Written by Canard Solutions B at 17:02 26/7-2023
Canard Solutions Bogota has had an unforgettable season as their transition in Cycling Simulator goes from strength to strength. The Bogota-based team has secured five impressive victories including their first in Division 3 when Selmo Escudero led an impressive solo breakaway on Stage 3 of the Copa de la Historia de los Andes. Furthermore, the team took an impressive 11 podium finishes, just one shy of their all time greatest podium returns of 12.
Furthermore, the team sit top in the Columbian teams ranking and have added two national jerseys to their collection with Selmo Escudero and Sadaqat Sabih laying claim to the El Salvador and Saudi Arabian national bands respectively.
But as the dust settles on this remarkable campaign and Season 66 gets away it is a good time to reflect on how the fortunes of Canard Solutions Bogota have changed.
1. Canard tweak’s sprint focus to hillier parcours
One of the most notable aspects of this season's triumphs is Canard's strategic shift in focus. Following the retirement of Canard’s mountain goat captain Gualterio Cuello last season, Canard’s management were desperately seeking a suitable successor, particularly as sprint captain Francesc Gasch turns 35 next season. But Canard didn’t have to wait long as, not one, not two, but three riders have had break out seasons.
The first breakthrough comes with the aforementioned El Salvador National Champ Selmo Escudero who this year has cemented himself as Gasch’s heir apparent taking his first two victories. Both of which came in Bolivia. After enjoying four podium finishes last season, two victories in Div 3 and 4 was a strong statement of the 27 year old hill sprinter’s upward rise.
Notable mentions must also go to Jairo Nez who took his first victory in a technical sprint in Vietnam’s Prey Veng – Phnom Penh and Dermot Nester who has been Selmo's first choice lead out man for the hillier sprints.
However, despite these impressive results, it may be some time before Canard find another talent like Gasch. The 34 year old Andorran continued his prolific return this season adding three further podiums and another GC Top 10 when he finished sixth at Div 4’s Italy Giro di Sicilia. This takes his current palmarès to 15 wins and 56 results from 292 races.
2. Cobbles becomes a fresh focus
However, the answer to Gasch’s replacement may be captains rather than a captain. As Selmo was not the only one to take wins this season with 2 other victories coming from the unlikeliest of places – pave.
Baltazar Zuidema has been a strong domestique at Canard for several seasons but took breakaway opportunities this year to enjoy a win and second place in the gravel of Iceland and Bolivia. This free role tactic boasted further returns as neo-pro Fausto Aguero took his first victory ever on the Astana Cobbles this year also.
Following these results, Canard’s management has seen an opportunity to build a specialist cobble and gravel squad around Zuidema and Aguero. So far Canard have added four specialists to the sub squad. The Saudian Arabian national champ and all-rounder Sadaqat Sabih will act as the road captain with support from echelon specialist Flavio Emmanuelo; and young cobble specialists Garcia Periate and Eryk Pawlowski. Canard will be hoping this crack squad of riders can capitalize on their strengths and outmanoeuvre their opponents immediately in Season 66. As Day 8 marks the start of a clear target the 3-Stage La Coupe de la Soif Éternelle cobble classic.
3. Building strength, depth and experience
The last component of Canard’s success can be attributed to the team’s steady development. The team now holds a team value of $2,150,262 and boosts an impressive 22 riders and 11 staff. Their prudence on the hire list was also on display this year. Their investment in older but higher averaged talent seems to be ideal preparation for the impending departures of Gasch and Kwiatkowski who may both retire this season.
The addition of experienced all-rounders Johannes Kunuk and Sadaqat Sabih to support puncheur Hernandez Velazquez (who spent much of this season injured) has given Canard vital experience to not only take to stage races and assist in podium finishes but to offer tutelage to the young crop of talent in Canard’s stable..
Team manager, Juan Yetaes made a statement in Bogota yesterday commenting on Canard's best season.
“This season’s just been incredible for us! We knew we had the talent and determination to compete at the highest level, especially with Gasch dominating in the way he has for so long. However, the decision to switch our focus to cobbles and hillier sprints was a calculated one. And I am proud to say that it’s paid off. It’s been great to see our investment our new crop of captains, like Selmo and Fausto and I can’t wait to see what they do next year!”
“I also must mention the most notable achievement for Canard Solutions this season. Which was our successful entry and first win in Division 3. This marked a significant milestone for the team as it meant we can now start to be officially recognized among the elite ranks of Cycling Simulator. Our consistent performances and results also mean we’ve reached the summit of Colombian cycling teams, becoming the top-ranked team in the country for the first time in our history.”
As the cycling world looks ahead to the Season 66, there is no doubt that Canard Solutions Bogota will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. With a newfound focus on cobbles and sprinting, and their recent ascendence to the top of Columbia’s rankings, the team is poised for even greater achievements in the seasons to come.
"This has been an incredible journey for us, but now the hard work begins – staying there!” said Yetaes said with a beaming smile.
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Comments
Now I finally know what the B stands for :)
Congrats on the great season!
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