qatar...when does the window open

Yep, I do get it, its just going to be interesting to see how the values go up and down. No probs - its the same for everyone. I like that there are very few obvious cheap guys that everyone will go for - should see a bit more variation between our teams...

Don't forget that you can also try and pick team mates of the winner for the 5 point bonus. Plus, the TTT also gives a purpose to your cheap picks too.

Pretty sure Al Jazeera will show it.....they're showing the ladies ToQ in about an hour!!

Also sprinters values increase not only because it is flat, but because each team has 1/2 protected riders for the sprints leaving 6 other guys as DS's with no KOM points either, meaning they are less valuable. Therefore makes it tricky to pick a team, as youve gotta try and pick cheap riders that may go in a break (12 points max unless they stay away) or ones that you reckon may pick up the 18/19/20th position on a any given stage

Appollonio has historically scored on flat stages, the ToQ has a higher proportion of flat stages than the TdU therefore he's more likely to score (according to the stats) and therefore is more valuable.

Its interesting to see how the points adjustments will work - eg Appollonio scored 4 pts in 6 stages at the TDU, but his value has actually increased for Qatar from 7.5 to 10, I'd expected it to go the other way...

I've split the top sprinter across my purist and normal team, I think my purist team is stronger though. Will Cav clean up here without the likes of Greipel? Will Sagan compete better than San Luis?

OK - slight change - coverage on morning of 4 Feb is highlights of stage 1- There is live coverage on Eurosport at midday on the monday.

You sure its LIVE coverage, I thought it was just highlights

looks like the sky coverage is 1 day out - stage one is covered live on eurpsport 1100 4/2/13.

The start list is not finished, its just the provisional thats one the Qatar site with reserve riders aswell

Well i've picked my teams and i have to say that was quite hard. My first selection went over by about 40 points !.

Its a case of suck it and see now, hopefully some of the lesser lights will shine.

According to the OPQS website Tom Boonen wont be racing in Qatar, due to his recent operation. He is being replaced by Zdenek Stybar.

Excellent, yes that works. Many thanks

Not showing as open for me. Still coming up as stage 6 of TdU and 'window closed' on the pick team tab.

Anything I need to be doing differently or is it a site glitch?

s'open

good luck all

What will happen with the cross over between Qatar and The Tour of Med?

God knows when they will update that site, because of financial reason's, there are only 4 stages this year and they are really struggling

Its been ready for a while, since before the TdU, I've asked Dave to open it. So should be done today or tomorrow.

Just a few riders to take out when finally confirmed

startlists are up on the official site and cycling fever

It will open when Gkam has everything sorted, and Dave was probably waiting till the TDU had finished, so maybe tomorrow/tuesday?

Not sure whats gonna happen with Algarve, it starts in 2 weeks and we dont even have a 2013 website or any stage info at all