Written by Finz of NightmareChaos
  
  For the twenty-forth time we see the teams arrive in Colchester for another Essex tour.
  The teams will present themselves to the crowd and as they walk on the podium and wave to the spectators we will try to say something about them and if they are seen as favourites, outsiders or nobodies. Let us enjoy this tour and let them enjoy us.
  
   Team Majones
  Wit Pelgrims will try to repeat what he did in Wales. A podium finish for his manager kikkan. A nice team and they might pull some nice results during the stages. But they are tired.
  
   Team Tirilla
  This group of foreigners in Danish service are here for only one thing. The final stage into the town of Chelmsford, will end in a bunch sprint. And when it does, Alberto Gasperoni is at the front. Trying to secure a victory.
  
   1 2 Cycle
  Edward van Baerlem is ready for the hills in Essex. He will be one of the first in the first and last stage. His manager Mark Marakus hopes he can surprise in the timetrial. But we fear he will be left behind by the more experienced riders.
  
   Die Tour Phantome
  The old, cunning, Reginald Haney is leading the Essex attack of Alexx. He already won a tour in his career so this rider knows what it takes to win and perform. His timetrial experience will be vital and if his form is great then this rider could surprise us all.
  
   peddelen
  peddelen was very motivated when he signed up for this race. But then disaster struck. His favourite captain bumped his pinky toe on the way to the bathroom at night. And now it is all blue and swollen. Even little 'magical' kisses from the manager did not make the tears go away. This team will go for break aways.
  
   Greenride
  They planned on something only the devil could have invented. But devine interference made sure this team would find its way up again. Now in Essex they rely on the Iraqi spirit of Arfan Husain. A veteran rider with a nice team behind him. The team is just a little bit to much climbing orientated. And Essex is not famous for its mountains therefor wewill not give this team much credit.
  
   NECFTW
  If

there was criticism on this team and their management decisions in the past, today is not the day to do so. If Bardh Shkreli can maintain his current form he will be securing a nice win in stage one and try to protect his place in the timetrial to come. We think they have a good chance.
  
   WV De Dommel
  Winning Bergen Rundtur for the fifth time gives this team a great boost. Anghel Ghidarcea will be leading again. His team is ready, Anghel is in great shape and he should secure a top nine finish. Maybe even better.
  
   Jonas Pro Cycling
  Straight from Spain where they won the Sprinting Classification we see Jonas Pro Cycling with their top sprinter Brian Hitchens. Their only goal is the last stage, winning in front of a great enthousiastic crowd. They will be too tired to secure a nice overall result but that does not matter. They have won their trophies already.
  
   Hommerts Cycling Team
  They have a great sprinter in their team but the choose to let him stay home and instead join the tour with a decent rider that can ride some hills. This team amazes me every time again. They have a great rider, they loose him. They have a great rider again, they will not enter him. No real expectations for them, everything is a bonus. And no injuries should be considered a victory.
  
   Kremer
  Who would have known that a few months ago. Jakob Rachlin being the captain in the squad for Kremer. This rider is been offered to numerous teams but either the price was too high or the rider was not needed. Will Kremer show those Nay sayers wrong? And will Rachlin win in Essex like he did in Germany. We will see, it would be the ultimate revenge though.
  
   Cider Riders
  The English team of Cider Riders is gambling on two horses. Simoncini for a stage win at stage three and the rest of the team can explode on day two. The timetrial is where CiderJ wants his rider too shine and if that is not enough, Gervaso Samper can also win stage three in the sprint.
  Could this team be the dark horse in Essex?
  
   omega pharma lotto
  Ilic wants to shine again. We have heard that he can look for another team for next season and what better promotion than a stage win. Stage one is all he is after, the other stages are not his cup of

tea.
  Who knows, if he wins, he might stay.
  
   Megaman
  This Spanish team, with one Englishman, will try to win the tour in stage two. The timetrial will be the focus with Aaron Alemao as special guest. Will they be able to keep up in the hills or can they crush everybody in the race against the clock. Let us wait and see but, the bookmakers are keen on his chances.
  
   Luveaucek
  Damario Barba, still the favourite captain for team manager Wryen Luveau. Being of age we believe Damario is reaching the hay days of his career. One of his last stints will be leading the Essex assault for this Czech based team. He has won a fair amount of prizes and an Essex victory would suit him well. Stage one is a possibility.
  
   Gradient Levellers
  When the organizers decide to give away a jersey for best young rider, Fred Hasselbaink could claim it. This rider is looking great, he is fast, strong and cunning. He would be a sponsors wet dream if he did not have that silly looking head. Not a decent, understandable, word leaves his mouth. And that is when he speaks Dutch, can you imagine how it was talking to him in English.
  
   Yuri SuperTeam
  This Portuguese team brings Gert Sijmonds again. This means just one thing. A stage win in stage three. I think we have a few favourites for this stage and this means a few will be dissapointed. Gert Sijmonds will be one of those disappointed riders.
  
   Legia
  An experienced Aussie will try to secure an overall victory in the timetrial on stage two. Doohan is in great condition and he knows how to ride against the clock. His strength will secure him a nice spot on stage one and stage three is just for fun. A nice rider with some chance to win this year in Essex.
  
   Matrix team
  Sandro Montelbano is back. And he will win it again.
  
   Drapeau Noir
  After a disappointing Vuelta, Drapeau Noir is trying to get a decent result in Essex. Liuni will lead the team and Arne de Brouwer will be vice-captain. We all know what that will do to his opponents minds. Let us see if they can hang on this time. Essex is shorter then the Vuelta so maybe Delion can steal a win here.