14 DAY TRIAL // My love for cycling has translated for a few years now into a love of Pro Cycling Manager 2013, the simulation title created by developer Cyanide, and this year I once again plan to run a virtual Tour de France just as the real-world competition kicks off.
Before we get to some actual racing, I want to offer a little bit of information on some of the preliminary choices I have made, using the Stage Race mode.
My first dilemma was whether to use one of the teams that actually take place in this biggest race of the year or if I want to select my own custom team, simply selecting the riders I like from the peloton.
I decided to take the more realistic route and chose to manage Radioshack Leopard Trek, the team I like best, using pretty much the line-up of riders that have been announced as scheduled to ride the race.
This means my team is made up of: Andreas Kloden, Andy Schleck, Haimar Zubeldia, Jens Voigt, Tony Gallopin, Maxime Montfort, Markel Irizar, Laurent Didier and Fabian Cancellara (who replaces Jan Bakelants because I just like him so much as a sportsman).
I could also have added Frank, brother of Andy, to my squad despite the fact that he is suspended in the real world, but I chose not to.
My aim is, of course, to take the fabled Maillot Jaune, the Yellow Jersey of the leader, with Andy Schleck.
I lack a true sprinter so I plan to try and get stage wins using the rest of my squad, especially riders who are not in support roles, like Kloden or maybe Gallopin.
Cancellara is here to drive the team in the time trial and to provide support on flat stages when needed.
The first actual stage is happening tomorrow in Corsica.