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Fantasy Tour De France

The 104th edition of the Tour de France got into gear this weekend, which gives us another chance to take part in a summer Fantasy game.

For those playing the Velo Games Fantasy Cycling game there is a Fantasy Football Scout community league to take part in (league code – 776044417).

Here’s a quick reminder of the rules, team selection and some key cyclists to watch out for.

The Rules

Each player takes the role of a manager of a professional cycling team. The aim of the contest is to select the best possible team of nine riders, while operating within the conditions set on team selection. The better your racers perform during the three week event, the more points they will accumulate for your Fantasy squad.

Teams are given 100 credits to select their riders. credits are the games’ currency. Each rider is given a value in credits, based on their prospective points-scoring abilities.

However it is to be noted that there won’t be any further transfers available. So players are advised to choose their initial teams with a lot of care and precision.

Team Selection

Riders are split into four Rider Classes, which reflect their strengths, weaknesses and role within their team. These categories are All-Rounder, Climber, Sprinter and Unclassed Riders.

Each team must contain two All-Rounders, two Climbers, one Sprinter, three Unclassed Riders and one Wild Card. The Wild Card selection may be from any rider category, and allows a team manager to specialise somewhat in the team they pick.

The Route

Let us take a look at the important aspects of the route which plays a major role in deciding the results of a race.
This year’s race is expected to be more competitive and not favour any particular team. The race is 13 km shorter than the previous one and the climbs are much lesser than in 2016. A high number of steep mountain gradients are a part. The race started in Dusseldorf –  the first time in three decades that this contest has started in Germany.

Important stages

There are 21 stages in total during the course of the race. Some of the races which are expected to play an important role in deciding the fate of the race are Stage 5,8, 9, 12, 13, 17 and 20.

Prominent Players

There are a total of 22 teams and 198 players taking part in this year’s tour.
They can be classified using various parameters. I have prepared a list on the basis of past records, bookies odds and current form.

Favourites: Richie Porte, Chris Froome, and Nairo Quintana.

Dreams Can captain goalkeepers at will.

270 Comments Post a Comment
  1. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Impossible to call tomorrows stage. It's very short, very steep and very downhill at the end.

    Bookies are making Martin the favourite but it's Bastille day and surely a French win is on the cards with some great talent for the French this year both uphill and downhill.

    On the other hand maybe SKY are now forced to ride on the attack, On what could be a chaotic stage leading from the front for once may be the best option....this stage may further break Froome if they get it wrong. One caveat is that Froome really didn't like that very steep end today but tomorrow has an even steeper part on the final climb before the downhill finish...

    I'm going for a stage win for either Clamejane or Benoot.

  2. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Contractor and Landa destroying the stage....Fantastic riding.

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Exciting stuff!

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        So glad I got rid of Rolland for Benoot. Leaves me 2 mill to bring Landa in who looks like he's becoming a player for GC.

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah, I'm chasing so need to take a punt or two to make up ground. Froome didn't know whether to chase or let Lander go .. he's in an unenviable position in a way but still has the time trial in reserve. The team would probably take a TDF win from either rider. I expect them to send Lander out again so he's defo in as you say.

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Great tactics by SKY. They're determined to win one way or the other. Froome with that TT still to come is actually probably still race leader....but he ain't dominant right now.

  3. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Such a shame the original game didn't have transfers. This KOM competition is really very good with transfers included.

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      It is, I'm liking it a lot more ... catching you up after today ... a massive one point more.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Can't make up my mind about Lander ... the gc guys won't let him go again but he is in contention now and a great enabler ... hmmm. Still trying to work out if the famous Wakey mind games are in overdrive!

  4. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A better 'flat' race today. Aru's team really have handed the yellow to Froomey and Sky; amateur stuff. Happy with that ... for me it's all about supporting Froome and Sky; hopefully this'll give him and the team a boost ... they've shown their mettle and tactical nouce [when under pressure], both yesterday and today.

    1. electrue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Aru has no teammates for the climbs. I think Uran has the best chance to challenge Froome for the yellow jersey. The others will lose too much time in the ITT. Still a lot of stages left so anything is possible I guess. One the most competitive Tour in recent years for sure.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, the Yellow is still up for grabs but Froome rivals will have to make their move in the few mountain stages left. Even without Thomas, Sky are so strong. Uran a target for me...I've made too many basic errors in this game to be competitive ...just don't have the depth of knowledge but absolutely no excuse for not realising Uran was only 10m ... duh !! Mathews got to be a big favourite for tomorrow's stage.

        1. electrue
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I wanted Cannondale coverage but couldn't decide between Uran, Talansky and Rolland and skipped them altogether. But as we talked a lot already the game has huge luck factor due to the injuries but not transfers combo. I'm down to 6 riders after Fuglsang withdraw.
          I have no idea what to expect from tomorrow stage. Maybe a solo attack from the breakaway after the last climb.

          1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Lol, of course, we still have the original main league going! I'd completely forgotten about that, mostly due to lack of riders and a lowly position I suspect, but also the Mountain competition is much more exciting, the transfers really make the difference...stages are better to watch too.

            1. Dr Dream
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I was reading online on a couple of cycling pages I visit. The consensus is that the main game is a disaster and the KOM game is fantastic...I agree...

        2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          *Martin even ...

  5. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    This TdF is shaping up to be one of the best I can ever remember....It's a shame a few big names dropped out.

    Anyway...big gamble for me tomorrow...

    The stage isn't quite mountainous enough to be a "Queen" and looks set for a breakaway for the second string climbers...we'll see...

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Yeah, you and me both, bit of luck required really to guess who decides or is is allowed to attack tomorrow. Froome had to go to fund the spending free but will still be supporting him in the race of course. Btw great advice you gave last night regarding capt/key picks for fpl gw1 ... altered my side as a result.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        *sp

  6. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    What a race ... every time they come back from a commercial break something else has has kicked off!

    1. electrue
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Landa stronger than Froome despite riding the Giro is unbelievable.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Yeah, a bit surprised the other gc contenders didn't really take full advantage...Lander helped, playing his part at the end by subduing any thoughts of further attacks

  7. Dr Dream
    • 11 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Right fellas....and in paticular FC Lackless and Electriue...

    Looks like we're all enjoying thos KOM hame...in gacy i'm loving ot.

    Having realised fantasy cycling is an absolute winner I've done some digging for the best game that includes teansfers....and here it is...

    It has a two level entry, paid and free, and is a season long fantasy game with leagues for individual races as well. The only difference is that the free game only allows entry to eight races a year whilst the paid one includes entry to all races.

    Would anybody be interested in doing this game (we could start with the remainer of this season)....I'd only be interested in making a league/forum of anything between 4 and 10 posters to ensure we all have a chance of winning...in fact much like this KOM league has been run.

    We could maybe set up a closed FB page, or similar, for admin, banter and tips to help guide us to good finishes in the overall game as well as our private battles.

    Anybody interested...

    http://fantasy.road.cc/howto

    1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 14 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm keen. Just restarted my account ...

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Really...Good....It really does lend itself well to a fantasy game once the transfers are part of it....in fact really well...

        What do you think about limiting the size of a league/forum...I always prefer smaller groups/leagues in fantasy games rather than becoming swamped in the OR games..

        1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
          • Fantasy Football Scout Member
          • 14 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Sure. I have just made a team for the rest of the Tour. 🙂

          1. Doosra - ☭DeclanMyGeniusâ…
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 14 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            All set up, now. 🙂

            1. Dr Dream
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              I'll do one when the lads have gone to bed and I can get on a proper computer.

              Big two days coming up.Aru, Uran, Bardet and co have no choice but to go for broke now...well if they want to win it...

              Aru with no team to help him is worst placed of those.

    2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Two exciting days in the mountains to come. I'll have to think about the league idea simply because I've only ever watched the TDF; have never seen or realised other races can likely be accessed on the telly...are they on Sky? However for now my priority in what has been a cracking game is to nail my last two subs ... I suspect I've left myself with too much to do though. At present I've decided I have to get Uran despite the fact I really need a differential. The last pick is the key one ... do I go for Lander perhaps or even Yates. Trying to second guess your sub Wakey, wouldn't be surprised to find Gallopin nestled in there tomorrow morning!

      1. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I don't mind telling you.

        I've gone for a real curve ball with Matthews having to do well to continue to pile pressure on Kittlel. I have no idea if he can manage the real high mountains but he has no choice if he wants green.

        I never play fantasy games to win. All I know is that tomorrow Bardet Aru Uran, Barguil (KOM) and Matthews (green jersey) have to ride well....I have them all and that's good enough to keep me on the edge of my seat...and a few pts..

        I don't have Contador, Yates, Martin, Landa, Mollema or Quintana...Landa might have to drive the SKY train to counter the attacks...so i'd go him in your shoes...

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          I've gone for Uran and Rodlic. The key differences between the teams seem to be Rodlic, Gallopin vs Mathews, De Gendt and Benoot. A strange phenomenon occured last night ... at some point I was able to see your gw17 side with Mathews in, think it was just after midnight but not toatally sure; I'm not normally up that late. You'd taken out Van Avermaet I think. Today it's locked down again as usual.

          1. Dr Dream
            • 11 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Avermaet is a great climber but he just doesn't look like he's gonna get over the top on enough climbs in a high position. ...and that's what this game is about,

            Matthews won't do much tomorrow now because he doesn't need to..mmmm...

      2. Dr Dream
        • 11 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Oh and as for only watching the TDF...it doesn't matter. You love cycling so just join and whatever happens is whatever happens.

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Yeah just can't quite figure if the gc guys will be hogging the points or looking at each other until the final climb and letting the other riders go ... if that's the case you could have an inspired pick; in fact it's a great pick regardless...I like how your mind works with these key decisions. The other option for me that has just occured is Rodlic of course, he and Gallopin have some recent form and will be allowed to go too. Barguil has to be the favourite but we all have him now. Barguil could help himself and his team mate at the same time. For myself I suspect I'm in danger of overthinking it all....will have one last look and press the button.

  8. Forza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    My strategy of saving transfers was going well, until I forgot to make them. 😳

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      ah no! ..are you 'mountain goats' ?

      1. Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        I'm the one below him in the league... the one who was feeling good about still having five transfers! It's been three days since we were in the mountains, so I completely forgot until an hour after the deadline.

        1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Bad luck, so easily done ... presumably a big last day for you with lots of subs and up to date info, so hopefully not all is lost. Seeing how this race has panned out so far just underlines to me my lack of anything other than basic cycling knowledge and my poor preparation for the stage....unlike Wakey who has completely nailed it so far! I need one of my riders on the podium at the end to have any chance.

          1. Forza
            • Fantasy Football Scout Member
            • 9 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            I'll have nine tickets for the breakaway lottery and hope that the GC teams let a big breakaway go, but you or Wakey will win as it's been so unpredictable this year.

            1. Dr Dream
              • 11 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              Not won by either of us yet.

              You can tack up big pts tomorrow if the race allows a breakaway, and they really might.

              Contador, Gallopiin and co could reap rewards.

              1. Forza
                • Fantasy Football Scout Member
                • 9 Years
                6 years, 8 months ago

                It will mostly depend on whoever has the stage winner tomorrow; the scoring seems very biased towards the stage results (1st on a 1st category climb is equivalent to 16th on the stage).

    2. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Exact opposite to my strategy of loading up on race favourites earlier on. You're not finished yet.

      1. Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        It's Thomas Voeckler's last Tour before he retires... he'll close the 479 point gap by himself. 😎

  9. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    First blood to Mathews and De Gendt who are looking good for intermediate sprint points too ..... two of my riders have crashed so far!

  10. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Mathews has the green jersey handed to him via bad luck for Kittel who has retired.

    1. Dr Dream
      • 11 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Ouch.... Now he needn't do much tomorrow.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        My thought too ! Stuff like that is plain unlucky; I just feel I'm outclassed in this competition but hanging in there due to circumstance more than anything. I've still got a chance if Rodlic can carry on as he is though ... we shall see. Edge of the seat stuff ! Not sure he hold the gc guys on the home straight unfortunately.

      2. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Rodlic does have a reason to have another go tomorrow .....if he's got any legs left !

        1. Dr Dream
          • 11 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Your game to win now.

          Roglic will absolutely give it another go.

          1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Not so sure ... think we'll oth get pipped by the fella behind me ... had all the key men AND De Gendt so think i could be second when the scores update ... he also has 3 subs left !!

            1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
              • 7 Years
              6 years, 8 months ago

              *b

  11. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Well today will test my Froome loyalties! A Froome win today and it's all change at the top of our league.

  12. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Another great race ... looks like Froome has done enough for the GC !

  13. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    Really enjoyed this competition ... a big thanks to FPL Dreams for organising and well done to whomever the winner will end up being.

    1. Forza
      • Fantasy Football Scout Member
      • 9 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      You were unlucky in the end, if Aru hadn't been dropped you'd have won it.

    2. Dreams
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      Sorry for replying so late. Thanks to all of you for joining. I wish I had played this more seriously. Hope to do one next year.

      1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
        • 7 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        Well I completely winged it, just skimming the cycling web-sites online for a consensus on player choice and it seemed to work well enough!

        1. Dreams
          • 7 Years
          6 years, 8 months ago

          Hey Lackless, I think it'd be better if we use this article for any further conversations. Would be easier. 😉

          1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
            • 7 Years
            6 years, 8 months ago

            Good idea ... though I'm on holiday with the family at the moment and just snatching the odd hour here or there on the site when time allows !

  14. Forza
    • Fantasy Football Scout Member
    • 9 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    So the transfers I forgot to make (Yates and Uran) would have been worth 420 points... and I'd have kept Martin over Contador which would have been worth 28 points. Those 448 points would have put me on 3762 points, just 12 behind Yorkie. http://i.imgur.com/ebaDaSx.gifv

    1. FC Lackless [BALEGIUM]
      • 7 Years
      6 years, 8 months ago

      I'm defo up for playing this again next season as it's great fun and fills in the fpl gap perfectly. I don't think I'll be joiniing the yearly competition as I want to focus on the footy.

      1. Forza
        • Fantasy Football Scout Member
        • 9 Years
        6 years, 8 months ago

        The last two weeks of the Vuelta will be during the international break, hopefully there'll be a good game for that.

  15. OLROSSITER99
    • 7 Years
    6 years, 8 months ago

    A) Phillips & Sane
    B) Tom Caroll & De Bruyne

    Thanks!