place in the top 10 should be possible, although the last stage is not his favourite one.

Diari de Tarragone thinks Dénes Nemcsik is capable of winning silverware in sprint races and that is a first for our team. They think Carlo Bemelmans is also capable of winning silverware but then on a hill parcours. Koen Helder is now also considered able to win some silverware but then on cobbles, while Arjen Rutte and Ørjan Henningsen are now iconic when riding over hills and Julius Wiegel is iconic in a time trial. And last but not least Oliver King is now an iconic hill rider, but also an iconic tour rider.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/sprintplata.png)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinplata.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasbronce.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltabronce.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/colinasplata.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)

(https://www.diaridetarragona.com/export/sites/diaridetarragona/arte/logo_blanc.png_1400039612.png)

The iconic tour rider one and the silverware for hills is a first in our team too, but no doubt the Telegraaf will notice that tomorrow...

Bookmakers have noticed we win more often some personal challenges lately, so we really don't know why Sportlife thinks they will beat us this season...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/desafio2.gif)

Experts think however Will Miller is not highly talented.

The autumn edition of Gent-Wevelgem will be dealt with by:

181 Julius Maalderink
182 Ørjan Henningsen
183 Eelco van der Laan
184 Adam Neeskens
185 Arjen Rutte

We have some special interest in Dwars door Vlaanderen, so we take the Ronde van Vlaanderen a bit less serious this time:

181 Chester Laybutt
182 Adam Neeskens
183 Garret Rose
184 Arjen Rutte
185 Julius Wiegel

Escaping the riots in Catalunya we will travel to the Basque Country:

181 Tristan Prins
182 Koen Helder
183 Oliver King
184 Eelco van der Laan
185 Damien Lambert

Tristan is our GC man supported by Oliver and Damien and Koen and Eelco are there for decorative purposes...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 19, 2019, 09:44:56 PM
In the last stage of the Volta Will Miller finished 25th in a free role, so he scored his first points for us. Leader Valentin Litenko lost two minutes, but still finished 9th in the GC, which was unexpectedly good. He lost almost 4 minutes on winner Adam Roethlisberger (Rekutxuteam). A bit sad he was two places behind Sportlife's Lorenzo Tafi, but you can't have it all, can you?

In Gent-Wevelgem Julius Maalderink finished on 6th place, which is very likely the place experts had in mind for him before the start. In a free role Arjen Rutte did become 17th. Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre did win the race.

In the most important race this week however we hopelessly failed as leader Chester Laybutt dreamed away in the first two sections of Dwars door Vlaanderen. He recovered remarkably well and finished 9th, but Statoil thought that not convincing enough to sign a sponsor deal. Suprising winner was Tamás Hutai (Faltosos De Chigre).

Having seen the town hall of Waregem I can see why Chester was not motivated in this race...
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ad/Stadhuis_van_Waregem_-_Belgi%C3%AB.jpg)

Division standings after Dwars door Vlaanderen:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   3837   1   3   2   
2º      CyKings   3389   0   0   0   
3º      CobbleCrushers   3101   1   2   0   

11º      Thorboassonarvesen   1880   2   0   0   
12º      Combuijs   1841   0   0   0   
13º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1837   6   0   0   

17º      Pomilles_Balears   1567   0   0   2   
18º      SPORTLIFE   1524   1   0   0   
19º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   1522   1   1   0   

For a (very?) short while we are the best Dutch team now...

De Telegraaf acted as expected and noticed that we have an iconic tour rider, a silverware hill rider and a silverware sprint rider. No surprises there, but they also stated that Robert Brubaker is a time trialist capable of getting silverware and that we have a rider with medium experience. They did not tell who, but you can trust me if I say that is thanks to Julius Maalderink.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/exp2.png)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronoplata.jpg)
 
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 20, 2019, 04:00:36 PM
After a failure in the for us much more important Dwars door Vlaanderen it is only natural that in the less important Ronde van Vlaanderen everything went smooth with leader Chester Laybutt on place 5 and free roler Garret Rose on place 29. The race was won by Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre.

Even the Gazet van Antwerpen has noticed we have a time trialer able of winning silverware.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cronoplata.png)

And silverware flies around in the team: Arjen Rutte on cobble means we have now 13 riders able of winning silverware. If only they actually did win it and not use it while eating...

(https://minimalistbaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/silverware.jpg)

Let's see what Tristan Prins can do in the Itzulia...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 26, 2019, 03:04:19 PM
This story will be temporarily iinterrupted because I suffered from retinal detachment (dutch: netvlies loslating) and had to have an emergency operation. Now I am awaiting impatiently if and how my vision will be restored. Hope to see you soon (literally...)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: michinoo on October 26, 2019, 03:56:58 PM
Oh Combuijs, I'm so sorry! I hope you recover completely and as soon as possible.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Ciclokiller on October 26, 2019, 04:23:55 PM
My best wishes for you. I hope to see you writing here again ASAP. Receive a big hug, mate.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on October 27, 2019, 01:27:14 AM
Hopefully they got to it quickly, time is the major factor as to whether near complete restoration of sight will occur.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on October 27, 2019, 08:55:06 AM
My best wishes for you. I hope to see you writing here again ASAP. Receive a big hug, mate.
Oh Combuijs, I'm so sorry! I hope you recover completely and as soon as possible.
for sure +1 and +1
Heel veel sterkte en spoedig volledig herstel gewenst !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Rico on October 27, 2019, 11:17:18 AM
Succes ermee, Combuijs!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Hakkie2 on October 27, 2019, 12:43:48 PM
This story will be temporarily iinterrupted because I suffered from retinal detachment (dutch: netvlies loslating) and had to have an emergency operation. Now I am awaiting impatiently if and how my vision will be restored. Hope to see you soon (literally...)


Heel veel sterkte en hopelijk komt alles goed!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: GinneR on October 27, 2019, 12:55:35 PM
Sterkte Combuijs! Ik wens je een voorspoedig herstel toe.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on October 27, 2019, 01:54:41 PM
Damn, Combuijs! Heel veel sterkte met het herstel. We duimen voor je!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Atalm93 on October 27, 2019, 02:12:02 PM
I'm so sorry to hear that, Combuijs!
Like the rest, I wish you well, and hope for the best!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Spammie on October 27, 2019, 02:35:13 PM
Good luck with the recovery. Hope your vision will recover completely!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: B.E-L on October 28, 2019, 07:32:48 AM
Heel veel sterkte Combuijs. Hopelijk zien we je snel weer op het forum verschijnen!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: kirin on November 07, 2019, 06:32:39 PM
So sorry to hear that and hope u have a nice recovery!!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on November 08, 2019, 07:47:16 AM
Ahw, that's some horrible news. Seems painful to me also. Anyway, I wish you all of the best during the recovery and hopefully your sight will recover as much as you want to!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 08, 2019, 12:43:15 PM
I got very good news a few days ago: my vision will be restored, it might be a bit worse in the right eye, but that won't hamper too much. That right eye is now healthy again, but not stable yet. So I am struggling a bit with looking closeby, looking on a computer and looking far away and I am also having headaches and an irritated eye in the morning. But within a few months this should recover completely.

I can tell you that living with one eye is very, very difficult and it took a long time to adjust a bit. Especially as you can't really practice with one eye only as it is hard to unlearn when vision is restored. I have gotten serious respect for people who have the live with one eye.

The restored vision also means I can continue with my real life sport table tennis. I otherwise would have to give that up as well as this is a sport that really can't be done with one eye.

In a way I feel reborn again so I had a little party a few days ago, enjoying an "Enfant terrible" beer from the "Dochter of the Korenaar". The child was not terrible at all, however the headache the day after was.
https://untappd.com/b/brouwerij-de-dochter-van-de-korenaar-l-enfant-terrible/9801 (https://untappd.com/b/brouwerij-de-dochter-van-de-korenaar-l-enfant-terrible/9801).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on November 08, 2019, 06:09:06 PM
I got very good news a few days ago: my vision will be restored, it might be a bit worse in the right eye, but that won't hamper too much. That right eye is now healthy again, but not stable yet. So I am struggling a bit with looking closeby, looking on a computer and looking far away and I am also having headaches and an irritated eye in the morning. But within a few months this should recover completely.

I can tell you that living with one eye is very, very difficult and it took a long time to adjust a bit. Especially as you can't really practice with one eye only as it is hard to unlearn when vision is restored. I have gotten serious respect for people who have the live with one eye.

The restored vision also means I can continue with my real life sport table tennis. I otherwise would have to give that up as well as this is a sport that really can't be done with one eye.

In a way I feel reborn again so I had a little party a few days ago, enjoying an "Enfant terrible" beer from the "Dochter of the Korenaar". The child was not terrible at all, however the headache the day after was.
https://untappd.com/b/brouwerij-de-dochter-van-de-korenaar-l-enfant-terrible/9801 (https://untappd.com/b/brouwerij-de-dochter-van-de-korenaar-l-enfant-terrible/9801).

Very good news and great to read, mate, keep strong the next few months.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on November 21, 2019, 12:36:21 PM
(https://i.imgur.com/J3VjC7U.png?1)

Perfect season calculation, Combuijs, 1 point difference !  :))  8)
Good luck in 1A next season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 21, 2019, 05:04:17 PM
First of all, thank you for all your reactions and good wishes, they really did encourage me to keep faith in my eyes!

Well, this was not the season I had envisioned beforehand...

Some milestones we gained:
It seems we had a famous rider, but hey, aren't they all famous by now?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/famoso1.png)

Chester Laybutt, Adam Neeskens and Tristan Prins are worth their weight in gold:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/pavesoro.png)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/monteoro.png)

Oliver King wears a silver shirt:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/vueltasplata.png)

We have been awarded 40 stars:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/40est.png)

We have recently switched to downhill training, luckily no injuries in this risky area...

We got one new sponsor, Orkla, for finishing in the top 10 in the third stage of the Tour of Romandy. They will provide us with some delicious food during the next season.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/orkla.jpg)

An brisk overview of remaining worthy results:

Tristan Prins 17th GC, 10th stage 2 (Güeñes), 9th stage 3 (Vitoria), 5th stage 4 (Arrate) Itzulia
Tristan Prins 9th stage 3 (Porrentruy) Tour de Romandie
Dénes Nemcsik 21st stage 4 (Reggio di Calabria), 14th stage 5 (Cassano Milano) Giro
Thomas Freitag 4th stage 7 (Praia a Mare) Giro
Koen Helder 21st stage 8 (Montalcino) Giro
Sam Parker 27th stage 6 (Montevarchi), 27th stage 10 (Milano) Giro
Sam Parker 26th stage 1 (Louhans Chateaurenaud) Dauphiné
Tristan Prins 18th GC, 28th stage 4 (Valmorel), 22nd stage 5 (Vaujany) Dauphiné
Chester Laybutt 3rd stage 5 (Gansingen) Switzerland
Adam Neeskens 20th stage 5 (Gansingen) Switzerland
Oliver King 11th GC, 26th stage 2 (Luzern), 9th stage 4 (Tiefenbachferner) Switzerland
Robert Brubaker 20th stage 1 (Chartres)), 27th stage 4 (Nantes) Tour de France
Oliver King 20th GC, 29th stage 3 (Tarbes), 26th stage 5 (Courchevel), 15th stage 6 (La Pierre St. Martin), 11th stage 7 (Pamplona) Tour de France
Tristan Prins 6th Clasica San Sebastian
Robert Brubaker 23rd stage 1 (Sittard Geleen) Binck Bank Tour
Julius Maalderink 16th GC, 23rd stage 3 (St. Pieters Leeuw), 24th stage 4 (Rotterdam) Binck Bank Tour
Julius Maalderink 8th stage 4 (Cariñena) Vuelta
Arjen Rutte 17th stage 4 (Cariñena) Vuelta
Tristan Prins 21st stage 9 (Vallada) Vuelta
Will Miller 8th GC, 29th stage 7 (Lloret de Mar), 6th stage 9 (Vallada) Vuelta
Tristan Prins 16th Giro di Lombardia
Robert Brubaker 25th World Championship time trial in Doha.

Division standings at the end of season 5:

1º      CyKings   14610   3   4   3   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   14325   4   4   4   
3º      Codex   10572   3   4   6   
4º      Rekutxuteam   8562   0   1   1   
5º      CobbleCrushers   8278   5   5   2   
6º      ChessPower   8175   5   4   5   
7º      Marcatone_Due   6961   1   2   4   
8º      Atlantico   6911   0   2   1   
9º      Matterhorn   6837   7   0   2   
10º      CrossAndGo    6677   2   1   4   
11º      Facha_Bartolo   6568   3   4   2   
12º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   6013   10   1   1   
13º      SPORTLIFE   6009   2   3   1   
14º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5972   4   5   1   
15º      ProdopingPong   5950   0   4   6   
16º      Ares   5820   7   5   4   
17º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   5792   3   3   2   
18º      DeRodeVod   5624   2   2   3   
19º      CaptainOrange   5488   1   2   2   
20º      MortoviaCycling   5398   0   0   2   
21º      SentinelChickens   5382   1   2   2   
22º      galegospolabici   5253   0   1   0   
23º      Caracoles   5245   3   3   5   
24º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   5215   0   1   2   
25º      Pomilles_Balears   5079   0   0   2   
26º      CC_Porco_Jones   4848   0   1   2   
27º      Aspigarri   4742   1   1   3   
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   4596   5   1   2   
29º      KunTeam   4562   0   1   0   
30º      Combuijs   4553   0   0   1   
31º      SaulSalinasTeam   4552   2   5   2   
32º      Oska   4093   2   1   0   
33º      FaltososDeChigre   4083   3   0   0   
34º      FlyEaglesFly   4022   0   1   0   
35º      PDM_cycling_team   3907   0   1   2   
36º      Shiro_Lions   3816   0   0   1   
37º      Periquitos   3710   2   1   1   
38º      Wiggo_pupils   3664   6   6   2   
39º      Psychoedge   3631   0   2   3   
40º      GMV_Cycling   3375   2   0   1   
41º      ClubCiclistaLaFallera   2836   1   0   1   
42º      Zatarra   2648   0   2   0   
43º      AJFactoryCycling   2480   0   1   1   
44º      Astanadena   2179   0   3   1   
45º      Sonfuga   1918   0   0   0   
46º      EuskaPiero   1827   0   0   0   
47º      BorinotTeam   1807   0   0   1   
48º      Spitz   1688   1   1   0   
49º      Amezola   52   0   0   0
50º      IKIBASQUE   0   0   0   0   

Congratulations to Mark Bauer and his cycling kings for their title. We miraculously escaped relegation by 1 point which was really hard luck for Saul Salinas Team.

Individual rankings:

1º      Mike Bauer   23   5894   CyKings   2   2   3   
2º      Antonello Lorenzetto   23   4585   Marcatone_Due   1   2   2   
3º      Adam Roethlisberger   23   4156   Rekutxuteam   0   1   1   
4º      Mihkel Väli   23   3028   Atlantico   0   1   0   
5º      Jarl Ulvestad   23   2500   Flyvende_hjul   1   0   0   

No Combuijs Honey Ale riders in the top 50, an indication that both vision and calendar did not cooperate.

These were all the points we scored:

Chester Laybutt   23   813
Tristan Prins   23   734
Julius Maalderink   23   606
Oliver King   23   585
Will Miller   23   495
Thomas Freitag   23   213
Adam Neeskens   23   205
Robert Brubaker   23   199
Arjen Rutte   23   150
Valentin Litenko   23   150
Garret Rose   23   120
Dénes Nemcsik   23   115
Sam Parker   23   55
Julius Wiegel   23   45
Koen Helder   23   35
Yvo De Cleer   23   33

Well, I am looking forward to next season!

I wish everyone lots of success and lots of health. You now know every point and every eye counts...

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: michinoo on November 21, 2019, 08:16:16 PM
Hi Combuijs!!! What a amazing news to see you again!!! I expect that your health is good, so congratulations!

And good luck on the next season  ;D
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 23, 2019, 02:07:33 PM
In season 6 there are a lot of cobble hill races, so we will aim for a top ten place and 3 sponsordeals. We will also try to improve the team a bit after we have finished our planned training program somewhere in the first week.

We start season 6 with a cup race against the director of the UCI himself, Oska. It is the Giro di Lombardia, so we at least have a chance with:

11 Tristan Prins
12 Oliver King
13 Vladimir Litenko
14 Will Miller
15 Sam Parker

In the upside down Tour we will be represented in Adelaide by:

291 Thomas Freitag
292 Carlo Bemelmans
293 Chester Laybutt
294 Dénes Nemcsik
295 Sam Parker

We think Thomas Freitag has a good chance to finish high in the GC, the others have a good chance to finish...

(https://auspost.com.au/shop/static/WFS/AusPost-Shop-Site/-/AusPost-Shop/en_AU/product/2003502/1/org.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 25, 2019, 02:04:10 PM
The UCI director had an urgent appointment somewhere else, so we easily passed the first cup round. The second round we have a time trial race against Denver. That could be a close one, unless he starts singing his hits from the seventies of course...

(https://i.scdn.co/image/26a090ecb0b605744f354ac10301b45f3fb50d35)

https://youtu.be/Q51uUKeckX4 (https://youtu.be/Q51uUKeckX4)

In Adelaide we had to cope with too much wind, so Thomas Freitag lost already two minutes in a 50 km extended sprint.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: oscacom on November 25, 2019, 06:22:04 PM
The UCI director had an urgent appointment somewhere else, so we easily passed the first cup round. The second round we have a time trial race against Denver. That could be a close one, unless he starts singing his hits from the seventies of course...

(https://i.scdn.co/image/26a090ecb0b605744f354ac10301b45f3fb50d35)

https://youtu.be/Q51uUKeckX4 (https://youtu.be/Q51uUKeckX4)

In Adelaide we had to cope with too much wind, so Thomas Freitag lost already two minutes in a 50 km extended sprint.


I'm still waiting for your money  ::)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 27, 2019, 04:19:02 PM
We have promised the UCI to pay our membership again at the 14th of december, so there was really no need for Oska to appear in the cup race...

It seems we are taking part in some obscure challenge, in which we have won a race. Eh, 9 in fact.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d291.jpg)

As for real life, we did not score any points whatsoever in the Upside Down Tour. Now, that is a kind of tradition in our team, but we had some hopes for Thomas Freitag. It's clear the opposition is getting stronger and stronger...

(https://content.phuket101.net/wp-content/uploads/20181015182242/phuket-upside-down-house.jpg)

We really start the season with the Omloop and the Strade Bianchi:

451 Julius Wiegel
452 Ørjan Henningsen
453 Chester Laybutt
454 Julius Maalderink
455 Arjen Rutte
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 28, 2019, 05:08:46 PM
In the People's Round we scored our first points with Julius Wiegel on place 11. Until half way everything went well, but then Julius lost his domestiques and had to go alone. Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre won his home race.

On the Strade Bianchi tactics went a bit wrong so domestique Ørjan Henningsen ended up in front of leader Julius Wiegel, 12th and 14th. Arjen Rutte in a free role and Julius Maalderink were just outside the points. Green goat Kyril Vandenbergh won the race in Siena.

(https://s27363.pcdn.co/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/One-Day-in-Siena-1129x753.jpg.optimal.jpg)

League standings after the Strade Bianchi:

1º      Cabrasverdes   1855   1   2   1   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1731   2   0   1   
3º      SentinelChickens   1105   0   0   1   

16º      Denver   442   0   1   0   
17º      Combuijs   440   0   0   0   
18º      Rekutxuteam   434   0   1   0   

We have changed our training to sprint now to put the icing on the skill cake. As a consequence Koen Helder may look for another team to show his hill cobble qualities.

See the sun and see the sun shine in a mountaineous Paris-Nice!:

161 Oliver King
162 Ørjan Henningsen
163 Will Miller
164 Tristan Prins
165 Julius Wiegel

All cards will be on the GC of Oliver and he will be assisted by Will and Tristan. Ørjan and Julius will be on holiday in the neighborhood...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 29, 2019, 04:11:40 PM
In the second stage of Paris-Nice to Le Madone d'Utelle Oliver King arrives in 18th place right behind the climbing specialists of which Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin was the best.

(https://randoxygene.departement06.fr/documents/_processed_/9/2/csm_dpt06-randoxygene-moyen-img_37_5315b299fb.jpg)

Oliver is now 14th in the GC 1 minute behind Rekutxuteam Bernhard Niklitschek.

O dear, the Telegraaf is always in for gossip. We now have won more than 10 obscure world challenges:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d292.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 30, 2019, 02:05:09 PM
In the third stage of Paris-Nice to Rasteau Oliver King finishes 23rd, but in the fourth stage he loses quite a lot of time, so he is outside the top 20 in the GC now. Let's hope he can come back tonight, though it will be tough.

(https://static2.vaucluseenprovence.com/obt_img/700x492/539112_4.jpg)

The Tirreno-Adriatico will see:

181 Arjen Rutte
182 Robert Brubaker
183 Thomas Freitag
184 Julius Maalderink
185 Dénes Nemcsik

These riders will start in the cup with ear protectors against John Denver:

1 Robert Brubaker
2 Koen Helder
3 Oliver King
4 Sam Parker
5 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 01, 2019, 02:19:59 AM
of which Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin was the best.
Great solo victory in stage 2 of not-favorite Miorlin. 8)
In the final stage again a victory, this time as 4th favorite and he had to win the "downhill-sprint" against 2 other climbers.  8)
Both victories gained these 2 milestones :
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/escalador1.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/10victoria.png)

In the third stage of Paris-Nice to Rasteau Oliver King finishes 23rd, but in the fourth stage he loses quite a lot of time, so he is outside the top 20 in the GC now. Let's hope he can come back tonight, though it will be tough.
Oliver King managed to get into the top 20 GC. :)
It was close, but this looks better as the too many 21st GC places your team scored in a previous season.

Good luck in the Tirreno !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 01, 2019, 01:38:28 PM
In the last stage in Paris-Nice Oliver King could return to the top 20 in the GC. Just, more than 4 minutes behinds Cyking Mike Bauer.

The Tirreno-Adriatico has started and Arjen Rutte finishes 18th in Follonica. Mixed feelings, as he lost contact with his helper Jules Maalderink.

(https://q-xx.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max500/883/88338335.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage in the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      CyKings   2079   1   0   2   
2º      Cabrasverdes   1978   1   2   1   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1911   2   0   1   

21º      Denver   534   0   1   0   
22º      Combuijs   530   0   0   0   
23º      $Tourmalet   520   0   0   0   

We are behind John Denver, let's hope that tonight that is not the case...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 02, 2019, 01:52:02 PM
No noteworthy results in the second and third stage in the Tirreno, but we have Arjen Rutte on place 9 in the GC. He will go down in the time trial tonight, but the question is how much.

In the cup time trial against John Denver the ear protectors did not work. Oliver King left on an airplane, Julius Wiegel thought he was a country boy, Koen Helder was fiddling with Calypso, Sam Parker was thinking of Annie and Robert Brubaker was looking for country roads to take him home, so Denver's Richard Frances won the time trial. An early exit for us, but not as early as last season...

(https://images.wehkamp.nl/i/wehkamp/16346825_pb_01/barts-oorwarmers-wit-wit-8717457206108.jpg?w=792)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 03, 2019, 04:21:27 PM
In the time trial to Donoratico Robert Brubaker picked up a 30th place. He was again just behind Denver's Richard Frances, which shows that the elimination in the Cup was no accident.

In the last stage to Pomarance Arjen Rutte held his own and rode a brilliant and enlightened race, helped by Julius Maalderink. It was awarded with a 15th place in the stage and a 5th place in the GC, on almost two minutes from Rayo del Arry Yan Sayun. That was an unexpected result and we were very glad with that.

(https://www.e-borghi.com/public/borghi/05_04_17-08_52_42-j12899dbaed79e151af825a1dcfec393.jpg)

Division standings after the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      CyKings   2653   1   0   2   
2º      Cabrasverdes   2330   1   2   1   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2189   2   1   1   

13º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1158   0   2   1   
14º      SPORTLIFE   1102   2   0   2   
15º      Atlantico   1022   0   1   1   

17º      Codex   883   0   0   0   
18º      Combuijs   828   0   0   0   
19º      CaptainOrange   819   0   0   0   

In Milan-San Remo we will show up with:

171 Thomas Freitag
172 Damien Lambert
173 Julius Maalderink
174 Dénes Nemcsik
175 Julius Wiegel

while these riders are going to ride on the E3, which will be a lot more interesting:

171 Adam Neeskens
172 Chester Laybutt
173 Julius Maalderink
174 Garret Rose
175 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 04, 2019, 05:49:19 AM
while these riders are going to ride on the E3, which will be a lot more interesting:

171 Adam Neeskens
172 Chester Laybutt
173 Julius Maalderink
174 Garret Rose
175 Julius Wiegel

For sure interesting ! Congratulations with winning the classic race E3 Harelbeke, Combuijs !  8)

(https://i.imgur.com/yDSte2I.png?1)
Adam Neeskens "grabs" the victory  :))
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on December 04, 2019, 07:33:29 AM
Nice! A very good victory Combuijs! And also some nice additional points from Laybutt, Maalderink and Rose. Nicely done.

I think a lot of cobblehillers are in TC for G-W, DdV and RVV (Ford, Pierre). Sele wins E3 in 2d in absence of some great cobblehillers as well. But hey, that's their mistake, lol! Nice, congrats!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 04, 2019, 07:59:00 AM
Sele wins E3 in 2d
Also congrats with this classic victory, Zatarra  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: cabrasverdes on December 04, 2019, 08:44:38 AM
Great victory Combuijs, congratulatioms. The help of Laybutt was decisive at the end.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 04, 2019, 04:28:46 PM
Let's forget about Milan-San Remo and scroll forward to the much more important E3 Harelbeke. We had an interested sponsor so we prepared meticulously for this race and what a result we got: our first win in a monument. That was worth several Magnum bottles of Combuijs Honey Ale, of which we had quite a few on stock...

The E3 was a kind of last one out race.  The size of the leader group got from 61 to 12, back to 17, then 11 until there were 6 riders left. Leader Adam Neeskens had company from two helpers all the time.

As some very knowledgeable expert said, Chester Laybutt was the key. He could help Adam Neeskens until the last kilometre so that the other Dutchman Noah Nelisse (Cabrasverdes) could only claim second place, just before Cobble Crusher Artúr Bereményi.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a5/Station_Harelbeke_-_Foto_4_%282010%29.png/266px-Station_Harelbeke_-_Foto_4_%282010%29.png)

All five riders scored points (not four as a just not that knowledgeable expert claimed): Adam Neekens 1st, Chester Laybutt 11th, Julius Maalderink 12th, Garret Rose 15th (free role) and Julius Wiegel 29th. That's a first too!

Division standings after the E3 Harelbeke:

1º      CyKings   3078   1   0   2   
2º      Cabrasverdes   2980   1   3   1   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2689   2   1   1   

8º      Flyvende_hjul   1792   0   0   0   
9º      Combuijs   1788   1   0   0   
10º      SentinelChickens   1741   0   0   1   

17º      Codex   1138   0   0   0   
18º      SPORTLIFE   1102   2   0   2   
19º      Atlantico   1077   0   1   1   

Unfortunately the season is not over yet, but we have reached our goal, a top 10 place, already...

ISS is very happy with the win in the E3 Harelbeke, so we have a new sponsor and hopefully professional catering.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/iss.jpg)

Another result of the E3 is that our stores are booming at the moment. You can notice it is the day just before Sinterklaas...

The Volta will see:

81 Yvo de Cleer
82 Ørjan Henningsen
83 Damien Lambert
84 Valentin Litenko
85 Will Miller

Yvo is our man there, whether it is the GC or the stages. Will is his faithful assistant, Damien and Valentin will be a little bit less faithful and Ørjan is there for some amusement...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: shalgo on December 04, 2019, 05:31:08 PM
Congratulations on the win in E3 Harelbeke and on having 4 riders in the top 15!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 05, 2019, 03:56:27 PM
Success brings success, so Yvo de Cleer got some wonderful results in the Volta. He finishes 10th on Vallter 2000 and he even finishes 5th in Torrefarrera, so he is now 9th in the GC, half a minute behind leader Brian Vandborg (Ares).

(https://vanityflor.es/img/cms/Torrefarrera.jpg)

Apart from some forum reactions here (thank you very much!) a lot of reactions in the newspapers as well on the win of Adam Neeskens in the E3. They stated that we now have won one monument on World Tour (obviously) and that Adam is a homegrown rider, which indeed he is.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1clasica.png)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/canteragana.png)

In other news we have won our first race on the second level of the World Challenge, which apparently has to be celebrated.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d293.jpg)

In still other news another homegrown rider is for sale, so if you want to score points at cobble hill races, take a look at Koen Helder. He will be going out tonight.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 06, 2019, 04:54:13 PM
On Lo Port Yvo de Cleer finishes 14th, which is about what we expected of him. He is now 14th in the GC, hopefully he won't fall out the top 20 in the last stage, a mountain time trial.

(https://q-cf.bstatic.com/images/hotel/max1024x768/183/183097308.jpg)

These riders will prepare for the final sprint in Wevelgem:

91 Adam Neeskens
92 Ørjan Henningsen
93 Eelco van der Laan/color]
94 Julius Maalderink
95 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 07, 2019, 03:25:20 PM
While Yvo de Cleer was nowhere to be seen in the closing mountain time trial in the Volta, he managed a 16th place in the GC, which was encouraging.

In Gent-Wevelgem helper Julius Maalderink finished 9th in a second group, while leader Adam Neeskens arrived in a third group on place 17. This tells that tactics went seriously wrong, which was indeed the case. Adam Neeskens was visibly enjoying his win in the E3 in the first section.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/sleep.png)

(https://static.nieuwsblad.be/Assets/Images_Upload/2013/06/19/Wevelgem_1.jpg?maxheight=460&maxwidth=638)

Division standings after Gent-Wevelgem:

1º      Cabrasverdes   3717   2   3   1   
2º      ProdopingPong   3459   1   2   2   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   3404   2   2   1   

8º      Ares   2640   2   1   0   
9º      Combuijs   2301   1   0   0   
10º      skunk   2183   0   0   0   

14º      Rekutxuteam   1886   0   2   1   
15º      SPORTLIFE   1658   3   0   2   
16º      CrossAndGo    1618   1   0   1   

We have sold Koen Helder for 2.8 million to Continental Tour Team Salpeter. We are confident that he will score many points for them on that level.

The main events are there for us, Across and Around Flanders:

81 Adam Neeskens
82 Chester Laybutt
83 Julius Maalderink
84 Garret Rose
85 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 08, 2019, 02:31:48 PM
Across Flanders brought Adam Neeskens place 9, which was good, but not good enough for potential sponsor Statoil. We will have to use B-brands for another season to get our supporting bus going. Tactics could have been better as Julius Maalderink lost contact in the fourth section. Green goat Berend Verheyen won the race.

Around Flanders leader Adam Neeskens finishes 15th, while Garret Rose in a free role just fell outside the points. As far as I can see a perfect tactic, so there was not much more in it for him. Predictably green goat Berend Verheyen won the race.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Generieke_vlag_van_Vlaanderen.svg/1280px-Generieke_vlag_van_Vlaanderen.svg.png)

Division standings after Flanders:

1º      Cabrasverdes   5067   4   3   1   
2º      CobbleCrushers   4127   2   4   2   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   3837   0   0   5   

9º      Ares   2640   2   1   0   
10º      Combuijs   2601   1   0   0   
11º      skunk   2393   0   0   0   

17º      galegospolabici   1730   0   1   0   
18º      SPORTLIFE   1658   3   0   2   
19º      Thorboassonarvesen   1630   0   1   0   

In the Itzulia these riders will be enjoying the Basque cuisine:

91 Valentin Litenko
92 Yvo de Cleer
93 Damien Lambert
94 Adam Neeskens
95 Garret Rose

Valentin will be our leader, Yvo and Damien his helpers, while Adam and Garret will try to win the first stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on December 08, 2019, 02:50:22 PM
Good luck, Combuijs!

The nice victory of Adam in E3 couldn't get the follow-up you've hoped for, probably due to active TC's of competitors, but keep up the good standings. Even 1k point above Sportlife. That's to be remembered :D.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 08, 2019, 03:22:43 PM
 :)
No cyclists for the classic races in my team, that means missing out a lot of points.
Let's see if my team can get a little bit closer in Itzulia.
( I doubt it. Hopefully Tafi will do well in stages 2 and 4. )

By the way, it is not special that Combuijs is above my team. Normally in this phase of the season.
And 2 out of the total of 4 seasons in 1A, Combuijs finished above my team.
And in previous season he had medical bad luck, that probably has cost a lot of points.
Combuijs 1A results season 2 to 5 = 18, 11, 11, 30.
SPORTLIFE 1A results season 2 to 5 = 11, 16, 14, 13.
Perhaps time that one of- or both of- our teams will finish top10. ;) ( I assume that my current team will not achieve that this season ).

Hopefully your team will promote again, Zatarra, then it is fun to add it in this equation. Good luck this season !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on December 08, 2019, 03:26:05 PM
Thanks! I'm trying as hard as I can! Not doing too bad thusfar, but still a lot of races to come that I don't score points. Missing you guys!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 08, 2019, 03:43:33 PM
You are not doing bad at all / in fact, very good ; a lot of points in the 6 cobblehills classic races ; 3rd, 3rd, 1st, 2nd, 4th and 2nd. Impressive ! 8)
To promote will not be easy, I see now you have some very fierce competition in division 2d.
But your team is for sure in the promotion race with the current 6th place. Time enough to buy for the other important races in this season.
It would be great if your team will promote again, because that means more fun in division 1A. :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 09, 2019, 12:16:28 PM
Some terrific results in the Itzulia. In the first stage around Zalla Garret Rose manages a third place after winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen) and green goat Berend Verheyen. Helper Adam Neeskens gets 13th place for good measure. With that we have sealed a deal with Sika, so our team bus can be pampered during the winter holidays.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/sika.jpg)

In the stage to Valdegovia Valentin Litenko finds himself back on place 5, which is one place behind Sportlife's Lorenzo Tafi, but still a tremendous result. He is now on place 29 in the GC, Garret Rose is still on the podium, but he won't stay there for long.

(https://jasnahodzic.files.wordpress.com/2013/07/062113_valdegovia_149.jpg?w=640&h=339)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 10, 2019, 05:08:41 PM
The Itzulia stage to Eguesibar saw the same pattern as the previous mountain sprint race, Valentin Litenko on place 4 this time and Lorenzo Tafi (Sportlife) one place higher, so this time on the podium. Always a gentlemen, our Valentin.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Sarriguren_%28Eg%C3%BC%C3%A9s%29_-_Ayuntamiento_5.JPG/250px-Sarriguren_%28Eg%C3%BC%C3%A9s%29_-_Ayuntamiento_5.JPG)

In the GC he is now number 12, two and a half minutes from leader Bram van Amerongen (Atlantico). Let's hope he can stay there in the last stage.

These are our hobgoblins in Paris-Roubaix:

81 Arjen Rutte
82 Ørjan Henningsen
83 Julius Maalderink
84 Adam Neeskens
85 Garret Rose

while these riders have other bumps to take in the Netherlands and Wallonie:

81 Carlo Bemelmans
82 Thomas Freitag
83 Chester Laybutt
84 Adam Neeskens
85 Garret Rose
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 11, 2019, 04:39:57 PM
In the last Itzulia stage to Lekunberri Valentin Litenko kept his nerve while Captain Orange Dries Smulders won the stage, so he finished 17th in the GC, more than 3 minutes after Atlantico's Bram van Amerongen.

In Paris-Roubaix Arjen Rutte placed a ferocious attack in the last kilometers and he was awarded with a 12th position. His helper Julius Maalderink finished 24th. Not a bad result at all. Giacommo Mazzola (Ares) won the race before Bram Travin (Thorboassonarvesen).
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/attack.png)

(https://cdn.britannica.com/s:700x500/51/142951-050-17E3816F/Downtown-Roubaix-France.jpg)

Division standings after Paris-Roubaix:

1º      Cabrasverdes   5491   4   4   1   
2º      CobbleCrushers   4547   2   4   2   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   4539   0   0   5   

9º      SentinelChickens   3181   0   0   2   
10º      Combuijs   3176   1   0   1   
11º      Atlantico   2996   1   1   1   

18º      IntellinetCyclingFF   2094   4   0   0   
19º      SPORTLIFE   1911   3   0   3   
20º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1887   0   4   1   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 12, 2019, 04:41:18 PM
We are doing fine in the hill classics. Carlo Bemelmans scored a 9th place in the Combuijs Honey Ale Race and a 19th place in the Wallonian Arrow. We have removed him now from the sales-prospect list...

(https://www.ardennes-etape.nl/vakantie-ardennen-Stad-189/Activite_Plus-Huy-141141-1L.jpg)

We have secured the services of Rafael Szepeszi to strengthen our sprint train. He and conpatriot Dénes Nemcsik will be a nice couple. He came over from Continental Pro Tour team BOS and the fact that this team has never reached World Tour level may have been part of the decision to move teams.

On the train to Romandie are:

81 Yvo de Cleer
82 Carlo Bemelmans
83 Robert Brubaker
84 Daniel Lambert
85 Sam Parker

Yvo will be our GC man, helped by Sam, Robert is there for the time trial, and Daniel and Carlo can push the train when electricity falls away...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 13, 2019, 05:21:01 PM
In the final hill classic, Luik-Bastenaken and back again, Carlo Bemelmans reached a 27th place. You can say his results are detoriating, but he really is doing well. The results of Flying Wheel Gascogne Carrere were not detoriating at all, he won all three hill classics, which is an amazing result.

The Tour de Romandie started not too bad with Robert Brubaker on place 19 in the time trial around Yverdon-les-Bains. He will leave the tour now to prepare for other races.

(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/6/27/58468/1/ylbr-yverdon-jeux-castrum-7-c-manu-gallardo_2000.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   6169   3   0   5   
2º      Cabrasverdes   5576   4   4   1   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5345   3   3   2   

9º      SentinelChickens   3696   0   0   2   
10º      Combuijs   3503   1   0   1   
11º      Codex   3410   0   2   1   

18º      IntellinetCyclingFF   2094   4   0   0   
19º      SPORTLIFE   2066   3   0   3   
20º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1924   0   4   1   

Don't ask me details, but with the purchase of Rafael Szepesi we are now a 45 star team. I thought we had only 20 stars in our team...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/45est.png)

We have made Sam Parker available for a transfer. He came over transfer free, but he really never reached his potential.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 14, 2019, 02:18:35 PM
Yvo de Cleer is picking up points in Romandie: 14th place in Leysin and 17th place in Leukerbad, which gives him a 23rd place in the GC, on 2 minutes from leader Ton Jansma (Cross and Go).

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/cb/Leukerbad_8.jpg/266px-Leukerbad_8.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 15, 2019, 04:43:20 PM
No further results in the Tour de Romandie, Yvo de Cleer finished 24th in the GC on more than 3 minutes from winner Peeter Toode (Codex). Somehow Sportlife's Robert Adorjan (plus a few accents) ended up before Yvo on place 17.

Division standings after the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   6870   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   6120   
3º      Cabrasverdes   5684   

11º      SentinelChickens   3696   
12º      Combuijs   3579   
13º      Atlantico   3524   

18º      galegospolabici   2376   
19º      SPORTLIFE   2358   
20º      CaptainOrange   2332   

(Apparently we did not pay enough to the UCI to show the podium places anymore)

(https://www.investopedia.com/thmb/_xmCoahKix8lMb0gGRyX_P8bUBk=/1500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-1086290746-f77ce21e48a14f769d4a812be36f4b31.jpg)

The following riders will go around the Henninger Turm:

111 Valentin Litenko
112 Thomas Freitag
113 Tristan Prins
114 Rafael Szepesi
115 Julius Wiegel

while these riders will go around Italy in the first great Tour of the season:

111 Will Miller
112 Julius Maalderink
113 Dénes Nemcsik
114 Tristan Prins
115 Arjen Rutte

Will will be our GC man, Arjen and Julius are there for the cobble races and Dénes for the sprint races.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 16, 2019, 11:00:41 AM
Yes, the just 23yo Adorján did great in Romandie. He scored a total of 180 points in 3 stages and the GC ( 17th ).

In the Giro he will be the helper of Miorlin in climb-stages 4 and 5, the main objectives in this grand tour.
Perhaps TT-specialist Bogarde and flat-sprinter Schäfer can score a few points extra, but that is very doubtful in advance.

(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/logos/8ed052732fddd78a1b24c0eb2887c9f6.png)  (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png) selection SPORTLIFE

201 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/italia.jpg) Miorlin ( climber )
202 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/hungria.jpg) Huszta ( climber )
203 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/hungria.jpg) Adorján ( 23yo climber )
204 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/holanda.jpg) Bogarde ( TT )
205 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/alemania.jpg) Schäfer ( sprinter )

With an Italian team captain and 2 Hungarian helpers, this is also an appropriate selection for the real Giro of 2020 that starts in Budapest :

(https://i.imgur.com/7Tp4RMr.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 16, 2019, 12:49:00 PM

In the opening stage of the Giro to Frosinone Arjen Rutte gets 9th place while helper Julius Maalderink finishes 21st. There was no way Bram Travin (Thorboassonarvesen) could be hold off for a stage win and the pink jersey. Our GC man Will Miller lost over 3 minutes, which is not the best of starts, but his GC had no priority.

(https://italytime.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/frosinone-540x405.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 17, 2019, 05:44:26 PM
The second Giro stage to Reggio di Calabria saw a 22nd place for Will Miller. He is now 42nd in the GC, 2 minutes after leader Giacommo Mazzola (Ares). Arjen Rutte is our best men in the GC with a 14th place, but he won't stay there after tonight's race.

(https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour_img-256374-99.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 18, 2019, 05:51:13 PM
Tristan Prins gets 27th place in the fourth stage of the Giro to Pinerolo as a helper. He left behind his leader Will Miller, so this tells you tactics could have been better. They lost contact on the second climb of the race to Pinerolo.

The fifth stage to Sestriere resulted in a 19th place for Will Miller, on more than one minute from Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin who wins for the second time in a row. It's okay that Sportlife gets points, but you can exaggerate... Will is now on place 16 in the GC, 3 minutes behind leader Nicola. That pink jersey really does not suit him...

(https://www.zastavki.com/pictures/640x480/2014/World___Italy_Summer_panorama_ski_resort_Sestriere__Italy_065100_29.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 18, 2019, 11:43:28 PM
The fifth stage to Sestriere resulted in a 19th place for Will Miller, on more than one minute from Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin who wins for the second time in a row. It's okay that Sportlife gets points, but you can exaggerate... Will is now on place 16 in the GC, 3 minutes behind leader Nicola. That pink jersey really does not suit him...
:))
No worries, Miorlin lost the pink jersey in sprint stage 6.
Although despite he cannot sprint, he did great (again double weather bonus^^) in a free role and finished as 157th on 2:39"
Still 4th GC, but he cannot sprint and he is even worse in the hills (skill=19).

The teamcaptain in stage 6 was Schäfer, he had to do it on his own because his helper had a flat tyre in section 2.
Probably it did not matter because it was very doubtful if the helper would be good enough to be with his teamcaptain in s4.
Anyway, Schäfer scored 70 points with his 13th place.
So 70 points closer and the gap is now 555 points between our teams. :-*

But no more points are expected in this Giro ( maybe with the exceptition that I'm wrong about the chances of Miorlin in the GC ).
And for sure your team will score points in the final four stages of this Giro. Please do not exaggerate with scoring points.^^
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 19, 2019, 08:21:38 AM
stage 7 Giro :
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)  7º   Will Miller   24   Combuijs   0: 14"   
Well done, good lightbulb-result !

Unexpectly the 23yo Adorján ( SPORTLIFE ) scored a few points with a 26th place in a free role.

Miorlin still high in the GC ; 6th on 2:56"
And the nr20 GC already on 6:23", so maybe it is possible he can score GC points despite he is going to lose much time in stages 9 and 10.
Miller is just 3 seconds behind a top10 GC, at the moment 11th on 3:34" Good luck !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 19, 2019, 05:34:33 PM
In the 7th Giro stage to Di Lavaredo Will Miller surprised everyone to finish in full Christmas outfit including lightbulbs. It gave him a 7th place, with helper Tristan Prins on place 18. Somewhere far behind a certain Robert Adorjan finished 23rd, not in christmas outfit though.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

(https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2016/09/05/10/25/tre-cime-di-lavaredo-1646144_960_720.jpg)

In the GC we find Will back on place 11, three and a half minutes behind leader Antonello Lorenzetto (Mercatone Due), and less than a minute behind Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin. Let's see what the hobblecobbles will bring tonight.

In an obscure christmas challenge it appears we have reached the third round and won a challenge.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d294.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 20, 2019, 05:04:42 PM
The 8th Giro stage to San Vendemiano saw Arjen Rutte taking 12th place, with helper Julius Maalderink on 28th place. In the GC Will Miller is now 13th, 4 places and 22 seconds before Nicola Miorlin and more than 4 minutes behind leader Antonello Lorenzetto.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1a/Pressi4_San_Vendemiano.jpg/800px-Pressi4_San_Vendemiano.jpg)

On we go liberating the Dauphiné from ...eh... what? with:

121 Oliver King
122 Robert Brubaker
123 Will Miller
124 Tristan Prins
125 Julius Wiegel

Oliver is our GC man, Will and Tristan will assist him, Robert will go for the time trial and Julius? Well, Julius can find out from what or who we are going to liberate the Dauphiné...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 21, 2019, 04:33:00 PM
In the last stage in the Giro Intellinet Cycler Miksa Pelle wins his second stage. Will Miller finishes 14th, 3 places before Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin. Mission accomplished.

The starting time trial to Louhans Chateaureneaud in the Dauphiné Liberé sees Robert Brubaker on place 25.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e9/Arcades_de_Louhans_001.JPG/220px-Arcades_de_Louhans_001.JPG)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 22, 2019, 06:27:02 PM
Second stage in the Dauphiné Liberé to Le Teil gave us a 13th place for Oliver King and a 20th place for Will Miller, which was a fine result.

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/communes/le-teil-29540-1_w600.jpg)

In the third stage there seems to have been a slight misunderstanding who should be leader. It seems our director Belarmino Farinha messed up the names of Will Miller and Oliver King during the final instructions in the teambus. So no points and Oliver is now 11th in the GC and Will 21st.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 23, 2019, 03:31:30 PM
In the fourth stage in the Dauphiné Liberé to Plateau de Solaison Oliver King finished 13th, which was 12 places behind winner Nicola Miorlin (Sportlife).

In the final stage to Vaujany Oliver King had a superb race and finished second after winner Firmino Pacheco (Caracoles) but before Mike Bauer. That brought him to place 6 in the GC, 1:36 after winner Mike Bauer but before Nicola Miorlin. And it boosts Christmas sales in our shops. A pity we had that slight misunderstanding in the 3rd stage...

(https://www.peakretreats.co.uk/media/2880/vaujany-ete-2.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=952&height=660&rnd=131842474210000000)

League standings after the Dauphiné:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   8101   4   0   6   
2º      CyKings   7966   1   5   4   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   7618   3   5   4   

10º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   5557   2   2   2   
11º      Combuijs   4675   1   1   1   
12º      Atlantico   4366   1   1   3   

15º      Marcatone_Due   4129   2   1   1   
16º      SPORTLIFE   3975   6   1   3   
17º      skunk   3918   0   0   0   

These riders are going to listen to the Sound of Music in Switzerland:

101 Oliver King
102 Yvo de Cleer
103 Eelco van der Laan
104 Adam Neeskens
105 Rafael Szepesi

Oliver is our GC man, the rest will assist him, but Adam gets his chance in the cobble hill race

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 23, 2019, 06:26:02 PM
behind winner Nicola Miorlin (Sportlife).
:) 8)

Very good final stage and GC classification of Oliver King in the Dauphiné.
Well done, Combuijs, now the gap remains big between our teams, at the moment exactly 700 points.
Probably my team will not get closer in the upcoming Tour de Suisse and Tour de France. Most likely the gap will get bigger.
But I expect to score some points, especially in the climb TT stages. See my preview in the English topic Grand Tours.
Good luck with Oliver King in the Tour de Suisse !
Let's see if he can beat my Tour de Suisse selection ( they should be really good in this time of the year ;) ) =

1 (https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/flags/small/il.png)  Jesús el Salvador
2 (https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/flags/small/il.png)  Joseph Carpenter
3 (https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/flags/small/er.png)  Balthasar Frankincense
4 (https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/flags/small/it.png)  Melchior L'Oro
5 (https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/flags/small/za.png)  Caspar Myrrh
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 24, 2019, 11:34:57 AM
In the first stage of the Tour of Switzerland around Bellinzona, Rafael Szepesi scored his first 27 point for our team with place 19.

The second stage to Luzern saw non-flat-hill-specialist Oliver King on place 25, which was a kind of Christmas gift.

(https://www.bezienswaardighedeneuropa.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Altstadt.jpg)

I really should apologize to Sportlife for only sending one King to Switzerland, it should of course have been three kings. As compensation we have sent archangel Rafael (Szepesi) with him, first man Adam (Neeskens) and (Yvo) de Cleer (which is probably derived from Dutch clarke, but I am not sure).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 26, 2019, 04:38:15 PM
In Switzerland, the cobble race to Gansingen saw Adam Neeskens on place 18.

In the last stage around Sion Oliver King finishes 14th, 13 places behind Sportlife's Daniel Basov, only 23 years old. Good win that! In the GC Oliver gets 12th place, sadly one place behind Cliff Fagan and more than 2 minutes behind Wizard Rafael Carlos Loinaz, the winner.

The Tour de France started in Vizille this season with a very difficult stage. We are glad that Oliver King could stay close to all top riders and finished 17th in Albertville.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/8a/Albertville_depuis_le_belv%C3%A9d%C3%A8re_de_Conflans_%28%C3%A9t%C3%A9_2018%29.JPG/798px-Albertville_depuis_le_belv%C3%A9d%C3%A8re_de_Conflans_%28%C3%A9t%C3%A9_2018%29.JPG)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour de France:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   8736   4   1   6   
2º      CyKings   8462   1   5   4   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   8035   4   5   4   

11º      Atlantico   5049   1   1   3   
12º      Combuijs   4932   1   1   1   
13º      SPORTLIFE   4734   8   1   3   
14º      IntellinetCyclingFF   4671   9   0   2   

Sportlife is uncomfortable close to us and will probably finish above us...

Jingle bells in the Tour de France:

101 Oliver King
102 Robert Brubaker
103 Eelco van der Laan
104 Adam Neeskens
105 Tristan Prins

Oliver is our GC man, Tristan will assist him, Robert will get his chance in all the time trials, while Adam and Eelco are there for the cobble races, with or without hills.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 03, 2020, 08:34:12 PM
While the staff and support were enjoying a training camp (food and drink) in the Ardennes our riders competed on World Tour level.

Some interesting results in the Tour de France:
Adam Neeskens 20th in the 5th stage to Mende in a free role, 4th as leader in the 6th stage to Digne-les-Bains and 8th in the 9th stage to Le Puy-en-Velay. Oliver King 21st in the 7th stage to Pla d'Adet, 29th in the time trial up to de Col de L'Iseran and 20th in the GC. And most interesting, 23 year old Eelco van der Laan 13th in the last stage to Montar.

In the GP San Sebastian we saw Tristan Prins finishing 21st.

In our own Combuijs Honey Ale Tour we started with a second place for Chester Laybutt in Sittard-Geleen, which deserved the team a sponsor contract from Lacoste.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/lacoste.png)
Julius Maalderink the took over the helm with an 11th place in Vogelwaarde, a 17th place in Breskens and a 19th place in Rotterdam. That gave him a 8th place in the GC. Our worst man in the GC, Garret Rose, still finished 46th. It's called the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour for a reason, of course...

In the Vuelta we started off in Cuenca with a 5th place for Chester Laybutt.

(https://nl.zooverresources.com/images/E56846L2B81150D0W300H245RT2/Cuenca.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage in the Vuelta:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   10036   4   1   7   
2º      CyKings   10011   3   5   5   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   9208   4   7   6   

11º      Atlantico   6830   1   2   3   
12º      SPORTLIFE   6389   9   2   3   
13º      SentinelChickens   5970   0   0   3   
14º      Combuijs   5964   1   2   1   
15º      Thorboassonarvesen   5543   5   6   1   
16º      CaptainOrange   5373   1   1   2   

A top 10 place is far away and to our eternal shame we are behind Sportlife as well. We have still a slight hope to finish as the best Dutch team, but for me Captain Orange is favourite for that.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Rico on January 03, 2020, 09:07:40 PM
I would be surprised to see my team catch up. Hilton has some aspirations to get a nice result, but without training camp and with a strong field, it's not likely he will get 600 points more than your riders in the cobble and coblle/hill stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on January 04, 2020, 12:03:29 PM
and to our eternal shame we are behind Sportlife as well.
Olé  :))  ;)
You still might have a chance to finish above my team.
Of course it will also depend on the Vuelta points, but I expect (or hope) enough points to stay ahead in this big tour.

After that it is a different story ; I forgot to send my best hillsclimber on TC for Lombardia and probably he is not even gonna ride it.
Maybe my other hillsclimber can a score a few points there, but without TC it will be difficult for him to finish top30.
Silver TT specialist Bogarde can score points in the WC TT (he has TC). However this season the competition in TT is too fierce for him.
For example ; he finished as 33rd in the 35km flat TT of the Dauphiné ( with 100/100 ).

So not many points are expected after the Vuelta.
Also because I have no hills specialists in my team, with the exception of a just 22yo who currently has the season white jersey.
Without TC bonus he will not have a chance to score points, in my opinion. So it is a waste to rest him a few times for the WC road race.
Let's hope there will be no other 22yo's this season who score more points as my 22yo hills specialist.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 06, 2020, 05:30:36 PM
In stage 3 of the Vuelta around Teruel Chester Laybutt gets 6th place.

(http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y8AfwUqjWyo/VRFnibWbIzI/AAAAAAAABnk/b0tN6-VD5Lo/s200/Plaza_del_Torico.jpg)

In the GC Will Miller is now on place 39, almost 7 minutes behind leader Bram van Amerongen (Atlantico) and runner up Anthony Hilton (Captain Orange). The last one is a serious threat for our first place in the national rankings.

We have changed our training regime to cobblestone in order to improve Garret Rose (and a few other riders).

In the Giro di Lombardia we will start with:

131 Tristan Prins
132 Oliver King
133 Valentin Litenko
134 Will Miller
135 Sam Parker

These riders will plough through the sands in Doha:

131 Robert Brubaker
132 Oliver King
133 Will Miller
134 Sam Parker
135 Rafael Szepesi

While these riders will plough through the grain fields around Hamilton:

131 Carlo Bemelmans
132 Thomas Freitag
133 Chester Laybutt
134 Adam Neeskens
135 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Rico on January 06, 2020, 07:17:39 PM
The last one is a serious threat for our first place in the national rankings.

I honestly didn't believe in his chances before the Vuelta, but I have to say you might have seen it better than I did, it looks quite possible for Hilton to get some nice points in the final classification.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 11, 2020, 02:58:30 PM
Some results at the end of season 6.

In the Vuelta Julius Maalderink got 10th place in the 9th stage of the Vuelta to Argamasilla de Alba, Chester Laybutt was 20th in the same race. Will Miller finished 28th in the GC on more than 10 minutes from the glorious winner Anthony Hilton (Captain Orange).

(https://media2.clubrural.com/img990x400/pueblos/ciudad-real/argamasilla-de-alba/20151008154215-ciudad-real-argamasilla-de-alba.jpg)

Tristan Prins was 25th in the Giro di Lombardia.

So not a sparkling finish of the season, which resulted in these final division standings:

1º      CyKings   12112   3   6   5   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   11169   4   8   7   
3º      Flyvende_hjul   10989   4   1   7   
4º      Cabrasverdes   9781   5   8   5   
5º      ProdopingPong   9690   2   2   2   
6º      CobbleCrushers   9637   7   5   5   
7º      Rekutxuteam   9132   2   3   3   
8º      Atlantico   9018   2   2   3   
9º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   8406   2   3   4   
10º      Ares   8171   6   3   1   
11º      Codex   7252   4   2   3   
12º      SPORTLIFE   7225   9   2   4   
13º      CaptainOrange   7152   1   1   2   
14º      Marcatone_Due   6886   3   1   1   
15º      SentinelChickens   6754   0   0   4   
16º      ValeronIdolo   6495   4   3   1   
17º      Thorboassonarvesen   6263   6   7   1   
18º      Combuijs   6250   1   2   1   
19º      Caracoles   6172   6   4   5   
20º      ChessPower   5984   1   2   2
21º      galegospolabici   5756   1   1   1   
22º      IntellinetCyclingFF   5091   9   0   2   
23º      Aurora_Australis   5062   5   1   4   
24º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   5058   0   3   0   
25º      MortoviaCycling   4976   0   1   1   
26º      Wizards   4746   0   1   1   
27º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   4579   0   8   1   
28º      skunk   4311   0   0   0   
29º      KunTeam   4089   1   0   0
30º      CrossAndGo    4023   1   1   3   
31º      Denver   3946   1   3   3   
32º      Facha_Bartolo   3945   1   0   3   
33º      Barrioska   3753   0   0   5   
34º      $Tourmalet   3672   0   1   0   
35º      Turrones   3655   0   0   0   
36º      Pomilles_Balears   3651   0   0   0   
37º      CC_Porco_Jones   3348   0   2   0   
38º      Vitimper   3188   0   1   0   
39º      TeamRHB   2967   0   1   1   
40º      TipiCyclingTeam   2420   0   0   0   
41º      Innioraths   2203   0   1   0   
42º      ZBT   1892   0   0   0   
43º      DeRodeVod   1512   0   1   0
44º      beerkes   1412   0   0   0   
45º      RIO_mare    1308   0   0   0   
46º      Frier_Accounting   837   0   0   0   
47º      Matterhorn   223   0   0   0   
48º      Milanezen   144   0   0   0   
49º      Huesca   0   0   0   0   
50º      Aspigarri   0   0   0   0

Another victory for Cykings (congratulations), not a place in the first 10 for us and Captain Orange the best Dutch team, relatively low on place 13 (congratulations).    Not the best season for us, but not the worst either.

Individual standings:
1º      Mike Bauer   24   5091   CyKings   0   5   2   
2º      Antonello Lorenzetto   24   4455   Marcatone_Due   3   0   1   
3º      Yannick Pierre   24   4092   CobbleCrushers   7   2   0   
4º      Adam Roethlisberger   24   3478   Rekutxuteam   2   0   1   
5º      Anthony Hilton   24   2401   CaptainOrange   0   0   0   
6º      Nicola Miorlin   24   2395   SPORTLIFE   6   1   0   
7º      Berend Verheyen   24   2359   Cabrasverdes   3   3   1   
8º      Peeter Toode   24   2275   Codex   2   1   2   
9º      Hugo Skogstad   24   2261   ValeronIdolo   3   1   1   
10º      Noah Nelisse   24   2258   Cabrasverdes   0   2   2   
34º      Adam Neeskens   24   1253   Combuijs   1   0   0   

Another victory for Mike Bauer, and one Combuijs Honey Ale rider in the top 50, which is one more than the previous season.

Points scored by Combuijs Honey Ale riders:

Adam Neeskens   24   1253         110
Julius Maalderink   24   811         672
Oliver King   24   782         241
Arjen Rutte   24   635         644
Chester Laybutt   24   569         024
Will Miller   24   338         000
Julius Wiegel   24   320         000
Yvo De Cleer   24   309         731
Carlo Bemelmans   24   300         322
Garret Rose   24   228         001
Valentin Litenko   24   215         000
Tristan Prins   24   185         253
Ørjan Henningsen   24   150         000
Eelco VanDerLaan   23   70         000
Robert Brubaker   24   58         011
Rafael Szepesi   24   27         882
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 11, 2020, 03:02:08 PM
Will season 7 be the lucky season for the Combuijs Honey Ale team? Who knows? But things will get more difficult every season now as more riders will be able to get good results. So let's go for a place in the top 20.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/combuijscff_mooier_klein_2.png)

Our director Belarmino Farinha has retired to spend more time with his goats in Portugal and so we have appointed another victim. This season we will use the services of British Tony Chambers. We hired him just before he could not Brexit anymore...

The human resources department had a busy week as we did not extend the contract of masseur Vince Haber. You just can't have too many British personnel these days, they leave before you know it... Instead we have hired German Gero Geyer, who will be hard to beat on the alliteration front...

We have some fire resistant riders for the Tour Down Under:

171 Carlo Bemelmans
172 Robert Brubaker
173 Chester Laybutt
174 Dénes Nemcsik
175 Rafael Szepesi

We will go for individual stages.

In the cup we will battle against Pro Continental team Meloneros from Letland. We hope they are better in growing melons than hobble cobbling around Fribourg against:

1 Julius Maalderink
2 Ørjan Henningsen
3 Eelco van der Laan
4 Garret Rose
5 Arjen Rutte

We wish all the competitors a very enjoyable season, with just that little bit of less luck than we will have...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on January 11, 2020, 03:46:44 PM
Yay, Zatarra's back in 1a to compete with the Combuijs riders... among other, but mostly the Combuijs riders. Good luck to you too!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on January 11, 2020, 04:10:36 PM
You must have a target against you this season, because one of my season goals will be to finish high than Combuijs.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on January 11, 2020, 04:27:34 PM
Happy to be back again in Combuijs' league. Hope I will be able to be a good match for his cyclists, but maybe even more important, I'm looking forward to the infamous "third halfs". Cheers!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 13, 2020, 04:52:59 PM
The first cup round was pretty easy as Meloneros was too busy growing melons. In the second round we will climb against World Tour team Prodoping Pong. We have beaten them before in a hill mountain sprint race, but this is a bit different.

Season 7 started with a monster time trial around Adelaide. Of course Aurora Australis Richard Levin won this home race, but more interestingly our Robert Brubaker took place 24. The UCI could not tell how many points this was worth, but it is more than zero.

(https://cdn.newsapi.com.au/image/v1/2af29adc06e9de933f47b90387526500)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 14, 2020, 02:41:31 PM

In the first sprint race of the season to Campbelltown Rafael Szepesi got 11th place, 10 respectful places after Wilfred Bentinck (Yvo Meppelink ProCycling), who else. It's the first time Szepesi got a sprint train especially tailored for him in the person of Dénes Nemcsik.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f6/Campbelltown_welcome_-_Montacute_at_LNE.jpg/1280px-Campbelltown_welcome_-_Montacute_at_LNE.jpg)

Wielermagazine reflected back on 5 seasons of World Tour of the Combuijs Honey Ale team in a large overview article. The team finished 18th, 11th, 11th, 30th and 18th. 20 teams in total achieved this feat, which is quite a large number. It seems a lot of teams hop back and forth in between World Tour and Pro Continental Tour.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/permanencia2.png)

The real season starts with Omloop het Nieuwsblad and the Strade Bianchi:

201 Garret Rose
202 Eelco van der Laan
203 Chester Laybutt
204 Arjen Rutte
205 Julius Wiegel

From there we continue from Paris to Nice, or rather, Condé-sur-Vesgre to Rasteau with:

201 Oliver King
202 Carlo Bemelmans
203 Yvo de Cleer
204 Damien Lambert
205 Tristan Prins

Oliver is going for the GC, assisted by Yvo and Tristan, Carlo is going for the hill stages and Damien is there to translate...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 17, 2020, 12:45:13 PM
The Tour Down Under was won by Mortovia Cycler Roberto Landis with Carlo Bemelmans unexpectedly on place 21, just outside the points unfortunately.

The Omloop het Nieuwsblad was a bit disappointing as our riders did not feel fresh at all. Freebee Chester Laybutt finished 29th, the rest really started too tired. That was no a good start of the real season. It was for winner Ketil Fossum (Thorboassonarvesen) though .

In the Strade Bianchi we did a lot better with some refreshed riders. Garret Rose got himself to 3rd place, the first podium of the season. Helpers Arjen Rutte, Julius Wiegel and Eelco van der Laan were 17th, 18th and 25th, while freebee Chester Laybutt just finished outside the top 30. Now, that was a race to build upon. Green goat Kyril VandenBergh won it.

In the first stage of Paris-Nice to Vendome Carlo Bemelmans managed to 23rd place on his own, so he is off the mark too for this season. In the second stage Sportlife's Daniel Besov got 2nd place. At the moment Oliver King is 14th in the GC of Paris-Nice, 1:21 behind HTCHungria leader Allan Palmer.

(https://www.daunou-opera.com/cache/img/d023d90f2131b29bb8afbe60fa8f8222833a354b--920-520-crop.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      Cabrasverdes   2088   1   1   1   
2º      Thorboassonarvesen   1215   1   1   1   
3º      CobbleCrushers   1028   0   1   1   

9º      SentinelChickens   709   0   0   1   
10º      Combuijs   686   0   0   1   
11º      Rekutxuteam   647   0   0   0   

16º      Psychoedge   556   0   0   0   
17º      Aurora_Australis   540   1   1   0   
18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   499   2   0   0   
19º      Zatarra   482   0   0   0   
20º      Atlantico   420   0   0   0   
21º      Ares   415   0   0   2   
22º      SPORTLIFE   374   0   1   0   
23º      CyKings   353   0   0   0   

31º      skunk   283   0   0   0   
32º      WinterIsComing   275   0   0   0   
33º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   261   0   0   0   
34º      Flyvende_hjul   258   0   0   0   

Lack of further time trials kept Aurora Australis behind us, lack of good cobblehillers did the same with Sportlife. WinterIsComing is still adjusting to the World Tour level it seems...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on January 17, 2020, 01:43:03 PM
In the first stage of Paris-Nice to Vendome Carlo Bemelmans managed to 23rd place on his own, so he is off the mark too for this season. In the second stage Sportlife's Daniel Besov got 2nd place. At the moment Oliver King is 14th in the GC of Paris-Nice, 1:21 behind HTCHungria leader Allan Palmer.

Yes, Basov was the teamcaptain because I forgot to rest Miorlin, so Miorlin had the helpers role with 90 health.
Both were not favorites and both could challenge the same riders (among them 2 favorites, if I remember correctly).
So no problem that Basov was the teamcaptain and the 2nd place is a good result.
Especially because he finished on 0:00" and the nr3 on 0:18" and the nrs 4 to 6 already on 0:27", so that looks promising.
Next time I hope he has a better sprint-á-deux, and probably he is better prepared next time.
If Miorlin was healthy, he had a real good chance of the victory with his active weather icon and excellent helper.
Although he has one star less as Basov ; for now Miorlin never reached the 10 stars, hopefully he will this season.

Very good Strade Bianche of your team, Combuijs !  8)
And at the moment your team is 10th in 1A, it would be great if that would be the final season ranking.

Good luck in the next 3 stages of PN with Oliver King.
Hopefully my hillsclimber Thompson (without TT icon) can score a few GC points, although he had to ride stage 2 in a free role.
But perhaps this is wishfull thinking due to stage 4, the time trial.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on January 18, 2020, 06:32:16 AM
Good luck in the next 3 stages of PN with Oliver King.
Hopefully my hillsclimber Thompson (without TT icon) can score a few GC points, although he had to ride stage 2 in a free role.
But perhaps this is wishfull thinking due to stage 4, the time trial.

Despite his 168th place in stage 4, the time trial, and his 68th place in hills-stage 3 ; Thompson is still in the race to (maybe) score GC points.
He has to ride a good final stage 5 because at the moment he is out of the top 20 GC, but just 6 seconds behind.
Of course his main goal in stage 5 will be to finish before Oliver King. :P

GC Paris-Nice after 4 stages :

1    Mihkel Väli   25   Atlantico   0: 00"   
2    Mike Bauer   25   CyKings   0: 07"
3    Alvaro Vaca   25   azerite   0: 16"   
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
14    Oliver King   25   Combuijs   1: 37"   
16    Ivari Mitt   25   Zatarra   1: 50"
17    Sven WinklerPrins   24   WinterIsComing   1: 55"
- - - - - - - - - - - - - -
22    Patrick Thompson   25   SPORTLIFE   2: 13"


Again a stage victory of Aurora_Australis in  a time trial. This time the victor is Owen Acree.
It will be very difficult for SPORTLIFE to defend the Australian team championship title. This season 2x (flat)hills TT and 11x (!) flat TT.
Hopefully my team will be a fierce rival and AA really has to earn it / battle for it.
To challenge AA some more, a post of the current ranking after all 6 previous seasons :  :P :))
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/images/full(CFF).png)SPORTLIFE     versus     (https://i.imgur.com/7sLtHru.jpg?1) Aurora_Australis     =   6 - 0
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 18, 2020, 12:36:28 PM
Time trial time again, so Aurora Australis wins the race to Aix-en-Provence with Owen Acree. In the GC Oliver King is now on place 14, one and a half minute behind Atlantico's Mihkel Väli. The last stage does suit Oliver very well, so hopefully he can enter the top 10.

(https://scontent-amt2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/23659364_750928525099184_901277361197109429_n.png?_nc_cat=101&_nc_ohc=qWUvLG7-UlAAX__undi&_nc_ht=scontent-amt2-1.xx&oh=3945a92e75ed6ac0be04ca02e80eccb2&oe=5E939317)

Squashed between the Tirreno and the Adriatico will be:

201 Will Miller
202 Robert Brubaker
203 Valentin Litenko
204 Dénes Nemcsik
205 Rafael Szepsei

Rafael and Dénes will be our sprint train, Will and Valentin our GC train and Robert is just a single time trial loc. No cobble specialist as this race did not fit in any of the individual schedules.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on January 19, 2020, 02:53:00 AM
My climber failed to do his job in Paris to get the points to get a healthy gap from you, so I've got a cobbler who'll hopefully get points where your guys will be cruising in the pack.

Nice copying if my Australia vs England (opps Little Britain) from the NTs Vos.  Btw, I'm not bothered, I've got both the (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/arcocrono.jpg) & (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/camiaustralia.gif), and once my climbers actually wake up, will get the (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/AustraliaG.jpg) as well.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 19, 2020, 04:25:46 PM
The last stage of Paris-Nice was a slight disappointment, Oliver King could just reach place 30 in Rasteau, which meant place 15 in the GC.

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/13/d6/f0/9a/kerk-rasteau.jpg)

Winner was, who would have guessed, Cyking Mike Bauer.

Division standings after the first stage of the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      Cabrasverdes   2404   1   2   1   
2º      Thorboassonarvesen   1361   1   2   1   
3º      Wiggo_pupils   1322   0   1   1   

11º      FlyEaglesFly   904   0   2   0   
12º      Aurora_Australis   881   2   1   0   
13º      SentinelChickens   776   0   0   1   

17º      Caracoles   760   1   2   0   
18º      Combuijs   754   0   0   1   
19º      EuskaPiero   742   0   0   0   

22º      HTCHungria   656   1   0   0   
23º      Zatarra   653   0   0   0   
24º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   649   2   0   0   

26º      Ares   599   1   0   2   
27º      SPORTLIFE   505   0   1   0   
28º      Flyvende_hjul   480   0   0   0   

39º      TeamTimidus   278   0   0   1   
40º      WinterIsComing   275   0   0   0   
41º      Wizards   261   0   0   0   

As you can see, all your favourite teams are spread up in the standings. We have still time to the next time trial to pass Aurora Australis.

In the cup race tonight these riders will try to beat Prodoping Pong with allowed stimulae:

11 Oliver King
12 Yvo de Cleer
13 Will Miller
14 Sam Parker
15 Tristan Prins
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on January 19, 2020, 04:57:53 PM
It seems we have quite some work to do... :o
Thank for this subtle reminder, Combuijs.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 20, 2020, 02:33:33 PM
In the second stage of the Tirreno around Modena Rafael Szepesi suprisingly got 4th place, with helper Dénes Nemcsik on place 17. While director Tony Chambers was praised for his brilliant tactics, apparently nobody had seen the small bomb Dénes threw behind him which caused a disrupting crash in the final kilometer of the stage.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/bombazo.png)

(https://media.tacdn.com/media/attractions-splice-spp-674x446/07/74/0f/0b.jpg)

In the third stage to Salsomaggiore Terme Dénes tried to do the same, but was disappointed as the bomb did not explode. As a result Rafael only got 18th place.

The cup race was also disappointing as Prodoping Pong's Huub Meppelink raced away on the final climb to Pla d`Adet, leaving behind a chanceless Oliver King. So again an early exit this season. After three consecutive quarter-finals we now have three consecutive round 2 exits. The official UCI site mentions round 1, but this must be a mistake.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 21, 2020, 11:38:00 AM
The fourth stage of the Tirreno to Montecassino saw Will Miller on place 13, a nice surprise.

The last stage, a time trial around the Lido di Camaiore, gave Robert Brubaker place 25. It was of course won by Richard Levin (Aurora Australis).

(https://www.holidaysea.it/FotoLocalita/lido_01.jpg)

The Tirreno was won by Captain Orange's Albert Ducrot.

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Cabrasverdes   2654   1   2   1   
2º      Wiggo_pupils   1570   1   1   1   
3º      CyKings   1481   0   0   1   

8º      Rekutxuteam   1303   0   0   0   
9º      Aurora_Australis   1299   3   1   1   
10º      ProdopingPong   1297   2   0   0   

14º      Atlantico   1041   0   0   0   
15º      SPORTLIFE   995   0   1   1   
16º      Marcatone_Due   981   0   0   0   
17º      Combuijs   973   0   0   1   
18º      Psychoedge   956   0   0   0   

28º      EuskaPiero   772   0   0   0   
29º      Zatarra   711   0   0   0   
30º      PDM_cycling_team   710   0   0   0

39º      KunTeam   403   0   1   0
40º      WinterIsComing   385   0   0   0   
41º      Shiro_Lions   341   0   0   0   

Zatarra is in the danger zone now, WinterIsComing is still working to get in that zone...

Tonight we cycle from Milan to San Remo:

161 Thomas Freitag
162 Dénes Nemcsik
163 Garret Rose
164 Rafael Szepesi
165 Julius Wiegel

We have fond memories of last season's E3 Harelbeke:

161 Adam Neeskens
162 Chester Laybutt
163 Julius Maalderink
164 Garret Rose
165 Julius Wiegel

Battling the snow in Catalunya will be:

161 Adam Neeskens
162 Robert Brubaker
163 Thomas Freitag
164 Julius Maalderink
165 Dénes Nemcsik

Adam will be our GC man, assisted by Julius. Maybe Thomas and Dénes get their chance too, depending on developments. Robert certainly will...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 24, 2020, 04:46:29 PM
The E3 Harelbeke last season was won by our Adam Neeskens, but this time tactics were not optimal and he had to make do with place 15, 4 places behind his helper Julius Maalderink. Ouch...

In the first stage in the Volta de Catalunya around Olot Julius Maalderink scored place 23 in a free role. Zatarra's Martin van Groningen won the race, no doubt to his teamleader's delight.

The second stage in the Volta de Catalunya to Tarragona brought Robert Brubaker a 20th place, 17 and 18 places behind Richard Levin and Isaac Trump (Aurora Australis). And no, Richard did not win...

(https://static.reisgraag.nl/images/cached/gs-b114725484-Ruines_Romeins_theater_Tarragona_-_Spanje.jpg)

The third stage brought us ... eh ... confusion and disappointment as our director apparently forgot to tell who whould be leader and who would be domestique. Sigh...

Jullus Maalderink is now 23rd in the GC, Adam Neeskens 35th. Leader is Yan Sayun (Loa Rayos de Larry).

Division standings after the fourth stage in Catalunya:

1º      Cabrasverdes   3817   2   2   2   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2156   2   1   1   
3º      ProdopingPong   2124   2   0   1   

10º      Thorboassonarvesen   1611   1   2   1   
11º      Aurora_Australis   1580   3   2   2   
12º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1469   4   2   0   

15º      Atlantico   1338   0   0   0   
16º      Combuijs   1298   0   0   1   
17º      Psychoedge   1292   0   0   0   

20º      CaptainOrange   1118   0   0   0   
21º      SPORTLIFE   1104   0   1   1   
22º      MortoviaCycling   1037   0   0   0   

29º      BetisCFF   953   0   1   0   
30º      Zatarra   900   1   0   0   
31º      Antequera   889   0   0   1   

42º      Shiro_Lions   434   0   0   0   
43º      WinterIsComing   428   0   0   0   
44º      Catalonia_Team   423   0   0   0   

Tomorrow morning we go first from Gent to Wevelgem:

151 Adam Neeskens
152 Ørjan Henningsen
153 Julius Maalderink
154 Garret Rose
155 Arjen Rutte

and in the afternoon we go from Roeselare to Waregem:

151 Adam Neeskens
152 Chester Laybutt
153 Julius Maalderink
154 Garret Rose
155 Julius Wiegel
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 25, 2020, 04:01:59 PM
The Volta de Catalunya was won by Yan Sayun and he had a serious advantage as well, almost one and a half minute. Julius Maalderink finished 25th.

In Gent-Wevelgem we again suffered from bad tactics as helper Julius Maalderink finished 19th and leader Adam Neeskens 25th. It's the part of the season that we should take many points and we are not doing it.

(https://www.era.be/sites/default/files/styles/paragraphs_fifty_fifty/public/wevelgem-gent-wevelgem.jpg?itok=s86Pu89l)

Tomorrow morning we will have in nice tour around Flanders:

151 Adam Neeskens
152 Chester Laybutt
153 Julius Maalderink
154 Garret Rose
155 Julius Wiegel

while in the afternoon we start a nice tour around the Basque Country:

151 Oliver King
152 Will Miller
153 Adam Neeskens
154 Tristan Prins
155 Garret Rose

Oliver King is our GC man, Adam and Garret will be there for the first stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 27, 2020, 03:28:59 PM
Good news in Dwars door Vlaanderen. Adam Neeskens managed a 7th place, behind Cobble Crusher Yannick Pierre (1st), Betis CFF's Leonid Leonov (2nd), green goat Noah Nellisse (3rd) and Zatarra's Leroy Stamer (5th). 7th place also was good enough for sponsor Statoil to donate a substantial amount of money.

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/statoil.jpg)

The Ronde van Vlaanderen was a disappointment as usual. Adam Neeskens was not paying attention at the start and could not recover, so we had to make do with domestique Chester Laybutt on place 14. Winner was Dutchman Noah Nelisse, just before Leonid Leonov.

The first stage of the Itzulia was won by Leonid Leonov, who lead impressively from start to finish. Adam Neeskens was solid asleep at the start and could only finish 21st.

In the second stage to Vitoria Oliver King reaches 17th place, well helped by Tristan Prins. He has some way to cover yet on place 78 in the GC, but we are confident he can. Leader is Sentinal Chicken Jan Hage.

(https://tourism.euskadi.eus/contenidos/h_cultura_y_patrimonio/0000011904_h5_rec_turismo/en_11904/images/GL_Vitoria_Gasteiz_Casco_Antiguo.jpg)

Division standings after the second stage of the Itzulia:

1º      Cabrasverdes   6319   4   3   3   
2º      CobbleCrushers   4033   2   3   4   
3º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   3155   1   1   2   

14º      SentinelChickens   1830   0   0   1   
15º      Combuijs   1814   0   0   1   
16º      FaltososDeChigre   1801   0   0   0   

19º      Marcatone_Due   1623   0   0   0   
20º      Aurora_Australis   1605   3   2   2   
21º      Psychoedge   1575   0   0   0   

22º      MortoviaCycling   1540   0   0   0   
23º      Zatarra   1462   1   0   0   
24º      ChessPower   1449   0   0   1

26º      EuskaPiero   1420   0   0   0   
27º      SPORTLIFE   1222   0   1   1   
28º      Caracoles   1209   1   2   1   

38º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   710   0   0   0   
39º      WinterIsComing   693   0   0   0   
40º      Periquitos   641   0   0   0   

Well, we have passed Aurora Australis, but I don't think we have put enough distance between us.

We have sold Sam Parker to Continental team Copen Hell.  We tried to sell him for 1 million, 500K and 250K and in the end he went for 1.8M. CFF walks wonderous ways, but I won't complain.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 28, 2020, 12:12:13 PM
In the third stage in the Itzulia to Eguesibar helper Will Miller took leader Oliver King with him and both finished in the top 30, 19th and 22nd. Sportlife's Lorenzo Tafi got second place.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Uztarrotz.jpg)

After the time trial we find Oliver on place 14 in the GC, under 2 minutes from leader Elliot Marbley (HTCHungria). The last stage does suit Oliver so maybe we can reach a top 10 place.

We have a classic line up for a classic Paris-Roubaix

161 Julius Maalderink
162 Ørjan Henningsen
163 Eelco van der Laan
164 Adam Neeskens
165 Garret Rose

and a no less classic line up for the hill classics:

161 Carlo Bemelmans
162 Thomas Freitag
163 Chester Laybutt
164 Adam Neeskens
165 Tristan Prins

After that we go touring around Romandie with:

161 Will Miller
162 Eelco van der Laan
163 Damien Lambert
164 Julius Maalderink
165 Tristan Prins

Will will be our GC man, Julius and Eelco will be there for the first stage.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on January 28, 2020, 01:30:06 PM
Well, I better hope for good points in Paris Roubaix, else my next chance to get back ahead of you will be Tour Romandie.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on January 30, 2020, 12:30:34 PM
After the unexpected good results of silver hills-specialist Marin in the first two hills classic races ( 6th AGR and 10th FW ),
my team is getting closer to Aurora Australis and Combuijs in the 1A ranking :  :)

(https://i.imgur.com/vKeg7BC.png?1)

(https://i.imgur.com/JPw5Vjm.jpg?1)
The reactions of the fanclubs of AA and Combuijs when they saw the result of Marin (SPORTLIFE) in AGR.  :))


Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on January 30, 2020, 01:09:05 PM
Well at least we've got cool fanclubs  :)

Anyway, time's running out for you to catch up, or for Combuijs to extend the advantage, because with the spring classics almost over, we're back into Australis scoring territory.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on January 30, 2020, 01:55:54 PM
Well at least we've got cool fanclubs  :)

Anyway, time's running out for you to catch up, or for Combuijs to extend the advantage, because with the spring classics almost over, we're back into Australis scoring territory.

Have been scoring a few points lately as well, but I'm not sure if I can keep up with your teams already this season. Let's see if we will be able to stay in 1st division first. We still have a few spots to climb.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 31, 2020, 11:22:56 AM
A disappointing last stage in the Itzulia meant that Oliver King lost some places in the GC. He finished 18th, less than three minutes behind winner Mikhel Vali (Atlantico). Honourable mentions for Sven Winkler Prins with a 7th place in the GC. No doubt his encyclopedic knowledge of the Basque country did help...

In the classic Paris-Roubaix Julius Maalderink got 22nd place. Not really a good result, but at least one place higher than Zatarra's Amund Svendsen.

Liège-Bastogne-Liège was the only hill classic in which Carlo Bemelmans scored points, he finished 15th. With this result he might get another contract for next season, but we will consider our options.

In the first stage of the Tour de Romandie around Fribourg Julius Maalderink reached place 11 assisted by Eelco van der Laan. Not a bad start at all.

(https://img0.oastatic.com/img2/26013213/1080x410r/freiburg-von-der-lorette.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage in the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Cabrasverdes   6955   5   3   3   
2º      CobbleCrushers   5105   2   3   6   
3º      ProdopingPong   4549   4   0   2   

18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2136   5   2   0   
19º      Combuijs   2131   0   0   1   
20º      Caracoles   2087   1   2   1   

23º      Flyvende_hjul   1981   0   0   0   
24º      Aurora_Australis   1965   3   2   2   
25º      MortoviaCycling   1960   0   0   0   
26º      SPORTLIFE   1905   0   2   1   
27º      Zatarra   1781   1   0   0   
28º      Psychoedge   1770   0   0   0   

33º      PDM_cycling_team   1436   0   0   0
34º      WinterIsComing   1378   0   0   0   
35º      TeamTimidus   1369   0   0   2   

We have asked some tour organisers to put away the time trial they have planned, because they are less interesting for the spectators. Anyway, it might become a difficult season for us, as we are relatively low in the standings for the time of the season.

By the way, there was a wrong subtitle in Vos's photograph: this was the reaction of the Aurora Australis and Combuijs fans when someone told them the pub ran out of Combuijs Honey Ale. Lucky for them that was only a joke.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on January 31, 2020, 12:07:52 PM
By the way, there was a wrong subtitle in Vos's photograph: this was the reaction of the Aurora Australis and Combuijs fans when someone told them the pub ran out of Combuijs Honey Ale. Lucky for them that was only a joke.
Not only our fans.  I've had to promise my three TTers an extra case of the ale if they finish top three in stage 5.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on February 02, 2020, 05:38:31 AM
By the way, there was a wrong subtitle in Vos's photograph: this was the reaction of the Aurora Australis and Combuijs fans when someone told them the pub ran out of Combuijs Honey Ale. Lucky for them that was only a joke.
Not only our fans.  I've had to promise my three TTers an extra case of the ale if they finish top three in stage 5.
They missed out on the extra case by finishing 1st, 2nd, 4th, however with Combuijs being no-doubt disappointed with their mere 93 points in Romandie, I did purchase a six pack of Combuijs for each of them.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on February 05, 2020, 11:07:36 PM
Hmmmm, I see that Combuijs has not registered a Giro team and also no posts of him the past 6 days.
Let's hope everything is allright with Combuijs / ( or will be allright again in the near future ).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 08, 2020, 03:43:25 PM
In the third stage of the Tour de Romandie to Genève Will Miller reached 15th place, 14 places behind Sportlife's Lorenzo Tafi. The last stage was won by Isaac Trump of Aurora Australis, so you might guess it was a time trial.

And after that? I went to lovely Zaltbommel and forgot to sign up for the Henninger Turm and, much worse, the Giro... So I had to cope with a massively disappointed Arjen Rutte, Valentin Litenko and Dènes Nemcsik who had especially prepared for this tour. Worse, Tristan Prins, Ørjan Henningsen and Raphael Szepesi missed their booked flight for their training camp as well, so things are really messed up now...

The UCI also messed up a bit when the calendar changed thanks to a massive storm in the Giro...

(https://beleefzaltbommel.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/stadskasteel-zaltbommel.jpg)

Division standings after the Giro:

1º      Cabrasverdes   8777   6   3   4   
2º      CobbleCrushers   5892   2   4   6   
3º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5443   8   2   1   

18º      Codex   3124   1   3   3   
19º      SPORTLIFE   3034   2   2   2   
20º      Ares   2927   2   2   4   

25º      SentinelChickens   2744   0   0   1   
26º      Aurora_Australis   2688   4   3   2   
27º      Psychoedge   2494   0   0   0   
28º      azerite   2254   0   0   1   
29º      Combuijs   2171   0   0   1   
30º      ChessPower   2093   0   0   1
31º      Zatarra   2059   1   0   0   

35º      TeamTimidus   1922   0   1   3   
36º      WinterIsComing   1864   0   0   0   
37º      Wizards   1862   0   0   0   

The relegation zone is coming very near, and it will be hard to avoid going down, I fear. Let's not miss another Grand Tour...

But we will be there again in the Dauphine Liberè:

281 Yvo de Cleer
282 Robert Brubaker
283 Thomas Freitag
284 Will Miller
285 Dénes Nemcsik

There has been an unexpected rise in our sales of the Combuijs Honey Ale six packs, which is good as sales of our cyclings shirts has declined a bit...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on February 08, 2020, 07:49:11 PM
Good to see you're back, Combuijs :)

Still gotta step it up to avoid relegation with my team. Maybe we have to go and see a doctor who can prescribe some Honey Ale six packs. Word is that it keeps cyclists in form really well.  8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on February 08, 2020, 07:58:10 PM
Welcome back, Combuijs ! 
(https://i.imgur.com/GGhgd0T.jpg)
The rumor goes that the relegation ghost also likes Honey Ale Combuijs Beer. You are too kind to honor him with a (hopefully short) visit.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 09, 2020, 03:25:29 PM
A good start in the Dauphine Libere. In the first stage to Valmorel he finishes 20th. Ok, not as good as the second place of Arles Mercado (Winter is Coming), but points are points. In the time trial to Bourg-en-Bresse Richard Brubaker finished 13th. No Aurora Australis victor this time, but "only" second and third place.

(https://zonnigzuidfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bourg-en-Bresse-1.jpg)

Yvo is now 29th in the GC on more than 2 minutes from leader Ethan Foster (Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycling).

L'Equipe thinks our Oliver King is really worth his weight in gold as a tour rider. He better score some points for us, then.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltaoro.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 10, 2020, 02:58:37 PM
Not a really good continuation in the Dauphine, Yvo de Cleer gets place 30 in stage 3 to Plateau de Solaison, which was won by Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin, a feat both could not repeat in the next stage. Yvo is now 26th in the GC on three and a half minutes from Atlantico's Siegmund Paulsen.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/45/Plateau_Solaison.jpg/300px-Plateau_Solaison.jpg)

These climbing goats will be in Switzerland:

291 Oliver King
292 Carlo Bemelmans
293 Yvo de Cleer
294 Dénes Nemcsik
295 Garret Rose

Oliver is there for the GC, assisted by Yvo and Garret. Carlo and Dénes might go for desperately needed points in individual stages.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on February 10, 2020, 06:33:57 PM
Yvo de Cleer gets place 30 in stage 3 to Plateau de Solaison, which was won by Sportlife's Nicola Miorlin, a feat both could not repeat in the next stage.
Olé !  :)
Victory of Miorlin, who was not a favorite and he has no TC bonus.
He did not even had the best helper, Huszta (with TC). He had to score points too, and also he did excellent as not-favorite ; 5th in a free role.
In stage 4 again very good results (2nd and 8th), although they could not repeat the magnificent results of stage 3.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on February 11, 2020, 12:14:55 AM
After the final Dauphiné stage Yvo de Cleer moved up 13 places in the GC and ended on place 13 GC.
So, maybe 80 unexpected and very needed points for you with this GC result, Combuijs.
Also a moral boost for your team, because de Cleer was 1:02" better as Miorlin in the GC.  ;)
Good luck in the Tour de Suisse !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 11, 2020, 12:06:29 PM
The last stage in the Dauphine to Belley was again succesfull as Dénes Nemcsik got himself 20th place in a free role and Yvo de Cleer sprinted to place 12 in the GC. Atlantico's Siegmund Paulsen managed to keep the yellow jersey.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Vue_toits_belley.jpg/250px-Vue_toits_belley.jpg)

Certainly a moral boost, but just for the points, not the passing of Nicola Miorlin...

Division standings after the Dauphine:

1º      Cabrasverdes   9070   6   3   4   
2º      CobbleCrushers   6252   2   4   7   
3º      Rekutxuteam   5991   2   0   1   

14º      FlyEaglesFly   4146   2   4   4   
15º      SPORTLIFE   3586   3   3   2   
16º      HTCHungria   3561   1   0   1   

23º      Ares   3180   2   3   4   
24º      Aurora_Australis   3069   4   4   3   
25º      MortoviaCycling   3044   0   0   0   

29º      azerite   2386   0   0   1   
30º      Combuijs   2356   0   0   1   
31º      WinterIsComing   2324   0   1   0   
32º      skunk   2213   0   0   0   
33º      EuskaPiero   2111   0   0   0   
34º      Zatarra   2099   1   0   0   
35º      TeamTimidus   1999   0   1   3   

The green goats are glorious in the lead and the fight for the last safe spot is going between Winter Is Coming and us, which does not give too much confidence for our chances. Let's hope we both can get past azerite or another willing victim...

We are already preparing for the Tour de France:

291 Oliver King
292 Carlo Bemelmans
293 Yvo de Cleer
294 Adam Neeskens
295 Julius Wiegel

Oliver is there for the GC, assisted by Yvo and Carlo. Adam might go for desperately needed points in individual stages, while Julius will be doing the press conferences.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on February 11, 2020, 04:11:56 PM
Happy I almost closed the gap towards the safe spots. Let's try and get to the safe zone both as soon as possible now, Combuijs.  8) It won't be easy but I'm still confident about our chances. Let's go!  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 29, 2020, 03:01:46 PM
Sorry, had not much time to update the Capers, but in the end we did not manage to stay on the World Tour:

1º      Cabrasverdes   12506   7   4   4   
2º      Rekutxuteam   9553   2   0   3   
3º      Aurora_Australis   8965   7   9   6   
4º      SPORTLIFE   8513   7   4   4   
5º      Atlantico   8212   1   3   1   
6º      HTCHungria   8154   3   2   2   
7º      ProdopingPong   8026   4   1   2   
8º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   8012   1   2   4   
9º      °Peachy°Melocotons   7743   11   4   2   
10º      CobbleCrushers   7672   4   4   7   
11º      Caracoles   7564   6   6   4   
12º      Marcatone_Due   7385   0   2   2   
13º      Wiggo_pupils   7086   3   1   5   
14º      FlyEaglesFly   6658   2   5   5   
15º      CyKings   6359   0   4   3   
16º      Flyvende_hjul   6093   0   0   1   
17º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   6039   8   4   2   
18º      ChessPower   6019   1   2   2
19º      CaptainOrange   5898   0   3   0   
20º      FaltososDeChigre   5789   1   0   1   
21º      Codex   5618   4   3   3   
22º      KunTeam   5533   6   1   3
23º      MortoviaCycling   5338   0   0   1   
24º      galegospolabici   5320   0   0   2   
25º      Ares   5127   4   3   4   
26º      BetisCFF   5063   1   4   1   
27º      SentinelChickens   4933   1   2   1   
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   4721   5   6   1   
29º      skunk   4694   0   0   0   
30º      ValeronIdolo   4490   0   0   0   
31º      WinterIsComing   4296   0   1   0   
32º      azerite   4238   0   1   2   
33º      Combuijs   3953   0   0   2   
34º      Oska   3937   0   2   2   
35º      Psychoedge   3732   0   0   1   
36º      Periquitos   3564   0   4   1   
37º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   3277   0   1   0   
38º      Wizards   3258   0   0   0   
39º      Antequera   2802   0   0   1   
40º      Zatarra   2735   1   0   0   
41º      Shiro_Lions   2589   1   1   1   
42º      EuskaPiero   2556   0   0   0   
43º      PDM_cycling_team   2540   0   0   0
44º      Ciclokillers   2475   0   0   0   
45º      BOS   2362   0   1   1   
46º      TeamTimidus   2177   0   1   3   
47º      lasposturas   1445   0   0   1   
48º      Catalonia_Team   1259   0   0   0   
49º      CrossAndGo    27   0   0   0   
50º      IntellinetCyclingFF   0   0   0   0   

I don't think not missing the Giro would have made a difference, we simply scored too little points in the cobble hill classics. Too bad Winter Is Coming just relegated too.

No Combuijs Honey Ale riders in the top 50 also:

1º      Allan Palmer   24   4536   HTCHungria   3   2   2   
2º      Antonello Lorenzetto   25   3868   Marcatone_Due   0   1   1   
3º      Yannick Pierre   25   2630   CobbleCrushers   2   3   2   
4º      Mike Bauer   25   2382   CyKings   0   1   1   
5º      Adam Roethlisberger   25   2369   Rekutxuteam   1   0   0   
6º      Leonid Leonov   24   2230   BetisCFF   1   3   1   
7º      Daniele Kolb   25   2197   Codex   2   2   1   
8º      Richard Levin   25   2188   Aurora_Australis   4   2   2   
9º      Marzio Pantani   25   2063   Wiggo_pupils   2   1   1   
10º      Miksa Pelle   25   2057   °Peachy°Melocotons   5   2   1   

A new best rider in front, Allan Palmer of HTCHungria, another tour rider alas.

Our personal point distribution:

Adam Neeskens   25   608         110
Oliver King   25   587         241
Robert Brubaker    25   430         012
Will Miller   25   389         000
Julius Maalderink   25   378         672
Garret Rose   25   325         002
Chester Laybutt    25   298         024
Rafael Szepesi   25   242         882
Carlo Bemelmans    25   140         322
Tristan Prins   25   125         253
Yvo De Cleer    25   113         731
Julius Wiegel    25   110         000
Arjen Rutte   25   100         644
Dénes Nemcsik   25   58         000
Eelco VanDerLaan    24   50         000

A third place for time trialist Robert Brubaker really tells the story of the season: too many time trials...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 29, 2020, 03:08:45 PM
In season 8 we will compete on the Pro Continental Tour level.

We have put up nine riders for sale:

Damien Lambert
Eelco van der Laan
Carlo Bemelmans
Chester Laybutt
Julius Wiegel
Robert Brubaker
Thomas Freitag
Yvo de Cleer
Ørjan Henningsen

In season 8 we will start with about 10 new riders, preferably tour riders, but we will see what comes up in practice.

We will be operating in division 2d, amongst others with Zatarra, PDM Cycling Team, 101 Cycling and Dutch Lions. No idea what to expect, first goal is the new young riders, second goal is promotion.

But first the flat cobble hill race in the cup against Pro Continental Tour team Psychoedge.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 03, 2020, 08:29:31 PM
In the first cup round our Adam Neeskens beated Psychoedge's Filips Piksons in the final meters, so we are through to the second round. There we will face Pro Continental Tour Team Lugnanese in a Spanish flat sprint race. Barring unexpected purchases we should easily get through to the third round.

We have managed to sell 6 riders. Chester Laybutt went to Rekutxuteam for 24,1 million, our best sale ever. It probably lead to:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/rentable.png) Expert in revaluating his riders (Chester was bought a lifetime ago for 1M, all the money available to us at that moment)
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/selle2.png) Total sells level 2
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/millonario4.jpg) Rockefeller trophy (for having more than 40 million cash, I guess)

Our worst sale ever was Carlo Bemelmans who was transfered for a whopping 18 to OphiukoCT... Julius Wiegel went for 5557 to Sportlife, and you can see Vos is really a master in getting good riders cheap. Third best sale ever was rather suprisingly Damien Lambert who went for 5M to the Peachy Melocotons. Too bad for Damien to be dressed as fruit now, but I guess the money will compensate for that. Eelco van der Laan went for a meagre 350K to Fountain.

We have put Yvo de Cleer, Thomas Freitag and Robert Brubaker on the transfer market again. Robert no doubt will first score some points in tomorrow's time trial...

We are not used to scoring points in the Tour Down Under, but on the Pro Continental Tour it is just that little easier:
1st stage: 23. Tristan Prins
2nd stage: 12. Adam Neeskens
3rd stage: 22. Dénes Nemcsik
4th stage: 3. Dénes Nemcsik, 19. Rafael Szepesi

So a first podium place in Campbell Town. Adam Neeskens is now 14th in the GC, but he is not blessed with a good time trial...

(https://businessviewoceania.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/BUSINESS-VIEW-resi-development.jpg)

We are now exactly 100 points behind Zatarra, so we should easily gain some positions from here...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 06, 2020, 11:29:21 AM
Big dealings on the transfer market these days and we have broken several records. The first was the lowest transfer for our team, we have sold Yvo de Cleer for 2 to Compos, which is 9 times less than our previous record of four days ago. Of course it could have been much worse if we had gotten twice as less... Robert Brubaker went for 10K to Lanihull Cycling, Thomas Freitag for 1 less to Team Piroshki. The really good news is we landed our biggest fish ever in Hidde Daelman from Winter Is Coming for a new high record of 18,4M and a bit. We missed out on several others, but we are very happy with Hidde.

We have now a new shopping car for our daily purchases: (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/buy2.png)

We are also happy with the results coming in, we are not troubled by corona-viruses:

Tour Down Under:
5th stage: 3. Robert Brubaker

Adam Neeskens fell to place 25 in the time trial.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 3. Adam Neeskens, 26. Arjen Rutte
Strade Bianchi: 2. Arjen Rutte, 15. Adam Neeskens

Paris - Nice:
2st stage: 13. Tristan Prins, 30. Oliver King
2nd stage to Orléans: 9. Dénes Nemcsik

Oliver King is now 25th in the GC and should be on a higher place this evening (and at the end of the tour...). If he even starts scoring points in hill races, we are really looking good.

(https://www.zininfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/Orl%C3%A9ans-shutterstock_711028963-1-660x330.jpg)

League standings after the second stage in Paris-Nice:

1º      Zatarra   2764   2   1   0   
2º      Skrimshaw   1714   0   0   0   
3º      Periquitos   1640   1   2   1   

6º      TeamSolex   1383   2   1   2   
7º      Combuijs   1340   0   1   3   
8º      Fountain   1306   0   0   0   

12º      Gloucester   785   0   0   1   
13º      Dutch_Lions   490   0   0   0   
14º      Speedbird   481   0   1   0   

21º      Arabateam   265   0   0   0   
22º      Cycling101   265   0   0   0   
23º      frikisdemoda   228   0   0   1   

27º      Sabmazz   167   0   0   0   
28º      PDM_cycling_team   158   0   0   0
29º      Tubulares   127   0   0   0   

Can somebody wake up Cycling 101 and PDM Cycling Team? The season has started. And while you are at it, can somebody calm down Zatarra, this is a bit ridiculous...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: B.E-L on March 06, 2020, 03:30:05 PM
I'm awake but i have got only 2 riders that can score points in the second Division and i was planning to sell those 2   😉
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 06, 2020, 04:30:18 PM
Good luck with Hidde Daelman, Combuijs!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on March 06, 2020, 06:19:22 PM
Rolv Sele was very pleased to compete with Arjen Rutte in the steeds of Siena again. It reminded him of the good old days of the first season in 1a together.

Come on, Combuijs, you're getting behind... And then 3 other of 'our' classics yet have too come. :).

We're having a good start at last.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 07, 2020, 05:29:01 PM
Paris-Nice:
3rd stage: 4. Oliver King, 18. Tristan Prins
4th stage to Col d'Eze: 6. Oliver King

(http://www.cote.azur.fr/images/images_articles/55_1307456095.jpg)

In the GC Oliver King is now 1st in the GC with a one minute lead on Periquitos' German Martinez. I don't know if Oliver can stay there, but it would be a very nice start of the season for him if he does.

Anyway, you know you are in heaven when your GC rider scores serious points in stages and when your domestique is 4th in the GC...

In the meantime we have gathered 5 more or less trainable Tour riders, so we are halfway our target. Competition is fierce for 19 year old Tour riders and our resources are limited, so we have to see how things develop.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on March 07, 2020, 08:11:39 PM
Congratulations on you P-N victory with King! Well done! Now the gap between us is only 1100 points.

Pity Ferreiro couldn't finish the sprint stage properly. In his career he still has not won ANY race. It's starting to get ridiculous... He didn't have the proper help this time, since hillsprinter Isupov had to do it, but still... Anyway, three stage wins for us in P-N and a 3rd and 6th place in the others. We are happy with that.

Next stop is the Tirreno. Mitt will try and stay close to King in the GC, but his lack of sprinting en pure climbing capabilities will probably 'kill' him. Anyway, we aim to have three stage wins again; stages 2, 3 and 5, hopefully, of which the latter is the hardest. We'll see.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 09, 2020, 06:31:30 PM
We now have landed three big transfers, though none as big as Hidde Daelman. We have now Colin Cann from Manicomos Cycling Team (6M), John Paxson from Sentinel Chickens (4M) and Leroy van den Borre from RemcoEvenpoelckx (2M). The treasury is now almost depleted, we have to see if we can do one main transfer. Anyway, we have 10 more or less trainable riders now, but we could always improve of course...

Paris-Nice:
5th stage: 8. Dénes Nemscik, 30. Arjen Rutte

Oliver King wins the GC with a minute in front of the rest. That's a very good start indeed!

Tirreno-Adriatico:
1st stage: 2. Oliver King
2nd stage: 22. Will Miller, 24. Oliver King
3rd stage to Terminillo: 8. Oliver King

Winner in the mountain time trial was a very special rider of Zatarra...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Terminillo_%281917378783%29.jpg)

Oliver King is, how dull, 1st again in the GC, but he is only four seconds before Periquitos German Martinez.

Division standings after the 3rd stage in the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      Zatarra   3705   5   1   1   
2º      Periquitos   3163   2   3   2   
3º      Astanadena   2874   3   0   0   
4º      Combuijs   2374   0   2   3   
5º      Skrimshaw   2363   0   0   1   
6º      TeamSolex   2184   3   1   2   

We are on a promotion place now, and way behind Zatarra, who is doing great.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on March 09, 2020, 07:30:37 PM
Wow, King definitely is a great tour rider for you this season, Combuijs. He will have a good shot at the GC of T-A as well. An interesting double that has never occured in real life! How special that is! ;)

Mitt will try and reach top5, with some special help, but the pure climbing will not suit him very well.

At least the season starts great for the both of us :).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 10, 2020, 04:43:00 PM
Forgot to mention the cup race. We had a relatively easy race against Lugnanese, so we are through to round 3. We will ride a cobble race against Pro Continental Tour team EuskaPiero. They have a specialist for that, Lodolini, so we are up for a tough challenge.

Tirreno-Adriatico:
4th stage: 2. Oliver King
5th stage to Monte San Vicino: 4. Oliver King

(https://www.turismo-cupramontana.com/media/plg_solidres_experience/images/4ffce04d92a4d6cb21c1494cdfcd6dc1/esperienze/sanvicino/MonteSanVicino.jpg)

When you are top in the GC and finish 4th in the last stage you expect to win the GC, but Astadena's Raimond Leducq proved the opposite. Oliver King finishes 2nd on 13 seconds, Will Miller 8th. So no unusual double for King, but still, not unhappy about things.

Division standings after the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      Astanadena   4482   4   0   1   
2º      Zatarra   4268   5   1   1   
3º      Periquitos   3736   2   3   2   
4º      Combuijs   3211   0   3   3   
5º      TeamSolex   2856   4   2   2   
6º      Skrimshaw   2543   0   0   1   

Astadena takes the lead, which is a pity. Of course we hope that Zatarra finishes behind us, but if he won't he should win the division...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 13, 2020, 03:32:32 PM
A few days ago we had our first non-Tour win as Adam Neeskens won the E3 Harelbeke. No real surprise there as he has won the World Tour edition in the past. Helper Garret Rose was 14th.

Volta de Catalunya:
2nd stage: 3. Will Miller
4th stage to Vallter 2000: 8. Will Miller

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a6/Vallter2000.jpg/1280px-Vallter2000.jpg)

In the GC Will is now 15th, but maybe he can rise a bit in the last stage. We have a shared leadership here now between Raimond Leducq (Astanadena) and Honoré Bontecou (Team Solex).

According to the UCI newspaper we now have an exceptional youth team. I don't know why we got that now, but yes, we have assembled 10 young riders who might grow into Tour riders.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/promos3.png)
Their talent is still quite a guess, but we have not found any huge talent yet. Hidde Daelman has mediocre talent, which is not what we hoped for, but it could have been worse...

We have opened up shops in Hungary and the USA. In the latter our special edition Combuijs Honey-I-shrunk-the president Ale is somehow very popular...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 14, 2020, 05:34:49 PM
In the last stage of the Volta de Catalunya Will Miller finished 17th, which gave him place 13 in the GC on just more than three minutes after winner Honoré Bontecou (Team Solex).

In Gent-Wevelgem we showed that this is a classic we really like: Adam Neeskens won, Julius Maalderink third and squashed in between them was Zatarra's Leroy Stamer. Garret Rose also finished in the top 10, which earned us almost a thousand points and more than 300K...

The Gent-Wevelgem result also gave us a sponsor deal with Ukrainian Naftogaz:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/nafto.jpg)

Division standings after Gent-Wevelgem:

1º      Zatarra   7030   6   4   2   
2º      Astanadena   6477   5   1   1   
3º      Combuijs   5120   2   3   5   
4º      Periquitos   4989   4   3   2   
5º      TeamSolex   4816   5   3   3   
6º      Skrimshaw   4306   0   0   1   

First tests have shown that Gary Fredickson has a mediocre talent and that Jeroen Vonk has a great talent.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 14, 2020, 07:35:44 PM
Good to see we are both on our way to promotion to 1st division once again, Combuijs. Let's try and stay there next time, although that might be tough while training a new generation.

Sorry to hear Daelman isn't gifted with a high talent.  :'(
Guess he still has got a lot of potential, but high talent surely helps a lot.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 15, 2020, 05:24:46 PM
In Dwars door Vlaanderen it was now Zatarra's time to squash Adam Neeskens (2nd) in between Leroy Stamer (1st) and Nick Haringa (3rd), with Garret Rose on place 5 and Julius Maalderink on place 16.

In de Ronde Adam Neeskens just missed out on the podium (4th), Garret Rose just missed out on the top 10 (12th), and Julius Maalderink just missed out on the top 20 (25th). It was nevertheless enough to sway the Holy Spirit Bank to put some heavenly money in our team.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/espiritosanto.jpg)

Division standings after the Ronde van Vlaanderen:

1º      Zatarra   9000   8   4   3   
2º      Astanadena   7102   5   1   2   
3º      Combuijs   6355   2   4   5   
4º      Skrimshaw   5026   0   0   1   
5º      Periquitos   4989   4   3   2   
6º      Luka_Warriors   4860   1   1   1   

We are surely on our way back to the World Tour, but I am afraid it will be a return ticket back to the Pro Continental Tour...

When you are training a new generation, you need experience with your other riders. This one is because of Julius Maalderink reaching 75 (experience, not age...)
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/exp3.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on March 15, 2020, 08:41:00 PM
Gent-Wevelgem was just a little too hard for Stamer. Luckily he could beat your guys in DDV and RVV. IT resulted in quite a gap... Let's try and maintain this.

Good luck in Basque county. We'll meet soon again! :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 16, 2020, 03:20:08 PM
We are out of the cup unfortunately. Julius Maalderink did not lose to Samuele Lodolini in a sprint a deux but to Fabian Cadamuro.

In the Itzulia Tristan Prins surprises in the second stage around Getxo with a third place. He is now 21st in the GC but he is on the rise.

(https://www.ecktiv.nl/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/vizkaya-brug-f.jpg)

Bert Kerkhof is a mediocre talent, but both Colin Cann and Yvo van Straelen are great talents.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 17, 2020, 03:43:54 PM
Victory in Vitoria! Tristan Prins wins the third stage in the Itzulia. What a great result!

(https://www.hotelscombined.be/rimg/dimg/4d/cb/1c9b903d-city-27001-16ab7a28e25.jpg?width=900&height=360&xhint=1862&yhint=1320&crop=true)

It was enough to get a deal with a firm with the curious name of Royal Reinigung.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/royalr.jpg)

Swiss apparently and they might be forgiven for wanting to get rid of all royality...


Around Zalla Garret Rose gets 8th place in a free role.

In the GC Tristan Prins is now 22nd but he will finish in the top 20 tonight.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 18, 2020, 02:33:00 PM
In the last Itzulia stage Tristan Prins finishes 3rd, which deserved him place 6 in the GC on more than 3 minutes from winner Alex Riis (Astadena).

In Roubaix Arjan Rutte finishes 2nd behind Zatarra's Amund Svendsen. Julius Maalderink finishes 6th, Garret Rose 24th.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0e/Gare_de_Roubaix.jpg/1200px-Gare_de_Roubaix.jpg)

With the hill classics coming we will get some minor results than this...

Division standings after Paris-Roubaix:

1º      Zatarra   10433   9   5   4   
2º      Astanadena   8929   6   3   2   
3º      Combuijs   7718   3   5   7   
4º      Skrimshaw   6167   0   0   3   
5º      Periquitos   6024   5   3   2   
6º      Luka_Warriors   5747   2   1   1   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 19, 2020, 05:50:11 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Race:
16. Adam Neeekens

Fleche Wallonne:
17. Adam Neeekens

(https://www.fietssport.nl/images/c87dcbad-856f-e711-942b-00155d010202)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 20, 2020, 04:50:35 PM
Liege-Bastogne-Liege:
9. Adam Neeskens

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage to Leukerbad: 1. Oliver King, 27. Will Miller

A surprise win and a very happy sponsor Raufoss!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/raufoss.jpg)

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Leukerbad2.jpg/300px-Leukerbad2.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Zatarra   11939   9   7   4   
2º      Astanadena   11178   9   3   2   
3º      Combuijs   8288   4   5   7   
4º      Fountain   6958   0   3   3   
5º      Skrimshaw   6925   0   0   3   
6º      Luka_Warriors   6360   2   1   1   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 21, 2020, 07:23:44 PM
Tour de Romandie:
3rd stage: 2. Oliver King
4th stage to Porrentruy: 3: Oliver King

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ad/Porrentruy_panoramo_vidita_de_la_kastelturo_089.JPG/1280px-Porrentruy_panoramo_vidita_de_la_kastelturo_089.JPG)

Oliver King is now 1st in the GC with almost one minute in front of Roelof Stuyvesant (Astanadena). Question is, will he stay 1st in the last stage? Will Miller is 11th.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 22, 2020, 03:23:43 PM
Tour de Romandie:
5th stage to Geneva: 24. Oliver King

(https://cdn.getyourguide.com/img/tour_img-2223232-98.jpg)

With this result Oliver Kings wins his second Tour after Paris-Nice. Helper Will Miller is 9th in the GC.

Division standings after the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Astanadena   12677   9   4   3   
2º      Zatarra   12533   10   8   5   
3º      Combuijs   9227   4   6   8   
4º      Skrimshaw   7417   0   0   3   
5º      Fountain   7353   0   3   3   
6º      Periquitos   7021   7   3   4   

Astanadena takes the lead again, we follow on a respectable distance, but we have a gap behind us as well.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 24, 2020, 05:15:49 PM
Giro:
1st stage: 7. Oliver King
2nd stage: 20. Valentin Litenko, 26. Oliver King
3rd stage to Praia a Mare: 20. Rafael Szepesi, 24. Valentin Litenko, 28. Oliver King

(https://s.iha.com/00112132585/Praia-a-mare-Praia-a-mare.jpeg)

In the GC Oliver King is now first, 6 seconds before Astanadena's Raimond Leducq. We are in for an exciting Giro.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 26, 2020, 07:37:18 PM
Giro:
4th stage: 27. Oliver King
6th stage: 3. Oliver King
7th stage: 16. Oliver King
8th stage to Zoldo Alto: 3. Oliver King

(https://www.dolomiti.it/fileadmin/_processed_/1/f/csm_lo-zoldo-alto-gy-06_bb5693c471.jpg)

In the GC Oliver King is still first, 1 second before Astanadena's Tim Bell. Will he still be first in the end? We will know tomorrow night.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 27, 2020, 08:56:45 PM
Giro:
9th stage: 6. Rafael Szepesi 24. Valentin Litenko
10th stage toi Lissone: 9. Valentin Litenko 14. Oliver King

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5a/Chiesa_Prepositurale_di_Lissone.jpg/800px-Chiesa_Prepositurale_di_Lissone.jpg)

Oliver failed a bit in the 9th stage, but rode a terrific last stage to finish first in the GC:

1    Oliver King   26   Combuijs   0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Charles-Thomas Jameson   26   MarvelProCycling    0: 25"   800   225000
3    Tim Bell   24   Astanadena   0: 27"   650   200000
4    Raimond Leducq   26   Astanadena   0: 50"   550   175000
5    Irek Guba   26   NormanTeam   2: 03"   500   150000

A really great result this!

Division standings after the Giro:

1º      Astanadena   17213   12   4   6   
2º      Zatarra   14598   14   8   6   
3º      Combuijs    11269   4   6   10   
4º      Periquitos   9789   8   6   4   
5º      Skrimshaw   9356   0   2   3   
6º      MarvelProCycling    8962   2   0   3

You would expect the first three places are fixed now.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on March 27, 2020, 10:36:01 PM
edit ; and I see just now that Combuijs wins this Giro too, also well done and congratulations ! 8)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 30, 2020, 02:48:52 PM
In the Dauphine Liberé we took a little break, only Rafael Szepesi was optimal trained at the start:

2nd stage: 5. Rafael Szepesi, 26. Dénes Nemcsik
5th stage to Belley: 1. Rafael Szepesi, 18. Dénes Nemcsik

After this sales of Combuijs Honey Ale in Hungary went viral...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f5/Vue_toits_belley.jpg/640px-Vue_toits_belley.jpg)

Division standings after the Dauphine Libere:

1º      Astanadena   19517   14   5   7   
2º      Zatarra   14938   15   8   6   
3º      Combuijs    11564   5   6   10   
4º      Periquitos   10490   8   8   6   
5º      Skrimshaw   10024   0   2   4   
6º      MarvelProCycling    9736   3   0   4
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on March 30, 2020, 04:22:15 PM
Good to see you (and Zatarra) are well on your way to first division again. Rendez-Vouz in the Tour Down Under, my friends!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on April 01, 2020, 10:12:38 AM
Good to see you (and Zatarra) are well on your way to first division again. Rendez-Vouz in the Tour Down Under, my friends!

Definitely. I think it's very clear in 2d. Astanadena is lonesome at the top and I don't think the current top3 will change. We'll what's needed to both have a good training in 1a as well as trying not to relegate once again next season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 04, 2020, 02:59:59 PM
Tour of Switzerland:
2nd stage: 11. Tristan Prins, 18. Will Miller
3rd stage: 11. Tristan Prins
4th stage: 7. Tristan Prins, 10. Will Miller
5th stage: 1. Tristan Prins

In the GC Tristan Prins was 6th and Will Miller as a helper 20th.

Tour de France:
1st stage: 22. Will Miller
2nd stage: 2. Will Miller, 11. Oliver King
3rd stage: 1. Will Miller, 10. Oliver King
5th stage to Loudenvielle: 7. Will Miller, 18. Oliver King

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/communes/loudenvielle-25946-1_w600.jpg)

In the GC we are doing a Sky/Ineos-trick: we are number 1 and 2:

1    Will Miller   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   0   0
2    Oliver King   26   Combuijs    2: 00"   0   0
3    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   2: 03"   0   0
4    Graham Long   26   Astanadena   2: 59"   0   0
5    Tim Bell   24   Astanadena   3: 04"   0   0

Very likely Will Miller will stay there, but Oliver King is doing domestic tasks, so he probably will loose some places.

Division standings halfway the Tour de France:

1º      Astanadena   21500   14   6   7   
2º      Zatarra   17983   20   9   6   
3º      Combuijs    13019   7   7   10   
4º      Periquitos   12232   8   8   9   
5º      MarvelProCycling    12115   3   3   6
6º      Skrimshaw   11164   0   2   6   

Yes, we are on our way to the World Tour again, but it will very likely only be for one season. There and back again...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on April 04, 2020, 05:53:23 PM
In the GC we are doing a Sky/Ineos-trick: we are number 1 and 2:

1    Will Miller   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   0   0
2    Oliver King   26   Combuijs    2: 00"   0   0
3    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   2: 03"   0   0
4    Graham Long   26   Astanadena   2: 59"   0   0
5    Tim Bell   24   Astanadena   3: 04"   0   0

Very likely Will Miller will stay there, but Oliver King is doing domestic tasks, so he probably will loose some places.

Halfway the Tour de France the GC looks amazing for your team !  8)
Good luck in the 5 remaining stages, Combuijs.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 06, 2020, 03:02:10 PM
Tour de France:
6th stage: 15. Oliver King, 28. Will Miller
7th stage to Albertville: 12. Will Miller, 17. Oliver King

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/e1/Albertville_depuis_Pallud.JPG/1280px-Albertville_depuis_Pallud.JPG)

In the GC Will Miller is still wearing the yellow jersey:

1    Will Miller   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   0   0
2    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   1: 03"   0   0
3    Oliver De Schrijver   26   MarvelProCycling    2: 45"   0   0
4    Oliver King   26   Combuijs    3: 35"   0   0
5    Tjeerd Jonk   26   Dutch_Lions   3: 35"   0   0
6    Cristian Speciale   26   Zatarra   4: 19"   0   0

Still, I think in the last time trial it will be a close call, Jason Coburn is the better time trialist. Some nailbiting to do tonight...

News from the youth academy front: we have one hugely talented boy (Yvo van Straalen), two very talented twins (Friso and Jeroen Vonk), four low talented, two very low talented and one untalented youth. As Yvo is already our best tour rider we will focus on training him. Funny that all three top talents were drawn from our own youth pool.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on April 06, 2020, 08:11:47 PM
Great Tour de France victory, congratulations !  8)
(https://www.worldcyclingstats.com/img/jerseys/jersey_yellow.png)1    Will Miller   26   Combuijs   0: 00"   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 08, 2020, 08:49:00 PM
Tour de France:
10th stage: 22. Oliver King

In the GC Will Miller could keep his lead, so after the Giro we now also have won the Tour. Let's see what we can do in the Vuelta...

1    Will Miller   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   0: 30"   800   225000
3    Oliver De Schrijver   26   MarvelProCycling    1: 50"   650   200000
4    Oliver King   26   Combuijs    2: 45"   550   175000
5    Tjeerd Jonk   26   Dutch_Lions   3: 16"   500   150000
6    Cristian Speciale   26   Zatarra   3: 28"   450   125000
7    Gijs Terpstra   25   Zatarra   5: 07"   400   100000

Oliver King was 4th in the GC as a domestique...

Clasica San Sebastian: 4. Oliver King

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 4. Adam Neeskens
2nd stage: 4. Adam Neeskens
3rd stage to Sittard-Geleen: 3. Adam Neeskens, 14. Garret Rose

The fourth place in stage 1 brought us post from Post Danmark with a nice little checque...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/postdan.jpg)

(https://www.valkverrast.nl/inc/upload/verrast_regionthemes/48/desktop/theme_image_small_regiontheme48_sittard_geleen_plein.jpg)

The last stage was won by Zatarra's Bart Jackson, who is also in the lead in the GC. Adam Neeskens is second and if he stays there we have a happy sponsor.

Division standings after the third stage in the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:

1º      Astanadena   22954   15   6   8   
2º      Zatarra   21071   24   11   7   
3º      Combuijs    15415   7   7   11   
4º      MarvelProCycling    14529   4   5   6
5º      Periquitos   13734   9   9   9   
6º      Skrimshaw   12538   0   3   7   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 12, 2020, 02:53:36 PM

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
4th stage: 6. Adam Neeskens, 22. Garret Rose
5th stage: 11. Adam Neeskens, 18. Garret Rose

In the GC we had a glorious victory by Adam Neeskens and a 7th place for helper Garret Rose:

1    Adam Neeskens   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   500   150000
2    Bart Jackson   23   Zatarra   1: 18"   400   135000
3    Eelco VanDerLaan   25   Fountain   2: 00"   325   120000
4    Alex Byers   25   Fountain   2: 34"   275   105000
5    Ismel Kaloev   24   Luka_Warriors   2: 40"   250   90000
6    Nazaire Cassagne   26   Skrimshaw   2: 53"   225   75000
7    Garret Rose   26   Combuijs    3: 11"   200   60000

Decathlon was very happy with the GC result, so we can enjoy some fresh handlebar tape for our team...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/decathlon.jpg)

Vuelta:
1st stage: 5. Valentin Litenko, 7. Tristan Prins
2nd stage: 2. Valentin Litenko, 24. Tristan Prins
3rd stage: 14. Valentin Litenko
4th stage: 8. Tristan Prins, 29. Valentin Litenko
5th stage to Baiona: 2. Valentin Litenko, 11. Dénes Nemcsik

(http://www.baiona.org/image/image_gallery?uuid=7218c5c4-d72c-45ae-a31f-1a4835175e13&groupId=17653&t=1343120975091)

In the GC we have our Valentin Litenko in the lead, Tristan Prins is 12th:

1    Valentin Litenko   26   Combuijs    0: 00"   0   0
2    Levan Tarba   26   Skrimshaw   0: 19"   0   0
3    Tjeerd Jonk   26   Dutch_Lions   0: 26"   0   0
4    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   0: 40"   0   0
5    Sem Sleeman   25   Scussasebbici   0: 59"   0   0

Of course our goal is to win all three big Tours with three different riders. Just one to go...

Division standings after the fifth stage in the Vuelta:

1º      Astanadena   23725   15   6   9   
2º      Zatarra   22248   24   13   8   
3º      Combuijs 17203   7   9   11   
4º      MarvelProCycling    15803   5   5   7
5º      Periquitos   14531   10   9   9   
6º      Skrimshaw   13881   1   3   8   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 16, 2020, 10:44:53 AM
Vuelta:
6th stage: 5. Dénes Nemcsik, 22. Valentin Litenko
7th stage: 4. Dénes Nemcsik, 25. Valentin Litenko
8th stage: 10. Valentin Litenko, 19. Tristan Prins
9th stage: 19. Valentin Litenko

In the GC Valentin Litenko missed out on first place with 3 seconds. And so we just missed three wins in the three Grand Tours:

1    Tjeerd Jonk   26   Dutch_Lions   0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Valentin Litenko   26   Combuijs    0: 03"   800   225000
3    Levan Tarba   26   Skrimshaw   2: 10"   650   200000
4    Sem Sleeman   25   Scussasebbici   3: 36"   550   175000
5    Jason Coburn   26   Xegalaki_Pro   4: 34"   500   150000

Still, we had a happy sponsor Volkswagen, so we have added 5 campervans to our fleet:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/volk.jpg)

Giro de Lombardia: 1. Tristan Prins, 18. Oliver King

World Championship Innsbruck: 1. Tristan Prins, 15. Oliver King

So, we have a world champion in our midst...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/8/85/Innsbruck_-_Maria-Theresia-Stra%C3%9Fe4.jpg)

The sales of Combuijs Honey Ale is soaring, the beer is very popular in the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Hungary and the USA.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/maxtienda.jpg)

Final standings in the Pro Continental Tour season 8:

1º      Zatarra   23953   25   14   9   
2º      Astanadena   23771   15   6   9   
3º      Combuijs    20319   9   9   11   
4º      MarvelProCycling    19767   5   6   7
5º      Periquitos   18196   12   10   10   
6º      Skrimshaw   18161   1   4   9   

That was a last minute first place claim by Zatarra, congratulations with the win! Promotion was also a very close affair, in the end there was 35 points between Periquitos and Skrimshaw.

In the individual rankings we see a very familiar person at the top:

1º      Oliver King   26   5655   Combuijs    1   3   3   
2º      Dylan Crickton   26   4843   Periquitos   4   1   2   
3º      Raimond Leducq   26   4771   Astanadena   5   1   2   
4º      Alex Riis   26   4729   Astanadena   8   2   2   
5º      Cristian Speciale   26   3574   Zatarra   10   1   1   
6º      Ismel Kaloev   24   3488   Luka_Warriors   4   3   0   
7º      Adam Neeskens   26   3480   Combuijs   2   1   2   
8º      Tjeerd Jonk   26   3167   Dutch_Lions   1   0   1   
9º      Charles-Thomas Jameson   26   3075   MarvelProCycling    2   0   0   
10º      Tristan Prins   26   3063   Combuijs   4   0   2
19º      Will Miller   26   2484   Combuijs    1   1   1      
34º      Valentin Litenko   26   1784   Combuijs    0   2   0   

Three riders in the top 10 and the best rider of the pack, that's completely new for us. The other five riders scoring points:

Garret Rose   26   1113         002
Arjen Rutte   26   853         664
Julius Maalderink   26   710         673
Dénes Nemcsik   26   641         001
Rafael Szepesi   26   428         982

Back to the World Tour again!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 22, 2020, 10:25:15 AM
So, the season will finally start for us too, after the Tour Down Under. Hopefully we can score some points tonight.

We have secured the services of Sander Peebo as a director, who is expected to improve the results in the Tours. Unfortunately he is known to pick up quarrels with everyone who does not agree with him. He is also known for his stream of Tweets. And yes, he has got blonde hair too...

We are already out of the cup after again being drawn against Euska Piero in a hill sprint race. Dénes Nemcsik did what he could but he could not beat Victor Veenstra.

Division standings after the Tour Down Under:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1041   2   0   0   
2º      TeamRHB   767   1   1   0   
3º      Astanadena   608   0   0   0   

10º      Caracoles   336   0   2   0   
11º      WinterIsComing   328   0   0   0   
12º      galegospolabici   325   0   0   0   

14º      Cabrasverdes   290   0   0   0   
15º      SPORTLIFE   262   0   0   1   
16º      Psychoedge   250   0   1   0   

18º      Wiggo_pupils   212   0   0   0   
19º      Zatarra   211   0   0   0   
20º      SentinelChickens   209   0   0   1   

48º      EuskaPiero   0   0   0   0   
49º      Combuijs    0   0   0   0   
50º      cave   0   0   0   0   

For the time being we have accumulated the number of points a goalkeeper would be proud of...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 24, 2020, 10:13:26 AM
We are off the mark!:

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 26. Adam Neeskens
Strade Bianchi: 6. Arjen Rutte, 22. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.steden.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/siena.jpg)

Meanwhile we have started in Paris-Nice with no ambitions apart from the last stage.

Division standings:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1939   3   0   1   
2º      Cabrasverdes   1568   2   0   1   
3º      CobbleCrushers   1295   0   1   1   

7º      Astanadena   816   0   1   0   
8º      Zatarra   801   0   0   0   
9º      Atlantico   800   0   0   0   

13º      Wiggo_pupils   727   0   0   0   
14º      WinterIsComing   686   0   0   0   
15º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   593   2   0   0   

23º      Catalonia_Team   352   0   0   0   
24º      Combuijs    335   0   0   0   
25º      EuskaPiero   310   0   0   0   
26º      SPORTLIFE   302   0   0   1   
27º      Valderend   273   0   0   0   

Let's just pretend these are the final standings of the season...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on April 24, 2020, 10:19:53 AM
Let's just pretend these are the final standings of the season...
Noooo !  :))
2 places below Combuijs. Let's pretend it when my team is ranked higher as yours and still both above the relegation zone.  ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 27, 2020, 07:47:23 PM
Paris-Nice
5th stage: 7. Arjen Rutte

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage to Sestola: 13. Oliver King

(https://images.italy-villas.nl/ccontent_page/5327621410193007xx/large/sestola.jpg)

Oliver King is 20th in the GC and he will have difficulties to stay in the top 20 in the last stage.

Division standings after the 4th stage of the Tirreno:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2805   5   0   1   
2º      Cabrasverdes   2016   2   0   1   
3º      Astanadena   1586   0   2   0   

12º      ProdopingPong   999   0   0   1   
13º      WinterIsComing   987   0   1   1   
14º      FaltososDeChigre   977   1   0   0   

16º      Wiggo_pupils   968   0   0   0   
17º      Zatarra   843   0   0   0   
18º      SPORTLIFE   817   0   1   2   
19º      Caracoles   755   0   2   1   

31º      Catalonia_Team   461   0   0   0   
32º      Combuijs    449   0   0   0   
33º      Wizards   416   0   1   0   

We are now just on the wrong side of the table, no doubt due to lack of success.

News from the youth front: Yvo van Straalen his receive a nice small statue in bronze:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 30, 2020, 10:36:35 AM
E3 Harelbeke: 16. Garret Rose

(https://www.toerisme-leiestreek.be/sites/westtoer_2015/files/styles/wysiwyg_tablet/public/leiestreek/doen/harelbeke_kerk.jpg?itok=crQ62T1N)

At the moment Valentin Litenko is cycling in Catalunya and we hope to score some points today and in the GC. That is necessary because:

Division standings after the 2nd stage of the Volta

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   4154   6   0   1   
2º      Cabrasverdes   3251   4   0   1   
3º      Atlantico   2378   0   0   0   

10º      ProdopingPong   1649   0   0   1   
11º      WinterIsComing   1627   0   1   1   
12º      Wiggo_pupils   1603   0   0   0   
13º      Zatarra   1562   0   0   1   
14º      FlyEaglesFly   1463   1   2   0   

20º      Psychoedge   1187   0   2   0   
21º      SPORTLIFE   1152   0   1   3   
22º      $Tourmalet   992   1   0   0   

31º      ChronoTony   611   0   0   0   
32º      Combuijs    559   0   0   0   
33º      Catalonia_Team   549   0   0   0   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on April 30, 2020, 10:49:47 AM
Good luck, Combuijs! Hopefully you can score enough points to stay at world tour level, but it will be very hard. We have had 3 of the 6 races you should excel at (having some cobble hill riders), and you 'only' scored 500 points thusfar. It's gonna be a tough season.

I've instructed my riders to at least not be the ones that put yours in in trouble. Could you save up a bottle of nice honey ale for me?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on April 30, 2020, 10:43:20 PM
Would be great to see you survive in 1a, but I know first hand it's tough to stay on top when training a bunch of youngsters. Good luck!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 02, 2020, 05:53:44 PM
Volta Catalunya:
Stage 3: 26. Valentin Litenko

In the GC Valentin Litenko finished 21st, not what you want in the battle against relegation...

Gent-Wevelgem: 10. Julius Maalderink

(https://static.nieuwsblad.be/Assets/Images_Upload/2013/06/19/Wevelgem_1.jpg?maxheight=460&maxwidth=638&scale=both)

Zatarra, you can find a magnum bottle of our Combuijs Honey Ale in our shop. At the moment sales are not going well, so we have plenty of stock...  :(
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 03, 2020, 04:16:00 PM
Dwars door Vlaanderen:
28. Garret Rose

It was won by Zatarra's Bart Jackson.

Ronde van Vlaanderen:
4. Garret Rose, 20. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.oudenaarde.be/sites/default/files/public/stad/wonen_en_leven/Milieu/GroeiendGroeneStad/Oudenaarde%20%2823%20van%2026%29.jpg)

We usually are not on top in de Ronde and better in Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen, but this season it is the other way round.

Division standings after de Ronde:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5618   8   0   1   
2º      Cabrasverdes   4469   4   1   1   
3º      Atlantico   3943   0   0   1   
4º      CobbleCrushers   3763   2   3   2   
5º      Zatarra   2998   1   1   1   
6º      galegospolabici   2912   0   3   1   
7º      CaptainOrange   2897   0   0   1   
8º      FaltososDeChigre   2755   1   1   1   
9º      WinterIsComing   2369   1   1   1   
10º      Wiggo_pupils   2339   0   0   0   

17º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1556   4   0   0   
18º      SPORTLIFE   1540   0   3   3   
19º      Caracoles   1459   1   3   1   

23º      Vitimper   1267   0   0   1   
24º      Combuijs    1129   0   0   0   
25º      $Tourmalet   1108   1   0   0   

We are on a safe place, so we are looking for a computer virus to stop the season. Even Sportlife can't complain now as they are above us. But if the season continues there is no way that Zatarra will relegate now!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 09, 2020, 06:07:51 PM
Itzulia:
3rd stage: 14. Garret Rose

Paris-Roubaix: 6. Julius Maalderink

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 14. Dénes Nemcsik
3rd stage to Leukerbad: 29. Will Miller

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2c/Leukerbad2.jpg/1280px-Leukerbad2.jpg)

Will is now 15th in the GC and we have hopes for a top 20 place.

Division standings after the third stage of the Tour de Romandie

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   8154   10   2   3   
2º      Cabrasverdes   5654   5   1   1   
3º      CobbleCrushers   5384   2   6   3   
4º      Atlantico   5028   0   1   1   
5º      CaptainOrange   4091   0   0   5   
6º      Zatarra   4087   3   1   1   
7º      TeamRHB   4075   2   3   2   

13º      ProdopingPong   3328   0   1   1   
14º      WinterIsComing   3238   1   1   1   
15º      SentinelChickens   2763   0   0   4   
16º      Caracoles   2710   2   3   1   
17º      SPORTLIFE   2631   2   3   3   
18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2295   5   0   0   

28º      ChronoTony   1495   0   1   1   
29º      Combuijs    1450   0   0   0   
30º      Marcatone_Due   1325   0   0   1   


So, at the moment we are hanging on, just. We feel like a mountain climber on a rope with too much wax on his hands.

Meanwhile we have switched to stamina training. Not every youth tour rider is on 90 climbing but our main talent Yvo van Straalen is at 93 and we can't postpone the switch anymore. Homegrown Guido Keizer has now also a bronze statue.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 11, 2020, 02:54:43 PM
Tour de Romandie:

5th stage around Sion: 27. Will Miller

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/55/Sion_2.jpg)

Will finished 11th in the GC and while this is out of the top 10 we are happy with that. He was 3 minutes behind surprising winner Nicola Miorlin (Sportlife).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on May 11, 2020, 04:40:16 PM
Will finished 11th in the GC and while this is out of the top 10 we are happy with that. He was 3 minutes behind surprising winner Nicola Miorlin (Sportlife).

Well, not sure if we can speak of a surprising winner anymore. ;) According to me, Miorlin (Sportlife) is a prime candidate in almost every mountain stage he is at the start. Vos is doing a great job in the mountain stages almost every single time. Impressive stuff.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 16, 2020, 04:42:48 PM
Giro:

2nd stage: 26. Oliver King
4th stage: 23. Oliver King
8th stage: 20. Oliver King
10th stage: 16. Oliver King

In the GC Oliver King finished 13th.

Dauphiné Liberé:

1st stage around Grenoble: 15. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.zininfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Grenoble-shutterstock_161553770-660x330.jpg)

Division standings:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   11059   14   6   3   
2º      Atlantico   7501   0   2   2   
3º      Cabrasverdes   7493   5   1   1   

9º      Flyvende_hjul   4557   0   1   1   
10º      Zatarra   4433   3   1   1   
11º      SPORTLIFE   4420   3   4   4   
12º      FaltososDeChigre   4375   2   1   1   
13º      ProdopingPong   4343   0   1   1   
14º      Wiggo_pupils   4333   0   1   0   
15º      WinterIsComing   3956   1   1   1   
16º      Marcatone_Due   3756   0   0   2   

30º      Psychoedge   1931   0   2   0   
31º      Combuijs   1909   0   0   0   
32º      Aurora_Australis   1782   2   2   2   

We are just on the wrong side of the relegation line, but I doubt we will get on the right side.

In other news, we have now a bronze statue of Gary Fredickson:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 18, 2020, 05:56:58 PM
Dauphiné Liberé:

2nd stage:
5th stage to Belley: 6. Rafael Szepesi, 14. Dénes Nemcsik

(https://bugeysud-tourisme.fr/wp-content/uploads/noesit/medias/521442/belley-cathedrale-saint-jean-baptiste-11.jpg)

Division standings after the Dauphiné:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   11428   14   7   3   
2º      Atlantico   7986   0   2   2   
3º      Cabrasverdes   7738   5   1   1   

10º      ProdopingPong   4712   0   1   1   
11º      SPORTLIFE   4585   3   4   4   
12º      Wiggo_pupils   4558   0   1   0   
13º      Zatarra   4510   3   1   1   
14º      FaltososDeChigre   4508   2   1   1   
15º      WinterIsComing   4163   1   1   1   
16º      Marcatone_Due   3831   0   0   2   

30º      EuskaPiero   2034   0   0   1   
31º      Combuijs   2027   0   0   0   
32º      Codex   1944   0   1   1   

We are still on the wrong side of the relegation line, but we are getting some points in now.

Yvo van Straalen is coming along nicely, so we will switch to flat training.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 23, 2020, 05:51:54 PM
Tour of Switzerland:
3rd stage: 4. Julius Maalderink, 21. Arjen Rutte

In the GC Will Miller finished 14th.

Tour de France:
1st stage to La Pierre Saint Martin: 27. Will Miller

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/photos/pierre-saint-martin-27658_w600.jpg)

Will Miller is now 10th in the GC, so let's hope he will stay there.

Division standings after the 5th stage of the Tour de France:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   12287   15   7   3   
2º      Atlantico   8774   0   2   2   
3º      Cabrasverdes   7942   5   1   1   

10º      ProdopingPong   5295   0   1   2   
11º      SPORTLIFE   5158   4   5   4   
12º      FaltososDeChigre   5042   2   1   1   
13º      Wiggo_pupils   5036   0   1   0   
14º      Marcatone_Due   4815   0   0   2   
15º      Zatarra   4573   3   1   1   
16º      SentinelChickens   4506   0   3   5   
17º      WinterIsComing   4433   2   1   1   
18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   4230   8   0   3   

31º      Psychoedge   2277   0   2   0   
32º      Combuijs   2232   0   0   0   
33º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2102   0   0   0   

We have crossed the relegation line now several times in both directions...

We now also have a bronze statue for Bert Kerkhof.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 31, 2020, 04:44:21 PM
Tour de France:
8th stage: 29. Tristan Prins
9th stage: 23. Will Miller

Will Miller did not manage to get in the top 20. He finished 25th.

GP San Sebastian:
22. Tristan Prins

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
2nd stage: 23. Adam Neeskens
3rd stage: 6. Adam Neeskens

In the GC Adam Neeskens finished 17th. A bit disappointing as he had a very good preparation for it, good helpers and stages that fitted him.

Vuelta:
3rd stage: 15. Oliver King
5th stage to Cariñena: 22. Garret Rose

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/ac/Ayuntamiento_de_Cari%C3%B1ena%2C_Zaragoza%2C_Espa%C3%B1a%2C_2015-01-08%2C_DD_14.JPG/1280px-Ayuntamiento_de_Cari%C3%B1ena%2C_Zaragoza%2C_Espa%C3%B1a%2C_2015-01-08%2C_DD_14.JPG)

Division standings after the 5th stage in the Vuelta:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   14740   17   10   3   
2º      Atlantico   10800   0   2   4   
3º      CobbleCrushers   8955   4   8   7   
4º      Cabrasverdes   8918   5   2   1   
5º      CaptainOrange   7629   0   0   5   
6º      SPORTLIFE   7243   8   5   5   
7º      ProdopingPong   7084   0   2   3   

13º      Marcatone_Due   6147   0   0   2   
14º      Zatarra   5963   4   2   3   
15º      Wiggo_pupils   5843   0   1   1   
16º      Caracoles   5519   6   4   2   
17º      WinterIsComing   5359   2   1   1   
18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   5253   9   0   3   

35º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2592   0   1   0   
36º      Combuijs    2570   0   0   0   
37º      cave   2535   0   0   0   

Oh, the shame! Not to be relegating but to be behind Bloemen aan de Mitte...

We now also have a bronze statue for Jeroen Vonk.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)

There was also praise (but no bronze statue) for our mechanic Tigran Filin:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/mej4.jpg)

So it's not the bikes that will be relegating but the riders themselves...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on May 31, 2020, 07:38:22 PM
Oh, the shame! Not to be relegating but to be behind Bloemen aan de Mitte...

Get used to it Combuijs :P :P
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 06, 2020, 05:32:11 PM
First of all I have to revert the last result in the last post. Garret's Rose 22nd place in the 5th stage in the Vuelta was cancelled because there was a serious error in the roadbook and apparently more than half of the peloton got lost. The UCI decided to reride the race with unfortunately a less good result of Garret who was no doubt tired of his first effort.

Vuelta:
6th stage: 20. Adam Neeskens
7th stage: 23. Oliver King
9th stage: 11. Adam Neeskens, 17. Garret Rose
10th stage to Vallada: 20. Oliver King

(https://www.valenciaturisme.org/en/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2015/06/VALLADA%20iglesia-756x336.jpg)

Final division standings:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   16667   18   10   5   
2º      Atlantico   11493   0   2   4   
3º      CobbleCrushers   9798   4   9   7   
4º      SPORTLIFE   9706   10   5   6   
5º      Cabrasverdes   9363   5   2   1   
6º      Flyvende_hjul   8988   0   3   1   
7º      CaptainOrange   8792   0   0   5   
8º      FaltososDeChigre   8091   2   1   2   
9º      galegospolabici   7698   0   3   5   
10º      Astanadena   7679   3   3   3   
11º      ProdopingPong   7534   0   2   3   
12º      Marcatone_Due   7338   1   0   2   
13º      ChronoTony   7309   2   3   9   
14º      Zatarra   7294   5   2   3   
15º      TeamRHB   7287   5   4   3   
16º      Wiggo_pupils   6617   0   1   1   
17º      Aurora_Australis   6589   4   4   3   
18º      Caracoles   6437   6   5   2   
19º      WinterIsComing   6217   2   1   1   
20º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   6196   9   2   3   
21º      FlyEaglesFly   6022   1   3   1   
22º      SentinelChickens   6010   0   3   5   
23º      MortoviaCycling   5247   0   1   0   
24º      Codex   5192   2   2   1   
25º      ValeronIdolo   4939   2   2   1   
26º      Denver   4897   3   4   3   
27º      Wizards   4620   0   1   0   
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   4433   5   0   3   
29º      Vitimper   4125   0   3   2   
30º      Oska   3875   0   0   0   
31º      $Tourmalet   3852   1   0   0   
32º      skunk   3516   0   1   0   
33º      Valderend   3305   1   3   2   
34º      Psychoedge   3007   0   3   0   
35º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2930   0   1   0   
36º      cave   2843   0   0   0   
37º      Combuijs    2773   0   0   0   
38º      EuskaPiero   2623   0   0   1   
39º      Catalonia_Team   2585   0   0   0   
40º      Rekutxuteam   2581   0   2   3   
41º      ProCyclingTeam10   2366   0   0   0   
42º      Periquitos   2036   0   0   0
43º      MarvelProCycling    1462   0   0   0
44º      Senglarsdeflandes   1238   0   0   0   
45º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   1160   0   0   0   
46º      HTCHungria   782   0   0   0   
47º      BOS   496   0   0   0   
48º      Paquetazos   223   0   0   0   
49º      Ares   74   0   0   0   
50º      TeamEuroscalt   0   0   0   0

Congratulations to the Melocotons for their win, congratulations to Sportlife for their tremendous 4th place, congratulations to Zatarra and Winter is Coming for staying in the first division and congratulations to Bloemen aan de Mitte for finishing above us.

Individual standings:

1º      Antonello Lorenzetto   27   4012   Marcatone_Due   1   0   2   
2º      Alex Riis    27   4006   Astanadena   1   3   2   
3º      Arno Verbeek   26   3945   TeamRHB   5   3   1   
4º      Anthony Hilton   27   3293   CaptainOrange   0   0   0   
5º      Vladimirs Kreilis   27   2960   Atlantico   0   0   1   
6º      Dimi VanKerckhove   26   2711   °Peachy°Melocotons   2   2   0   
7º      Yannick Pierre   27   2689   CobbleCrushers   1   3   3   
8º      Artis Laksa   27   2614   °Peachy°Melocotons   5   0   1   
9º      Adam Roethlisberger   27   2481   Atlantico   0   0   1   
10º      Hugo Skogstad    27   2449   ValeronIdolo   2   2   1   

All team points:

Julius Maalderink   27   667         673
Garret Rose   27   513         002
Oliver King   27   481         374
Arjen Rutte   27   315         664
Adam Neeskens   27   298         322
Will Miller   27   243         111
Dénes Nemcsik   27   86         001
Tristan Prins   27   80         655
Rafael Szepesi   27   75         982
Valentin Litenko   27   15         020

We have now switched to technique training. Our new Pro Continental Tour level division does not have too many well known names, so we will see if we can build up some new rivalries.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on June 07, 2020, 06:27:11 PM
Thanks Combuijs. :)
Good luck with your team in division 2C, and of course also good luck with training your 10x 21yo's.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 08, 2020, 06:40:19 PM
And we are off in a new season. Easier level, so everything to go for. But not for the cup anymore because we did not show up. Apologies to Flandria who had an easy win. To be fair, I don't know if Oliver King could have beaten Louis Philippe Mottet.

A good start in Australia though:

1st stage in Adelaide: 4. Rafael Szepesi, 30. Dénes Nemcsik

(https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/tud-media/assets/images/9817998a-0023-4994-86c4-b1a7de8cbd1a/9817998a-0023-4994-86c4-b1a7de8cbd1a-720.webp)

We are on the level where helpers socre points too :-)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on June 08, 2020, 06:48:54 PM
With Zatarra there were plenty of points scored in domestique roles last season  ::).

Good luck, Combuijs! Hope to see you again soon. The past two seasons were fun. Let's meet again next season!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 10, 2020, 10:15:54 AM
First podium in the Tour Down Under:
3rd stage to Campbell Town: 2. Rafael Szepesi

(https://placesofpride.awm.gov.au/sites/default/files/styles/slider_square/public/media/Campbelltown%20Memorial%20Oval.JPG?h=854a7be2&itok=ciryrVzT)

Division standings after the Tour Down Under:

1º      Bergtoppers   1242   2   0   1   
2º      IKIBASQUE   1181   0   2   0   
3º      $Tourmalet   945   1   0   1   
4º      KinchenTeam   818   0   1   0   
5º      cave   584   0   0   2   
6º      Shiro_Lions   574   1   0   0   

9º      WaterBoys   374   0   0   0   
10º      Combuijs    313   0   1   0   
11º      vercors   294   0   0   0   

Dutch team Bergtoppers in the lead now, which looks promising as you would expect them to score heavily in the mountain races. Happy with place 10 for the moment, we should be on our way to Zatarra's division in the next two races...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 12, 2020, 10:50:34 AM
Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 2. Adam Neeskens, 21. Arjen Rutte

Strade Bianchi: 1. Adam Neeskens, 7. Arjen Rutte

Yeah, the first victory this season. Adam was not amongst the favourites, his helper Arjen was...

Paris-Nice:
1st stage: 26. Oliver King
2nd stage to Vendome: 7. Oliver King

You know you are not on World Tour level when your GC-rider finishes 7th in a flat hill race... Oliver is now 4th in the GC, 28 seconds behind Tourmalet climber Hans-Jürgen Klose.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Vend%C3%B4me_%28Loir-et-Cher%29.jpg/1280px-Vend%C3%B4me_%28Loir-et-Cher%29.jpg)

Division standings after the 2nd stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      IKIBASQUE   1923   0   3   0   
2º      $Tourmalet   1866   2   1   2   
3º      Bergtoppers   1817   2   0   2   
4º      Combuijs   1565   1   2   0   
5º      WaterBoys   1137   0   0   0   
6º      cave   1017   1   0   2   

Gaps are opening up already between teams, but we are on the right side of the promotion gap, for the time being.

We have been rewarded with several bronze statues for ... time trial. John Paxson and Yvo van Straalen were on the receiving end.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)

To avoid these costly statues we have changed training to downhill...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 13, 2020, 09:28:45 PM
Paris-Nice:
5th stage to Croix de Chaubouret: 3. Oliver King

In the GC we have Oliver King on the lowest podium place after winner Hans-Jürgen Klose ($Tourmalet) and Shiro Lion Joaquin Palomeque, and Valentin Litenko on place 14.

(https://www.pilat-tourisme.fr/sites/pilat-tourisme/files/styles/squared/public/p1010977.jpg?itok=Y1a0NMp8)

Division standings after Paris-Nice:

1º      $Tourmalet   2881   3   2   3   
2º      IKIBASQUE   2342   0   3   0   
3º      Bergtoppers   2295   2   1   2   
4º      Combuijs   2068   1   2   1   
5º      cave   1295   1   0   2   
6º      WaterBoys   1284   0   0   0   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 15, 2020, 06:12:17 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 1. Oliver King, 28. Tristan Prins
3rd stage to Monte San Vicino: 4. Oliver King

(https://www.turismo-cupramontana.com/media/plg_solidres_experience/images/4ffce04d92a4d6cb21c1494cdfcd6dc1/esperienze/sanvicino/monte-san-vicino.jpg)

GC after 3 stages:

1    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   0: 30"   0   0
3    Hartwig Adenauer   28   cave   0: 35"   0   0
4    Joaquin Palomeque   28   Shiro_Lions   1: 43"   0   0
5    Wouter VanGeffen   28   meloneros   1: 44"   0   0

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 19, 2020, 03:42:16 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
5th stage: 18. Tristan Prins, 24. Oliver King

Final GC:

1    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   500   150000
2    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   0: 26"   400   135000
3    Hartwig Adenauer   28   cave   1: 04"   325   120000
4    Joaquin Palomeque   28   Shiro_Lions   1: 45"   275   105000
5    Wouter VanGeffen   28   meloneros   2: 35"   250   90000

The second place was enough to satisfy Movistar, not unknown in the cycling world, We now have better communications, in Spain at least...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/movistar.jpg)

Milan-San Remo: 17. Julius Maalderink
E3 Harelbeke: 2. Adam Neeskens, 7. Garret Rose

Volta Catalunya:
2nd stage: 2. Oliver King
3rd stage: 4. Oliver King, 6. Tristan Prins
4th stage around Barcelona: 20. Tristan Prins

(https://static.reisgraag.nl/images/cached/gs-df19bba65a-Barcelona_uitzicht.jpg)

GC after 4 stages:

1    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   0: 00"   0   0
2    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   0: 13"   0   0
3    Joaquin Palomeque   28   Shiro_Lions   0: 31"   0   0
4    Endre Omdal   28   WaterBoys   0: 52"   0   0
5    Charles Ooms   28   Frier_Accounting   0: 55"   0   0

For once we have a lead over Hans-Jürgen Klose, but will 13 seconds be enough in the last mountain stage?

Division standings after the 4th stage in the Volta:

1º      $Tourmalet   4672   4   3   4   
2º      Bergtoppers   4485   4   2   2   
3º      Combuijs   3820   2   4   1   
4º      IKIBASQUE   3618   1   3   1   
5º      cave   2706   1   1   4   
6º      WaterBoys   2593   0   0   1   

It will be hard to get to the first two, but the gap between us and 5th place is very, very wide already.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 22, 2020, 02:44:50 PM
Volta Catalunya:
5th stage: 6. Oliver King, 29. Tristan Prins

GC:

1    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   0: 00"   500   150000
2    Joaquin Palomeque   28   Shiro_Lions   1: 00"   400   135000
3    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   1: 11"   325   120000
4    Endre Omdal   28   WaterBoys   1: 21"   275   105000
5    Jacopo Giardini   28   vercors   1: 37"   250   90000

Hans-Jürgen is not that unbeatable it appears, so our first GC win this season.

Gent-Wevelgem: 3. Adam Neeskens, 4. Julius Maalderink
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 3. Adam Neeskens, 15. Garret Rose
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 4. Adam Neeskens, 12. Garret Rose

Itzulia:
1st stage: 10. Valentin Litenko, 15. Oliver King
2nd stage around Zalla: 29. Valentin Litenko

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/fa/Vista_de_zalla.jpg)

GC of the Itzulia after two stages:

1    Ivan Chiapucci   28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Sam Lee   28   $Tourmalet   0: 30"   0   0
3    Ali John Schilling   27   cave   0: 33"   0   0
4    Asger Anthonisen   28   meloneros   0: 50"   0   0
5    Valentin Litenko   28   Combuijs   1: 02"   0   0

Still everything to go for!

Division standings after the second stage of the Itzulia:

1º      $Tourmalet   6539   4   6   5   
2º      Bergtoppers   6255   5   2   2   
3º      Combuijs   5992   2   4   3   
4º      IKIBASQUE   4397   1   4   1   
5º      cave   4393   4   1   4   
6º      WaterBoys   4161   0   0   1   

We can lookup now and start fighting for place 1...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 27, 2020, 05:54:03 PM
Itzulia:
3rd stage: 1. Valentin Litenko
5th stage: 1. Valentin Litenko, 16. Oliver King

Two wins by Valentin Litenko in the Itzulia, but only 8th place in the GC. Oliver King finished 16th.

Parijs-Roubaix: 3. Arjen Rutte, 25 Julius Maalderink
Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 21. Adam Neeskens
Luik-Bastenaken-Luik: 16. Adam Neeskens

And yes, we had lots of helpers in the Fleche Wallonne, but unfortunately no leader..

Tour de Romandie:
2nd stage to Zinal: 8. Will Miller

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Zinal-Eglise_%281%29.jpg/265px-Zinal-Eglise_%281%29.jpg)

GC of of the Tour de Romandie:

1    Mikael Nikoladze   28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   0   0
2    Diego Mora   28   Bergtoppers   2: 20"   0   0
3    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   2: 35"   0   0
4    Konstantin Karpin   28   cave   2: 42"   0   0
5    Oliver McDermot   28   Frier_Accounting   3: 15"   0   0

We have hopes of a podium place for Will Miller...

Division standings after the third stage in Romandie:

1º      $Tourmalet   10167   5   7   5   
2º      Bergtoppers   7283   7   3   2   
3º      Combuijs   7206   4   4   4   
4º      IKIBASQUE   7074   2   7   3   
5º      cave   6758   5   2   5   
6º      WaterBoys   5937   0   0   2   

In between we have been second for a while, but in the hill classics $Tourmalet have jumped away from all of us.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 29, 2020, 03:42:05 PM
Forgot to tell but Valentin Litenko's win in stage 3 of the Itzulia there made also somebody in Spain very happy:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/campofrio.jpg)

Tour de Romandie:
5th stage: 4. Will Miller, 14. Oliver King

GC:

1    Mikael Nikoladze   28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   500   150000
2    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   0: 09"   400   135000
3    Vladislavs Zvaigzne   28   meloneros   0: 32"   325   120000

8    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   3: 07"   175   52500

Eschborn-Frankfurt: 9. Valentin Litenko, 25. Oliver King

Good result, but nothing compared to the deeds of $Tourmalet:

1   Mikael Nikoladze      28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   500   150000
2   Mike Edgar      28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   400   135000
3   Ivan Chiapucci      28   $Tourmalet   0: 00"   325   120000

That does call up memories on the Mapei results in some of the classics a long time ago.

Giro:
1st stage to Zoldo Alto: 6. Will Miller

That's the kind of start you want in a grand tour!

(https://www.dolomiti.it/fileadmin/_processed_/1/f/csm_lo-zoldo-alto-gy-06_bb5693c471.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage in the Giro:

1º      $Tourmalet   12282   6   8   6   
2º      cave   8633   6   3   5   
3º      Combuijs   8259   4   4   4   
4º      Bergtoppers   7966   7   3   2   
5º      IKIBASQUE   7609   2   7   3   
6º      WaterBoys   6397   0   0   2   

As you can see we are second now as $Tourmalet is commpeting in a completely different competition...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 02, 2020, 12:16:26 PM
Giro:
3rd stage: 3. Will Miller, 7. Valentin Litenko
5th stage: 3. Will Miller, 10. Valentin Litenko
6th stage: 6. Will Miller
7th stage to Praia a Mare: 27. Will Miller

(https://previews.123rf.com/images/milla74/milla741211/milla74121100676/16425602-toren-van-fiuzzi-praia-a-mare-calabri%C3%AB-itali%C3%AB-.jpg)

GC:
1    Antonius Berner   28   cave   0: 00"   0   0
2    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   0: 40"   0   0
3    Sam Lee   28   $Tourmalet   1: 28"   0   0
4    Mikael Nikoladze   28   $Tourmalet   1: 41"   0   0
5    Diego Mora   28   Bergtoppers   2: 06"   0   0

20    Valentin Litenko   28   Combuijs   7: 00"   0   0

Will Will be able to clench the pink from Berner? Or will the $Tourmalet couple come up with a cunning plan? Read it all in the next episode...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 05, 2020, 06:40:25 PM
Giro:

In the last stage Will Miller failed to get Antonius Berner in trouble, it was the other way round, Antonius won the last stage. No cunning plan from $Tourmalet either, and if there was, it backfired as Diego Mora clinched the last podium place:

GC:
1    Antonius Berner   28   cave   0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   1: 47"   800   225000
3    Diego Mora   28   Bergtoppers   1: 58"   650   200000
4    Sam Lee   28   $Tourmalet   2: 01"   550   175000
5    Mikael Nikoladze   28   $Tourmalet   2: 03"   500   150000

Happy with the result though.

Dauphiné Liberé:
2nd stage: 19. Tristan Prins
3rd stage around Grenoble: 1. Julius Maalderink, 11. Arjen Rutte, 23. Adam Neeskens

We went for stages in the Dauphiné and at least one stage is what we got! We even had a happy sponsor, but they failed to tell us in what way we can benefit.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/pihl.jpg)

(https://media.grenoble-tourisme.com/filer_public_thumbnails/filer_public/29/af/29af4c3a-86a0-4cf7-b121-dcd65bf2d70d/grenoble_environnement__pierre_jayet-1.jpg__1140x315_q90_crop_subject_location-1936%2C1171_subsampling-2_upscale.jpg)

GC:
1    Reinis Kalve   27   ForaturaFacile   0: 00"   0   0
2    Lander Manrique   28   vercors   0: 14"   0   0
3    Franco Canalini   26   heikir_proteam   1: 14"   0   0
4    Arjen Rutte   28   Combuijs   1: 45"   0   0
5    Róbert Lengyel   28   CajaRuralZamora   1: 48"   0   0
6    Dzintars Treimanis   28   OmicronDS   1: 51"   0   0
7    Julius Maalderink   28   Combuijs   1: 59"   0   0

19    Adam Neeskens   28   Combuijs   2: 43"   0   0

We are not going for the GC, but we can't complain after the 3rd stage, can't we?

Division standings after the 3rd stage of the Dauphiné:

1º      $Tourmalet   15757   8   9   6   
2º      cave   11853   8   7   5   
3º      Bergtoppers   11293   10   5   2   
4º      Combuijs   10108   5   4   6   
5º      IKIBASQUE   8071   2   7   3   
6º      WaterBoys   7259   1   0   3   

Still fighting for second place, but it is not getting any easier. Hard to miss out on promotion though

Meanwhile we've changed training to sprint and Hidde Daelman, Leroy van den Borre and one the Vonkjes just could fetch a bronze statue at the last moment:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanabronce.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 07, 2020, 11:19:20 AM
Dauphiné Liberé:
4th stage: 3. Adam Neeskens
5th stage: 3. Tristan Prins

Apart from good results in the stages, Tristan Prins finished 12th in the GC, totally unsupported and totally unexpected...

Tour of Switzerland:
2nd stage to Bern: 28. Oliver King

(https://www.bestereistijd.nl/uploads/2018/03/beste-reistijd-bern-zwitserland-640x360.jpg)

In the GC Olvier King is 14th, but we expect more of him. A place in the top 9 actually...

Division standings after the 2nd stage of the Tour of Switzerland:

1º      $Tourmalet   17057   8   10   6   
2º      cave   12956   9   8   5   
3º      Bergtoppers   11593   11   5   2   
4º      Combuijs   10416   5   4   8   
5º      IKIBASQUE   8091   2   7   3   
6º      WaterBoys   7681   2   0   3   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 12, 2020, 08:51:30 PM
Tour of Switzerland:
3rd stage: 6. Oliver King
4th stage: 2. Will Miller, 5. Oliver King

Some controversy in the 4th stage as we gave Will leadership instead of Oliver. Can't say he did dissappoint though...

GC:

1    Hartwig Adenauer   28   cave   0: 00"   500   150000
2    Ivan Chiapucci   28   $Tourmalet   0: 16"   400   135000
3    Sam Lee   28   $Tourmalet   0: 29"   325   120000
4    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   0: 56"   275   105000
5    Asger Anthonisen   28   meloneros   1: 38"   250   90000

Will Miller finished in the top 20...

This was good enough for the Eesti Pank Bank to sponsor us for a while. Always handy to have some money ready in Estland...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/pank.jpg)

Tour de France:
2nd stage: 5. Dénes Nemcsik
3rd stage: 5. Oliver King
4th stage: 3. Oliver King, 21. Will Miller
5th stage: 5. Dénes Nemcsik
6th stage: 3. Oliver King, 8. Will Miller
8th stage to Loudenvieille: 6. Oliver King

(https://www.loudenvielle.fr/wp-content/uploads/sites/220/2015/07/ob_2f5552_img-0012-2-1140x500.jpg)

GC Tour de France:

1    Hartwig Adenauer   28   cave   0: 00"   0   0
2    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   1: 04"   0   0
3    Malthe M.Iversen   28   Handest   2: 40"   0   0
4    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   3: 33"   0   0
5    Brendan Morris   25   Bergtoppers   4: 25"   0   0
6    Gustavs Melderis   28   OmicronDS   4: 58"   0   0
7    Wouter VanGeffen   28   meloneros   5: 10"   0   0
8    Emin Ramonov   28   cave   5: 58"   0   0
9    Bernhard Niklitschek   28   Rekutxuteam   6: 17"   0   0
10    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   7: 59"   0   0

In the last two stages Oliver will try to keep this place in order to satisfy a sponsor. This will be hard though as he won't excel in both stages.

Division standings after the 8th stage of the Tour de France:

1º      $Tourmalet   19595   9   11   8   
2º      cave   16273   13   9   7   
3º      Bergtoppers   12620   14   5   2   
4º      Combuijs   11936   5   5   10   
5º      WaterBoys   8793   2   3   4   
6º      Frier_Accounting   8345   0   1   1   

Cave is also running away now to second place, thanks to the excellent effort by Hartwig Adenauer. Ikibasque is suddenly falling away so we expect a hard battle for the last promotion place between Waterboys and Frier Accounting. This will take some serious calculations!

Meanwhile we have changed our training once again, this time to hill climbing. Get the adrenaline going!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on July 13, 2020, 02:59:30 PM
Good job Combuijs! Looking forward meeting again in 1st division! :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 16, 2020, 03:19:38 PM
Tour de France:
9th stage: 7. Dénes Nemcsik

GC Tour de France:

1    Hartwig Adenauer   28   cave   0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   $Tourmalet   1: 04"   800   225000
3    Malthe M.Iversen   28   Handest   3: 36"   650   200000
4    Oliver King   28   Combuijs   4: 26"   550   175000
5    Gustavs Melderis   28   OmicronDS   5: 21"   500   150000
6    Brendan Morris   25   Bergtoppers   5: 50"   450   125000
7    Wouter VanGeffen   28   meloneros   6: 36"   400   100000
8    Will Miller   28   Combuijs   8: 02"   350   87500
9    Emin Ramonov   28   cave   8: 38"   300   75000
10    Konstantin Karpin   28   cave   8: 55"   250   62500

That 4th place was precisely enough to sway Michelin into giving us some serious money. We can now finally buy tires to go with the bikes...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/michelin.jpg)

GP San Sebastian: 12. Tristan Prins

A bit disappointing but Tristan was a bit tired, probably from his debut in the Dutch team...

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 5. Adam Neeskens, 27. Arjen Rutte
2nd stage: 27. Julius Maalderink
3rd stage: 2. Adam Neeskens, 14. Julius Maalderink, 22. Garret Rose
4th stage to Ardooie: 10. Adam Neeskens, 23. Arjen Rutte, 25. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.westtoer.be/sites/westtoer_2015/files/styles/route_main_image_desktop/public/win_synced_photos/kasteel_van_ardooie-33677-0.jpg?itok=PAk2w0Z4)

Let me for once give you the current top 20 in the GC:

1    Emanuele Rebellin   27   Bergtoppers   0: 00"   0   0
2    Adam Neeskens   28   Combuijs   0: 34"   0   0
3    Kirk Trump   28   $Tourmalet   0: 57"   0   0
4    Arild Lindland   27   meloneros   1: 27"   0   0
5    Henrique Gregorio   28   WaterBoys   1: 32"   0   0
6    Julius Maalderink   28   Combuijs   1: 44"   0   0
7    Jarle Fjelde   28   Bergtoppers   2: 00"   0   0
8    Joost Saeys   28   SportyngCP   2: 33"   0   0
9    Koen Nanninga   28   Bergtoppers   2: 36"   0   0
10    Arjen Rutte   28   Combuijs   2: 37"   0   0
11    Johan Maigård   27   Handest   2: 46"   0   0
12    Neil Fluss   27   WaterBoys   2: 52"   0   0
13    Victor Castro   28   Frier_Accounting   3: 10"   0   0
14    Oleg Popenko   28   Bergtoppers   3: 13"   0   0
15    Gédéon Morin   28   meloneros   3: 15"   0   0
16    Giulio Serri   27   Aragorn   3: 23"   0   0
17    Vicenzo Pellizotti   28   Aragorn   3: 24"   0   0
18    Dries Teeuwen   28   Bergtoppers   3: 28"   0   0
19    Garret Rose   28   Combuijs   3: 40"   0   0
20    Daley Cahill   26   Coeli   3: 45"   0   0

One stage to go and it is not a bad one for us. Can we finish with four riders in the top 20? And will Adam be able to clinch first place. We will know more tonight.

Division standings after the 4th stage of the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:

1º      $Tourmalet   22111   11   11   9   
2º      cave   18793   13   11   8   
3º      Bergtoppers   14546   16   6   3   
4º      Combuijs   13487   5   6   10   
5º      WaterBoys   9975   2   4   4   
6º      Handest   9085   2   1   5   
   
New kid Handest is taking over 6th place, but Water Boys looks pretty save.

I can understand everyone is happy to see us on the World Tour again next season. That's just team less to worry about in the battle for relegation...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 23, 2020, 02:12:29 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
5th stage: 18. Adam Neeskens

GC:
1    Adam Neeskens   28   Combuijs   0: 00"   500   150000
2    Emanuele Rebellin   27   Bergtoppers   0: 19"   400   135000
3    Kirk Trump   28   $Tourmalet   0: 23"   325   120000
4    Arild Lindland   27   meloneros   0: 53"   275   105000
5    Henrique Gregorio   28   WaterBoys   1: 35"   250   90000
6    Julius Maalderink   28   Combuijs   2: 03"   225   75000
7    Jarle Fjelde   28   Bergtoppers   2: 16"   200   60000
8    Gédéon Morin   28   meloneros   2: 40"   175   52500
9    Johan Maigård   27   Handest   2: 42"   150   45000
10    Joost Saeys   28   SportyngCP   3: 03"   125   37500
11    Daley Cahill   26   Coeli   3: 07"   100   30000
12    Arjen Rutte   28   Combuijs   3: 08"   90   22500
13    Giulio Serri   27   Aragorn   3: 19"   80   18000
14    Tyler Carpenter   28   Puncheurs   3: 22"   70   15000
15    Koen Nanninga   28   Bergtoppers   3: 27"   60   13500
16    Victor Castro   28   Frier_Accounting   3: 29"   50   12000
17    Garret Rose   28   Combuijs   3: 44"   40   9000

4 riders in the top 17 and most important, we had a winner by the name of Adam Neeskens!

Vuelta:
1st stage: 1. Adam Neeskens, 22. Julius Maalderink, 23. Arjen Rutte
2nd stage: 4. Julius Maalderink, 7. Adam Neeskens, 8. Arjen Rutte
3rd stage: 26. Adam Neeskens
5th stage: 11. Adam Neeskens, 12. Julius Maalderink
6th stage: 16. Julius Maalderink
7th stage to Santiago de Compostela: 10. Julius Maalderink, 23. Adam Neeskens

(https://www.pelgrimroutes.nl/images/stories/voet-tochten/via-de-la-plata/santiago.jpg)

The GC:

1    Emanuele Rebellin   27   Bergtoppers   0: 00"   0   0
2    Julius Maalderink   28   Combuijs   1: 41"   0   0
3    Adam Neeskens   28   Combuijs   1: 41"   0   0
4    Neil Fluss   27   WaterBoys   2: 18"   0   0
5    Arjen Rutte   28   Combuijs   2: 44"   0   0

Three riders in the top 5, that's what I call domination! Unfortunately, all three can't climb a mountain...

Division standings after the 7th stage of the Vuelta

1º      $Tourmalet   23263   11   11   9   
2º      cave   19538   13   12   9   
3º      Bergtoppers   16497   17   8   3   
4º      Combuijs   15366   6   6   10   
5º      WaterBoys   10927   2   4   5   
6º      Shiro_Lions   10848   11   2   5   

We are still looking for a third place. Water Boys is now threatened by Shiro Lions for a promotion place. They were not as save as previouslu thought then.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 23, 2020, 02:13:29 PM
Vuelta:
9th stage: 5. Julius Maalderink, 7. Adam Neeskens, 8. Arjen Rutte
10th stage: 12. Valentin Litenko

The GC:

1    Emanuele Rebellin   27   Bergtoppers   0: 00"   1000   250000
2    Sam Lee   28   $Tourmalet   2: 25"   800   225000
3    Adam Neeskens   28   Combuijs   4: 02"   650   200000
4    Neil Fluss   27   WaterBoys   4: 40"   550   175000
5    Julius Maalderink   28   Combuijs   4: 53"   500   150000
6    Arjen Rutte   28   Combuijs   5: 23"   450   125000
7    Tyler Carpenter   28   Puncheurs   5: 29"   400   100000
8    Frank Myers   28   CajaRuralZamora   6: 57"   350   87500
9    Róbert Lengyel   28   CajaRuralZamora   7: 32"   300   75000
10    Valentin Litenko   28   Combuijs   7: 34"   250   62500

Podium place for Adam Neeskens and 4 riders in the top 10. Happy with that result!

Giro de Lombardia: 1. Tristan Prins
WC Time trial: 26. Oliver King
WC Hamilton: 21. Adam Neeskens

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9d/VictoriaAvenueMountainAccess.JPG/400px-VictoriaAvenueMountainAccess.JPG)

A win in Lombardia and some meaningless points in the World Championships? To the former: yes! To the latter: no, these were very important points for Adam Neeskens.

Not because we finished 3rd in the final division standings:

1º      $Tourmalet   27228   12   12   10   
2º      cave   22209   13   13   10   
3º      Bergtoppers   19256   17   8   3   
4º      Combuijs   18341   7   6   10   
5º      Shiro_Lions   13794   12   2   5   
6º      WaterBoys   13535   2   5   5   
7º      Handest   11927   3   4   6   
8º      Frier_Accounting   11318   2   2   1   
9º      meloneros   9616   1   3   4   
10º      vercors   8607   1   4   4   
11º      IKIBASQUE   8359   2   7   3   
12º      PedaleSanvitese   7469   1   2   2   
13º      bestiesnegres   7316   3   5   10   
14º      Domenico2202   6621   1   1   3   
15º      Puncheurs   6492   0   1   3   
16º      ForaturaFacile   6397   0   2   4   
17º      heikir_proteam   6245   0   1   3   
18º      Lemosteam   6101   2   2   1   
19º      OmicronDS   5756   0   0   0   
20º      CajaRuralZamora   5068   0   0   0   
21º      Aragorn   4522   0   0   2   
22º      Rekutxuteam   3923   9   3   0   
23º      SportyngCP   3790   0   0   0   
24º      Albero   3754   2   4   0   
25º      BlackHole   3071   0   1   1   
26º      Coeli   2677   1   2   1   
27º      FinoCyclingTeam   2282   0   0   0   
28º      BrancosRacing   2168   0   0   0   
29º      Animal2   1844   0   0   0   
30º      extralight   1502   0   0   0   
31º      Ciclokillers   1216   0   0   0   
32º      letour   1102   0   0   0   
33º      KinchenTeam   1015   0   1   0   
34º      TROPEA   436   0   0   0   
35º      Pistono   365   0   0   0   
36º      Revolucion   297   0   0   0   
37º      Kelme4ever   175   0   0   0   
38º      LoSqualo   174   0   0   0   
39º      CFFUgena   137   0   0   0   
40º      JaviCCF   125   0   0   0   
41º      LoLLoDSQ   75   0   0   0   
42º      TeamNextGeneration   0   0   0   0   
43º      opel   0   0   0   0   
44º      CCPicazo   0   0   0   0   
45º      Plopsala   0   0   0   0   
46º      CSA   0   0   0   0   
47º      TeamPitre   0   0   0   0   
48º      CeiaCivitasMagna   0   0   0   0   
49º      CsongaBK   0   0   0   0   
50º      Senglarsdeflandes   0   0   0   0   

We did not, we finished 4th, disappointingly behind Bergtoppers, who had a very good season. (And Shiro Lions just made it for the last promotion place versus Water Boys).

But the last points were important because Adam Neeskens took the first place in the individual rankings:

1º      Adam Neeskens   28   4709   Combuijs   2   3   3   
2º      Emanuele Rebellin   27   4642   Bergtoppers   4   3   1   
3º      Hartwig Adenauer   28   4564   cave   3   1   3   
4º      Oliver King   28   4044   Combuijs   1   1   3   
5º      Sam Lee   28   3778   $Tourmalet   0   2   1   
6º      Hans-Jürgen Klose   28   3596   $Tourmalet   0   4   1   
7º      Joaquin Palomeque   28   3571   Shiro_Lions   0   0   0   
8º      Ivan Chiapucci   28   3251   $Tourmalet   1   1   3   
9º      Kirk Trump   28   2888   $Tourmalet   2   3   0   
10º      Mikael Nikoladze   28   2854   $Tourmalet   3   0   0   
11º      Will Miller   28   2688   Combuijs   0   1   2   

28º      Julius Maalderink   28   1901   Combuijs   1   0   0   
40º      Arjen Rutte   28   1441   Combuijs   0   0   1   
46º      Valentin Litenko   28   1336   Combuijs   2   0   0   

This was a season that fitted Adam very good, so apart from being promoted this was an important aim.

Other points:

Tristan Prins   28   1027         756
Garret Rose   28   532         002
Dénes Nemcsik   28   385         001
Rafael Szepesi   28   278         992

So, back to the World Tour. Let's hope we can stay in, although our main goal is still training our youthful riders. With that in mind we have another bronze statue for Colin Cann:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/cronobronce.jpg)

We will switch to cobble training now...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 25, 2020, 08:30:36 PM
Everything set for the new season, which will start better as the previous one, because we have subscribed for the cup...

We will seriously try to stay on the World Tour this season, so let's hope everyone on the Tour will cooperate a bit. We wish everyone good luck (and in the cooperation  :-* )!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 25, 2020, 09:54:16 PM
Congratulations with the promotion, and good luck in 1A season 11 !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 25, 2020, 11:40:20 PM
We will need all the luck!

I just realised our riders could be in the U-23 dream team and indeed we have two:

   Job Freriks   LOSRAYOSDELARRY   22   Tours
   Aivars Lejnieks   BOS   22   Tours
   Afonso Rio   OphiukoCT   22   Tours
   Yvo VanStraalen   Combuijs   22   Tours
   Julien Maekelberg   LOSRAYOSDELARRY   22   Tours
   John Paxson   Combuijs22   Tours
   Zsombor Endrõdi   azerite   22   Tours
   Paul Vilu   ChessPower   22   Tours
   Carlos Aranguren   Spitz   22   Tours
   Alexey Ryazanov   Spitz   22   Tours

Yvo van Straalen comes as no surprise and with his maximum talent and relative low stats for sprint, hills and cobbles he should make some serious gains. John Paxson is a surprise though, the UCI evaluation for tour riders is seriously different from my own. I would have thought Hidde Daelman, Gary Fredickson and Friso Vonk are much better. My undervaluation for time trial could have something to do with it, and maybe an overvaluation for cobbles. I don't know.

Anyway, happy with two riders in the Tour dream team!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 29, 2020, 02:33:42 PM
Out again with the big boys on the World Tour where points are a rarity...

Tour Down Under:
2nd stage: 7. Tristan Prins
5th stage to Lyndoch: 17. Dénes Nemcsik

The first one was a pretty good result of a leader without any help, last one was an enlightened race...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/incidencias/bombilla.png)

(https://www.aussietowns.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/IMG_6242AA.jpg)

Division standings after the Tour Down Under:

1º      TeamRHB   944   1   1   0   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   739   0   0   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   554   1   0   0   
4º      WinterIsComing   504   0   0   0   
5º      SaulSalinasTeam   453   1   1   0   
6º      CaptainOrange   444   0   1   2   
7º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   430   1   0   0   

33º      galegospolabici   110   0   0   0   
34º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   104   0   0   0   
35º      Combuijs   100   0   0   0   
36º      Bikeos   100   0   0   0   

A good start by some (more or less) Dutch teams. We are already in the red light district, which is normal after the Tour Down Under...

Meanwhile we have switched training to sprint again...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on July 29, 2020, 03:39:07 PM
Come on, Combuijs, stay in this time! Get the youngster jersey or something? :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 31, 2020, 01:52:03 PM
In the battle against relegation we had some most welcome points, of course not by our youngsters:

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 10. Garret Rose
Strade Bianchi: 17. Garret Rose

Paris-Nice
1st stage to Aix-en-Provence: 27. Oliver King

(https://cdn.thecrazytourist.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/ccimage-shutterstock_494841310.jpg)

The second stage brought the first win by Tilburg Terriers on the World Tour, of course thanks to Pascal Cruijff.

Division standing after the 2nd stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      Cabrasverdes   1560   1   1   0   
2º      TeamRHB   1426   1   1   0   
3º      Zatarra   1398   1   1   1   
4º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1229   0   0   2   

8º      SaulSalinasTeam   821   1   1   0   
9º      WinterIsComing   750   0   0   0   
10º      SPORTLIFE   687   1   1   0   
11º      Wiggo_pupils   651   0   0   1   

19º      Flyvende_hjul   478   0   0   0   
20º      TilburgTerriërs   468   1   0   1
21º      ProdopingPong   438   0   0   0   

22º      SentinelChickens   396   0   0   0   
23º      Combuijs   383   0   0   0   
24º      CC_Porco_Jones   381   0   0   0   

35º      Psychoedge   225   0   0   0   
36º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   194   0   0   0   
37º      BorinotTeam   189   0   0   0   

As usual at this time of the season we are outside the relegation zone. For now...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 04, 2020, 03:09:01 PM
Paris-Nice
4th stage: 13. Arjen Rutte
5th stage: 9. Oliver King

That was a very good result by Oliver King, but unfortunately sponsor Alert thought it was one place too low to sponsor us. Frankly, I don't know what they alert for in the first place...

Tirreno-Adriatico:
4th stage: 18. Rafael Szepesi accompanied by a nice lightbulb
5th stage to Salsomaggiore Terme: 23. Rafael Szepesi

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Terme_berzieri%2C_esterno_02.jpg/1280px-Terme_berzieri%2C_esterno_02.jpg)

In the GC we had Valentin Litenko on place 16, more than 4 minutes behind winner Melocoton Rafael Carlos Loinaz.

Division standings after the Tirreno-Adriatico:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   2870   0   1   2   
2º      Cabrasverdes   2760   2   2   1   
3º      TeamRHB   1867   1   1   0   
4º      CaptainOrange   1780   1   1   2   
5º      Codex   1573   1   1   1   
6º      Zatarra   1563   1   1   1   
7º      WinterIsComing   1558   0   0   1   
8º      SPORTLIFE   1538   1   3   2   
9º      Wiggo_pupils   1435   0   0   1   

27º      Marcatone_Due   592   0   0   0   
28º      Combuijs   590   0   0   0   
29º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   498   0   0   0   
30º      Ciclastur   475   0   0   0   

Still on the right side of the red line and one place ahead of Bloemen aan de Mitte, so what else could we possibly want? To last it forever...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 07, 2020, 11:38:07 AM
Milan - San Remo:
Good results by Winter Is Coming (Vigo), Tilburg Terriërs (Cruyff), Zatarra (Isupov) and TeamRHB (Arno Verbeek). We can only say that this stage is just one hill too far for our Rafael Szepesi..

E3 Harelbeke: 7. Adam Neeskens 23. Garret Rose
In hindsight we might have used a slightly more attacking tactics, but we will settle for this.

(https://scontent-ams4-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t31.0-8/10463847_1498292967070055_3455945510391983382_o.jpg?_nc_cat=100&_nc_sid=6e5ad9&_nc_ohc=xLcooEzKb0AAX8OV-im&_nc_ht=scontent-ams4-1.xx&oh=56caff38b687a9273119935d842344e0&oe=5F534A1F)

Volta Catalunya:
No results whatsoever yet, but we hope to change that this evening...

In Oliver King we have now a cyclist of which everyone says that you can't be more experienced than him.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/exp4.png)

For what it's worth Yvo van Straalen is now third in the UCI U23 Tour rankings, John Paxson has gone down to place 6.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 10, 2020, 02:36:08 PM
Volta Catalunya:
5th stage: 20. Tristan Prins

Gent-Wevelgem: 16. Adam Neeskens
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 14. Adam Neeskens

(https://cdn.touretappe.nl/images/ronde-van-vlaanderen/logo-vlaanderen.jpg)

Itzulia:
No points yet, although we hope Tristan Prins and Oliver King might take some...

Division standings after the 2nd stage in the Itzulia:

1º      Cabrasverdes   5867   3   4   2   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   4972   1   1   3   
3º      Codex   3378   1   2   5   
4º      CaptainOrange   3267   3   1   2   
5º      Zatarra   3200   1   2   1   
6º      TeamRHB   3139   2   1   0   
7º      WinterIsComing   2973   2   0   1   
8º      Wiggo_pupils   2893   0   0   1   

12º      MortoviaCycling   2050   0   0   0   
13º      SPORTLIFE   2001   1   4   2   
14º      FaltososDeChigre   1976   0   0   1   
15º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   1961   1   3   0   
16º      Valderend   1948   0   1   2   
17º      $Tourmalet   1838   3   0   0   
18º      TilburgTerriërs   1777   1   1   2

25º      SentinelChickens   1132   0   0   0   
26º      Combuijs   1115   0   0   0   
27º      Thorboassonarvesen   1052   2   1   0   

We are hanging on, but as this is usually our strongest part of the season, we should fear the worst...

We have switched our training to hills again...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 14, 2020, 10:45:14 AM
Itzulia:
3rd stage: 26. Oliver King
5th stage: 28. Oliver King

Paris-Roubaix: 24. Julius Maalderink

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage to Leukerbad: 26. Will Miller

(http://www.wallisgids.nl/foto/32/7/)

This indeed seems to be a leuker bad...

Not many points score and this is reflected in the division standings after the 1st stage in the Tour de Romandie:

1º      Cabrasverdes   6918   3   5   2   
2º      °Peachy°Melocotons   6875   2   2   5   
3º      CaptainOrange   4868   5   3   2   
4º      TeamRHB   4696   4   1   0   
5º      WinterIsComing   4421   2   1   2   
6º      Wiggo_pupils   4032   0   1   2   
7º      Codex   4029   1   2   7   
8º      Zatarra   3785   1   2   1   
9º      CobbleCrushers   3288   3   0   1   

13º      Valderend   2692   0   1   2   
14º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2630   1   3   0   
15º      SPORTLIFE   2580   2   4   2   
16º      Flandria   2508   0   0   0

30º      SaulSalinasTeam   1293   1   1   0   
31º      Combuijs   1212   0   0   0   
32º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1141   0   0   0   
33º      Catalonia_Team   1123   0   0   1   

We are on the wrong side of the great divide. Only consolation is that Bloemen aan de Mitte is still behind us...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on August 14, 2020, 11:23:56 AM
At least you're in the hunt, and you don't have to worry about my cyclists fighting positions with yours (our cyclists don't compete).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 17, 2020, 02:54:45 PM
Tour de Romandie:
2nd stage: 13. Julius Maalderink, 30. Arjen Rutte
4th stage: 17. Will Miller
5th stage: 26. Will Miller

In the GC Will finished on a nice 14th place...

Giro:
1st stage to Sestriere: 25. Will Miller

(http://www.palaceresidence.com/uploads/Slides/OKSestriere_Estate_grande_fissa.JPG_932x342.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Giro:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   8082   3   3   5   
2º      Cabrasverdes   7752   3   5   3   
3º      CaptainOrange   6147   5   4   2   
4º      TeamRHB   5137   4   2   0   
5º      WinterIsComing   5046   2   1   2   
6º      Codex   4451   1   2   7   
7º      Wiggo_pupils   4310   0   1   2   
8º      Zatarra   3918   1   2   1   
9º      Astanadena   3465   4   1   1   
10º      SPORTLIFE   3434   2   4   3   
11º      FaltososDeChigre   3423   1   0   1   

24º      SentinelChickens   2241   0   0   0   
25º      Aurora_Australis   2188   2   2   2   
26º      TilburgTerriërs   2023   1   1   2
27º      Caracoles   1673   0   1   2   
28º      ProCyclingTeam10   1566   0   0   0   
29º      CC_Porco_Jones   1511   0   0   1   
30º      Combuijs   1410   0   0   0   
31º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1379   0   0   0   
32º      Catalonia_Team   1357   0   0   1   
33º      SaulSalinasTeam   1330   1   1   0   

This time the coin has fallen on the right side, we are above the relegation line for the time being. And that time might be very short...

On the bright side: Yvo van Straalen is now considered the best tour rider of his age. John Paxson is on number 9.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 19, 2020, 09:56:35 AM
Some good results and very useful points in the Giro:

2nd stage: 10. Will Miller
4th stage: 19. Will Miller, 25. Valentin Litenko
5th stage to Santa Maria del Cedro: 5. Rafel Szepesi, 22. Dénes Nemcsik

(https://s.iha.com/00171390926/Santa-maria-del-cedro-Uitzicht-op-san-nicola-arcella-in-de-buurt-van-sant-maria-del-cedro.jpeg)

In the GC Will Miller is 15th, almost 3 minutes behind Captain Orange leader Antony Hilton.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 24, 2020, 04:19:43 PM
In the second part of the Giro we did not score any points, Will Miller finished 26th on almost 10 minutes from the glorious winner Anthony Hilton.

Dauphine Libere:
5th stage to Belley: 23. Rafael Szepesi

(https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2013/08/29/22/31/belley-177133_960_720.jpg)

We simply had a too small selection to be able to compete seriously in the Dauphine, which leads inevitably to...

Division standings after the Dauphine Libere:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   10622   3   4   5   
2º      Cabrasverdes   8957   3   6   3   
3º      CaptainOrange   8750   6   5   2   
4º      WinterIsComing   6369   2   2   2   
5º      TeamRHB   6338   5   3   1   
6º      Wiggo_pupils   5216   0   1   2   
7º      Codex   5184   2   2   7   
8º      SPORTLIFE   4924   2   4   5   
9º      Astanadena   4915   4   1   1   
10º      Valderend   4581   3   3   3   

14º      galegospolabici   4149   2   3   1   
15º      Zatarra   3981   1   2   1   
16º      ProdopingPong   3620   0   0   0   
17º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   3543   2   4   0   
18º      Aurora_Australis   3537   4   4   3   
19º      Flyvende_hjul   3528   1   1   1   

31º      ProCyclingTeam10   1962   0   0   0   
32º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1898   0   0   0   
33º      skunk   1834   0   0   0   
34º      Catalonia_Team   1750   0   0   1   
35º      Combuijs   1738   0   0   0   
36º      Shiro_Lions   1650   1   1   0   

O dear, we are behind Bloemen aan de Mitte, the shame. And we are quite far from staying on the World Tour too...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on August 30, 2020, 08:19:17 AM
(https://i.imgur.com/SsyN3kQ.jpg)

Amazing victory of Tristan Prins in the Mont Ventoux TdF stage 7, very well done Combuijs !  8)
The very first win in the career of your royal cyclist, ánd the very first big tour stage victory ever of your team, what is awesome too.

Good luck in trying to defeat the relegation ghost this season, at the moment just 329 points behind.
Although it will be very difficult in my opinion, because there are many rival teams who are also very close in points.
Of course, an excellent victory such as you did today, for sure helps. :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 30, 2020, 08:46:25 PM
Tour of Switzerland:
2nd stage: 26. Oliver King
5th stage: 30. Oliver King

In the GC Oliver King finished 20th.

Tour de France:
1st stage: 29. Oliver King
2nd stage: 9. Arjen Rutte, 21. Julius Maalderink
3rd stage: 19: Oliver King
4th stage: 28. Oliver King
6th stage: 11. Arjen Rutte, 28. Julius Maalderink
7th stage to Loriol: 1. Tristan Prins, 25. Oliver King

Well, we will be going down again, but not without a fight! Tristan Prins gives us the first stage win in a grand Tour! So, in a way, our season is a success... It took us a while to find that great Magnum Bottle of Combuijs Honey Ale to celebrate it!

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/18/7f/55/6a/received-693154384488140.jpg)

Oliver King is 18th in the GC on 6 minutes behind takes-it-all-winner Anthony Hilton (Captain Orange). He won't finish within the first 20, but it's still a nice place. Maybe Arjen Rutte can do something on place 34, but most likely he will finish just out of the top 20.

Division standings after the 8th stage of the Tour de France:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   12173   3   5   8   
2º      Cabrasverdes   10008   4   6   3   
3º      CaptainOrange   9694   8   6   2   
4º      WinterIsComing   7369   3   2   3   
5º      TeamRHB   7362   5   3   1   
6º      SPORTLIFE   6939   4   6   7   
7º      Wiggo_pupils   5710   0   1   3   
8º      Valderend   5587   3   5   4   
9º      Astanadena   5562   5   1   1   

12º      galegospolabici   5077   2   4   1   
13º      Zatarra   4957   2   3   1   
14º      MortoviaCycling   4888   0   0   0   
16º      FaltososDeChigre   4561   1   0   1   
17º      Aurora_Australis   4518   5   4   3   
18º      ProdopingPong   4276   0   0   0   

30º      cave   2671   1   0   3   
31º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2542   0   0   0   
32º      Caracoles   2473   0   1   5   
33º      skunk   2443   0   0   1   
34º      Combuijs   2342   1   0   0   
35º      ProCyclingTeam10   2304   0   0   0   

Hopefully the second corona wave will take a bit longer, so that we can win 4 places somehow. And of course we hope we can pass Bloemen aan de Mitte, but if we can't, let's hope they will stay on the World Tour...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 02, 2020, 09:13:07 PM
Tour de France:
9th stage: 13. Arjen Rutte
10th stage: 3. Arjen Rutte, 13. Julius Maalderink

Arjen Rutte makes it a great Tour de France for us by finishing 3rd in the 10th stage and finishing 15th in the GC. And even Oliver King gets place 19 in the GC.

GP San Sebastian: 20. Tristan Prins

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
2nd stage around Breskens: 6. Arjen Rutte, 24. Julius Maalderink

(https://imgz.rgcdn.nl/a9f54bc511d64cd3b2f28e861e3f1304/opener/Spuiplein-Breskens-foto-Wikipedia-Commons.jpg?v=z8ezoEU4jaTGys4VGtmwRg2)

In the GC Arjen Rutte is 12th, and while the hill sprint won't be the problem, the time trial will...

Division standings after the 3rd stage of the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   13752   4   6   8   
2º      CaptainOrange   11309   8   6   4   
3º      Cabrasverdes   11153   5   6   3   
4º      TeamRHB   8187   5   3   1   
5º      WinterIsComing   8016   4   2   3   
6º      SPORTLIFE   7364   4   6   8   
7º      Wiggo_pupils   6156   0   1   3   
8º      Valderend   6013   3   5   4   
9º      Marcatone_Due   5954   1   1   3   

13º      FaltososDeChigre   5527   1   1   1   
14º      Zatarra   5410   2   4   2   
15º      Codex   5184   2   2   7   

18º      CobbleCrushers   4765   5   1   2   
19º      Aurora_Australis   4716   5   4   4   
20º      Flandria   4421   0   0   0

27º      TilburgTerriërs   3293   2   2   2
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   3292   5   2   2   
29º      Combuijs   2973   1   0   1   
30º      skunk   2925   0   0   1   
31º      Shiro_Lions   2859   1   1   1   
32º      cave   2841   1   0   3   
33º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2796   0   0   0   
34º      ProCyclingTeam10   2492   0   1   0   

And lo and behold, we are out of the relegation zone again! Good news this late in the season. Now, what will be the situation about this time next week?

Meanwhile we have switched training again to the hobble cobblestones...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on September 04, 2020, 11:07:10 PM
I fear that was the final time out of the red zone this season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 07, 2020, 02:35:10 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
3rd stage:

In the GC Arjen Rutte finishes 10th, a good result!

Vuelta:
7th stage to Ribeira Sacra: 22. Adam Neeskens

(https://static01.nyt.com/images/2009/07/15/dining/15pour600.1.jpg?quality=90&auto=webp)

Division standings after the 7th stage of the Vuelta:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   14356   4   6   9   
2º      CaptainOrange   12021   8   7   5   
3º      Cabrasverdes   11829   5   6   3   
4º      WinterIsComing   8947   4   2   3   
5º      TeamRHB   8577   6   3   1   
6º      SPORTLIFE   8243   4   7   8   
7º      Wiggo_pupils   6860   0   1   4   

10º      Valderend   6485   3   6   4   
11º      FaltososDeChigre   6311   1   1   1   
12º      Aurora_Australis   6292   6   5   5   
13º      MortoviaCycling   6013   0   0   0   
14º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   5931   5   7   0   
15º      Zatarra   5808   2   4   2   
16º      ProdopingPong   5755   0   1   0   

30º      Thorboassonarvesen   3437   5   2   2   
31º      skunk   3202   0   0   1   
32º      Combuijs   3131   1   0   1   
33º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   3032   0   0   0   
34º      Caracoles   2822   0   2   6   

Wrong side of the red line again. We still have a little bit of hope to stay in, but we need all the luck of Ilnur Zakarin while going downhill.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on September 07, 2020, 03:11:56 PM
Wrong side of the red line again. We still have a little bit of hope to stay in, but we need all the luck of Ilnur Zakarin while going downhill.

 ;D ;D

I saw that Nans Peeters was saying that he was going downhill like a goat. So I wish you all the luck you need to stay in 1st division this season!  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 10, 2020, 01:44:53 PM
Vuelta:
8th stage: 16. Dénes Nemcsik
9th stage: 8. Adam Neeskens, 19. Garret Rose
10th stage: 5. Adam Neeskens, 16. Garret Rose

Giro di Lombardia: 22. Tristan Prins

(http://www.steephill.tv/2016/giro-di-lombardia/145120_92175bef-872d-4dc1-84a0-878a253a076b-775.jpg)

Well, the final stages went as good as they could get, but to no avail...

Final Division standings:

1º      °Peachy°Melocotons   17521   4   8   9   
2º      CaptainOrange   13692   9   7   5   
3º      Cabrasverdes   12920   5   6   4   
4º      TeamRHB   10653   7   3   2   
5º      WinterIsComing   10537   4   3   3   
6º      SPORTLIFE   9388   4   7   8   
7º      Aurora_Australis   9122   7   5   6   
8º      galegospolabici   8051   2   5   2   
9º      FaltososDeChigre   7651   1   1   1   
10º      Wiggo_pupils   7635   0   1   4   
11º      Valderend   7597   3   6   6   
12º      Zatarra   7093   3   5   2   
13º      Marcatone_Due   7034   1   1   3   
14º      ProdopingPong   6953   0   1   0   
15º      Astanadena   6937   5   1   2   
16º      MortoviaCycling   6896   0   0   0   
17º      QuintoYtapa   6381   0   2   1   
18º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   6359   5   7   0   
19º      CobbleCrushers   6140   6   3   2   
20º      $Tourmalet   5508   4   0   0   
21º      CC_Porco_Jones   5303   0   1   3   
22º      SentinelChickens   5210   0   0   0   
23º      Codex   5184   2   2   7   
24º      Flandria   5006   0   0   0
25º      KunTeam   4913   2   3   0
26º      Shiro_Lions   4388   3   1   2   
27º      TilburgTerriërs   4138   4   2   2
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   4057   5   2   2   
29º      cave   3685   1   1   3   
30º      Caracoles   3617   0   2   6   
31º      Flyvende_hjul   3612   1   1   1   
32º      Combuijs   3566   1   0   1   
33º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   3545   0   0   0   
34º      skunk   3317   0   0   1   
35º      Catalonia_Team   3107   0   0   1   
36º      ProCyclingTeam10   3088   0   1   0   
37º      BorinotTeam   2782   1   1   0   
38º      Ciclastur   2382   0   1   0   
39º      Bergtoppers   2209   0   0   0   
40º      Aropumarin   2128   0   0   0   
41º      Bikeos   1935   0   0   0   
42º      SaulSalinasTeam   1513   1   1   1   
43º      Moderdonia   1503   0   0   1   
44º      Psychoedge   930   0   0   0   
45º      Barrioska   804   0   0   0   
46º      LaGuardia   233   0   0   0   
47º      Wizards   82   0   0   0   
48º      ChronoTony   0   0   0   0   
49º      Atlantico   0   0   0   0   
50º      VP5   0   0   0   0   

Ilnur Zakarin is still in the Tour, but we are out of the World Tour. (I think Nans Peters is wrong, goats can go downhill much better than Ilnur...).
So, basically we were second best... of the relegating teams. The only small consolation is that we finished in front of Bloemen aan de Mitte.

Individual rider ranking:

1º      Anthony Hilton   29   5899   CaptainOrange   1   4   1   
2º      Rafael Carlos Loinaz    29   5315   °Peachy°Melocotons   0   1   0   
3º      Arno Verbeek   28   4070   TeamRHB   5   2   1   
4º      Alex Riis    29   2948   Astanadena   0   1   2   
5º      Leonid Leonov   28   2863   CobbleCrushers   3   2   1   
6º      Ivan Semon   29   2845   MortoviaCycling   0   0   0   
7º      Antonello Lorenzetto   29   2832   Marcatone_Due   1   1   2   
8º      Yannick Pierre   29   2716   CobbleCrushers   3   1   1   
9º      Noah Nelisse   29   1917   Cabrasverdes   0   2   2   
10º      Pascal Cruyff   26   1910   TilburgTerriërs   4   2   2   

Individual Combuijs Honey Ale rankings:

Arjen Rutte   29   778         666
Adam Neeskens   29   693         555
Tristan Prins   29   482         856
Garret Rose   29   425         002
Will Miller   29   283         123
Oliver King   29   271         487
Julius Maalderink   29   243         773
Rafael Szepesi   29   195         992
Dénes Nemcsik   29   121         001
Valentin Litenko   29   75         220

Of course this will have consequences, we will put our sprinters train on the transfer list.

There is still some good news:

Hidde Daelman got his a bronze statue for cobblestones, Yvo van Straalen got one for Tour riding.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/adoquinbronce.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltabronce.jpg)

Yvo is still considered the best Tour rider of his age.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on September 10, 2020, 01:54:11 PM
It's a sad day to see you relegate to 2nd division. :'(

We'll be looking forward to your presence in 1st division in Season 13.  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on September 10, 2020, 07:56:59 PM
Hopefully next season in the same division, i want revenge ;)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 12, 2020, 01:59:36 PM
You will get revenge as we are in the same division! Nice!!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 15, 2020, 02:31:47 PM
A new season, a new start and, well, a new cup round. In Revel we said goodbye to our sprint train Rafael Szepesi and Dénes Nemcsik but not before they had eliminated ZBT's riders. So we go into round 2 where we meet Ikibasque in a cobble race. That could have been worse, but still, those Basques are familiar with bad roads, I fear.

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 8. Julius Maalderink
2nd stage to Willunga Hill: 24. Julius Maalderink

(https://adelaidehillclimbs.files.wordpress.com/2013/05/willunga-sv-3.png?w=479&h=266)

In the GC Julius is 9th now. He will finish lower, but still should get some points.

We have switch to sprint training again, to the delight of many after being tortured on cobblestones...

We of course wish our opponents a lot of fun in this new season and a lot of success in finishing behind us!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 16, 2020, 10:19:00 AM
Tour Down Under:
5th stage to Campbell Town: 21. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.weekendnotes.com/im/004/09/campbelltown-library-school-holiday-program-south-3.jpg)

In the GC Julius finished 8th, 1:25 after winner András Hartmann (ICSluj). That was rather unexpected...

Division standings after the Tour Down Under:

1º      Denver   1188   3   1   0   
2º      ICSluj   934   0   0   0   
3º      Periquitos   917   1   0   0
4º      Kelme4ever   821   0   1   1   
5º      Ciclastur   757   0   1   0   
6º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   730   0   0   1   
7º      Barrioska   640   0   0   0   

12º      HorsCategorieProTeam   388   0   0   0   
13º      Combuijs   279   0   0   0   
14º      skippy   239   0   0   0   

So, we are 13th after the tour that does not fit us at all... That looks promising for the future.

Our sprint train did not sell, so they have been placed on the transfer market again. To all potential buyers: both are free of corona. We use the same tests as in the Tour de France...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 18, 2020, 11:36:19 AM
Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 4. Garret Rose, 14. Julius Maalderink
Strade Bianchi: 1. Garret Rose, 10. Arjen Rutte

Our first win this season, may there be more to come... In the Omloop Garret just beated former Combuijs Honey Ale rider Ádám Balogh. In both races Denver just missed out on the win with Gaultier van den Wijngaart and Kamile Anneessens.

Paris-Nice:
1st stage: 19. Oliver King
2nd stage to Biot: 12. Oliver King, 13. Will Miller

(https://www.biot-tourisme.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/photo-page-std-patrimoine-historique-et-culturel-2-histoire-de-biot-1600x900.jpg)

In the GC Oliver is 5th and Will is 13th. Leader is Ciclastur's Paul Hamilton.

Division standings after the 2nd stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      Van_pintxaos   2302   1   0   2   
2º      Denver   2235   3   3   0   
3º      Ciclastur   1572   0   1   0   
4º      Combuijs   1478   1   0   0   
5º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1335   1   0   2   
6º      Periquitos   1310   1   1   0

Several bids on the sprint train now, with curiously Dénes Nemcsik being slightly more popular than Rafael Szepesi.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 21, 2020, 03:47:03 PM
In the cup we had a nice surprise as Julius Maalderink won the final sprint against Ikibasque Daan Aerts in San Vendemiano. It has been a long time ago that we were in the third round. We are now up against $Tourmalet in a mountain hill race, so we are not without a chance.

Paris-Nice:
3rd stage: 6. Oliver King
4th stage: 26. Oliver King

In the GC Oliver finishes 5th, 1:09 behind winner Alvaro Vaca (Kelme 4 ever)

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage to Cascina: 22. Valentin Litenko

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/SantaMariaCascina.JPG/250px-SantaMariaCascina.JPG)
(This place is called Cascina in real life, but in CFF it goes under the name of Cascinia...)

No heavy point scoring at the moment and this is reflected in the division standings after the 3rd stage of the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Denver   3333   6   5   0   
2º      Van_pintxaos   2950   2   0   2   
3º      Ciclastur   2343   0   1   0   
4º      Kelme4ever   2271   1   1   1   
5º      Periquitos   2149   1   1   0
6º      Fiestina   1988   0   2   2   
7º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   1881   1   0   4   
8º      Combuijs   1840   1   0   0   
9º      ICSluj   1630   1   1   0   

Oddly enough Dénes Nemcsik went for more money than Rafael Szepesi, the latter being a better sprinter, the former probably more versatile. Rafael is now cycling for Estoparia on the Continental Pro Tour, Dénes for Pucela Cycling Team on the Continental Tour.

Our youth academy have produced a nice potential tour rider, Yvo Boelhouwers and a potential cobble hill rider, Bas Waterreus. Check them out and see if you like them!

Meanwhile Yvo van Straalen has deserved two silver statues for mountain and tour riding!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/montanaplata.jpg) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltaplata.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on September 23, 2020, 02:17:58 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
4th stage: 10. Oliver King, 26. Valentin Litenko
5th stage: 2. Oliver King, 26. Yvo van Straalen

First points for our 23 year old talent Yvo! In the GC Oliver finished 4th and Valentin surprisingly 17th.

Milan-San Remo: 9. Julius Maalderink, 22. Adam Neeskens

We never score that good in Milan-San Remo, but this season is an exception, especially as we have sold our sprint train.

E3 Harelbeke: 7. Adam Neeskens

First favourite Adam Neeskens fell asleep in the hilly section, and he never could return to the front.

(https://www.e3binckbankclassic.be/files/uploads/2020/E3-2020-Groep.jpg)

Division standings after the E3:

1º      Denver   4741   7   6   0   
2º      Van_pintxaos   3928   2   1   2   
3º      Ciclastur   3652   1   1   0   
4º      Periquitos   3535   2   2   1
5º      Kelme4ever   2963   1   1   2   
6º      Combuijs   2820   1   1   0   
7º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2736   2   0   4   

Going up, but we are still not where we want to be...

Yvo Boelhouwers is now looking for a future as a builder, Bas Waterreus was sold for the asking price to World Tour team Codex.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 01, 2020, 09:14:09 PM
Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 7. Oliver King
2nd stage: 23. Oliver King
3rd stage: 8. Oliver King
4th stage: 13. Tristan Prins, 20. Oliver King

In the GC Oliver King finishes 2nd on 37 seconds from Ciclastur Paul Hamilton.

Dwars door Vlaanderen: 17. Adam Neeskens
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 5. Adam Neeskens

Itzulia:
1st stage: 1. Tristan Prins, 22. Oliver King
2nd stage: 1. Tristan Prins, 20. Oliver King
3rd stage:  23. Yvo van Straalen, 30. Oliver King
4th stage: 7. Tristan Prins
5th stage: 1. Tristan Prins, 27. Oliver King

Three wins by Tristan Prins and a 7th place, but it was not enough to clinch the GC as his time trial was horrible. He finished 3rd on 13 seconds from winner Eduardo Javier Hierro (Fiestina), Oliver was 15th. 23 year old Yvo van Straalen scores his first points for us!

In this division there are very good cobblehillers, but apparently no hill climbers.

Parijs-Roubaix: 8. Julius Maalderink
Amstel Gold Race: 12. Adam Neeskens
Waalse Pijl: 24. Adam Neeskens
Luik-Bastenaken-Luik: 15. Adam Neeskens

(https://ardennen.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Montagne-de-Bueren-in-Luik.jpg)

Division standings after the hill classics:

1º      Denver   8907   9   9   1   
2º      Van_pintxaos   7566   2   2   5   
3º      Ciclastur   7546   1   4   2   
4º      Fiestina   6480   2   2   4   
5º      HorsCategorieProTeam   5976   0   3   2   
6º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   5701   4   1   5   
7º      Combuijs   5348   4   1   0   
8º      Periquitos   5338   3   2   2

On the wrong side of Bloemen aan de Mitte and on the wrong side of the promotion line, but it is still a long way to the World Championships.

We have sold 19 year old Erwin Hartlooper to Cobble Crushers for more than 6 million. A wise buy I think as he had lots of interesting middle stats. No need to tell their manager that it was probably the only bid... Now let's hope for the Crushers that Hartlooper is not a dead runner...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 26, 2020, 03:49:43 PM
Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 7. Oliver King, 29. Will Miller
2nd stage: 8. Oliver King, 27. Will Miller
5th stage: 10. Oliver King

A nice second place for Oliver in the GC, Will finishes 19th.

Eschborn-Frankfurt: 22. Valentin Litenko

Giro:
1st stage: 3. Valentin Litenko, 19. Yvo van Straalen, 23. Arjen Rutte
2nd stage: 3. Arjen Rutte, 6. Julius Maalderink
3rd stage: 16. Arjen Rutte, 21. Julius Maalderink
4th stage: 4. Arjen Rutte, 22. Julius Maalderink
5th stage: 18. Valentin Litenko
6th stage: 1. Arjen Rutte, 8. Julius Maalderink
8th stage: 5. Valentin Litenko, 26. Yvo van Straalen, 30. Hidde Daelman
10th stage: 12. Arjen Rutte

First points for Hidde Daelman!

In the GC Arjan finished 11th, Valentin 14th.

And then? A long break as real life took over. After more than a week of terrible headaches it appeared I suffered a cerebral haemorrhage (Dutch: hersenbloeding). An emergency operation safed my life and more, it seems for now that speech, thought and physical presence are all pretty normal. So I really am a lucky bastard, albeit a very tired one.

After a while I even had time for CFF again.

GP San Sebestian: 3. Tristan Prins, 16. Oliver King

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 26. Julius Maalderink
2nd stage: 21. Adam Neeskens
3rd stage: 2. Adam Neeskens, 10. Julius Maalderink
4th stage: 20. Adam Neeskens
5th stage: 4. Julius Maalderink, 7. Adam Neeskens

In the GC Adam finishes 4th, Julius Maalderink 6th.

Vuelta:
1st stage 9. Oliver King
3rd stage: 1. Oliver King
5th stage: 30. Oliver King
6th stage: 11. Oliver King

Oliver King is 6h now in the GC, Will Miller 19th.

Division standings after stage 7 of the Vuelta:

1º      Denver   16570   22   17   4   
2º      Fiestina   16235   5   6   6   
3º      Ciclastur   15780   5   7   4   
4º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   15758   9   9   10   
5º      Kelme4ever   12688   4   5   8   
6º      Van_pintxaos   12599   3   6   8   
7º      HorsCategorieProTeam   12204   2   4   3   
8º      Barrioska   11643   1   2   2   
9º      Periquitos   11396   5   3   4
10º      Combuijs   9559   6   2   3   
11º      RajenKujen   9435   5   5   4   

So, no promotion this season, and to be fair, even without the forced break I doubt we would have promoted, as this was a very strong division.

Good news on the training front. Yvo van Straalen could still be trained in the way I wanted and he has deserved a golden tour statue. He is now reckoned to be with the best 30 tour riders within the UCI.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltaoro.jpg)

There were bronze tour statues for Hidde Daelman, Colin Cann, Leroy van den Borre, Bart Kerkhof and Guido Keizer.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltabronce.jpg)

And silver statues for John Paxson, Gary Fredickson and Friso Vonk.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltaplata.jpg)

Only Jeroen Vonk did not deserve a tour statue yet...

We have switched to hill training and just recently we are doing just a little bit of downhill training.

We have decided to sell tour riders Will Miller and Valentin Litenko. They form a nice pair and will be able to get many points on the (Pro) Continental Tour.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Mitte on October 26, 2020, 07:18:49 PM
Heavy stuff Combuijs, glad you are back
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Sjiz on October 26, 2020, 07:45:07 PM
Heavy stuff indeed! Get well!

Ps. You can always preregister for races and put in tactics 15 races ahead of time.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on October 27, 2020, 09:11:17 AM
A very serious matter, Combuijs. Good you survived and even don't have severe damage, indeed very fortunate. Heel veel sterkte !  :-*
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on October 27, 2020, 03:43:51 PM
Good to see you survived all this and you don't seem to have any complications. Pff...

Sterkte met het herstel inderdaad!  :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 29, 2020, 02:30:24 PM
Vuelta:
86th stage: 16. Oliver King
9th stage: 12. Oliver King
10th stage: 16. Oliver King

Oliver King finished 7th in the GC, more than 3 minutes behind Periquitos Allan Frøyland. That was enough to satisfy Apple to give us a sponsor deal. An Apple smartphone for all our riders then...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/apple.jpg)

Giro de Lombardia: 3. Tristan Prins, 27. Oliver King

(https://www.desmaakvanitalie.nl/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/mariya-georgieva-45636-unsplash.jpg)

Final division standings:

1º      Denver   19954   25   17   4   
2º      Ciclastur   18358   6   9   4   
3º      Fiestina   18008   5   6   6   
4º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   16666   9   9   10   
5º      HorsCategorieProTeam   14803   2   5   3   
6º      Kelme4ever   14751   4   5   9   
7º      Barrioska   14343   2   2   2   
8º      Periquitos   14297   5   3   4
9º      Van_pintxaos   13597   4   7   8   
10º      Combuijs   10509   6   2   4   
11º      RajenKujen   10470   5   5   4   
12º      beerkes   6985   1   1   1   
13º      TeamSerfin   6819   0   0   8   
14º      Fliegende_Flyers   6146   1   1   4   
15º      ICSluj   6061   1   2   2   
16º      Lugnanese   5214   1   1   1   
17º      SAGASAI   4665   0   0   0   
18º      skippy   4590   0   0   1   
19º      Estoparia   4583   0   0   0
20º      ChessPower   4568   1   4   4   
21º      ItaliaCycling   4431   7   2   2   
22º      VILLESVENSKAS   3999   2   1   1
23º      Alla01   3663   0   3   2   
24º      Galletto   3574   0   3   1   
25º      Gernika    3184   0   0   3
26º      Paquetazos   3171   1   1   1   
27º      PucelaBike   2483   1   1   0   
28º      Frenkie   2298   1   0   1   
29º      MaxPappis   2137   0   0   0   
30º      Animatoca   2046   0   0   0   
31º      Mir   1865   0   0   0   
32º      Sabeco   1606   0   0   0   
33º      Matteorube   1413   0   0   0   
34º      Flyvende_hjul   1075   1   1   1   
35º      Aretabeti   822   0   0   0   
36º      Pitisitos   723   0   0   0   
37º      Pedalaepasta   689   0   0   0   
38º      KoekwousKevers   556   0   0   0   
39º      team_piroshki   506   0   0   0   
40º      Jinchos   200   0   0   0   
41º      JGMTeam   160   0   0   0   
42º      Ciclon   122   0   0   0   
43º      BOS   75   0   0   0   
44º      Ambrì   73   0   0   0   
45º      Caeiro   47   0   0   0
46º      SparCanToTe   0   0   0   0   
47º      Notarioteam   0   0   0   0   
48º      GarruTeam   0   0   0   0   
49º      NormanTeam   0   0   0   0   
50º      Ares   0   0   0   0   

Congratulations to Denver, he held out until the very end this time. Good luck to all promoted teams on the World Tour, I hope to see you back there next season.

Individual rankings:
1º      Norbert Buijs   24   4730   BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2   2   0   
2º      Mihails Pumpurs   30   4073   Van_pintxaos   2   3   4   
3º      Allan Frøyland   29   3819   Periquitos   0   2   2   
4º      Alvaro Vaca   30   3595   Kelme4ever   1   1   0   
5º      Abrahan Saavedra   30   3590   Barrioska   1   2   1   
6º      Oliver King   30   3340   Combuijs   1   1   0   
7º      Gaultier van den Wijngaert   24   3241   Denver   4   2   0   
8º      Steinar Jonsson   30   3215   Ciclastur   2   2   0   
9º      Denis Usov   30   3050   HorsCategorieProTeam   1   1   1   
10º      Hannes Pass   30   2852   ICSluj   1   2   2   

32º      Tristan Prins   30   1590   Combuijs   3   0   2   
38º      Adam Neeskens   30   1463   Combuijs   0   1   0   
39º      Julius Maalderink   30   1444   Combuijs   0   0   0   

Congratulations to Bloemen aan de Mitte with this fantastic result with a 24 year old. Of course he could not miss out the title with this family name...

Other Combuijs Honey Ale riders:

Arjen Rutte   30   1081         767
Garret Rose   30   775         102
Valentin Litenko    30   615         221
Yvo VanStraalen   23   98         000
Hidde Daelman   23   13         000

At the end of the season there were silver statues for Colin Cann and Guido Keizer.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/vueltaplata.jpg)

Yvo van Straalen is now considered to be the 23rd tour rider of the world.

Will Miller was sold to Continental Tour team cicciano. We might have to sack Valentin Litenko, a much underrated rider. We will give him another selling chance...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on October 30, 2020, 08:33:31 AM
Oh my, Combuijs. I hope you're recovering quickly and be able to do all the things you want to do very soon again!

(Except for beating me in the CFF Cup of course... although that doesn't seem to be such a hard job for ya...)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 04, 2020, 08:22:32 PM
Right, a new season, and a new try to get to the World Tour. We have the traditional start, e.g. hardly any points in the Tour Down Under, but we are there when the season really starts:

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 22. Tristan Prins
3rd stage: 16. Julius Maalderink
5th stage: 22. Julius Maalderink

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 3. Garret Rose, 19. Julius Maalderink, 20. Arjen Rutte

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d5/Koepoort%2Cfrontside%2C_ninove%2C_belgium.jpg/220px-Koepoort%2Cfrontside%2C_ninove%2C_belgium.jpg)

Division standings after the Omloop:

1º      Periquitos   2005   2   0   2
2º      GMV_Cycling   1312   0   3   0   
3º      ZG   917   0   0   0   
4º      RajenKujen   836   0   1   0   
5º      Kelme4ever   827   1   1   1   

9º      Barrioska   619   0   0   0   
10º      Combuijs   561   0   0   1   
11º      Moteam   553   0   0   0   

In the cup the corona crisis prevented Zatarra to go to Australia, so our "hillsprinters" could ride in quarantaine to the win. We are now up against world tour team OphiukoCT in that always difficult Eschborn-Frankfurt race.

Meanwhile we have sold Valentin Litenko to World Tour Team Cremy. A cheap and wise buy, he should be able to score some points for them, even on that level.

We also seem to be more attractive for sponsors now, although the deals are not really stacking up at the moment.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/prestigio2.jpg)

We got a compliment for our international scouting team. What for? I have no idea to be honest. Be sure to check our youngsters out though, they are for sale.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/buenoje2.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 07, 2020, 09:32:14 PM
Strade Bianchi: 3. Garret Rose, 11. Arjen Rutte, 12. Julius Maalderink

Paris-Nice:
1st stage: 24. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen with an enlightened tactic
4th stage to Biot: 7. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.labastidedebiot.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/week-end-hotel-proche-marineland-village-de-biot-hotel-provence-4-etoiles-bastide-1255x627.jpg)

In the GC Yvo van Straalen reached 3rd place, his first podium. The difference with winner Allan Frøyland (Periquitos) was made in the final stage, Allan being the better sprinter. So, satisfied with the result.

Division standings after Paris-Nice:

1º      Periquitos   3044   2   1   2
2º      Kelme4ever   2558   2   2   1   
3º      GMV_Cycling   2526   0   4   1   
4º      ZG   2217   2   1   0   
5º      RajenKujen   1761   0   1   1   
6º      Combuijs   1729   0   0   2   
7º      ICSluj   1376   0   0   1      

That's much better, we are in contention right now. Just keep up the good work.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 10, 2020, 04:27:35 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 2. Oliver King, 6. Trisan Prins
2nd stage: 19. Oliver King, 29. Tristan Prins
3rd stage to Sestola: 3. Oliver King

(https://images.italy-villas.nl/ccontent_page/5327621410193007xx/large/sestola.jpg)

These results were good enough for a 16th place of Oliver in the GC, a solid 3 minutes from winner Allan Frøyland (again...). It is notable that we don't excel in flat sprint races for our GC riders. OK, Oliver has no sprint qualities, but Yvo van Straalen is not without them. It has probably something to do with ignoring teamwork skills and with our director Sander Peebo having no team spirit skills at all.

Division standings after the Tirreno Adriatico:

1º      Periquitos   3900   3   1   2
2º      Kelme4ever   3151   2   3   2   
3º      GMV_Cycling   3027   1   4   2   
4º      ZG   2785   2   1   0   
5º      Combuijs   2132   0   1   3   
6º      RajenKujen   2025   0   1   1   

We are on the right side of the promotion line, but the gap in front of us is much bigger than the gap behind us. So, still a lot of work to do.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 13, 2020, 08:30:50 PM
Milan-San Remo: 7. Julius Maalderink, 20. Adam Neeskens
E3 Harelbeke: 3. Adam Neeskens, 15. Julius Maalderink, 23. Garret Rose

Relative good results in San Remo, but relative less results in Harelbeke where Adam started as the favourite to beat. But if you are looking for 3rd places:

Volta Catalunya:
2nd stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 6. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 3. Yvo van Straalen, 11. Gary Fredickson
5th stage to Vallter 2000: 3. Yvo van Straalen, 28. Gary Fredickson

(https://www.catalunyapress.es/images/showid2/3299634?w=1200&zc=4)

In the GC Yvo van Straalen finishes 4th place almost two minutes behind winner Toivo Puu (Kelme4ever). Gary Fredickson gets 23rd place and as expected is a very good helper for Yvo.

Division standings after the Volta:

1º      Kelme4ever   4956   4   3   3   
2º      Periquitos   4952   3   2   2
3º      GMV_Cycling   4520   2   4   3   
4º      ZG   3887   2   3   0   
5º      RajenKujen   3636   1   2   1   
6º      Combuijs   3583   0   1   6   
7º      Barrioska   2628   0   0   1   

Now just out of promotion, but there is not a big gap between Rajen Kujen, ZG and us.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 17, 2020, 08:19:04 PM
Gent - Wevelgem: 1. Adam Neeskens, 14. Julius Maalderink
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 1. Adam Neeskens, 12. Julius Maalderink, 15. Garret Rose
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 6. Adam Neeskens, 24. Garret Rose, 25. Julius Maalderink

Itzulia:
1st stage: 13. Gary Fredickson
2nd stage: 3. Gary Fredickson, 17. Friso Vonk, 23. Jeroen Vonk
3rd stage: 1. Adam Neeskens, 7. Garret Rose, 29. Gary Fredickson
4th stage: 2. Gary Fredickson, 22. Friso Vonk, 24. Jeroen Vonk
5th stage to Arrate: 6. Gary Fredickson

(https://tourism.euskadi.eus/contenidos/h_cultura_y_patrimonio/0000012927_h5_rec_turismo/en_12927/images/eibar_arrate_h.jpg)

In the GC Gary is first, that's our first GC win this season, and his first in his career. Friso is 16th.

So 3 wins plus a GC win, that results in these division standings after the Itzulia:

1º      Kelme4ever   7170   5   5   4   
2º      Combuijs   6563   3   2   7   
3º      Periquitos   6457   4   3   3
4º      GMV_Cycling   5655   2   4   3   
5º      ZG   5244   2   3   0   
6º      RajenKujen   4876   3   2   2   
   
Now, that's more like it, second place and a serious gap to place 6. Apparently GMV Cycling has fallen asleep...

We have switched training to technique again.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 22, 2020, 06:13:30 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 13. Adam Neeskens
Waalse Pijl: 22. Adam Neeskens
Luik-Bastenaken-Luik: 13. Adam Neeskens

As expected, not many points but every point counts.

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 27. John Paxson
2nd stage: 24. Gary Fredickson
3rd stage: 2. Arjen Rutte
4th stage: 24. Gary Fredickson, 10. Julius Maalderink, 24. Gary Fredickson
5th stage around Montreux: 15. Julius Maalderink, 19. Arjen Rutte, 28. Gary Fredickson

While we basically went for stages, in the GC Gary finished 4th on 1:43 from Moteam winner Kieran Williams. Friso Vonk finished 13th, John Paxson very carefully 21st, just outside the points.

(https://bulgarianonthego.blog/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/things_to_do_in_montreux_chillion_castle-1440x960.jpg)

Division standings after Romandie:

1º      Kelme4ever   10284   6   9   5   
2º      Periquitos   9000   6   3   4
3º      GMV_Cycling   8303   4   5   5   
4º      Combuijs   7959   3   3   8   
5º      ZG   7429   5   3   1   
6º      RajenKujen   6206   3   2   3   

Back to 4th, but still a considerable gap with number 6. GMV Cycling has woken up again...

We have sold some youngsters, notably Gert Ridder to Vicam, Yorick van Nieuwkoop to Lotto Granadier and Govert Schenk to Lotto Stelvio. May they all prosper.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 27, 2020, 08:34:26 PM
Eschborn-Frankfurt: 12. Friso Vonk

Giro:
1st stage: 1. Adam Neeskens, 4. Arjen Rutte, 29. Oliver King
2nd stage: 12. Arjen Rutte, 26. Oliver King
3rd stage: 19. Arjen Rutte, 22. Adam Neeskens
4th stage: 7. Oliver King, 29. Bert Kerkhof
5th stage: 8. Oliver King, 13. Tristan Prins, 15. Adam Neeskens
6th stage: 27. Arjen Rutte, 28. Adam Neeskens
8th stage: 2. Oliver King, 29. Tristan Prins
9th stage: 19. Adam Neeskens, 21. Tristan Prins
10th stage to Zoldo Alto: 1. Oliver King

(https://www.comune.valdizoldo.bl.it/.imaging/stk/foundation/content-small/dam/home/territorio/zoldo-alto/Zoldo-Alto-e-la-chiesa.jpg/jcr:content/Zoldo%20Alto%20e%20la%20chiesa.jpg.2019-07-11-14-59-35.jpg)

Our main goal was stages, so happy with two wins and a podium place. On the Continental Pro Tour you can also have the GC as a secondary goal. Oliver finished 4th, 11 seconds off the podium and more than 2 minutes behind glorious winner Alvaro Vaca (Kelme 4 ever).

So a good Giro, which leads to:

1º      Kelme4ever   14310   9   11   7   
2º      Periquitos   11213   8   3   7
3º      Combuijs   10151   5   4   8   
4º      GMV_Cycling   9962   4   5   6   
5º      ZG   8923   5   4   1   
6º      Barrioska   8072   0   0   2   

We have been continuously swapping places with GMV Cycling, so I hope that is over now. The good news is Rajen Kujen did not well in the Giro, so we are more than 2000 points in front of place 6. World Tour, here we come...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 30, 2020, 02:53:24 PM
Dauphine Liberé:
1st stage: 16. Tristan Prins, 27. Oliver King
2nd stage: 6. Julius Maalderink, 15. Arjen Rutte
3rd stage: 19. Oliver King, 22. Tristan Prins
4th stage: 1. Oliver King, 22. Tristan Prins
5th stage to Valmorel: 1. Oliver King, 21. Tristan Prins

(https://www.cgh-residences.nl/photos/stations/sliders/valmorel-1_264.jpg)

Our main goal was the GC, and we had Oliver King as a winner, Tristan Prins on place 10 and even Hidde Daelman on place 15. On the Continental Pro Tour you can also have stages as a secondary goal, but the two stage wins really came as a surprise.

Division standings after the Dauphine:

1º      Kelme4ever   14987   9   11   8   
2º      Periquitos   12082   8   3   8
3º      Combuijs   11429   7   4   8   
4º      GMV_Cycling   10474   6   5   6   
5º      ZG   9786   5   7   1   
6º      Barrioska   8702   0   0   2   

We have opened up a gap between us and GMV Cycling, which allows us to look above for second place.

In the meantime we have contracted Mondesir Zutter from Quick Step Bronx to help keeping us on the World Tour next season...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 02, 2020, 09:39:27 PM
Tour de Suisse:
2nd stage: 1. Adam Neeskens, 6. Garret Rose, 29. Gary Fredickson
3rd stage: 1. Yvo van Straalen, 25. Gary Fredickson
4th stage: 10. Adam Neeskens, 19. Yvo van Straalen, 20. Garret Rose
5th stage to Grimselpass: 2. Yvo van Straalen, 27. Gary Fredickson

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/42/VS-65-06.jpg)

There were three main goals, always a danger as you can get none of them. But everything turned out very well, Adam and Yvo getting sponsor deals in stage 2 and 3 and Yvo winning the GC as well, with a 1:39 lead on Periquitos German Martinez. Gary finished 13th in the GC. Sponsors Renault and Agura happy, Yvo happy and we happy...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/renault.png) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/augura.jpg)

Division standings after Switzerland:

1º      Kelme4ever   15980   10   11   9   
2º      Periquitos   12916   9   3   8
3º      Combuijs   12710   9   5   8   
4º      GMV_Cycling   10793   6   6   6   
5º      ZG   10424   5   8   1   
6º      Barrioska   9491   0   0   2   

We are closing in on Periquitos, let's see if we can get second place.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 07, 2020, 07:44:09 PM
Tour de France:
1st stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 1. Garret Rose, 11. Yvo van Straalen, 14. Gary Fredickson, 29. Oliver King
3rd stage: 3. Yvo van Straalen, 29. Oliver King
4th stage: 4. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 3. Yvo van Straalen, 11. Garret Rose, 22. Gary Fredickson, 30. Guido Keizer, 31. Oliver King
7th stage: 3. Yvo van Straalen, 12. Oliver King
9th stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen, 24. Oliver King
10th stage to Soulan (Pla-d'Adet): 5. Yvo van Straalen

Strange 5th stage, the hill sprint to Rodez. We have a non-hill sprint team and we have 5 riders within the first 31. Huge differences as well with a slight wind. What was going on here?

(https://locationsaintlary.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/p8131733.jpg)

In the GC we had Yvo van Straalen in yellow after two stages and he could add 8 other yellow jerseys after that. Yvo's first win in a grand Tour! Oliver King finished on 15th place. With the result in stages we had a terrific Tour which is reflected in the

Division standings:

1º      Kelme4ever   18031   10   14   9   
2º      Combuijs   15413   10   5   10   
3º      Periquitos   14369   9   3   8
4º      ZG   12866   9   9   1   
5º      RajenKujen   11537   6   6   5   
6º      GMV_Cycling   11463   6   6   6   

Kelme4ever is far away, but second place should be possible. GMV Cycling has lost a promotion place, so this will get very close for them.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 10, 2020, 07:59:11 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 5. Mondesir Zutter, 8. Julius Maalderink, 15. Garret Rose, 16. Arjen Rutte, 30. Adam Neeskens
2nd stage: 3. Julius Maalderink, 14. Arjen Rutte, 15. Adam Neeskens
3rd stage: 3. Julius Maalderink, 16. Mondesir Zutter, 24. Arjen Rutte, 29. Garret Rose
5th stage to Sittard-Geleen: 6. Julius Maalderink, 12. Adam Neeskens, 20. Garret Rose, 22. Arjen Rutte

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3d/Sittard_Panorama_4.JPG/640px-Sittard_Panorama_4.JPG)

In the GC Julius Maalderink finished 2nd 1 second after Ahti Kirsipuu (Kelme4ever). If only we had filled in roles in the first stage... Arjen Rutte 7th, Garret Rose 10th, Adam Neeskens 15th, so Mondesir Zutter had to pay for the drinking party after the last race...

Division standings after the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:

1º      Kelme4ever   20305   12   16   9   
2º      Combuijs   17565   11   5   12   
3º      Periquitos   15176   9   3   8
4º      ZG   13935   9   10   1   
5º      RajenKujen   12045   6   6   5   
6º      GMV_Cycling   11996   6   8   6   

The battle for podium places is far less interesting than the battle for the last promotion place...

Meanwhile we have switched our training to stamina, to the disappointment of the fitness haters...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 15, 2020, 07:37:18 PM
Vuelta:
1st stage: 8. Julius Maalderink, 26. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 1. Mondesir Zutter, 7. Julius Maalderink, 27. Friso Vonk
3rd stage: 2. Julius Maalderink, 20. Friso Vonk, 29. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 4. Yvo van Straalen, 27. Friso Vonk, 29. Jeroen Vonk
5th stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen, 16. Friso Vonk
6th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 1. Yvo van Straalen, 25. Friso Vonk
8th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
9th stage: 5. Julius Maalderink, 23. Yvo van Straalen, 28. Friso Vonk
10th stage to Monte Aloia: 11. Julius Maalderink, 22. Jeroen Vonk

(https://turismoriasbaixas.com/documents/11015/863719/CabeceraMonteAloia.jpg/83b273f2-3d0c-4e35-9df5-a9fb9398559a?t=1558950310000)

In the GC Yvo finishes 3rd on 2 minutes from winner Domingo Soto (Barrioska). A bit disappointing, but then he had no training camp. Friso Vonk finished 14th. In the individual rankings of the season Yvo is now first and I don't think he will be passed in the last races.

Division standings after the Vuelta:

1º      Kelme4ever   22197   12   16   10   
2º      Combuijs   20215   13   6   12   
3º      Periquitos   16486   10   4   8
4º      ZG   16374   10   10   1   
5º      Barrioska   14219   1   2   4   
6º      GMV_Cycling   13840   7   9   6   

Second place is unavoidable...

For next season we have secured the services of young talent Hallvard Thorkildsen who together with Mondesir Zutter should be able to gain some much needed points next season. Some pundits thought the price for him was too high:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/buy3.png)

Meanwhile we have sold Colin Cann to Pro Continental Tour Team Sea. I hope he can swim... We are still looking for a challenging place for Leroy van der Borre (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/vision.php?ciclistaid=68373 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/vision.php?ciclistaid=68373)) next season...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 17, 2020, 04:20:29 PM
Giro di Lombardia: 3. Tristan Prins, 26. Oliver King

World Championships Road Race in Lisbon: 16. Tristan Prins

(https://content.api.news/v3/images/bin/3c2e6855dd8094e6b837110e4e0ac593?width=650)

Final division standings:

1º      Kelme4ever   23477   12   16   10   
2º      Combuijs   20805   13   6   13   
3º      ZG   17729   10   10   2   
4º      Periquitos   17571   10   4   8
5º      GMV_Cycling   16900   8   10   7   
6º      Barrioska   16149   2   2   4   
7º      RajenKujen   14913   8   7   7   
8º      Moteam   13592   2   2   4   
9º      TeamSerfin   11779   1   5   3   
10º      Van_pintxaos   10513   3   4   4   
11º      TeaMetal   9341   4   5   5   
12º      Fliegende_Flyers   8505   3   2   5   
13º      beerkes   7496   1   4   2   
14º      BetisCFF   7043   0   3   4   
15º      Lugnanese   6181   1   1   2   
16º      catapunchimpon   5337   0   1   1   
17º      skippy   5209   1   0   2   
18º      ChessPower   4958   4   5   3
19º      Estoparia   4663   0   0   0
20º      ICSluj   3595   0   0   2
21º      VILLESVENSKAS   3580   0   0   0
22º      Animatoca   3486   0   0   0   
23º      MarquinaTeam   3465   0   0   1   
24º      Gernika    2519   2   0   1
25º      TarracoCycling   2281   0   1   0   
26º      Frenkie   2095   0   1   0   
27º      LanihuliCycling   2032   0   0   0   
28º      Galletto   2018   0   1   0   
29º      PucelaBike   1973   0   0   0   
30º      Paquetazos   1566   1   0   0   
31º      Shiro_Lions   1205   1   1   0   
32º      Agua_Verde   838   0   0   0   
33º      cicciano   825   0   0   0   
34º      ItaliaCycling   816   4   0   0   
35º      Barakaldo   445   0   0   0   
36º      Que_Maz_da   279   0   0   0   
37º      gandarias   268   0   0   0   
38º      Alla01   251   0   0   1   
39º      FaustoScoppi   196   0   0   0   
40º      TeamEuroscalt   148   0   0   0
41º      Trivilla   145   0   0   0   
42º      Teamsomio   60   0   0   0   
43º      Gonorreas   35   0   0   0   
44º      MaxPappis   23   0   0   0   
45º      Espérance   0   0   0   0   
46º      Porteños   0   0   0   0   
47º      La_Vie_Claire   0   0   0   0
48º      SedaÉvoraClub    0   0   0   0   
49º      SAGASAI   0   0   0   0   
50º      Sidarbotti   0   0   0   0   

Happy with second place and good to see GMV Cycling made promotion with some very good last races.

The individual rankings:

1º      Yvo VanStraalen   24   5396   Combuijs   2   1   4   
2º      Alvaro Vaca   31   5079   Kelme4ever   3   2   1   
3º      Kieran Williams   31   4349   Moteam   0   0   2   
4º      Domingo Soto   25   3470   Barrioska   2   1   2   
5º      Allan Frøyland   30   3129   Periquitos   1   0   1   
6º      Oliver Stormo   30   3117   Fliegende_Flyers   3   2   2   
7º      Adam Neeskens   31   2920   Combuijs   5   0   1   
8º      Imants Riherts   28   2859   GMV_Cycling   5   2   1   
9º      Péter Sudár   31   2850   TeamSerfin   0   1   0   
10º      Oliver King   31   2823   Combuijs   3   2   1   
16º      Julius Maalderink   31   2500   Combuijs   0   1   2   
38º      Garret Rose   31   1582   Combuijs   1   0   2   
40º      Gary Fredickson   24   1507   Combuijs   0   1   1   
41º      Tristan Prins   31   1501   Combuijs   1   0   1   

Yvo van Straalen winning the individual rankings was a side goal, but nice to have managed that. Three riders with the first 10 was unexpected.

Other Combuijs riders:

Arjen Rutte   31   1353         778
Friso Vonk   24   651         000
Mondesir Zutter   29   370         241
Jeroen Vonk   24   101         000
Hidde Daelman   24   60         000
Bert Kerkhof   24   15         000
John Paxson   24   13         000
Guido Keizer   24   13         000

We have sold Leroy van der Borre to in a short time Pro Continental Tour team Aretabeti. We hope he will get a fair chance there to show his skills.

And so we can start another season on the World Tour level. The one and only goal? Stay in!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 23, 2020, 06:10:59 PM
Season 14 has started and we have managed to keep a clean sheet in the Tour Duwn Under. So the season can now really start with the E3. Let's see if our experienced riders are not too old for points!

Division standings after the Tour Down Under:

1º      CaptainOrange   635   0   0   1   
2º      SPORTLIFE   603   0   2   1   
3º      Cabrasverdes   567   0   0   0
4º      Valderend   544   1   0   0   
5º      OphiukoCT   523   0   0   0   
6º      Aurora_Australis   426   1   1   0   

49º      SentinelChickens   0   0   0   0   
50º      Combuijs   0   0   0   0   

Let's say the gap between place 49 and 50 is not too big...

We have bought time trialler Danny Power from cup-rival Moderdonia, which more or less ensures a defeat in the Cup, and hiller Amable Puerto from Liberty Sansaloni. Hopefully they will be able to score some points.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/cronooro.png)

We have completely overhauled our personnel, which gave us comments about our harsh treatment of them.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/fire1.png)

The new team is dr. Hinrich Bühler (director) who still has to learn about the grand tours, Ritvars Kurpnieks (masseur) and Victors Kazaks (doctor), who at least speak the same Lettish language, Jort Dobbelman (mechanic) whose tuning will double up the points, and Carlos Javier Palomar (marketing manager) who should be able to get the stores going.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Pabler on December 25, 2020, 04:11:54 PM

We have bought time trialler Danny Power from cup-rival Moderdonia, which more or less ensures a defeat in the Cup

I don't buy another TT, so if this sold is a tactic you can buy a better TT to win CFF round without surprise me, but I think you have seen my precious race in CFF cup.
Good luck
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 26, 2020, 09:19:35 PM
Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 23. Garret Rose
Strade Bianchi: 7. Garret Rose, 27. Arjen Rutte, 29. Julius Maalderink

Our oldies are doing well, especially in the Strade Bianchi, which is traditionally a very good race for us.

Paris-Nice:
3rd stage: 4. Harvard Thorkildsen, 12. Mondesir Zutter
4th stage: 16. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage to Nice: 16. Yvo van Straalen

First race for our new cobble pair and they just missed out on the podium, which was again a very good result.

(https://explorista.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/nice.jpg)

To top it off, in the GC Yvo did very well, he finished 3rd, albeit with a 1:34 gap to winner Marceliano Ibarrola (Sportlife). Very happy with that result though!

Division standings after Paris-Nice:

1º      CaptainOrange   1744   0   0   1   
2º      SPORTLIFE   1663   0   2   2   
3º      Zatarra   1403   1   0   1   

8º      Rekutxuteam   1182   1   2   1   
9º      Valderend   1159   1   0   1   
10º      TeamRHB   1134   0   2   0   
11º      CobbleCrushers   1115   1   1   0   

13º      Aurora_Australis   877   1   2   1   
14º      Combuijs   871   0   0   0   
15º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   868   2   1   0   

And all those inspiring results bring us to place 14, so there is a light hope we might stay on the World Tour. And Zatarra on place 3? It's a mad, mad, mad world...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 30, 2020, 12:07:51 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 21. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 7. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 17. Danny Power

In the GC we find Yvo back on place 8 on 1:30 after winner Lazare Pires (Français de Jeux).

Happy with points in the hills race and the time trial and happy with the GC.

Milan - San Remo: 21. Julius Maalderink

For the first time in ages we score points in this classic and that's a surprise as Julius never did any good in it on the World Tour level.

E3 Harelbeke: 12. Adam Neeskens

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a5/Station_Harelbeke_-_Foto_4_%282010%29.png)

The steady flow of points helps in the division standings after the E3:

1º      CaptainOrange   2765   0   0   2   
2º      TeamRHB   2199   1   2   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   2174   0   2   2   
4º      Zatarra   2170   2   0   1   
5º      Cabrasverdes   2120   0   2   0   
6º      Valderend   2054   3   0   1   

11º      FaltososDeChigre   1527   1   0   0   
12º      Combuijs   1452   0   0   0   
13º      Mlb   1397   0   1   0   

We are doing very fine at the moment, let's hope we can keep up in the rest of the season.

To help that we have ensured the services of Brooklyn Marbley from Continental Tour Teamsomio, who can now ride on the highest level possible. He is the ideal helper for Yvo van Straalen and he will ride the Tour de France for us. The transfer was made possible by selling talent Luuk Hoekstra to Winter is Coming.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on December 30, 2020, 12:36:37 PM
Great to have you back at WT level, Combuijs. It seems to have motivated my riders even more as well :).

What will Yvo's programme be?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 03, 2021, 03:29:08 PM
Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 3. Mondesir Zutter
3rd stage: 28. Garret Rose
5th stage: 23. Mondesir Zutter

First podium place for Mondesir which was a surprise result. In the other 4 stages we scored some points while we went for the GC of Gary Fredickson. He did what he could and finished 12th, thereby confirming his place in the team.

Gent - Wevelgem: 10. Adam Neeskens, 24. Julius Maalderink

Dwars door Vlaanderen: 12. Adam Neeskens

Good results in the first two Flemish classics, but in the major one Adam had a day off...

(https://www.alheembouw.be/sites/default/files/styles/header/public/project_ion-steenhoven-alheembouw_5.jpg?itok=u-v3lPzB)

Division standings after the Ronde van Vlaanderen:

1º      CaptainOrange   4293   0   1   2   
2º      BlackHole   3457   0   1   4   
3º      Cabrasverdes   3071   0   2   1   
4º      SPORTLIFE   3071   1   2   2   
5º      TeamRHB   3011   1   2   0   
6º      Zatarra   2810   2   0   1   
7º      Valderend   2766   3   2   1   

14º      Luka_Warriors   2186   0   0   1   
15º      Combuijs   2100   0   0   1   
16º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   1884   3   1   1   

There is indeed a black hole after Captain Orange in the standings... Losing a little bit of terrain on the top 10, but hey, we are happy if we stay on the World Tour.

We have sold Taco van der Poel to World Tour Team Aspigarri who then fired him. Strangeways here we come...
   
At the moment the plan is for Yvo to ride the Giro, the Dauphine Libere and the Vuelta, while we leave the Tour to Brooklyn. We can't disappoint Marquina Team, the only team in the season 14 winner's guess competition who has nominated a Combuijs Honey Ale rider, can we...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 08, 2021, 05:45:53 PM
Itzulia:
3rd stage: 16. Friso Vonk
4th stage: 23. Friso Vonk

Friso Vonk did not do bad at all, but 23rd in the GC is just below expectations. Next time he will have to help Yvo van Straalen again.

Parijs-Roubaix: 10. Hallvard Thorkildsen, 22. Mondesir Zutter, 27. Julius Maalderink

Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 19. Amable Puerto
Waalse Pijl: 9. Amable Puerto

We finally scored some points in the Wallonian classics, thanks to our indeed amable Puerto. He was surprised in Bastenaken though.

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage around Fribourg: 3. Hallvard Thorkildsen, 19. Mondesir Zutter

After an earlier 4th place, we find Hallvard on the podium. Not bad for a 24 year old.

(https://events.unifr.ch/biology20/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/cropped-Fribourg_2.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tour de Romandie:

1º      CaptainOrange   5992   0   1   4   
2º      TeamRHB   5013   2   4   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   4843   2   3   3   
4º      Valderend   4237   3   2   1   
5º      BlackHole   3888   0   1   4   

15º      Quickstepbronx   3021   3   2   2   
16º      Zatarra   3014   2   0   1   
17º      Combuijs   2827   0   0   2   
18º      Luka_Warriors   2563   0   1   1   

Losing some positions, but hey, look who's riding just before us: Zatarra! We have a goal again...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 10, 2021, 09:47:37 PM
Tour de Romandie:
2nd stage: 22. Brooklyn Marbley
5th stage: 30. Brooklyn Marbley

In the GC Brooklyn finished 14th on 2:25 from winner Adam Roethlisberger (Valderend). A bit disappointing tour by Brooklyn, but tactical instruction were probably not optimal.

Eschborn - Frankfurt: 18. Friso Vonk

Not a bad result that.

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Skyline_Frankfurt_am_Main_2015.jpg/1280px-Skyline_Frankfurt_am_Main_2015.jpg)

Division standings after Eschborn - Frankfurt:

1º      CaptainOrange   6695   0   1   4   
2º      TeamRHB   6102   2   5   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   5612   4   3   3   
4º      Valderend   5326   3   2   1   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   4027   3   0   1   

15º      Quickstepbronx   3074   3   2   2   
16º      Zatarra   3036   2   0   1   
17º      Combuijs 3017   0   0   2   
18º      Luka_Warriors   2944   0   2   2   

Still slowly going downwards, but we trust we will stay on the World Tour.

After some tactical disappointments we have changed tour director. We think Javier Centeno is the best person to guide Yvo van Straalen through the grand tours.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 15, 2021, 09:35:25 PM
Giro:
1st stage: 20. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 11. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 18. Adam Neeskens
10th stage to Montalcino: 14. Adam Neeskens, 15. Garret Rose, 30. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.tuscany.co/wp-content/uploads/view-montalcino-51.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finished 15th, a tad disappointing, as he was leader in all races, but then he did not really prepare for the Giro...

Division standings after the Giro:

1º      TeamRHB   7381   2   6   0   
2º      CaptainOrange   7341   0   1   4   
3º      SPORTLIFE   6863   5   4   3   
4º      Valderend   6320   3   4   2   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   5076   3   0   1   
   
17º      Cabrasverdes   3695   0   2   2   
18º      Combuijs   3503   0   0   2   
19º      $Tourmalet   3360   5   1   1   
20º      CC_Porco_Jones   3288   1   1   0   
21º      Zatarra   3284   2   0   1   
22º      CobbleCrushers   3170   2   2   0   

Hey, we have passed Zatarra! That's good...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 18, 2021, 03:46:11 PM
Dauphiné Liberé:
2nd stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage around Grenoble: 2. Hallvard Thorkildsen, 11. Arjen Rutte

(https://img.itinari.com/pages/images/original/b2427c68-0e0d-4906-95c6-93fc3369c35a-istock-489388124.jpg?ch=DPR&dpr=1&w=1600&s=1a2cd60bf3e955fe61b7d29018508bad)

In the GC Yvo finished 9th, which is reasonable, given the preference for Thorkildsen in stage 4.

Division standings after the Dauphiné Liberé:

1º      CaptainOrange   7859   0   1   4   
2º      TeamRHB   7745   2   6   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   7436   6   4   5   
4º      Valderend   6430   3   4   2   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   5583   3   0   1   
   
17º      $Tourmalet   3988   5   1   1   
18º      Combuijs   3953   0   1   2   
19º      Cabrasverdes   3745   0   2   2   

Zatarra has gone further back, so that is good news, although we hope they can stay on the World Tour. It's very close at the top, that is the top 3.

The second place by Hallvard Thorkildsen was enough to sway Orkla to provide us with some money and some delicious food.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/orkla.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 20, 2021, 09:23:38 PM
Tour de Suisse:
2nd stage: 11. Brooklyn Marbley
5th stage to Rheinfelden: 26. Brooklyn Marbley

(https://media.coopzeitung.ch/images/2016/06/06/1623Cz_R6_Tour_201605203pl184_1046x570_1530313527209.jpg)

In the GC Brooklyn finished 20th, disappointing but points are points. All in all Switzerland proved to be below expectations, which lowers the prospects in the Tour de France.

Division standings after the Tour de Suisse:

1º      CaptainOrange   8543   0   1   4   
2º      TeamRHB   8186   2   6   0   
3º      SPORTLIFE   8174   6   5   6   
4º      Valderend   6796   3   5   2   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   6054   3   0   2   
   
19º      $Tourmalet   4062   5   1   1   
20º      Combuijs      4031   0   1   2   
21º      Cabrasverdes    3745   0   2   2   
22º      ZG   3613   0   0   3   
23º      Zatarra 3517   2   0   1   
24º      azerite   3387   0   0   0   

The difference with place 31 is almost 1800 points, so there are no real worries, but we have now reached the mires of the twenties...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 25, 2021, 08:17:37 PM
Tour de France:
3rd stage: 29. Brooklyn Marbley
5th stage: 17. Arjen Rutte
6th stage: 18. Brooklyn Marbley
7th stage to Le Puy-en-Velay: 10. Arjen Rutte, 11. Adam Neeskens

(https://frankrijkbinnendoor.nl/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/le-puy-en-velay.jpg)

In the GC Brooklyn finished 7th, in itself a good result, but thereby missing out a sponsordeal by one place... Winner was Allan Palmer (Captain Orange).

Division standings after the Tour de France:

1º      CaptainOrange   10805   0   1   5   
2º      SPORTLIFE   9748   7   7   8   
3º      TeamRHB   9347   2   6   0   
4º      Valderend   8138   3   5   3   
5º      Rekutxuteam   7851   9   8   6      
   
16º      IKIBASQUE   4734   1   2   1   
17º      Combuijs   4706   0   1   2   
18º      $Tourmalet   4646   5   1   2   

We are on the ascend again...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 28, 2021, 08:29:22 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 11. Julius Maalderink
2nd stage: 8. Hallvard Thorkildsen, 12. Mondesir Zutter, 14. Julius Maalderink
3rd stage: 4. Julius Maalderink
5th stage around Breskens: 13. Julius Maalderink, 18. Mondesir Zutter, 19. Hallvard Thorkildsen

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/52/Breskens_Vuurtoren_R01.jpg/800px-Breskens_Vuurtoren_R01.jpg)

In the GC Julius finished surprisingly 3rd, 18 seconds after Anders Jørgensen (TeamRHB) and 2 seconds after favourite Yannick Pierre (Cobble Crushers). All and all this was a great Tour for us.

Division standings after the Binck Bank Tour:

1º      CaptainOrange   11252   0   1   5   
2º      TeamRHB   10535   3   7   1   
3º      SPORTLIFE   10340   7   7   8   
4º      Valderend   8712   3   7   4   
5º      Rekutxuteam   8104   9   8   7      
   
12º      CC_Porco_Jones   5677   1   2   0   
13º      Combuijs   5511   0   1   2   
14º      Luka_Warriors   5128   2   2   3   

Up again, but the top 10 is 1300 points away...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 06, 2021, 04:39:28 PM
Vuelta:
1st stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 12. Danny Power
4th stage: 6. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 4. Mondesir Zutter, 5. Julius Maalderink
8th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
9th stage to Cuenca: 5. Julius Maalderink

(https://www.spain.info/export/sites/segtur/.content/imagenes/cabeceras-grandes/castilla-mancha/vista-general-cuenca-59694174-istock.jpg_604889389.jpg)

In the GC Yvo just finished out of the podium, which was a tad disappointing

1    Aksel Blix   27   Aspigarri   0: 00"   1000   500000
2    Anthony Hilton   32   CaptainOrange   0: 47"   800   450000
3    Tjerk Tusveld   32   SPORTLIFE   1: 32"   650   400000
4    Yvo VanStraalen   25   Combuijs   1: 44"   550   350000
5    Rafael Carlos Loinaz   32   TeamRHB   1: 50"   500   300000

but all in all a good Vuelta.

WC Time trial: 29. Danny Power

WC Road race: 23. Amable Puerto

Final standings:

1º      SPORTLIFE   13841   7   8   8   
2º      CaptainOrange   13655   0   2   5   
3º      TeamRHB   12507   3   7   2   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   10863   3   2   3   
5º      Rekutxuteam   9688   9   8   8   
6º      Valderend   9654   3   7   6   
7º      BlackHole   8526   2   4   8   
8º      FrançaiseDesJeux   8489   3   0   1   
9º      Aspigarri   8391   3   0   1   
10º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   8227   7   6   2   
11º      galegospolabici   8223   2   5   5   
12º      Mlb   8143   3   7   5   
13º      CC_Porco_Jones   7113   2   2   0   
14º      Combuijs   7052   0   1   2   
15º      QuintoYtapa   6957   3   2   0   
16º      Luka_Warriors   6765   2   3   4   
17º      Quickstepbronx   6716   6   4   4   
18º      $Tourmalet   5673   5   2   2   
19º      azerite   5616   1   0   1   
20º      Aurora_Australis   5445   2   6   4   
21º      Thorboassonarvesen   5426   8   2   2   
22º      ZG   5394   1   0   3   
23º      KunTeam   5063   1   0   3
24º      CobbleCrushers   4767   3   3   1   
25º      Cabrasverdes   4736   0   3   2   
26º      IKIBASQUE   4734   1   2   1   
27º      Antequera   4284   0   1   0   
28º      Zatarra   4132   2   0   1   
29º      ZBT   4041   2   1   0   
30º      SentinelChickens   4040   0   0   0   
31º      Moderdonia   3886   1   0   1   
32º      Sonfuga   3686   0   0   0   
33º      TilburgTerriërs   3630   3   1   2
34º      Facha_Bartolo   3521   0   1   0   
35º      Periquitos   3101   0   0   0
36º      BorinotTeam   3038   0   0   1   
37º      OphiukoCT   2997   1   0   0   
38º      IntellinetCyclingFF   2758   1   1   1   
39º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2247   1   0   2   
40º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2115   0   0   0   
41º      Kelme4ever   1535   0   0   0   
42º      GMV_Cycling   1268   0   0   0   
43º      Albion   986   0   0   0   
44º      Oloteam   936   0   0   0   
45º      Fountain   885   0   0   0   
46º      MortoviaCycling   579   0   0   0   
47º      Dutch_Lions   503   0   0   0   
48º      Xegalaki_Pro   473   0   0   0   
49º      WinterIsComing   0   0   0   0
50º      Liberty_Sansaloni   0   0   0   0   

In the last week Sportlife overtook Captain Orange to win his first Cycling For Fun title, so congratulations to him. Very happy with place 14, somewhere in between the top and the relegation zone. Zatarra managed to stay in as well...

Individual rankings:

1º      Lazare Pires   27   4484   FrançaiseDesJeux   3   0   0   
2º      Julio Manuel Miro   28   3453   Rekutxuteam   6   4   4   
3º      Anthony Hilton   32   3028   CaptainOrange   0   0   0   
4º      Allan Palmer    31   2971   CaptainOrange   0   0   2   
5º      Jérémy Huard   25   2673   RemcoEvenpoelckx   5   5   1   
6º      Aksel Blix   27   2450   Aspigarri   0   0   0   
7º      Arno Verbeek   31   2326   TeamRHB   2   4   0   
8º      András Valter   25   2203   Quickstepbronx   3   2   1   
9º      Yannick Pierre   32   2185   CobbleCrushers   1   3   1   
10º      John Footman   30   2168   CC_Porco_Jones   0   0   0   
11º      Rafael Carlos Loinaz    32   2140   TeamRHB   0   0   1   
12º      Yvo VanStraalen   25   2138   Combuijs   0   0   0   
13º      Leonid Leonov   31   2132   CobbleCrushers   2   0   0   
14º      Seppo Merisalu   30   1926   Aspigarri   3   0   0   
15º      Boris Walker   24   1912   Moderdonia   1   0   1   

45º      Julius Maalderink   32   1048   Combuijs   0   0   0   

So, we had Yvo on 12th place, not too far from fellow Dutchman Arno Verbeek. Suprisingly old horse Julius was our second best rider, which reflects the number of cobble stages this season.

All Combuijs Honey Ale riders with points:

Yvo VanStraalen   25   2138         214
Julius Maalderink   32   1048         785
Adam Neeskens   32   660         1066
Brooklyn Marbley   30   638         048
Hallvard Thorkildsen   24   593         023
Mondesir Zutter   30   488         242
Amable Puerto   26   447         162
Garret Rose   32   332         204
Arjen Rutte   32   228         778
Danny Power   31   168         033
Friso Vonk   25   147         000
Gary Fredickson   25   90         011
Tristan Prins   32   75         1259

We have managed to sell Guido Keizer to now Continental Pro Tour team Leche Gaza. I don't hope he has to move to Palestina...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 11, 2021, 09:18:42 PM
Tour Down Under:
4th stage: 4. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 25. Danny Power

In the GC Amable finished 14th, an unexpected good result. I think it's the first time we score GC points in the Tour Down Under on the World Tour.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 18. Garret Rose

Strade Bianchi: 17. Garret Rose

Paris-Nice:
1st stage to Col d'Eze: 28. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.cafeducycliste.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Untitled-4-Recovered.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of Paris-Nice:

1º      JGMTeam   1541   1   1   0   
2º      Zatarra   1143   0   2   0   
3º      IKIBASQUE   1058   0   0   0   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   970   0   0   0   
5º      Valderend   892   0   1   1   

19º      CC_Porco_Jones   384   0   0   1   
20º      Combuijs   381   0   0   0   
21º      RajenKujen   381   0   0   0   
22º      SPORTLIFE   379   1   0   0   
23º      Fiestina   369   0   0   0   

Already out of the relegation zone which is good news.

We had found a new director in the person of Australian Paul Mount, but after a few days it appearead he did not fit well in the team, so we have signed up Danish Max Tandrup, well known for his eloquent speeches.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 14, 2021, 03:51:36 PM
Paris-Nice:
3rd stage: 23. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 19th which was disappointing, but at least he collected some points.

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage to Terminillo: 8. Yvo van Straalen

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e5/SelladiLeonessa001.jpg)

Division standings after the first stage of the Tirreno:

1º      JGMTeam   1982   1   2   1   
2º      IKIBASQUE   1631   1   0   0   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   1453   0   0   0   
4º      Valderend   1375   0   1   1   
5º      Rekutxuteam   1312   3   0   0   
6º      Inglourious_Bastards   1298   0   0   1   
7º      Zatarra   1220   0   2   0   
8º      Mlb   1035   0   0   1   

26º      MarquinaTeam   569   0   0   0   
27º      Combuijs   514   0   0   0   
28º      BetisCFF   478   0   0   0   

Marginally above the relagation line, there is still a lot of work to do!

We managed to sway Toivo Sulg away from Plopsala, so that he can show his hill skills on the highest level. Captain Orange on the other side took youth talent Ben Kok into his capable hands.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 17, 2021, 06:16:00 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
2nd stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen

Yvo finished 12th in the GC, which was more or less expected.

E3 Harelbeke: 15. Adam Neeskens

(https://www.riebedebie.be/sites/default/files/styles/contentbox/public/contentbox/372_1_Harelbeke.jpg?itok=gTA5A74u)

Division standings after the E3 Harelbeke:

1º      JGMTeam   2662   1   3   1   
2º      FaltososDeChigre   2653   1   0   0   
3º      IKIBASQUE   2587   1   0   0   
4º      Rekutxuteam   1973   4   0   0   
5º      BlackHole   1956   0   2   3   
6º      Valderend   1938   0   1   2   
7º      Inglourious_Bastards   1863   0   0   1   
8º      Zatarra   1783   0   3   0   
9º      Mlb   1701   0   1   1   
   
25º      BetisCFF   863   0   0   0   
26º      Combuijs   817   0   0   0   
27º      CobbleCrushers   805   1   0   0   

Can't say we are doing fine, we should be higher up for comfort...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 22, 2021, 03:51:39 PM
Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 18. Danny Power
2nd stage: 19. Brooklyn Marbley

A disappointing Volta, where our leader Brooklyn finished behind his helper Oliver King, both outside the points. We should have gotten more points out of this Tour.

Gent - Wevelgem: 7. Adam Neeskens
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 24. Adam Neeskens
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 9. Adam Neeskens

A decent trio by Adam, probably the last time he will score in these races on the World Tour level.

Itzulia:
1st stage around Zalla: 30. Adam Neeskens

(https://tourism.euskadi.eus/contenidos/d_destinos_turisticos/0000011514_d2_rec_turismo/en_11514/images/Zalla%20parque%20385x220.jpg)

For now Hidde Daelman is number 10 in the GC, but we have Friso Vonk as our leader, who is number 13.

Division standings after the 2nd stage of the Itzulia:

1º      FaltososDeChigre   4069   2   0   0   
2º      BlackHole   3932   1   4   4   
3º      IKIBASQUE   3584   2   0   0   
4º      JGMTeam   3449   1   3   2   
5º      Mlb   2930   0   1   2   
6º      Valderend   2920   0   1   3   
7º      Rekutxuteam   2857   4   2   1   
8º      SPORTLIFE   2793   3   2   1   
9º      Zatarra   2678   0   3   0   
10º      Inglourious_Bastards   2508   0   0   1   
11º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   2392   0   0   0   

24º      ProCyclingTeam10   1367   0   0   0   
25º      Combuijs   1317   0   0   0   
26º      TeamRHB   1187   1   1   0   
27º      $Tourmalet   1125   1   0   2   

Well, we are still very low on the list, but at least we are in front of one man Team RHB.

Thanks to Toivo Sulg we now have a golden hiller. Well, in our mind our Amable Puerto was already gold...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/colinasoro.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 25, 2021, 09:46:53 PM
Itzulia:
4th stage: 13. Friso Vonk

In the GC Friso finished 18th, which was a bit low, but all points count.

Paris - Roubaix: 13. Hallvard Thorkildsen
Luik - Bastenaken - Luik: 27. Amable Puerto

An acceptable Paris-Roubaix, but some disappointing hill classics, a discipline we have heavily invested in.

(https://www.luikvoorbeginners.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2019/06/luikvoorbeginners-2-2256x1133.jpg)

Division standings after the hill classics:

1º      IKIBASQUE   4911   2   0   0   
2º      JGMTeam   4875   1   3   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   4704   2   0   0   
4º      Quickstepbronx   4488   10   1   3   
5º      BlackHole   4354   1   4   4   
6º      Rekutxuteam   4072   4   3   2   
7º      Valderend   3912   0   1   4   
8º      SPORTLIFE   3899   3   2   1   
9º      Zatarra   3807   0   3   0   
10º      Inglourious_Bastards   3626   0   1   1   
11º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   3485   0   0   0   

28º      $Tourmalet   1645   1   0   2   
29º      Combuijs   1574   0   0   0   
30º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   1407   2   0   0   

The relegation line is coming closer quite rapidly, we will need some serious results in the next tours to stay in on the World Tour.

We have however a very satisfied treasurer as we have sold Tom Averkamp to Quinto y Tapa for a substantial amount of money.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 28, 2021, 08:40:49 PM
Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 24. Denny Power
5th stage to Aigle: 13. Yvo van Straalen

(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/6/28/134423/1/aigle-hiver-vieille-ville-nuit-1080_2000.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finished 5th, so it seems he is ready for the Giro!

Division standings after Eschborn-Frankfurt:

1º      IKIBASQUE   6074   3   0   0   
2º      JGMTeam   5204   1   3   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   5163   2   0   0   
4º      Quickstepbronx   5083   11   2   4   
5º      BlackHole   4927   1   4   5   
6º      SPORTLIFE   4598   3   4   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   4591   5   3   3   
8º      Valderend   4551   0   1   5   
9º      Inglourious_Bastards   4314   0   1   1   
10º      Zatarra   4007   0   3   0   
11º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   3875   0   0   0   

25º      Aspigarri   1953   1   1   0   
26º      Combuijs   1952   0   0   0   
27º      $Tourmalet   1889   1   1   2   

We are on the way up again, but not far from the red district. Funny enough we are the second Dutch team at the moment...

We now have appointed Oto Briedis as director because he has great experience in the grand tours.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 05, 2021, 09:05:49 PM
Giro:
1st stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 5. Amable Puerto
4th stage: 7. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 15. Hallvard Thorkildsen
10th stage to Montevarchi: 4. Yvo van Straalen

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Montevarchipanoramadapiazzamazzini.jpg/1280px-Montevarchipanoramadapiazzamazzini.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finished 3rd, which is his first podium place in a grand Tour. Happy with his performance plus two other results of riders in a free role.

Division standings after the Giro:

1º      IKIBASQUE   7967   3   0   1   
2º      JGMTeam   6112   1   3   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   5977   2   0   0   
4º      Inglourious_Bastards   5811   0   1   1   
5º      Valderend   5644   2   1   6   
6º      Quickstepbronx   5601   11   3   5
7º      BlackHole   5574   1   4   5   
8º      SPORTLIFE   5428   4   5   1   
9º      Rekutxuteam   5250   5   3   4   
10º      Mlb   4879   2   2   2   
11º      Zatarra   4568   0   3   2   
12º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   4405   0   0   0   

17º      ZG   3212   1   0   0   
18º      Combuijs   3105   0   0   0   
19º      FrançaiseDesJeux   3095   0   1   1   

That's looking much better now, being much farther from the relegation line than before...

In other news we have heard that our training camps are very famous, no doubt thanks to the Combuijs Honey Ale.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/concentra3.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 10, 2021, 09:01:08 PM
Dauphine Libere:
1st stage: 12. Toivo Sulg
3rd stage: 11. Toivo Sulg
5th stage to Le Teil: 2. Brooklyn Marbley, 25. Gary Fredickson

We went for individual races, with exceptional success in the last stage.

(https://www.france-voyage.com/visuals/communes/le-teil-29540-1_w600.jpg)

Tour de Suisse:

Zero points..., which is a first, I think... For this alternative Combuijs Honey Ale Race our riders are getting too old, I fear.

Division standings after the Tour de Suisse:

1º      IKIBASQUE   8870   3   0   1   
2º      JGMTeam   7769   2   4   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   6718   2   1   0   
4º      BlackHole   6534   2   5   5   
5º      SPORTLIFE   6411   4   5   1   
6º      Rekutxuteam   6363   7   5   4   
7º      Quickstepbronx   6346   12   4   7
8º      Valderend   6313   2   2   7   
9º      Inglourious_Bastards   6212   0   1   1   
10º      Mlb   5541   2   2   4   

18º      ZG   3487   1   0   0   
19º      Combuijs   3358   0   1   0   
20º      Aspigarri   3292   3   2   0   

We have switched to hill training now because this season it seems they have exchanged mountains for hills...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 15, 2021, 09:10:57 PM
Tour de France:
1st stage: 17. Hallvard Thorkildsen
2nd stage: 30. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 20. Hallvard Thorkildsen
5th stage: 25. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 17. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage to Tarbes: 21. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.guide-toulouse-pyrenees.com/_bibli/annonces/1604/hd/tarbes3.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finished 8th. After being 3rd for a short while, he lost a place almost every stage.

Division standings after the Tour de France:

1º      IKIBASQUE   10552   3   0   1   
2º      JGMTeam   8813   3   5   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   8092   3   1   0   
4º      Quickstepbronx   7460   14   5   7
5º      Valderend   7212   2   2   8   
6º      BlackHole   7162   2   7   5   
7º      Inglourious_Bastards   7123   0   1   1   
8º      Rekutxuteam   7072   8   5   4   
9º      SPORTLIFE   6934   4   5   1   
10º      Mlb   6168   2   2   6   

19º      ZG   4282   1   0   2   
20º      Combuijs   3919   0   1   0   
21º      $Tourmalet   3639   2   2   2   
22º      TeamRHB   3611   3   2   1   
23º      MarquinaTeam   3534   0   1   0   

It's a hard season, but a thousand point gap to place 31 should be sufficient to stay on the World Tour.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 18, 2021, 08:56:41 PM
Clasica San Sebastian: 19. Tristan Prins

Granddad Tristan Prins still manages a fine result in San Sebastian...

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
4th stage: 24. Adam Neeskens
5th stage to St. Pieters Leeuw: 14. Adam Neeskens

(https://www.sint-pieters-leeuw.be/sites/default/files/styles/slide/public/gemeente/toerisme/afbeeldingen/fotobanner-kasteelColoma.JPG?itok=ggTSb3Rb)

In the GC granddad Adam Neeskens got 10th place, probably one of his best Combuijs Honey Ale Tours. The fact that there was no time trial helped him enormously...

Division standings after the Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:

1º      IKIBASQUE   11128   3   0   1   
2º      JGMTeam   9659   3   5   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   8731   3   1   0   
4º      BlackHole   8372   2   7   5   
5º      Quickstepbronx   8291   16   5   7
6º      Valderend   7945   2   2   11   
7º      Rekutxuteam   7810   8   6   4   
8º      Inglourious_Bastards   7283   0   1   1   
9º      SPORTLIFE   7101   4   5   1   
10º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   6824   0   0   0   

19º      ZG   4465   1   0   2   
20º      Combuijs   4185   0   1   0   
21º      $Tourmalet   4138   2   3   2   

Ikibasque looks set for the win, we hope for a place in the top 20.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 23, 2021, 09:22:43 PM
Vuelta:
1st stage: 29. Mondesir Zutter
4th stage: 3. Mondesir Zutter
5th stage: 5. Brooklyn Marbley
6th stage to Estoril: 15. Toivo Sulg

Nice stage result from Mondesir Zutter!

(https://static.reisgraag.nl/images/cached/gs-b6c1bea19c-Strand_van_Estoril,_Portugal.jpg)

In the GC Brooklyn Marbley finished 9th, good enough for a serious amount of points, not good enough for a sponsor deal.

Division standings after the Vuelta:

1º      IKIBASQUE   12500   4   2   1   
2º      JGMTeam   10832   4   6   5   
3º      FaltososDeChigre   9993   3   1   0   
4º      Rekutxuteam   9099   11   7   4   
5º      BlackHole   9052   3   7   5   
6º      Valderend   8893   2   2   11   
7º      Inglourious_Bastards   8768   0   1   1   
8º      Quickstepbronx   8707   16   6   7
9º      SPORTLIFE   7985   4   6   1   
10º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   7493   0   0   0   

20º      FrançaiseDesJeux   5007   0   1   2   
21º      Combuijs   4913   0   1   1   
22º      $Tourmalet   4621   2   3   2   

Top 20 might be difficult now, but relegation will be avoided.

We have picked up Eulogio Trillo as our new cobble hill specialist from Real Murcia Cycling.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 27, 2021, 01:35:45 PM
Road World Championship in Lisboa: 15. Toivo Sulg

Our first WC points in the road race!

(https://nitrocdn.com/qurpffBDYzvWujJAryEteTRJZTswzbRi/assets/static/optimized/rev-eb01096/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/Lisboa-Card-Lisbon-city-trip.jpg)

Which leads to these final standings:

1º      IKIBASQUE   13635   4   2   2   
2º      JGMTeam   11672   4   6   5   
3º      Inglourious_Bastards   10778   1   1   1   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   10663   3   1   0   
5º      Quickstepbronx   10532   17   6   9
6º      BlackHole   10472   3   9   5   
7º      Rekutxuteam   9874   11   7   4   
8º      Valderend   8893   2   2   11   
9º      SPORTLIFE   8670   4   6   1   
10º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   7863   0   0   0   
11º      Mlb   6899   2   2   7   
12º      galegospolabici   6552   1   4   1   
13º      CC_Porco_Jones   6393   1   2   3   
14º      Aspigarri   6220   3   2   1   
15º      Luka_Warriors   6120   3   2   6   
16º      Spitz   6070   0   2   1   
17º      Zatarra   5574   1   5   2   
18º      Fiestina   5560   3   0   2   
19º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   5550   4   2   2   
20º      ZG   5283   2   0   2   
21º      Aurora_Australis   5211   3   3   3   
22º      FrançaiseDesJeux   5187   0   1   2   
23º      MarquinaTeam   5158   0   1   1   
24º      Combuijs   5153   0   1   1   
25º      ProCyclingTeam10   5075   0   2   0   
26º      Innioraths   4980   0   2   1   
27º      $Tourmalet   4731   2   3   2   
28º      KunTeam   4199   1   1   2
29º      CobbleCrushers   4046   2   4   1   
30º      azerite   3891   0   0   1   
31º      Thorboassonarvesen   3860   3   3   3   
32º      SentinelChickens   3844   0   1   1   
33º      TeamRHB   3801   3   2   1   
34º      WaterBoys   3696   0   0   0   
35º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   3530   4   0   1   
36º      ZBT   3420   0   0   0   
37º      Telleriarte   3360   1   0   1   
38º      Catalonia_Team   3258   0   0   0   
39º      Orange   3171   1   1   2   
40º      ValeronIdolo   3131   2   2   0   
41º      RealMurciaCycling   2822   0   2   2   
42º      RajenKujen   2419   0   0   1   
43º      ICSluj   2174   0   0   0   
44º      BetisCFF   1686   0   0   0   
45º      Cabrasverdes   985   0   1   0   
46º      Ares   135   0   0   0   
47º      Ciclastur   109   0   0   0   
48º      QuintoYtapa   0   0   0   0   
49º      CaptainOrange   0   0   0   0   
50º      Antequera   0   0   0   0   

A bit disappointed with a 24th place, but the calendar was not exactly in our favour. The gap to the relegation places was huge. Congratulations to Ikibasque who took the lead early and never gave it away from there.

In the individual rankings we had Yvo van Straalen on place 11, which was not bad at all.

1º      Abilio Andujar   31   4154   JGMTeam   2   3   2   
2º      Arno Verbeek   32   3390   TeamRHB   3   2   1   
3º      Lazare Pires   28   2964   FrançaiseDesJeux   0   0   1   
4º      Leonid Leonov    32   2721   CobbleCrushers   2   3   0   
5º      Alessandro Figueras   32   2497   RemcoEvenpoelckx   0   0   0   
6º      August Thoelen   27   2293   Inglourious_Bastards   0   0   0   
7º      András Valter   26   2289   Quickstepbronx   4   2   1   
8º      Oscar Marcos   29   2232   IKIBASQUE   0   0   0   
9º      Bart Jackson   30   2194   Zatarra   1   4   1   
10º      Ismel Kaloev   31   2191   Luka_Warriors   2   0   2   
11º      Yvo VanStraalen   26   2089   Combuijs   0   0   0   
12º      Rene Vrijmoed   27   2056   Inglourious_Bastards   0   0   0   

Other points scored by our team:

Adam Neeskens   33   749         1066
Brooklyn Marbley   31   605         058
Toivo Sulg   25   403         301
Amable Puerto   27   347         162
Hallvard Thorkildsen   25   288         023
Garret Rose   33   190         204
Mondesir Zutter   31   178         243
Gary Fredickson   26   82         011
Tristan Prins   33   80         1259
Friso Vonk   26   77         000
Danny Power    32   65         033

A bit worrying that the number 1 of this list is close to retirement...

Anyway, let season 16 begin!!!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 03, 2021, 08:35:15 PM
Season 16 started with the cup where we eliminated Team Elrosportu because they did not show up. The next round against Lanihull Cycling will be far more difficult.

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 30. Amable Puerto
3rd stage: 18. Amable Puerto

In the GC Amable finished 19th for some bonus points

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 27. Garret Rose

That might have been more if he had not started in a free role...

Strade Bianchi: 13. Arjen Rutte

This could have been Arjen's last favourite race, nice to see him still score points.

Paris-Nice:
1st stage: 25. Danny Power
3rd stage: 16. Mondesir Zutter
4th stage to Rasteau: 25. Yvo van Straalen

(https://static1.vaucluseenprovence.com/obt_img/950x500/4665555_1.jpg)

In the GC we had Yvo van Straalen on 7th place, a nice start of his season

First week standings:

1º      JGMTeam   1969   1   3   3   
2º      Mlb   1399   1   0   1   
3º      BlackHole   1333   2   0   0   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   1332   0   0   0   
5º      Aspigarri   1295   0   0   0   

12º      TeamEuroscalt   908   0   2   0
13º      SPORTLIFE   795   0   0   0   
14º      Quickstepbronx   768   3   0   0

26º      IKIBASQUE   513   0   0   0   
27º      Combuijs   509   0   0   0   
28º      CC_Porco_Jones   481   1   0   0   

At the moment we are the best Dutch team, or better, the least worse team.

And we have been awarded a nice medal for being 10 seasons on the World Tour:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/permanencia3.png)
May there be a lot more to follow!

We have sold Danny Power to Team Ciclotirogia on the Continental Tour level. He will score many points there. We have replaced him with Diederik de Maar from Nibbixwoud.

And we have switched to downhill training to ease the legs...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Kekipi on April 04, 2021, 10:20:28 PM
Season 16 started with the cup where we eliminated Team Elrosportu because they did not show up. The next round against Lanihull Cycling will be far more difficult.
I had my captain attack in S4, hoping he'd have a big enough gap to hold off your guy in S5, but he just wasn't strong enough.

A good victory for Sulg.  Congrats!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 10, 2021, 02:35:45 PM
In the cup Toivo Sulg could parry all attacks from Lanihuli Cycling, so we are through to round 3 where a climbing time trial is waiting for us against CC Porco Jones. It seems they have a specialist for that in Wouter Valenko, so this will be difficult for Yvo van Straalen.

Tirreno Adriatico:
4th stage: 27. Amable Puerto

Not too many points in the Tirreno then...

E3 Harelbeke: 11. Eulogio Trillo

Eulogio's first points on the scoreboard...

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 10. Amable Puerto
3rd stage: 22. Brooklyn Marbley
4th stage: 22. Diederik de Maar

Diederik's first points for us, but no really good results, especially not in the GC.

Gent-Wevelgem: 15. Julius Maalderink
Good old Jules is still worth some points...

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Menen_-_Vanbutselesmolen_1.jpg/800px-Menen_-_Vanbutselesmolen_1.jpg)

Second week standings:

1º      FaltososDeChigre   3217   1   0   1   
2º      JGMTeam   3130   1   3   3   
3º      BlackHole   2962   3   2   0   
4º      Mlb   2950   2   1   2   
5º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   2777   0   1   0   
6º      Rekutxuteam   2619   3   2   3   
7º      Innioraths   2306   0   0   1   
8º      HTCHungria   2273   1   2   2   
9º      Zatarra   2108   2   1   0   
10º      Aspigarri   2034   0   0   0   

26º      MarvelProCycling    1058   0   0   0
27º      LanihuliCycling   1040   0   0   0   
28º      ProCyclingTeam10   1017   0   0   1   

30º      Lemarche   1000   0   0   0   
31º      FrançaiseDesJeux   946   0   0   1   
32º      Combuijs   903   0   0   0   
33º      FlyEaglesFly   879   0   0   1   

We are still the best Dutch team, or better, the least worse team.

We have sold youngster Joost Bosboom to Pro Continental Tour team Lollo DSQ.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 18, 2021, 09:45:39 PM
We are out of the cup at the hands of CC Porco Jones whose Wouter Valenko proved too tough for Yvo van Straalen in a mountain time trial.

Dwars door Vlaanderen: 25. Eulogio Trillo
De ronde van Vlaanderen: 21. Eulogio Trillo

Some points in Flanders...

Itzulia:
1st stage: 22. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage: 17. Eulogio Trillo

We had Hidde on place 14 in the GC, which may be his first top 20.

Paris - Roubaix: 16. Hallvard Thorkildsen

Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 30. Amable Puerto

An ok cobble classic, but the hill classics were disappointing...

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 12th, more than 3 minutes behind Samuele di Luca from Marquina Team.

Eschborn-Frankfurt: 22. Friso Vonk

(https://www.hessen-tourismus.de/fileadmin/_processed_/0/c/csm_Frankfurt_Skyline_Stadtansicht_Copyright_visitfrankfurt_Holger_Ullmann_562a3da69b.jpg)

Third week standings:

1º      Mlb   6440   5   1   4   
2º      JGMTeam   6058   1   4   6   
3º      Rekutxuteam   5988   4   4   4   
4º      BlackHole   5742   6   5   1   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   5507   1   1   1   
6º      Quickstepbronx   5271   11   1   1
7º      SPORTLIFE   4098   0   2   3   
8º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   4012   0   1   2   
9º      Innioraths   3873   0   1   2   
10º      HTCHungria   3642   2   3   2   

30º      LanihuliCycling   1600   0   0   0   
31º      Combuijs   1468   0   0   0   
32º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   1392   1   0   1   

Wrong side of the relegation line again and the distance to Lanihuli Cycling is not getting any better. But we are still the best Dutch team, or better, the least worse team.

We have switched to Technique training now and we welcome Andrus Iljin as director in our team.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: kirin on April 18, 2021, 11:20:38 PM
After the not too bad, but not too good Gent-Wevelgem, with Mazzarelli archieving a 7th place, but a massive failure on Paris-Roubaix, with Pandolfi only archieving a 13th place, it was time for Eschborn Frankfurt, the last shot of the classics aiming for the win. And finally happened

Fulgencio Calderon   33   azerite   0: 00"    500   300000

We get a win on a 1 day race, with training staff, and getting a bunch of points that will help us on the objective of remaining on 1st div.
Now, for the upcoming races, we will play our cards on the mountain sprints, and chill out a bit.
GL to those competing.

Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 26, 2021, 04:22:42 PM
Giro:
1st stage: 20. Brooklyn Marbley
2nd stage: 10. Brooklyn Marbley
3rd stage: 29. Brooklyn Marbley
6th stage: 4. Brooklyn Marbley
9th stage: 16. Diederik de Maar
10th stage: 25. Toivo Sulg

In the GC Brooklyn finished disappointingly 24th.

Dauphiné Liberé:
1st stage: 16. Brooklyn Marbley
2nd stage: 11. Brooklyn Marbley
3rd stage: 13. Brooklyn Marbley
4th stage to Bourg-en-Bresse: 21. Diederik de Maar

In the GC Brooklyn finished 17th.

(https://zonnigzuidfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/Bourg-en-Bresse-1.jpg)

Fourth week standings:

1º      FaltososDeChigre   8186   2   3   1   
2º      JGMTeam   8040   1   7   9   
3º      Mlb   7524   5   2   5   
4º      Rekutxuteam   7487   5   8   5   
5º      BlackHole   7181   7   7   1   
6º      Quickstepbronx   6796   16   1   1
7º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   5661   0   1   2   
8º      SPORTLIFE   5552   0   2   3   
9º      Aspigarri   4871   0   0   2   
10º      Innioraths   4798   0   1   2   
11º      Zatarra   4740   3   1   1   

29º      Inglourious_Bastards   2253   0   0   0   
30º      PDM_cycling_team   2131   0   2   1   
31º      Combuijs   2024   0   0   0   
32º      team_piroshki   1975   0   0   0   

Still on the wrong side of the relegation line and worse, we are not the best Dutch team anymore. We need Yvo van Straalen to come to our rescue...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on May 03, 2021, 08:30:07 PM
Congratulations to Combuijs with the amazing Tour de France victory !  8)

(https://i.imgur.com/nz9PXJe.jpeg)
Yvo VanStraalen ( 27, Combuijs ) wins the Tour de France of season 16.

Excellent Combuijs, because it seems this causes ; no relegation worries + Dutch champion + Dutch individual champion !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on May 03, 2021, 09:57:00 PM
Yep, no wasting it around the red zone for the rest of this season.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: B.E-L on May 03, 2021, 11:03:49 PM
Great result with Yvo  :'(
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 04, 2021, 08:41:17 PM
Tour de Suisse:
1st stage: 20. Giorgi Jabbarov
2nd stage: 9. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 7. Yvo van Straalen

Tour de France:
1st stage: 15. Mondesir Zutter
2nd stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 13. Mondesir Zutter
4th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 30. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen
9th stage: 7. Amable Puerto
10th stage: 14. Amable Puerto

We scored points in every stage of the Tour, which is certainly a milestone for us. It still could have been better though as we forgot to confirm the booking of Mondesir Zutter's training camp...

But as you might have noticed in the previous posts, in the GC we had our first ever win in a grand tour:

1    Yvo VanStraalen   27   Combuijs   0: 00"   1000   500000
2    Oscar Marcos   30   IKIBASQUE   0: 38"   800   450000
3    Alexey Ryazanov   27   Spitz   2: 01"   650   400000
4    Amadeu Salvado   28   FaltososDeChigre   3: 03"   550   350000
5    Arnfinn Mikalsen   26   TeamEuroscalt   3: 29"   500   300000

Yvo is a fully home grown rider, so I am really proud of this result. And it did not go unnoticed in the international press:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1tour.gif) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/1vuelta.gif) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/canteragana2.png)

Nor did it go unnoticed in the sponsor world: Endesa have decided to sponsor us the rest of the season, so we can now have our bikes electrified, which should bring us even greater success...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/endesa.jpg)

Clasica San Sebastian: 20. Tristan Prins

Must have been the wheelchair version of the Clasica, but still a nice result from Tristan.

(https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/donostia-san-sebastian-bird-s-eye-view-baskisch-land-spanje-luchtfoto-van-de-vroege-ochtend-zonlicht-la-concha-banden-bekijken-159988677.jpg)

Fifth week standings:

1º      FaltososDeChigre   10065   2   3   1   
2º      JGMTeam   9556   1   10   9   
3º      Rekutxuteam   9219   6   9   6   
4º      Mlb   9193   8   3   7   
5º      Quickstepbronx   9003   19   3   2
6º      BlackHole   8713   8   10   1   
7º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   8042   1   1   2   
8º      TeamEuroscalt   7805   6   4   2
9º      SPORTLIFE   6853   0   2   3   
10º      Innioraths   6647   1   2   5   

20º      FrançaiseDesJeux   4552   3   0   3   
21º      Combuijs   4249   0   0   0   
22º      $Tourmalet   4204   5   1   1   

25º      KunTeam   3730   0   1   2
26º      PDM_cycling_team   3055   0   2   1   
27º      Lemarche   2962   0   1   1   

31º      azerite   2805   1   2   2   
32º      Aurora_Australis   2637   0   4   1   
33º      team_piroshki   2603   0   0   0   

Yvo van Straalen really came to our rescue and as a result life is looking much better now, 9 places in front of the relegation line. He is the best Dutch rider and we are the best Dutch team at the moment, but let us not get over excited yet...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: WinterIsComing on May 06, 2021, 10:46:36 AM
Great job winning the Tour de France with Yvo, Combuijs!! Impressive win! :) :) :)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 13, 2021, 05:41:52 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
2nd stage: 24. Amable Puerto
3rd stage: 15. Adam Neeskens
4th stage: 20. Adam Neeskens

In the GC Adam Neeskens finished 18th, an unexpected good result given his age of 34.

Vuelta:
1st stage: 9. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 7. Diederik de Maar, 30. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 6. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
10th stage: 16. Adam Neeskens

In the GC Yvo finished 6th, a very good result considering he had no special preparation for the Vuelta.

WC time trial in Lisbon: 29. Diederik de Maar

(https://afar-production.imgix.net/uploads/syndication/holland_americas/images/drWJHdicti/original_ESY-011297320crop.jpg?w=1440&h=523&fit=crop)

Final standings:

1º      FaltososDeChigre   13879   3   3   3   
2º      Mlb   12786   12   5   7   
3º      BlackHole   12241   11   11   2   
4º      Rekutxuteam   12090   7   12   8   
5º      JGMTeam   11727   2   10   10   
6º      Quickstepbronx   9770   20   4   3
7º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   9745   1   1   2   
8º      SPORTLIFE   9238   1   3   3   
9º      Innioraths   8878   1   2   6   
10º      TeamEuroscalt   8536   7   4   2
11º      CC_Porco_Jones   7600   2   1   4   
12º      Luka_Warriors   7340   0   5   4   
13º      MarquinaTeam   7207   0   2   2   
14º      FrançaiseDesJeux   6778   4   1   3   
15º      Spitz   6411   0   2   0   
16º      ChampsElysees   6285   1   1   7   
17º      $Tourmalet   5898   6   2   4   
18º      Zatarra   5850   3   4   1   
19º      IKIBASQUE   5830   3   0   1   
20º      Aspigarri   5667   0   0   2   
21º      FlyEaglesFly   5652   1   1   2   
22º      Combuijs   5376   0   0   0   
23º      galegospolabici   5244   0   1   0   
24º      HTCHungria   4911   2   3   2   
25º      Lemarche   4755   0   1   1   
26º      KunTeam   4639   0   1   2
27º      PDM_cycling_team   4408   0   2   1   
28º      Aurora_Australis   4310   0   4   2   
29º      MarvelProCycling    4212   0   0   2
30º      azerite   3726   1   2   2   
31º      LanihuliCycling   3541   0   0   0   
32º      Kelme4ever   3502   0   0   0   
33º      CuencaTeam   3479   0   0   0   
34º      team_piroshki   3340   0   0   0   
35º      ProCyclingTeam10   2981   0   0   1   
36º      Facha_Bartolo   2581   1   1   0   
37º      Inglourious_Bastards   2253   0   0   0   
38º      TeamSerfin   2080   0   0   1   
39º      Vitimper   1791   0   0   0   
40º      Bergtoppers   1787   0   0   0   
41º      Fiestina   1541   1   2   0   
42º      PIPIGU   1505   0   0   0   
43º      Denver   1408   0   0   0   
44º      RemcoEvenpoelckx   1392   1   0   1   
45º      IntellinetCyclingFF   1048   0   0   0   
46º      catapunchimpon   493   0   0   0   
47º      BorinotTeam   414   0   0   0   
48º      CobbleCrushers   180   0   0   0   
49º      Valderend   0   0   0   0   
50º      ZG   0   0   0   0   

Congratulations to FaltososDeChigre with their win, they really did not lack points. Congratualations to ourselves to stay on the World Tour and for being the best Dutch team this season. I don't think that title came ever with so few points...

Individual rankings:

1º      Lazare Pires   29   4753   FrançaiseDesJeux   4   1   3   
2º      Oscar Marcos   30   3742   IKIBASQUE   1   0   0   
3º      Abilio Andujar   32   3491   JGMTeam   1   4   5   
4º      András Valter   27   3488   Quickstepbronx   10   1   1   
5º      Yvo VanStraalen   27   2878   Combuijs   0   0   0   
6º      Henriks Valdmanis   26   2703   KunTeam   0   0   2   
7º      Spodris Martisons   26   2548   Mlb   4   0   1   
8º      Bart Jackson   31   2529   Zatarra   2   4   0   
9º      Aleksandr Menke   29   2472   FaltososDeChigre   0   2   0   
10º      Bendegúz Csécs   27   2078   Spitz   0   1   0   

Yvo van Straalen finished 5th in the individual rankings, far from the unreachable Lazare Pires, but good for a Dutch championship shirt, the first for our team ever.

We are really a one man team now:

Yvo VanStraalen   27   2878         214
Brooklyn Marbley   32   475         058
Amable Puerto   28   336         162
Eulogio Trillo   26   333         001
Diederik De Maar   26   282         212
Mondesir Zutter   32   167         243
Adam Neeskens   34   158         1066
Arjen Rutte   34   140         778
Julius Maalderink   34   120         785
Hallvard Thorkildsen   26   110         023
Tristan Prins   34   75         1259
Hidde Daelman   27   70         000
Friso Vonk   27   65         000
Gary Fredickson   27   60         011
Garret Rose   34   40         204
Giorgi Jabbarov   26   25         247
Toivo Sulg   26   25         301

Well, this was probably the last season with the riders that build up the team from the start. It will be time to say farewell to them, but that is very hard...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 22, 2021, 08:35:55 PM
Well, this season we have said farewell to 5 well-known riders who have been in our team for a very long time: Oliver King, Arjan Rutte and homegrown Garret Rose, Julius Maalderink and Tristan Prins. Adam Neeskens is the only 35 year old now left and he will ride for another season. The homegrown riders did not go unnoticed...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/lealtad.png)

Nor did this funny character which probably celebrates Yvo van Straalen as the best Dutch rider, but then might be something else entirely...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/idolo.png)

We have started the season with a new director by the name of Roel Bodde. And the start was not great, but not bad either. Yvo van Straalen won the first cup round down in Pinerolo before two riders of Lugnanese. He now faces Team Piroshki in a mountain hill race in the second round.

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 23. Amable Puerto
2nd stage: 27. Amable Puerto
4th stage: 13. Diederik de Maar

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 26. Giorgi Jabbarov
Strade Bianchi: 21. Giorgi Jabbarov

Paris-Nice:
2nd stage: 9: Hallvard Thorkildsen
3rd stage: 19: Yvo van Straalen
5th stage to Croix de Chaubouret: 22. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.pilat-tourisme.fr/sites/pilat-tourisme/files/styles/squared/public/p1010977.jpg?itok=Y1a0NMp8)

In the GC Yvo finished 8th, which was pretty good.

Division standings after the first week:

1º      BlackHole   2013   3   2   2   
2º      LaGuardia   1857   1   0   0   
3º      Rekutxuteam   1617   1   1   2   
4º      JGMTeam   1548   1   1   0   
5º      Mlb   1517   1   1   0   
6º      HTCHungria   1416   0   0   1   
7º      Aspigarri   1392   0   0   1   
8º      Zatarra   1234   0   1   0   

23º      Caracoles   495   0   1   0   
24º      Combuijs   479   0   0   0   
25º      Aurora_Australis   472   0   0   1   
26º      PDM_cycling_team   412   0   0   0   
27º      Lemarche   409   0   0   1   
28º      SPORTLIFE   395   0   0   0   

As long as we stay above Sportlife no harm will be done to us...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on May 23, 2021, 02:57:36 PM
As long as we stay above Sportlife no harm will be done to us...
:)
I have a simular game philosophy this season ; "as long as we stay above Combuijs ......"
I guess my team needs a peptalk, because they are still 50 points behind ( at this moment ;) ).
Good luck this season !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on May 28, 2021, 09:36:01 PM
Out in the second round of the cup against Team Piroshki, and we probably made a bad tactical mistake there, so that was very disappointing.

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 23. Brooklyn Marbley
4th stage: 17. Diederik de Maar

Brooklyn was 28th in the GC. Not good enough then...

E3 Harelbeke: 19. Giorgi Jabbarov

Volta Catalunya, this season also known as the Tour Up Above:
4th stage: 15. Diederik de Maar
5th stage in Barcelona: 11. Amable Puerto

(https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1564221710304-0b37c8b9d729?ixid=MnwxMjA3fDB8MHxzZWFyY2h8MXx8YmFyY2Vsb25hfGVufDB8fDB8fA%3D%3D&ixlib=rb-1.2.1&auto=format&fit=crop&w=400&q=60)

In the GC our Amable finished 24th, not bad at all, but 12 seconds too slow for points.

Division standings after the second week:

1º      LaGuardia   3897   2   0   0   
2º      BlackHole   3465   4   4   4   
3º      Mlb   3033   2   3   2   
4º      JGMTeam   2666   1   2   1   
5º      Rekutxuteam   2610   1   2   2   
6º      Quickstepbronx   2508   6   3   0
7º      FaltososDeChigre   2493   0   0   2   
8º      Aspigarri   2280   0   1   1
9º      HTCHungria   2135   0   0   1   
10º      FrançaiseDesJeux   1707   0   0   1   

22º      Turrones   1159   0   0   1   
23º      SPORTLIFE   1129   0   0   0   
24º      Lemarche   1074   0   0   1   

31º      PDM_cycling_team   785   0   0   0
32º      Catalonia_Team   769   0   0   0   
33º      Combuijs   728   0   0   0   
34º      Thorboassonarvesen   715   0   0   0   

Behind Sportlife and we are in well known waters now...

We have now space in our team for some youth riders which sparked some cheap remarks about chicks:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/promos4.png)

But our treasurer looks much happier now:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/selle3.png) (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/50venta.png)

This after the sale of Joris Zomer to Team Elrosportu, Peter Paul Witsche to Sauceda LH, Evert van der Weijden to Olimpic Cycling Club and Koen Weekers to World Ciclyng.

Some teams may have their eyes on youth rider Fabian Maartens https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/vision.php?ciclistaid=142481 (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/vision.php?ciclistaid=142481) of which Yvo van Straalen is said to have claimed he might be a worthy successor...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 05, 2021, 03:39:51 PM
Gent-Wevelgem: 20. Adam Neeskens
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 14. Eulogio Trillo
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 22. Eulogio Trillo

The 20th place in Gent-Wevelgem brought Adam the Jens Voigt Trophy, scoring points as a 35 year old on the World Tour. In an interview Jens Voigt stated he was happy being compared to such a distinguished rider as Adam Neeskens.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/d334.png)

Itzulia:
1st stage: 30. Eulogio Trillo
4th stage: 30. Hidde Daelman

In the GC Hidde finished 12th. Happy with some points as we did not send our best riders.

Paris-Roubaix: 5. Hallvard Thorkildsen
Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 22. Amable Puerto
Waalse Pijl: 26. Amable Puerto
Luik-Bastenaken-Luik: 30. Amable Puerto

Good result in Paris-Roubaix and good enough results in the hill classics...

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 21. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage to Aigle: 28. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.dronestagr.am/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/Aigle-Castle.jpg)

At the moment Yvo is 10th in the GC, but there are still 2 stages left.

Division standings after the third week:

1º      BlackHole   6892   8   6   5   
2º      Mlb   5853   3   5   3   
3º      LaGuardia   5828   3   0   1   
4º      Rekutxuteam   5059   3   4   3   
5º      JGMTeam   4631   1   3   1   
6º      Quickstepbronx   4221   7   3   1
7º      FaltososDeChigre   4185   1   0   3   
8º      HTCHungria   4165   2   1   2   
9º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   3482   0   0   1   
10º      Zatarra   3430   0   3   0   

21º      CC_Porco_Jones   1972   0   1   0   
22º      SPORTLIFE   1929   0   0   0   
23º      Luka_Warriors   1874   0   0   1   

27º      SentinelChickens   1643   0   0   0   
28º      Combuijs   1554   0   0   0   
29º      FlyEaglesFly   1552   0   1   0   

Blackhole has left ... eh ... a black hole ... behind him. We are just out of the red zone, but we feel we are in a zoo, being in between chickens and eagles...

We have sold some youth riders again, which caused a big smile on our treasurer's face. Skilled Fabian Maartens was bought in a resell by Team Elrosportu. Wilfred Daatzelaar was sold to the Olimpic Cycling Club and in this way reunited with fellow youth rider Evert van der Weijden.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 11, 2021, 09:35:27 PM
Tour de Romandie:

There was a 10th place for Yvo van Straalen in the GC, 4 minutes behind winner Arnfinn Mikalsen (Team Euroscalt).

Eschborn-Frankfurt: Honourable mention for Friso Vonk who finished 31st while being very tired...

Giro:
6th stage: 3. Friso Vonk, 4. Gary Fredickson, 28. Hidde Daelman
9th stage to Sestriere: 29. Friso Vonk

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/13/Sestriere_2017.jpg/1280px-Sestriere_2017.jpg)

A strange Giro with a strange result for us in the stage to the Gotthard where we clinched our first podium this season, plus some serious extra points. In the GC Friso finished 22nd, just outside those serious points.

Division standings after the fourth week:

1º      BlackHole   9114   11   7   7   
2º      LaGuardia   8735   3   0   2   
3º      Mlb   6588   3   5   4   
4º      Rekutxuteam   6520   3   6   5   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   5729   2   1   3   
6º      Quickstepbronx   5682   9   5   1
7º      JGMTeam   5540   1   3   1   
8º      HTCHungria   5122   2   1   2   
9º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   4795   0   0   1   
10º      Zatarra   4542   1   3   0   
11º      TeamEuroscalt   4228   4   0   0   
12º      Innioraths   4151   0   1   2   
13º      SPORTLIFE   4142   0   1   0   
14º      Aspigarri   3894   0   1   1   

30º      Aurora_Australis   2059   0   1   2   
31º      Combuijs   2013   0   0   1   
32º      TilburgTerriërs   1996   1   0   2

We are on the first non-safe place now behind time trial specialist Aurora Australis and far behind Sportlife. But we are the best Dutch for the moment, just before the Terriers.

We have bought two good cobble hill specialists on the cheap, Nicklas Tornvig and Phillip Køppen from Team Timidus, especially for next season, but they might score some points this season too.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on June 11, 2021, 11:23:00 PM
I'll arm wrestle you for the bubble.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on June 21, 2021, 08:50:47 PM
Dauphiné Liberé:
3rd stage: 13. Friso Vonk, 20. Gary Fredickson
5th stage: 12. Hallvard Thorkildsen, 14. Mondesir Zutter

Tour de Suisse:
1st stage: 16. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 13. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 19. Amable Puerto
4th stage: 27. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen

Yvo finished 7th in the GC on just more than one minute from winner Henriks Valdmanis (Kun Team).

Tour de France:
1st stage: 16. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 3. Phillip Køppen, 4. Nicklas Tornvig
4th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 23. Yvo van Straalen
10th stage to La Pierre Saint Martin: 19. Yvo van Straalen

(https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovCikRJfHoQ/WL28KRVdz-I/AAAAAAAADY0/7tpI4vck2bg1CI2NfPR8MBwxz0ftWx89gCLcB/s1600/pierre%2Bsti%2Bmartin%2B2.JPG)

In the GC Yvo van Straalen finished 12th, disappointing after last season's win. Tactics though were not always optimal. Nice to see newby Phillip scoring a podium place and the rule this season is that if we finish 3rd in a race we also finish 4th.

Division standings after the fifth week:

1º      LaGuardia   10636   3   0   4   
2º      BlackHole   10135   13   8   7   
3º      HTCHungria   8613   2   1   4   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   8369   3   2   4   
5º      Mlb   7888   3   5   5   
6º      Rekutxuteam   7624   4   7   6   
7º      Quickstepbronx   7133   12   6   1
8º      JGMTeam   7109   1   5   1   
9º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   6340   0   1   1   
10º      Zatarra   6094   1   3   1   
11º      TeamEuroscalt   5985   6   3   0   
12º      SPORTLIFE   5816   1   2   0   
13º      Turrones   5509   0   0   2
   
27º      SentinelChickens   3392   0   0   0   
28º      Combuijs   3310   0   0   2   
29º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   3211   2   2   2   
30º      TilburgTerriërs   3167   3   0   2
31º      Luka_Warriors   2865   0   1   1   
32º      RealMurciaCycling   2560   0   0   0   
33º      Catalonia_Team   2355   0   0   1   
34º      Aurora_Australis   2335   0   1   2   
35º      WaterBoys   2094   0   0   0   


We are on the safe side now for the moment but we are far from safe from relegation. In fact with Yvo van Straalen's training period at an end we are asking for trouble. Arm wrestling with Aurora Australis does not seem to be a sound idea...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 04, 2021, 08:46:07 PM
Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 8. Phillip Køppen
2nd stage: 11. Hallvard Thorkildsen
3rd stage: 5. Phillip Køppen 23. Nicklas Tornvig
5th stage: 17. Mondesir Zutter, 20. Hallvard Thorkildsen

In the GC Phillip Køppen rather surprisinlgy finished 9th, with Nicklas Tornvig in support on 23rd. All in all a very good Tour, which took us above the relegation line.

Vuelta:
1st stage: 30. Mondesir Zutter
2nd stage: 20. Toivo Sulg
3rd stage: 22. Toivo Sulg
4th stage: 23. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 9. Diederik de Maar
6th stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 11. Mondesir Zutter

In the GC Yvo finishes 7th 2.45 behind winner Maurizio Lorenzetto (Faltosos de Chigre). Also an unexpected good result in the Vuelta without any special preparation by Yvo van Straalen. Most tour riders seem to have concentrated on the Tour de France. It secured us a place on the World Tour next season.

World Time trial championships Lisbon: 26. Diederik de Maar
World Road race Championships Lisbon: 20. Toivo Sulg

(https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2019/08/04/19/20/portugal-4384552_960_720.jpg)

Final standings:

1º      BlackHole   15961   18   12   7   
2º      LaGuardia   14302   3   0   5   
3º      HTCHungria   10832   3   1   4   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   10604   4   2   5   
5º      Rekutxuteam   10388   5   8   7   
6º      Mlb   10279   4   7   6   
7º      JGMTeam   9677   1   8   1   
8º      Quickstepbronx   9350   14   7   4
9º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   8283   0   1   1   
10º      Innioraths   7402   0   2   5   
11º      SPORTLIFE   7384   1   2   2   
12º      TeamEuroscalt   7350   7   4   0   
13º      FrançaiseDesJeux   7206   2   0   2   
14º      Zatarra   7112   1   3   1   
15º      Caracoles   6928   9   7   1   
16º      ChampsElysees   6863   1   4   5   
17º      Aspigarri   6198   1   2   1
18º      Turrones   6162   0   0   2   
19º      CC_Porco_Jones   5966   3   2   1   
20º      KunTeam   5508   4   1   1
21º      galegospolabici   5467   0   1   2   
22º      FlyEaglesFly   5001   0   4   2   
23º      $Tourmalet   4974   3   4   6   
24º      Spitz   4946   0   0   0   
25º      Combuijs   4744   0   0   2   
26º      Lemarche   4649   1   1   1
27º      Luka_Warriors   4474   0   1   2   
28º      Thorboassonarvesen   4441   1   0   4   
29º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   4311   2   2   2   
30º      Aurora_Australis   3954   0   2   3   
31º      RealMurciaCycling   3937   0   0   0   
32º      SentinelChickens   3736   0   0   0   
33º      TilburgTerriërs   3662   3   0   2
34º      PDM_cycling_team   3500   0   1   1
35º      WaterBoys   2675   0   0   0   
36º      Catalonia_Team   2569   0   0   1   
37º      Vicam   2502   0   0   1   
38º      ZBT   2332   0   0   1   
39º      azerite   1998   0   0   0   
40º      IKIBASQUE   1974   0   2   0   
41º      AmericanChow   1702   0   0   0   
42º      Skrimshaw   1634   0   0   0   
43º      ROCKYBALBOARACING   1368   0   0   0   
44º      Wiggo_pupils   588   0   0   0   
45º      TeamSea   554   0   0   0   
46º      Xegalaki_Pro   363   0   0   0   
47º      Ciclastur   282   0   0   0   
48º      Barrioska   138   0   0   0   
49º      MarvelProCycling    75   0   0   0
50º      MarquinaTeam   0   0   0   0   

Congratulations to Black Hole for winning this season, congratulations also to Aurora Australis for staying on the World Tour with the narrowest of margins.

Top 10 riders of the season (and number 19...)

1º      Lazare Pires   30   4745   FrançaiseDesJeux   2   0   2   
2º      Henriks Valdmanis   27   3324   KunTeam   1   0   0   
3º      Jarno Voisin    30   3291   LaGuardia   0   0   0   
4º      Aksel Blix    30   2644   Aspigarri   0   1   0   
5º      András Valter   28   2557   Quickstepbronx   4   0   2   
6º      Xavér Kövér   26   2426   HTCHungria   0   0   1   
7º      Kasper van der Goor   27   2341   Zatarra   0   0   0   
8º      Karin Narshawov   26   2257   HTCHungria   3   0   1   
9º      Mikhail Pinin   29   2129   BlackHole   2   3   1   
10º      John Aakre   27   2125   Mlb   1   2   1   

19º      Yvo VanStraalen   28   1668   Combuijs   0   0   0   

Other points scored in our team:

Phillip Køppen   30   459         035
Hallvard Thorkildsen   27   438         023
Diederik De Maar   27   323         212
Friso Vonk   28   255         001
Amable Puerto   29   248         162
Toivo Sulg   27   244         301
Eulogio Trillo   27   203         001
Giorgi Jabbarov   27   195         247
Gary Fredickson   28   183         011
Mondesir Zutter   33   169         243
Nicklas Tornvig   30   158         135
Hidde Daelman   28   116         000
Adam Neeskens   35   65         1066
Brooklyn Marbley   33   20         058

The transfer of Køppen and Tornvig halfway the season really made a difference in a for us very difficult calendar. Let's see what next season brings!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on July 05, 2021, 12:19:28 PM
Let's see what next season brings!
= (https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/HolandaG.jpg) a certain 3-times-in-a-row Dutch championship !  8)
Because in the two previous seasons you had a few Dutch opponents,
but I guess you scared them, and now nobody wants to compete with the notorious Combuijs, the only Dutch 1A team of this season 18.

Even more remarkable ; there are no Belgian teams in 1A now. So they can compete for a real price in the 2nd division.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 10, 2021, 09:23:49 PM
Vos was of course absolutely right, we were the best Dutch team last season and we will definitely be the best Dutch team this season. Where have the days gone that you would have to finish in the World top 5 to achieve that?
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/HolandaG.jpg)

We had a lucky escape the first cup round as we showed up only minutes before the start of the hill race in Cusset. In the final meters Toivo Sulg beat Liam Armstrong of Italy Cycling. The next round is against Marvel Cycling in a sprint race. This could have been a hilarious race with both teams lacking a sprinter, but Marvel Cycling decided to buy in a sprint train, so we will be out in this round, but not for lack of trying.

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 3. Amable Puerto
4th stage: 15. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 19. Amable Puerto

We have never started a season this well, a surprising podium place for Amable in the first race. In the end Amable finished 23rd in the GC, 6 seconds outside points.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 21. Nicklas Tornvig
Strade Bianchi: 15. Nicklas Tornvig

Paris - Nice:
2nd stage to Rasteau: 30. Jeroen Vonk

(https://charmelogies.com/assets/images/rasteau.jpg)

A meager result in Paris-Nice. It seems we can't score points when Yvo van Straalen is not involved.

Division standings after the first week:

1º      Agua_Verde   2073   1   0   0   
2º      Mlb   1941   1   1   0   
3º      ChampsElysees   1625   1   4   0   
4º      BlackHole   1602   0   1   4   
5º      Codex   1437   0   1   0   
6º      SPORTLIFE   1342   1   1   1   
7º      FaltososDeChigre   1310   0   0   0   
8º      HTCHungria   1231   0   0   0   
9º      Zatarra   1136   0   0   1   
10º      TeamEuroscalt   1101   2   0   0   

30º      Aurora_Australis   391   0   1   0   
31º      Combuijs   373   0   0   1   
32º      Fiestina   367   0   0   0   

After the great start we already are in familiar territory: the fight for relegation against Aurora Australis...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 17, 2021, 08:45:45 PM
As expected, no chance in the sprint race in the second cup round against Marvel Cycling. It was too much to hope for marvels...

Tirreno Adriatico:
4th stage: 16. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 26. Jeroen Vonk

Again not much points in this short tour, we see a pattern emerging...

E3 Harelbeke: 9. Phillip Køppen

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 19. Alcides Ponte
2nd stage: 19. Alcides Ponte
3rd stage: 15. Toivo Sulg
4th stage: 11. Alcides Ponte, 23. Gary Fredickson

In the GC newly bought Alcides Ponte reached 8th place, so happy with the investments results.

Gent - Wevelgem: 15. Phillip Køppen
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 21. Phillip Køppen

(https://b2ai.com/uploads/2019/09/p999-waterfront-cam-aerial-hr-20180903-2-1024x634.jpg)

Good classic races by Phillip brings us in more higher places in the second week, which seems a good idea because of the floodings in our part of the world:

1º      Mlb   5337   4   2   0   
2º      BlackHole   3834   1   2   7   
3º      Agua_Verde   3803   2   1   0   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   3353   0   0   1   
5º      Codex   3343   0   3   0   
6º      HTCHungria   3014   0   0   1   
7º      ChampsElysees   2976   2   4   1   
8º      SPORTLIFE   2926   2   1   3   
9º      Quickstepbronx   2501   4   2   1
10º      Wizards   2390   0   1   0   

24º      galegospolabici   1153   0   0   0   
25º      Combuijs   1137   0   0   1   
26º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   1079   2   1   0   

We have bought Portuguese rider Alcides Ponte from Skrimshaw and Let rider Arnolds Treimanis from Amarante Pro Cycling so they both can ride on the highest level now. This will boost our possibilities in short tours.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 24, 2021, 04:42:34 PM
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 14. Phillip Køppen

Itzulia:
1st stage: 19. Diederik de Maar
2nd stage: 30. Arnolds Treimanis
4th stage: 9. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 25. Arnolds Treimanis, 26. Friso Vonk

Arnolds was 32nd in the GC, a bit disappointing

Paris-Roubaix: 28. Hallvard Thorkildsen
Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 14. Amstel Gold Race
Fleche Wallonne: 21. Amable Puerto
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: 29. Amable Puerto

Too much risk with Hallvard in Paris-Roubaix, but Amable did do well in the hill classics.

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 18. Die4derik de Maar
2nd stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage to Porrentruy: 20. Yvo van Straalen

(https://static.mycity.travel/manage/uploads/8/59/97765/1/chateau-de-porrentruy_2000.jpg)

Yvo is now 7th in the GC and we hope for a bit more

1º      Mlb   6772   4   2   1   
2º      BlackHole   5899   1   3   8   
3º      ChampsElysees   5855   5   6   2   
4º      Agua_Verde   5273   2   2   1   
5º      Codex   5204   2   3   0   
6º      Quickstepbronx   4963   7   3   1
7º      FaltososDeChigre   4873   0   1   3   
8º      HTCHungria   3989   0   1   1   
9º      Flyvende_hjul   3817   0   0   1   
10º      SPORTLIFE   3672   2   1   3   

23º      CC_Porco_Jones   1872   0   0   1   
24º      Combuijs   1757   0   0   1   
25º      OphiukoCT   1737   0   0   2   

With all grand tours still to go this is looking good for us, 400 points in front of the relegation line.

We welcome Hungarian Zoltan Griff as our new director. We think he will make a difference in the tours.

Cycling news told us we are really a world team now. I really don't know what they meant...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/plantillaint.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on July 24, 2021, 05:02:29 PM
It means you have cyclists from a range of different CFF countries (I think it's 10 - with 15 for the other achievement).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on July 30, 2021, 09:30:00 PM
Tour de Romandie:
4th stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen

Yvo finished 7th in the GC, so he consolidated his place the last two stages.

Giro:
1st stage: 2. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 27. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 2. Yvo van Straalen
9th stage to Montevarchi: 4. Yvo van Straalen

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/39/Montevarchipanoramadapiazzamazzini.jpg/1280px-Montevarchipanoramadapiazzamazzini.jpg)

Two times podium in stages, that is an unexpected result.

The final podium:
1    Afonso Rio   29   OphiukoCT   0: 00"   1000   500000
2    Pat Martin   27   HTCHungria   0: 00"   800   450000
3    Yvo VanStraalen   29   Combuijs   0: 53"   650   400000

Rare result, the first two in the same time! And the second time our Yvo is on the podium of a Grand Tour. Very happy with that. And not only we are happy, Endesa have decided to sponsor us. That will give us lots of energy!
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/endesa.jpg)

1º      Mlb   7781   4   4   1   
2º      ChampsElysees   7490   7   8   2   
3º      BlackHole   7333   1   3   9   
4º      Agua_Verde   6972   2   2   1   
5º      HTCHungria   6796   1   2   3   
6º      FaltososDeChigre   6628   1   1   3   
7º      Quickstepbronx   6171   10   3   2
8º      Codex   5470   2   3   0   
9º      SPORTLIFE   5234   2   1   3   
10º      OphiukoCT   4503   0   1   3   

18º      FlyEaglesFly   3332   0   1   1   
19º      Combuijs   3257   0   2   1   
20º      Zatarra   3168   0   1   1   
21º      Rekutxuteam   3101   1   3   3      

The relegation line is now far behind us and to our surprise and satisfaction we have passed Zatarra as well!

Thanks to Aurora Australis we now know what a world team is. We have indeed 10 different nationalities riding for us. One might have called it the Babylonian confusion trophy...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/plantillaint.png)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 09, 2021, 09:30:09 PM
Dauphine Libere:
2nd stage: 11. Hallvard Thorkildsen
3rd stage: 16. Erland Westby
4th stage: 10. Erland Westby
5th stage: 16. Toivo Sulg

In the GC Erland finishes 10th, a fine result for him.

Tour de Suisse:
4th stage: 23. Toivo Sulg
5th stage: 16. Arnolds Treimanis

In the GC Arnolds finishes 13th. These are all acceptable results.

Tour de France:
1st stage: 23. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 21. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 28. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 28. Arnolds Treimanis
7th stage: 26. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen
10th stage to Antwerpen: 18. Mondesir Zutter

(https://d2csxpduxe849s.cloudfront.net/media/D9C47D27-CF22-4106-BDD62A07BB6C91E1/BE0B4C11-7AC4-4151-B75514A1F9731F20/Content%20Afb%201520-1ee669db-b95b-4ccf-b3ef-216a59770800.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finishes 7th on 5.17 from winner Xavér Kövér of HTC Hungria. Arnolds finishes as super helper on place 22. All in all a very good Tour de France.

1º      HTCHungria   11720   3   4   6   
2º      BlackHole   10370   1   6   9   
3º      ChampsElysees   9601   9   13   3   
4º      Mlb   9525   5   4   4   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   9517   1   2   3   
6º      Agua_Verde   8367   2   2   1   
7º      Quickstepbronx   7411   13   4   2
8º      SPORTLIFE   6755   2   1   3   
9º      Wizards   6450   0   1   0   
10º      Flyvende_hjul   6064   0   0   1   

17º      Innioraths   5089   0   4   4   
18º      Combuijs   4357   0   2   1   
19º      ChronoTony   4310   2   2   2   

HTC Hungria have taken the lead now thanks to the fantastic results of Xavér Kövér. We are still doing fine.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on August 18, 2021, 05:13:02 PM
I just noticed that you mentioned my team in this topic. It will be a close call between our teams. You're 45 points ahead with only the two WCs left... Good luck!
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 21, 2021, 09:23:42 PM
I forgot to note down our results in the last few races of season 18, so I could only retrieve the top 10 positions, which were few:

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 8. Giorgi Jabbarov

Vuelta:
7th stage: 8. Diederik de Maar

Nevertheless Yvo van Straalen rode his third Grand Tour of the season and did not do bad with I think a 13th place in the GC.

Final standings:

1º      HTCHungria   15468   4   7   7   
2º      BlackHole   13992   3   6   9   
3º      ChampsElysees   12761   12   14   4   
4º      FaltososDeChigre   12107   1   2   4   
5º      Mlb   11725   6   5   5   
6º      Agua_Verde   9864   3   2   1   
7º      SPORTLIFE   9842   2   3   4   
8º      TeamEuroscalt   9680   12   1   2   
9º      Flyvende_hjul   9002   0   0   1   
10º      Quickstepbronx   8542   15   5   4
11º      Caracoles   8152   11   3   4   
12º      Wizards   7102   0   1   0   
13º      ChronoTony   6818   3   4   2   
14º      Innioraths   6751   0   5   5   
15º      Astanadena   6545   1   2   2
16º      Kelme4ever   6268   0   2   3   
17º      KunTeam   6102   1   0   0
18º      Codex   5914   2   3   0   
19º      OphiukoCT   5877   0   1   4   
20º      FlyEaglesFly   5505   0   3   2   
21º      CC_Porco_Jones   5440   2   1   1   
22º      Zatarra   5421   0   2   1   
23º      Combuijs   5276   0   2   1   
24º      galegospolabici   5091   0   1   2   
25º      Aurora_Australis   4956   1   2   3   
26º      Rekutxuteam   4602   1   4   4   
27º      Turrones   4462   0   1   0   
28º      Luka_Warriors   4102   1   3   1   
29º      Thorboassonarvesen   4077   4   1   1   
30º      TTeam   4075   0   0   3   
31º      Manicomicos_Cycling_Team   4023   3   2   2   
32º      $Tourmalet   3680   2   3   2   
33º      JGMTeam   3664   0   0   4   
34º      0X   3096   0   0   1
35º      Spitz   3021   0   0   0   
36º      Periquitos   2984   0   0   0
37º      TeamSerfin   2716   0   0   0   
38º      Fiestina   2481   1   0   1   
39º      PedaleSanvitese   2216   0   0   0   
40º      Speedbird   2056   0   0   1   
41º      Lemarche   470   0   0   0   
42º      LanihuliCycling   185   0   0   0   
43º      team_piroshki   69   0   0   0   
44º      CuencaTeam   47   0   0   0   
45º      AleAle   45   0   0   0   
46º      Aspigarri   20   0   0   0   
47º      Facha_Bartolo   13   0   0   0   
48º      LOSRAYOSDELARRY   0   0   0   0   
49º      FrançaiseDesJeux   0   0   0   0
50º      LaGuardia   0   0   0   0

Congratulations to HTC Hungria with the title: nagyon jó! We did pretty well although we did manage to finish just behind Zatarra, which was too bad.

Top 10 individual classification:

1º      Henriks Valdmanis   28   4785   KunTeam   1   0   0   
2º      Xavér Kövér   27   3953   HTCHungria   1   2   3   
3º      Alcino Chaves   29   3223   ChampsElysees   5   3   1   
4º      Afonso Rio   29   3041   OphiukoCT   0   0   1   
5º      Pat Martin   27   2941   HTCHungria   1   1   2   
6º      Yvo VanStraalen   29   2442   Combuijs   0   2   0   
7º      Arnfinn Mikalsen   28   2396   TeamEuroscalt   7   0   0   
8º      Martijn Heijblok   28   2224   Mlb   1   1   0   
9º      Spodris Martisons   28   2111   Mlb   2   1   1   
10º      Sammy Caan   30   2024   BlackHole   1   1   3   

And look who is there? Yvo on 6th place thanks to his succesful participation in three grand tours. That also means his second national shirt:

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/camiholanda.gif)

which forms a nice combination with our third consecutive Dutch title:

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/imagenes/HolandaG.jpg)

Yvo is now so famous that he was even mentioned in women-magazine Libelle:

(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/famoso2.png)

Other points by our riders:

Phillip Køppen   31   549         035
Diederik De Maar   28   509         212
Amable Puerto   30   425         163
Alcides Ponte   29   282         223
Erland Westby   26   219         010
Giorgi Jabbarov   28   194         247
Nicklas Tornvig   31   190         135
Arnolds Treimanis   28   160         001
Toivo Sulg   28   97         301
Hallvard Thorkildsen   28   88         023
Mondesir Zutter   34   45         243
Jeroen Vonk   29   23         000
Gary Fredickson   29   20         011
Peter Boit   28   18         223
Friso Vonk   29   15         001

From the Giro di Lombardia on we have secured the director services of Vyacheslav Veselov (Ukrain) and he will remain with us at the start of season 19.

So, let's continue with season 19, in which we must battle two other Dutch teams, LottoStelvio and PDM Cycling Team, so the national championship won't be a gimme this time.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on August 28, 2021, 10:07:23 PM
Season 19 started not too bad with a cup race win against Team Piroshki who did not show up. Next round sees Azerite in a flat mountain race, which will be much more difficult to win.

Tour Down Under:
2nd stage: 25. Amable Puerto
4th stage: 20. Amable Puerto

In the GC Amable lost some precious places in the last stage to finish 22nd.

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 6. Nicklas Tornvig
Strade Bianchi: 10. Nicklas Tornvig

Two great classic results, which pushed us out of the relegation zone

Paris - Nice:
2nd stage: 6. Peter Boit
3rd stage to Croix de Chaubouret: 26. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.hotelrest-lechaubouret.com/upload/131220191206593011-Image1.png)

In the GC Yvo finished 9th, which should have been a little bit higher, but again things went a bit wrong in the last stage.

Which leads to these standings:

1º      Mlb   2317   1   0   1   
2º      FaltososDeChigre   1502   0   1   0   
3º      BlackHole   1463   0   0   4   
4º      Codex   1437   2   1   0   
5º      ChampsElysees   1395   3   1   0   
6º      Quickstepbronx   1307   2   0   1
7º      Flyvende_hjul   1239   0   0   0   
8º      Agua_Verde   1174   0   2   0   
9º      Wizards   1148   0   0   0   
10º      OphiukoCT   1033   0   0   0   

16º      LottoStelvio   714   0   2   0   
17º      Zatarra   689   0   1   0   
18º      Combuijs   677   0   0   0   
19º      Caracoles   591   1   1   0   
20º      SPORTLIFE   589   0   0   0

We have found our place again behind Zatarra who can keep us out the wind as long as he wants. The battle for the best Dutch team has started as well and Lotto Stelvio has a slight advantage on us.

Talented youth rider Egbert Koning was sold to Zatarra for a substantial amount of money, in fact our third highest sale ever. May he prosper in Belgium! Eh ... sorry ... Australia ...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Zatarra on August 28, 2021, 11:09:46 PM
Yes, indeed. Egbert 'King' Koning has become part of team he himself described as "better than Combuijs". He will be one of our main talents for the next tour generation. Hopefully he is as talented as he says he is. We will find out soon.

(By the way, I'm not Belgian. I'm Dutch).
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 10, 2021, 05:33:53 PM
Well, then it remained silent for the rest of season 19 due to holidays and other activities. But I made a compilation of the results.

(https://assets.gamepur.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/04052631/PUBG-Mobile-Season-19.jpg)

We were out in the second round of the cup against Pro Continental Tour team Azerite in a flat race with a mountain finish. Sergey Barak was faster than Alcides Ponte alas.

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 4. Alcides Ponte
4th stage: 18. Amable Puerto
GC: 18. Alcides Ponte

Milan-San Remo: 29. Amable Puerto
E3 Harelbeke: 9. Phillip Køppen, 25. Nicklas Tornvig

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 22. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 11. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 12. Yvo van Straalen
GC: 10. Yvo van Straalen

Gent-Wevelgem: 16. Phillip Køppen
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 8. Phillip Køppen
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 10. Phillip Køppen

Itzulia:
1st stage: 27. Friso Vonk
2nd stage: 18. Friso Vonk, 28. Jeroen Vonk
4th stage: 13. Toivo Sulg
5th stage: 23. Phillip Køppen
GC: 7. Friso Vonk

Paris-Roubaix: 14. Hallvard Thorkildsen
Liege-Bastogne-Liege: 18. Toivo Sulg

Tour de Romandie:
3rd stage: 24. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 23. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 23. Yvo van Straalen
GC: 13. Yvo van Straalen

Giro:
2nd stage: 7. Giorgi Jabbarov
3rd stage: 25. Gary Fredickson
6th stage: 19. Gary Fredickson
7th stage: 7. Peter Boit, 22. Giorgi Jabbarov
GC: 14. Gary Fredickson

Dauphine Libere:
1st stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 15. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 18. Hallvard Thorkildsen
GC: 3. Yvo van Straalen on 0.33 of Aksel Blix (Sportlife)

Tour de Suisse:
1st stage: 4. Yvo van Straalen, 22. Arnolds Treimanis, 23. Gary Fredickson
3rd stage: 22. Diederik de Maar
GC: 15. Yvo van Straalen

Tour de France
2nd stage: 23. Arnolds Treimanis
5th stage: 5. Eulogio Trillo, 17. Giorgi Jabbarov
8th stage: 27. Eulogio Trillo
9th stage: 29. Arnold Treimanis
GC: 19. Arnolds Treimanis

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
3rd stage: 9. Peter Boit, 28. Hallvard Thorkildsen
4th stage: 8. Peter Boit, 27. Hallvard Thorkildsen
GC: 5. Peter Boit on 0.42 from Barry Brady (Blackhole). Good result which could have been better I had not forgotten to send Peter on training camp...

Vuelta:
1st stage: 8. Hallvard Thorkildsen
2nd stage: 16. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage: 15. Diederik de Maar
4th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 26. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 26. Yvo van Straalen
10th stage: 28. Yvo van Straalen
GC: 5 Yvo van Straalen on 4.14 of Ken Hansen (Astadena). Had hoped for a podium, but that was not possible against strong competition.

WC Time Trial: 21. Diederik de Maar

That all lead to these final standings:

1º      BlackHole   15161   5   7   11   
2º      Flyvende_hjul   12824   0   4   3   
3º      Mlb   12621   4   3   5   
4º      ChampsElysees   11294   12   7   8   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   10868   1   4   4   
6º      SPORTLIFE   10650   3   2   2   
7º      Caracoles   9623   14   9   5   
8º      Agua_Verde   9297   6   6   1   
9º      Astanadena   8034   0   2   2
10º      Zatarra   7666   1   1   2   
11º      TeamEuroscalt   7439   7   3   3   
12º      ChronoTony   7385   3   7   4   
13º      Codex   7217   6   2   2   
14º      HTCHungria   6846   4   0   0   
15º      OphiukoCT   6559   3   2   2   
16º      Wizards   6370   0   0   1   
17º      RealMurciaCycling   6304   0   2   2   
18º      LottoStelvio   6295   1   6   4   
19º      Kelme4ever   6193   0   0   2   
20º      galegospolabici   5566   1   2   4   
21º      Combuijs   5455   0   0   0   
22º      Quickstepbronx   5242   9   2   2   
23º      KunTeam   5087   0   0   1
24º      Turrones   4882   0   6   2   
25º      Thorboassonarvesen   4640   3   3   2   
26º      Álvaro_Pino_Boys   4612   1   1   3   
27º      Aurora_Australis   4547   2   3   2   
28º      Luka_Warriors   4414   2   5   2   
29º      Catalonia_Team   4186   0   0   0   
30º      Shiro_Lions   4022   0   0   1   
31º      CC_Porco_Jones   3998   2   0   2   
32º      Vicam   3873   0   1   2   
33º      Skrimshaw   3781   0   0   2   
34º      TTeam   2905   0   0   0   
35º      AmericanChow   2850   0   0   0   
36º      MarvelProCycling    2716   0   0   0
37º      Matterhorn   2591   0   0   0   
38º      vercors   2220   0   0   1   
39º      ZBT   2034   0   1   0   
40º      La_Vie_Claire   1884   0   0   0
41º      EuskaPiero   1345   0   0   1   
42º      PDM_cycling_team   1205   0   0   0
43º      Rekutxuteam   1045   1   0   0   
44º      ItaliaCycling   887   0   0   1   
45º      TJTeam   799   0   0   0   
46º      Xegalaki_Pro   666   0   0   0   
47º      Que_Maz_da   117   0   0   0   
48º      TeamSea   90   0   0   0   
49º      Innioraths   0   0   0   0   
50º      FlyEaglesFly   0   0   0   0   

Congratulations to Black Hole, the other competitors indeed fell in black hole behind him. Congratulations to Sportlife and Zatarra for a top 10 finish. And congratulations to Lotto Stelvio for being the best Dutch team. We came closer in the end but that was far from enough.

Individual rankings:

1º      Xavér Kövér   28   3265   HTCHungria   2   0   0   
2º      Alcino Chaves   30   3142   ChampsElysees   3   3   3   
3º      Kasper van der Goor   29   3082   Zatarra   1   0   0   
4º      Henriks Valdmanis   29   2900   KunTeam   0   0   1   
5º      Tristan Min   27   2767   Flyvende_hjul   0   0   0   
6º      Ken Hansen   27   2524   Astanadena   0   1   1   
7º      Rene Vrijmoed   31   2474   BlackHole   0   1   2   
8º      András Valter   30   2433   Quickstepbronx   5   1   1   
9º      Serafim Gois   29   2377   Flyvende_hjul   0   3   1   
10º      Afonso Rio   30   2373   OphiukoCT   0   1   2   
15º      Yvo VanStraalen   30   1924   Combuijs   0   0   0   

15th place for Yvo, while he only rode one big Tour and lots of small ones, so that was not bad.

Other results from the Combuijs Honey Ale riders:

Yvo VanStraalen   30   1924         234
Phillip Køppen   32   670         035
Peter Boit   29   548         223
Nicklas Tornvig   32   445         135
Diederik De Maar   29   297         212
Hallvard Thorkildsen   29   280         023
Friso Vonk   30   243         001
Gary Fredickson   30   225         011
Giorgi Jabbarov   29   183         247
Eulogio Trillo   29   145         001
Toivo Sulg   29   137         301
Alcides Ponte   30   132         223
Arnolds Treimanis   29   112         001
Amable Puerto   31   102         163
Jeroen Vonk   30   12         000
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 23, 2021, 08:53:39 PM
I am not against traditions, but I hate the tradition to lose in the second CFF Cup round. Two flat time trials were too much, the one against Quickstepbronx was okay, no opponent showed up, but the one against Fiestina was 6 seconds too much.

Tour Down Under:
1st stage: 26. Amable Puerto

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 11. Eulogio Trillo

Paris - Nice:
In the GC Yvo van Straalen finished 17th, but there were no (0, zero, niente) top 20 places...

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage: 17. Peter Boit
2nd stage: 20. Alcides Ponte
3rd stage: 12. Alcides Ponte
4th stage: 14. Toivo Sulg

In the GC Alcides Ponte finished 9th, 1:30 behind Flying Wheel Serafim Gois.

E3 Harelbeke: 10. Phillip Køppen

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 16. Diederik de Maar
2nd stage: 27. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 20. Toivo Sulg
5th stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 9th on 1:47 from winner Xavér Kövér (HTC Hungria)

Gent - Wevelgem: 20. Phillip Køppen
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 12. Phillip Køppen

(https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQiG4GOATWosIULuTZ0gD1g4TmQ_G1Q2g_SBQ&usqp=CAU)

So after two weeks of cycling these are the division standings:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   5066   2   3   2   
2º      Agua_Verde   3624   2   2   0   
3º      Mlb   3320   1   1   1   
4º      Codex   2927   2   0   0   
5º      BlackHole   2879   0   2   1   
6º      ChampsElysees   2782   1   1   4   
7º      FaltososDeChigre   2442   0   2   0   
8º      OphiukoCT   2263   0   0   0   
9º      Astanadena   2119   1   1   1
10º      Wizards   1975   0   0   0   
11º      MortoviaCycling   1925   2   1   1   
12º      Zatarra   1875   1   1   0   
13º      galegospolabici   1859   0   0   2   

19º      TeamEuroscalt   1496   3   0   0   
20º      SPORTLIFE   1493   0   3   0   
21º      Caracoles   1487   1   2   1   

23º      Álvaro_Pino_Boys   1242   0   0   0   
24º      Combuijs   1214   0   0   0   
25º      °Peachy°Melocotons   1190   0   0   2   

So outside the relegation zone, but only just.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on October 23, 2021, 10:25:41 PM
You decided you no longer wanted to keep me company in the red bubble zone  :'(
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on October 31, 2021, 02:51:41 PM
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 27. Phillip Køppen

Itzulia:
1st stage: 27. Hidde Daelman
4th stage: 30. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 27. Phillip Køppen

In the GC Hidde Daelman finished 6th, probably the best result in his career.

Paris-Roubaix: 6. Peter Boit
A good result by Peter, very likely because all cobble specialists are preparing for the World Championship.

Combuijs Honey Ale Race: 24. Amable Puerto
The only hill classic we score points in. Amable Puerto is getting a little bit old...

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 16. Diederik de Maar
2nd stage: 3. Alcides Ponte
3rd stage: 2. Alcides Ponte, 13. Gary Fredickson
5th stage around Fribourg: 22. Peter Boit

(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d7/Panorama_Fribourg_107.JPG/1280px-Panorama_Fribourg_107.JPG)

In the GC Alcides Ponte finished 6th to cap off a very lucrative Tour with two podium places. Gary Fredickson as helper finished 21st.

And do we stay out of the relegation claws of Aurora Australis?:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   7425   3   3   2   
2º      Agua_Verde   6423   3   3   2   
3º      BlackHole   5769   2   3   1   
4º      ChampsElysees   4633   2   1   5   
5º      Mlb   4335   1   1   2   
6º      Codex   4305   4   0   2   
7º      LottoStelvio   4144   7   1   2   
8º      RealMurciaCycling   3535   0   1   2   
9º      FaltososDeChigre   3520   0   4   1   
10º      TeamEuroscalt   3446   3   3   1   

19º      SPORTLIFE   2502   0   3   0   
20º      Combuijs   2410   0   1   1   
21º      Turrones   2325   0   0   0   
22º      Zatarra   2323   1   1   0   
23º      ChronoTony   2147   1   0   1   

34º      Catalonia_Team   1193   0   0   0   
35º      Aurora_Australis   1181   1   0   2   
36º      RHyNeStOnEs   1113   0   0   1   

Sure we do! We are behind the comfortable back of Sportlife and even in front of Zatarra. May the good times continue.

Meanwhile we have gotten a bad reputation as staff handler:
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/fire2.png)

No surprise there, we are never able to get a fully qualified team director, while the requirements are not too hard as you can see:

"Combuijs Honey Ale is hiring! This renowned Dutch World Tour Team is looking for a team director with lots of experience in grand tours, small tours and one day classics. He or she should be able to keep motivation and team spirits high even when results are catastrophic, while medical staff is not able to recover riders, the mechanical team does not improve the equipment and the marketing team is not able to find additional sponsors. Knowing how to deal with empty coffers and a non-starting team bus is a bonus. Payment is in crates of Combuijs Honey Ale."
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Aurora Australis on October 31, 2021, 08:03:45 PM
It's taken you a long time to get that, I got mine on the 30/5/2019, two months into the game.  I'm surprised there are only 66 teams with the staff kicker achievement (of course I'd probably have the "leaves the scattered bones of ex-staff everywhere" achievement if it existed, so maybe I'm weighted by my actions).

With Sportlife is a good place to be.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 07, 2021, 03:45:49 PM
Giro:
1st stage: 18. Alcides Ponte
2nd stage: 13. Diederik de Maar
4th stage: 10. Phillip Køppen, 23. Alcides Ponte
5th stage: 19. Diederik de Maar
9th stage: 2. Alcides Ponte

Again a podium place for Alcides. In the GC he finished 17th, still scoring valuable points.

Dauphiné Liberé:
2nd stage to Vaujany: 24. Arnolds Treimanis

(https://nl.oisans.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2020/03/vaujany-img12.jpg)

Which leads to these division standings:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   9905   3   4   3   
2º      BlackHole   7729   2   3   2
3º      Agua_Verde   7331   4   4   3   
4º      Codex   5686   5   1   3   
5º      FaltososDeChigre   5664   2   4   1   
6º      ChampsElysees   5302   2   2   6   
7º      LottoStelvio   4860   7   3   2   
8º      Mlb   4710   1   1   2   
9º      RealMurciaCycling   4682   0   1   3   
10º      OphiukoCT   4455   0   1   0   
11º      Astanadena   4274   1   1   1
12º      TeamEuroscalt   3834   4   3   1   
13º      Zatarra   3779   2   1   0   
14º      SPORTLIFE   3764   0   3   1   
15º      galegospolabici   3474   1   0   3   

24º      KunTeam   3091   1   0   1
25º      Combuijs   3013   0   2   1   
26º      Fiestina   2723   2   2   1   
27º      Álvaro_Pino_Boys   2699   0   0   0   
28º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   2578   3   3   1   
29º      Aurora_Australis   2534   3   0   3   
30º      Cabrasverdes   2182   0   2   1   

A huge lead by Flying Wheels. We lost contact with Sportlife and Aurora Australis is closing in, so we are in trouble again, although still 1000 points away from relegation.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on November 28, 2021, 09:01:43 PM

Dauphiné Liberé:
4th stage:29. Arnolds Treimanis

In the GC Arnolds, eh..., well, ...eh, he did finish in the end...

Tour de Suisse:
1st stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 17. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 16. Peter Boit
4th stage: 9. Eulogio Trillo
5th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 5th and Erland Westby as a helper 17th. Last result did really surprise us...

Tour de France:
1st stage: 4. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 6. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage: 12. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 23. Eulogio Trillo
5th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 6. Diederik de Maar
8th stage: 29. Amable Puerto
10th stage: 14. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC we had Yvo just missing out on the podium on 4th place. Or to be fair, he missed out on 1:20 from third place Ken Hansen (Astadena) and more than two minutes on winner Alexey Ryazanov (Real Murcia Cycling).

Clasica San Sebastian: 28. Bert Kerkhof

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
2nd stage: 2. Peter Boit
3rd stage: 6. Giorgi Jabbarov
4th stage: 12. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 11. Toivo Sulg

A podium place and a 13th place in the GC for Giorgi, what else could we wish for in our own tour?

Vuelta:
3rd stage: 9. Hallvard Thorkildsen
4th stage: 12. Hallvard Thorkildsen
5th stage: 13. Yvo van Straalen, 21. Arnolds Treimanis
6th stage: 7. Yvo van Straalen, 16. Gary Fredickson
7th stage: 22. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 24. Hallvard Thorkildsen
10th stage: 28. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 9th on more than 4 minutes from winner Ken Hansen (Astadena). Arnolds finished 19th.

In this Vuelta we noticed that having a rider enjoying the fruits of a training camp, you can't send him on another training camp for the next season. So we will not have a good start in next season. A bit odd this...

World Championship Road Race: 16. Hallvard Thorkildsen

(https://dynaimage.cdn.cnn.com/cnn/q_auto,w_900,c_fill,g_auto,h_506,ar_16:9/http%3A%2F%2Fcdn.cnn.com%2Fcnnnext%2Fdam%2Fassets%2F171128100705-richmond-virginia.jpg)

Which leads to these final division standings:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   17829   6   5   6   
2º      BlackHole   11873   3   4   3
3º      FaltososDeChigre   11625   2   5   3   
4º      RealMurciaCycling   10483   0   1   3   
5º      Astanadena   9661   2   2   4
6º      Agua_Verde   9608   4   7   3   
7º      ChampsElysees   8872   3   5   7   
8º      Caracoles   8624   12   5   2   
9º      LottoStelvio   8576   10   5   6   
10º      Codex   8422   6   2   5   
11º      SPORTLIFE   7959   2   4   4   
12º      Fiestina   7875   4   4   1   
13º      ChronoTony   7575   2   7   6   
14º      OphiukoCT   7001   0   2   0   
15º      galegospolabici   6575   1   2   6   
16º      Combuijs   6253   0   3   1   
17º      Aurora_Australis   6152   5   1   3   
18º      Mlb   6145   3   1   2   
19º      TeamEuroscalt   5993   5   4   3   
20º      KunTeam   5599   1   1   3
21º      °Peachy°Melocotons   5290   1   2   4   
22º      Shiro_Lions   5027   1   0   1   
23º      HTCHungria   4948   0   2   1   
24º      Thorboassonarvesen   4485   4   3   2   
25º      MortoviaCycling   4366   2   2   3   
26º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   4334   5   4   2   
27º      Turrones   4314   0   0   0   
28º      Zatarra   3960   2   1   0   
29º      Wizards   3618   0   0   1   
30º      Luka_Warriors   3524   3   0   1   
31º      Catalonia_Team   3426   0   1   0   
32º      SenzaSellino   3076   0   0   0
33º      RajenKujen   2908   0   1   0   
34º      Marcatone_Due   2869   0   1   1   
35º      Álvaro_Pino_Boys   2769   0   0   0   
36º      TeamSerfin   2756   0   1   0   
37º      RHyNeStOnEs   2736   0   0   1   
38º      $Tourmalet   2626   2   1   1   
39º      Kelme4ever   2399   0   0   0   
40º      azerite   2364   0   0   0   
41º      Cabrasverdes   2272   0   2   1   
42º      Sonfuga   2187   0   0   0   
43º      PedaleSanvitese   2047   0   0   0   
44º      BLOEMENAANDEMITTE   2045   0   0   0   
45º      MOREBike   1110   0   0   0   
46º      Denver   772   0   0   0   
47º      NervionBike   596   0   0   0   
48º      PucelaBike   465   0   0   0   
49º      Quickstepbronx   229   0   0   1   
50º      Jediondos   87   0   0   0

All in all a very good season, in face it might be the last good season for a while for our team, given its average age. Anyway, finishing just in front of Aurora Australis was satisfying, finishing far in front of Zatarra was very satisfying and ... eh ... well ... eh ... Sportlife, they were 5 places better...

Individual classification:
1º      Tristan Min   28   4601   Flyvende_hjul   2   1   1   
2º      Rene Vrijmoed   32   4274   BlackHole   0   0   1   
3º      Ken Hansen    28   3773   Astanadena   0   0   2   
4º      Henriks Valdmanis   30   3475   KunTeam   1   1   2   
5º      Phillip Spang   27   3090   Codex   5   1   0   
6º      Serafim Gois   30   2924   Flyvende_hjul   2   1   0   
7º      Pat Martin   29   2700   Flyvende_hjul   1   1   2   
8º      Afonso Rio   31   2664   OphiukoCT   0   0   0   
9º      Alexey Ryazanov   31   2475   RealMurciaCycling   0   0   0   
10º      Mazim Kartashov   25   2150   LottoStelvio   3   4   0   
11º      Yvo VanStraalen   31   2099   Combuijs   0   0   0   

Two Dutch riders on top, we can see which country has the best riders, can't we?

Further down the line were the other Combuijs Honey Ale riders:

Alcides Ponte   31   1046   536500         244
Phillip Køppen   33   533   164167         035
Diederik De Maar   30   460   191666         212
Hallvard Thorkildsen   30   458   112000         023
Peter Boit   30   450   220000         233
Eulogio Trillo   30   250   81500         001
Hidde Daelman   31   238   150667         000
Giorgi Jabbarov   30   155   69333         247
Toivo Sulg   30   121   20667         301
Arnolds Treimanis   30   103   12834         001
Gary Fredickson   31   102   20000         011
Amable Puerto   32   93   5834         163
Erland Westby   28   40   18000         010
Nicklas Tornvig   33   35   3000         135
Friso Vonk   31   35   3000         001
Bert Kerkhof   31   35   3000         000
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on December 05, 2021, 05:54:47 PM
Season 21 then, CFF3 is coming of age...

Tour Down Under:
4th stage: 24. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 5. Amable Puerto

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 20. Phillip Køppen

Paris-Nice:
4th stage: 8. Amable Puerto

No special preparation for Arnolds Treimanis, so no top 20 in the GC.

Tirreno Adriatico:
1st stage to Terminillo: 19. Arnolds Treimanis

(https://media-cdn.tripadvisor.com/media/photo-s/01/fa/9b/53/terminillo-panorama-dall.jpg)

Division standings after the first week:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   1826   0   0   3   
2º      SPORTLIFE   1701   0   0   1   
3º      Codex   1678   1   0   0   
4º      Mlb   1394   0   1   0   
5º      galegospolabici   1383   0   4   0   
6º      FaltososDeChigre   1353   0   0   0   
7º      LottoStelvio   1318   4   2   0   
8º      MortoviaCycling   1317   0   0   1   
9º      QuintoYtapa   1291   1   0   0   
10º      Fiestina   1246   0   0   1   

37º      Skrimshaw   267   0   0   0   
38º      Combuijs   266   0   0   0   
39º      WFCyclingTeam   220   0   0   0   

A bad start of the season due to some bad planning of training camps, but there is enough time to recover. A surprise start by Sportlife, who apparently did forget he can't score in hill cobble races. Also a brilliant start by Yvo Meppelink Pro Cycling with 5 wins already this season, all by Jacco van Swieten, the next big thing in sprinting.

We managed to sell talent Michel Jansen to World Tour team Wizards. We also started the season by training stamina.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on December 06, 2021, 10:11:15 AM
A surprise start by Sportlife, who apparently did forget he can't score in hill cobble races.
It for sure makes a difference to compete in the cobblehills races as well. Maybe I should do that more often. :)
Good luck with your team in season 21, Combuijs.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 15, 2022, 10:03:11 PM
Tirreno Adriatico
2nd stage: 26. Arnolds Treimanis
3rd stage: 17. Diederik de Maar
4th stage: 29. Amable Puerto

In the GC Arnolds finished 15th, despite no special preparation.

Milan-San Remo: 22. Amable Puerto
E3 Harelbeke: 13. Eulogio Trillo

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 13. Amable Puerto
2nd stage: 17. Diederik de Maar
4th stage: 22. Amable Puerto

Ronde van Vlaanderen: 17. Eulogio Trillo

Itzulia:
2nd stage: 25. Bert Kerkhof
3rd stage: 15. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 27. Bert Kerkhof

Paris-Roubaix: 12. Hallvard Thorkildsen
Fleche Wallonne: 21. Toivo Sulg

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 22. Erland Westby
2nd stage: 5. Hallvard Thorkildsen
3rd stage: 17. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 22. Erland Westby

In the GC Erland finished 7th, his best result in a Tour.

Giro:
2nd stage: 6. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage: 16. Giorgi Jabbarov, 20. Nicklas Tornvig

In the GC Yvo finished 12th, his first non-top 10 place with special preparation. He is feeling the years, it seems.

Dauphine Libere:
2nd stage: 26. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 23. Peter Boit, 27. Hallvard Thorkildsen

In the GC Yvo finished 7th and Arnolds Treimanis 20th.

Tour de France:
2nd stage: 13. Hallvard Thorkildsen
4th stage: 17. Amable Puerto
5th stage: 15. Hallvard Thorkildsen

In the GC Gary Fredickson finished 18th, his best result in the Tour ever.

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
1st stage: 14. Hallvard Thorkildsen
4th stage: 24. Jesper Håkonsson

Vuelta:
1st stage: 24. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 14. Diederik de Maar
6th stage: 15. Diederik de Maar
7th stage: 30. Yvo van Straalen
9th stage: 4. Peter Boit
10th stage: 17. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finishes 11th, not bad without any preparation.

WC Time Trial: 18. Diederik de Maar

Final standings:

1º      Flyvende_hjul   17233   0   3   9   
2º      Agua_Verde   13415   11   6   1   
3º      SPORTLIFE   13253   5   3   3   
4º      Codex   11817   7   3   1   
5º      LottoStelvio   10687   13   8   7   
6º      FaltososDeChigre   9598   1   0   1   
7º      RealMurciaCycling   8998   1   2   3   
8º      ChronoTony   8711   1   3   7   
9º      Caracoles   8450   15   8   1   
10º      QuintoYtapa   7865   2   3   1   
11º      Matterhorn   7453   2   3   0   
12º      MortoviaCycling   7287   0   4   5   
13º      galegospolabici   6933   2   8   3   
14º      Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   6748   10   7   5   
15º      Fiestina   6709   0   2   1   
16º      OphiukoCT   6306   0   0   3   
17º      Plopsala   6214   0   4   6   
18º      Villavante   6095   3   2   5   
19º      Aurora_Australis   5641   5   2   2   
20º      KunTeam   5610   0   0   1
21º      HTCHungria   5379   0   5   3   
22º      Thorboassonarvesen   5318   3   1   3   
23º      TeamEuroscalt   5058   6   5   1
24º      Mlb   5055   0   2   1   
25º      ICSluj   5044   0   1   4   
26º      °Peachy°Melocotons   4868   1   2   4   
27º      Vicam   4811   0   0   0   
28º      Zatarra   4763   1   1   2   
29º      Turrones   4574   0   1   0   
30º      Shiro_Lions   4503   2   0   1   
31º      Luka_Warriors   3908   0   1   6   
32º      AmericanChow   3734   0   0   0
33º      Combuijs   3249   0   0   0   
34º      CC_Porco_Jones   3154   0   1   0   
35º      Pucela_Cycling_Team   2844   0   0   1   
36º      WaterBoys   2653   0   0   0   
37º      vercors   2390   0   0   0   
38º      LaSerenissima   2178   0   0   0   
39º      Cremy   2095   0   0   0   
40º      WFCyclingTeam   1670   0   0   0   
41º      CajaRuralZamora   1576   0   0   0   
42º      Skrimshaw   871   0   0   0   
43º      Ciclastur   719   0   0   0   
44º      Xegalaki_Pro   436   0   0   0   
45º      Monty   375   0   0   0   
46º      Astanadena   57   0   0   0
47º      ChampsElysees   0   0   0   0   
48º      HorsCategorieProTeam   0   0   0   0   
49º      Wizards   0   0   0   0   
50º      BlackHole   0   0   0   0

Absolute no chance to stay in, place 33 is not that horrible, but the difference with Shiro Lions was almost 1300 points. Congratulations to Flying Wheels with their win, congratulations to Sportlife with their well deserved third place and congratulations to every team that stayed in. We will miss them for some seasons.

Best riders:

1º      Henriks Valdmanis   31   4250   KunTeam   0   0   0   
2º      Serafim Gois   31   4197   Flyvende_hjul   0   1   3   
3º      Lasse Rønneberg   31   3673   SPORTLIFE   3   0   0   
4º      Pat Martin   30   3216   Flyvende_hjul   0   1   0   
5º      Dionisio Junior   27   2812   Matterhorn   1   1   0   
6º      Jacco VanSwieten   26   2787   Yvo_Meppelink_ProCycling   9   3   1   
7º      Tristan Min   29   2511   Flyvende_hjul   0   1   0   
8º      Clovis Beart   27   2456   LottoStelvio   3   4   2   
9º      Ken Hansen   29   2339   Codex   1   0   0   
10º      Phillip Spang   28   2165   Codex   3   1   0   

No rider in the top 50, mainly because Yvo van Straalen had a very bad season. Our best riders:

Yvo VanStraalen   32   929         234
Diederik De Maar   31   444         212
Amable Puerto   33   358         163
Erland Westby   29   244         010
Arnolds Treimanis   31   112         001
Phillip Køppen   34   75         035
Gary Fredickson   32   60         011
Giorgi Jabbarov   31   55         247
Nicklas Tornvig   34   38         135
Bert Kerkhof   32   30         000
Jesper Håkonsson   31   17         002

Peter Boit, Hallvard Thorkildsen, Toivo Sulg and Eulogio Trillo scored points as well, but I could not retrieve those anymore.

We bought Jesper Håkonsson in the first three weeks of the season to replace the aging Phillip Køppen and Nicklas Tornvig, but we did not continue that strategy as it was clear we were going to relegate. It brought us two icons though:
https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/vientopolar.png https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/iconoscff/malclima1.png

Well, we will cut our losses and start with a new generation of riders. It is a season earlier than expected.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Vos on January 16, 2022, 05:51:03 PM
Thanks Combuijs :)
You will be missed in division 1A. Your team is even on a split 8º place in the ranking of most 1A seasons.
I guess it is up to someone else now, to give beer to the 1A peleton. Unfortunately, probably it will not be the right beer brand now. :D
Good luck with recruiting and scouting !
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 22, 2022, 08:46:42 PM
This season we will get rid of (almost) all of our old riders and we will start a new generation (cobble) hillers. At the moment we have 7 interesting prospects and we will try to get a few results with the oldies.

The probably last cup ride for a while was against Ophiuko CT and our Amable Puerto could not beat Kert Tammik.

Tour Down Under:
2nd stage: 3. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 6. Amable Puerto

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 9. Giorgi Jabbarov
Strade Bianchi: 9. Giorgi Jabbarov

Paris - Nice:
1st stage: 29. Erland Westby
2nd stage: 13. Erland Westby, 28. Bert Kerkhof
4th stage to Vierzon: 26. Erland Westby

(https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/131000/131628-Cher-Department.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

Our youngest oldie Erland finished 3rd in the GC.

Division standings in 2b after the first week:

1º      AmericanChow   4121   1   1   3
2º      TeaMetal   2798   1   0   1   
3º      MarquinaTeam   2343   2   2   1   
4º      $Tourmalet   2041   2   3   1   
5º      vercors   2010   1   1   1   
6º      Cremy   1789   0   1   1   
7º      Fliegende_Flyers   1259   0   0   0   
8º      CajaRuralZamora   1103   0   1   1   
9º      Rekutxuteam   1051   1   1   0   
10º      Albion   978   1   0   0   
11º      Combuijs   952   0   0   1   
12º      PDM_cycling_team   913   1   2   0

No, we won't be competing for promotion, but we might stay in the division for a season...
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on January 29, 2022, 03:40:40 PM
Tirreno Adriatico:
5th stage: 22. Erland Westby

In the GC Bert Kerkhof finished 19th, just good enough to be mentioned here for the last time.

E3 Harelbeke: 3. Giorgi Jabbarov, 10. Jesper Håkonsson

Volta Catalunya:
3rd stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 2. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen, 17. Arnolds Treimanis

In the GC Yvo finished 5th.

Gent-Wevelgem: 8. Jesper Håkonsson

(https://www.droomplekken.nl/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2F5p6ovbti38w4.b-cdn.net%2Fw_960%2Fs3-droomplekken%2F7a6248a9-c690-43b2-b79a-032c963116a8.jpg&w=1200&q=75)

Division standings in 2b after the second week:

1º      AmericanChow   8508   1   3   5
2º      TeaMetal   5647   1   0   2   
3º      MarquinaTeam   5511   4   5   3   
4º      Cremy   5172   2   3   1   
5º      vercors   4070   1   1   3   
6º      $Tourmalet   3968   3   4   1   
7º      Rekutxuteam   3102   3   2   0   
8º      CajaRuralZamora   2325   0   1   2   
9º      Combuijs   2233   0   1   2   
10º      Fliegende_Flyers   2018   0   1   0   

We are now reduced to 6 serious riders, plus some very talented ... eh ... talents.

On the cobble hill front we have Claudio Passacantilli, Viriato Ataide, Hernan Santander and Hakan Bühler. As flat hillers we have Isaias Valderrama, Jens Korenveld, Adam Hoogvliet, Sándor Tacács and Albeiro Valdes. Pure hillers are Tigo Seedorf, Henk-Jan van Vleuten, Odin Koning and Rein Verspuij.

At the moment all our staff are trying to measure up these talents to predict who is going to be our star rider in the future. We have hardly any definitive results yet, but some look promising.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 13, 2022, 05:40:16 PM
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 3. Jesper Håkonsson, 21. Giorgi Jabbarov
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 3. Jesper Håkonsson, 17. Giorgi Jabbarov

Itzulia:
1st stage: 1. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage: 1. Jesper Håkonsson, 8. Giorgi Jabbarov

Two victories, mainly because we did not ride for the GC.

Tour de Romandie:
1st stage: 8. Diederik de Maar
3rd stage: 21. Arnolds Treimanis
5th stage: 10. Arnolds Treimanis

In the GC Arnolds finished 14th.

Giro:
2nd stage: 13. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 12. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 18. Yvo van Straalen, 23. Erland Westby
8th stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 4th on almost 4 minutes from winner Agapito Salcedo (Cremy).

Dauphine Liberé:
1st stage: 5. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 13. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage to La Rosière: 18. Yvo van Straalen

(https://www.cgh-residences.nl/photos/stations/sliders/la-rosiere-1_222.webp)

Division standings in 2b after the fourth week:

1º      AmericanChow   14744   2   6   7
2º      MarquinaTeam   14195   6   7   7   
3º      Cremy   12651   7   4   1   
4º      TeaMetal   10575   2   0   5   
5º      vercors   8167   1   2   7   
6º      $Tourmalet   8152   4   8   2   
7º      CajaRuralZamora   6084   2   1   3   
8º      Rekutxuteam   5518   4   4   0   
9º      MOREBike   5119   1   3   1   
10º      Combuijs   4687   2   1   4   
11º      beerkes   4601   1   0   0   

It seems we have two very talented riders: Albeiro Valdes and Claudio Passacantili. Rein Verspuij, Henk-Jan van Vleuten and Hakan Bühler can be called promising talents as well. So we will concentrate on these riders for the moment.
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on February 19, 2022, 03:41:59 PM
Dauphine Liberé:
In the GC Yvo van Straalen finished 5th.

Tour de Suisse:
2nd stage: 7. Arnolds Treimanis
4th stage: 14. Arnolds Treimanis
5th stage: 4. Arnolds Treimanis, 12. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Arnolds was on 3rd place on 1.43 from winner Elias Bossov (Marguina Team). Yvo finished 15th in a supporting role.

Tour de France:
2nd stage: 8. Arnolds Treimanis
4th stage: 24. Erland Westby
5th stage to Mende: 16. Arnolds Treimanis, 28. Erland Westby

(https://zonnigzuidfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Mende-300x224.jpg)

After the 5th week these are the division standings:

1º      MarquinaTeam   16990   6   8   10   
2º      AmericanChow   15742   2   6   7
3º      Cremy   14653   9   5   1   
4º      TeaMetal   12435   4   0   7   
5º      $Tourmalet   9431   5   9   3   
6º      vercors   9244   1   2   8   
7º      CajaRuralZamora   6937   2   1   5   
8º      Galletto   6809   4   5   5   
9º      Rekutxuteam   6436   5   5   0   
10º      MOREBike   5867   1   4   1   
11º      Combuijs   5770   2   1   4   
12º      beerkes   5516   1   0   0   

The time trial results of Diederik de Maar last week did not go without notice and we got an offer from the Pauwel's brewery which of course we refused. After all their Kwak beer is a very strong contender for our own Combuijs Honey Ale...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/kwak.jpg)
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 09, 2022, 05:24:27 PM
Tour de France:
6th stage: 9. Arnolds Treimanis
8th stage: 3. Arnolds Treimanis, 14. Erland Westby
9th stage: 12. Arnolds Treimanis, 27. Erland Westby
10th stage: 8. Arnolds Treimanis, 14. Erland Westby

In the GC Arnolds finished 4th, just outside the podium. Erland finished 14th.

Combuijs Honey Ale Tour:
2nd stage: 20. Giorgi Jabbarov
3rd stage: 18. Giorgi Jabbarov
5th stage: 22. Giorgi Jabbarov

In the GC Giorgi finished 12th.

Vuelta:
1st stage: 19. Arnolds Treimanis, 27. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 10. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 19. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 8. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 26. Yvo van Straalen
7th stage: 11. Yvo van Straalen
8th stage to Cerler: 25. Yvo van Straalen

In the GC Yvo finished 5th, Arnolds 20th. Russian Lukoil was very satisfied with this result and donated some money. We have declined the offer though in light of the situation in Ukraine...
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/lukoil.jpg)

(https://zonnigzuidfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Mende-300x224.jpg)

Final standings:

1º      AmericanChow   23810   3   8   8
2º      MarquinaTeam   23011   11   16   11   
3º      Cremy   21864   12   6   1   
4º      TeaMetal   16260   4   0   7   
5º      vercors   13043   1   5   8   
6º      CajaRuralZamora   12283   2   3   8   
7º      $Tourmalet   12163   7   11   5   
8º      Galletto   11844   4   7   8   
9º      GMV_Cycling   9194   0   0   1
10º      beerkes   8706   2   0   2   
11º      PDM_cycling_team   8678   7   9   5
12º      PORTUGAL2011   8207   20   2   2   
13º      Combuijs   8143   2   1   5   
14º      Lugnanese   8076   0   1   3   
15º      MOREBike   7253   1   5   1   
16º      Albion   7089   2   3   1   
17º      Rekutxuteam   6821   6   5   0   
18º      SanJose   6419   1   2   3   
19º      Euskadi2022   6332   1   1   3   
20º      Fliegende_Flyers   6118   2   2   2   
21º      Estoparia   5625   0   0   0
22º      JackyTeam   3521   0   0   1   
23º      Gloucester   3247   0   0   1   
24º      Animatoca   3201   0   0   0   
25º      La_Vie_Claire   3053   2   1   2
26º      FastandFurious   2675   0   0   0   
27º      team_piroshki   1919   0   0   0   
28º      Cosalis   1853   0   0   0   
29º      WinterIsComing   1684   0   2   1
30º      VILLESVENSKAS   1277   1   0   1
31º      GARAJE_EH   859   0   0   0   
32º      Periquitos   818   0   1   1
33º      Flandria   561   0   0   0   
34º      TilburgTerriërs   282   0   0   0
35º      OSLB   268   0   0   0
36º      ColoTeam   133   0   0   0   
37º      El_Equipo_de_Drkasty   15   0   0   0   
38º      TTeam   0   0   0   0   
39º      Team_Elrosportu   0   0   0   0
40º      FaustoScoppi   0   0   0   0   
41º      Oska   0   0   0   0   
42º      Velocitus   0   0   0   0   
43º      Jediondos   0   0   0   0
44º      Buttazoni   0   0   0   0   
45º      Bergersfeldt   0   0   0   0   
46º      Balumina   0   0   0   0   
47º      Kalenjicycling   0   0   0   0   
48º      Arosa    0   0   0   0   
49º      Xacobeo83   0   0   0   0   
50º      TeamDB   0   0   0   0   

Lost some places in the last races, but 13th is not bad with only 6 competitive riders.

1º      Agapito Salcedo   27   6793   Cremy   4   2   0   
2º      Sebastiaan Groenendaal   29   5065   Galletto   1   3   3   
3º      Cristian Kristiansen   30   4262   AmericanChow   1   4   2   
4º      Orencio Molinero   30   3935   CajaRuralZamora   0   1   2   
5º      Nick Thompson   28   3557   TeaMetal   2   0   4   
6º      Elias Bossov   24   3494   MarquinaTeam   1   1   3   
7º      Alex Harkeleroad   27   3349   PORTUGAL2011   9   0   1   
8º      Danylo Ruzmikin   30   3309   Cremy   3   1   0   
9º      Afonso Rio    33   3057   TeaMetal   0   0   1   
10º      Gilbert Obermeier   25   3040   MarquinaTeam   2   5   3   

17º      Yvo VanStraalen   33   2583   Combuijs   0   0   0   
26º      Arnolds Treimanis   32   1938   Combuijs   0   0   1   

Jesper Håkonsson   32   1177   363333         104
Giorgi Jabbarov   32   1085   256666         248
Erland Westby   30   785   167999         010
Diederik De Maar   32   468   100000         323

Yvo van Straalen still 17th, perhaps another season for him?
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on March 19, 2022, 08:01:39 PM
Not a good start of season 23, we lost in the first round of the cup in a hill climbing race against fellow Pro Continental tour team Xegalaki Pro. Erland Westby could not beat Claudio Rosario (and Wilfried Jacob for that matter).

Omloop het Nieuwsblad: 7. Jesper Håkonsson, 30. Giorgi Jabbarov
Strade Bianchi: 13. Jesper Håkonsson

Paris - Nice:
1st stage: 2. Diederik de Maar
5th stage: 30. Erland Westby

Tirreno Adriatico:
4th stage: 12. Erland Westby
5th stage: 25. Erland Westby

In the GC Erland finished 7th, Arnolds 18th as a helper.

E3 Harelbeke: 8. Giorgi Jabbarov

Volta Catalunya:
1st stage: 23. Yvo van Straalen
2nd stage: 12. Yvo van Straalen, 20. Arnolds Treimanis
3rd stage: 1. Diederik de Maar
4th stage: 30. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 25. Yvo van Straalen

A win in the time trial by Diederik, which earned us a sponsor contract by DSM. They will now supply us with interesting chemical stuff, which can't be detected by doping control.
(https://www.cyclingforfun.org/cff/sponsors/dsm.jpg)

In the GC Yvo finished 5th and Arnolds 10th in a helping role. Points in every stage, so all and all a very good Volta Catalunya.

Gent - Wevelgem: 8. Jesper Håkonsson
Dwars door Vlaanderen: 2. Jesper Håkonsson, 25. Georgi Jabbarov

(https://www.westtoer.be/sites/westtoer_2015/files/styles/route_main_image_desktop/public/westtoer/doen/routes/cover_roeselare.jpg?itok=wXMn1r9x)

Division standings after two weeks:

1º      LanihuliCycling   8402   2   1   4   
2º      Rekutxuteam   7944   12   3   1   
3º      MOREBike   3828   1   2   3   
4º      GMV_Cycling   3418   0   1   1
5º      Kelme4ever   3311   1   0   2   
6º      Fliegende_Flyers   3199   1   4   3   

12º      CajaRuralZamora   2341   1   2   0   
13º      Combuijs   2305   1   2   0   
14º      Galletto   2287   1   3   2   
Title: Re: The Combuijs Capers
Post by: Combuijs on April 10, 2022, 08:51:38 PM
Ronde van Vlaanderen: 9. Jesper Håkonsson, 23. Georgi Jabbarov

Itzulia:
3rd stage: 27. Giorgi Jabbarov
4th stage: 9. Jesper Håkonsson, 14. Giorgi Jabbarov
5th stage: 29. Giorgi Jabbarov

Tour de Romandie:
2nd stage: 3. Diederik de Maar

Giro:
1st stage: 30. Erland Westby.
2nd stage: 17. Erland Westby
5th stage: 23. Erland Westby, 29. Yvo van Straalen
6th stage: 12. Erland Westby
7th stage: 29. Erland Westby
8th stage: 29. Erland Westby
9th stage: 30. Erland Westby
10th stage: 24. Erland Westby

In the GC Erland finished 12th, not good enough for a sponsor deal with Philips. He was very consistent, but simply not good enough.

Dauphiné Liberé:
1st stage: 25. Erland Westby
3rd stage: 14. Erland Westby, 30. Yvo van Straalen
4th stage: 10. Erland Westby
5th stage: 6. Erland Westby

In the GC Erland finished 7th.

Tour de Suisse:
2nd stage: 13. Arnolds Treimanis, 26. Yvo van Straalen
3rd stage: 8. Jesper Håkonsson, 24. Yvo van Straalen, 29. Arnolds Treimanis
4th stage: 6. Arnolds Treimanis, 29. Yvo van Straalen
5th stage: 15. Arnolds Treimanis

In the GC Arnolds was just outside the podium on place 4, Yvo finished 12th. All and all a very satisfying tour of Switzerland.

Tour de France:
3rd stage: 23. Arnolds Treimanis, 27. Erland Westby
4th stage: 13. Arnolds Treimanis, 14. Erland Westby
5th stage: 5. Diederik de Maar
6th stage: 5. Diederik de Maar
7th stage: 10. Diederik de Maar, 28. Erland Westby
8th stage to Digne-les-Bains: 20. Erland Westby

(https://zonnigzuidfrankrijk.nl/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Digne-les-Bains1-300x199.jpg)

Division standings after five weeks:

1º      LanihuliCycling   25368   11   13   8   
2º      Rekutxuteam   15111   18   8   6   
3º      Galletto   12623   11   7   9   
4º      MOREBike   10037   3   4   6   
5º      team_piroshki   9542   1   2   5
6º      GMV_Cycling   9404   0   4   3   

14º      beerkes   6440   1   1   1   
15º      Combuijs   4825   1   2   1   
16º      SanJose   4749   0   0   3   

GMV Cycling is fighting for promotion, we will most likely finish on 15th place, which is good enough.

Meanwhile we have switched to cobble training for most riders.