Museeuw wants to get muddy with us in April. Photo: Tim de Waele
It’s not difficult to understand that climate change, global warming, call it what you will, is real. If you’re still in denial about this fact then you are probably one or more of three things: ignorant, complicit or a complete moron. You can cite all the statistics you want, read the reports, or just stick your head out of the window and realise it’s fucking hot, but the only evidence for the environmentally aware Cyclist is this:
It hasn’t rained at Paris-Roubaix for thirteen years.
Not since The Lion soloed in from 40k’s out to take home his last cobblestone paperweight in 2002 has there been a proper wet Hell Of The North. The preceding year was even worse, or better depending on your perception of Rule #9 conditions and whether you take pleasure in others’ torment. I guess most of us here have a foot firmly in both camps, enthusiastically summoning the rain gods to take a piss on Northern France on the second Sunday in April. The resulting lack of precipitation only confirms that gods don’t exist, or don’t bloody listen.
In a final act of desperation, I’ll be buying some gumboots, Wellingtons, Alaskan sneakers when we hit Lille for Keepers Tour 15. Hopefully this will draw some moisture from the sky and add to the spectacle that will be Tommeke gunning for his 5th, Faboo trying to equal him, and Wiggins having a laugh. This has all the ingredients for an all-time classic Classic. Just add water.
*Why would you miss this opportunity to be part of history? Keepers Tour is the best value cobbled week tour available. Sign up now. Bring your Wellies.
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@osbk67
I was going to mention Geraint. As well as being my local hero (I rode the outdoor velodrome where he started out with Maindy Flyers this morning), I think he's a hell of a gutsy rider who rides the cobbles pretty well. I'd like to see what he can do when he's not just being a domestique.
Well, he can win Commonwealth gold, for starters...
If goals are motivation, why shouldn't Wiggo set one? Of course he can't know he'll win, but saying he wants to and thinks he can makes perfect sense.
Personally, I believe he's got as good a shot as anyone - hell, if a journeyman like Vansummeren could win, a class act like Wiggins surely can...
IF everything goes his way, of course.
The conditions and/or luck will be the same for everyone, so shirley it's down to which rider is on form and wants it the most? Wiggo certainly knows his cycling history, and the P-R is up there in with all the other classic races. Can he do it? I have no idea, but as he's stuck his neck out publicly, I'm damm sure he'll be prepared.
Is Wiggins going to ride Flanders too?
Maybe he's not quite explosive enough to cover a Cancellara attack there, but pure power is still a big factor and luck isn't such a huge factor.
@Oli
Unlike the Giro episode....
"the harder I work the luckier I get" I think Wiggans deserves a lazy tenner...
I don't think Wiggo can win in the wet. Regardless he'll have to be sharper than last year when he responded to Terpstra's attack by having a little chat to Thomas before doing absolutely fucking nothing. Same goes for Sagan, Faboo, Degenkolb, Vanmarcke et al.
It must be that none of the current pros have raced PR in the wet. Unless JVS raced in 2003. Whatever the case, Boom will take some beating in mud.
@Gianni
Fabs rode Stage V of the Tour in the wet though.
@Harminator
He knows when to harden up and just deal with it...
@Barracuda
Between the three of us, I'll be the only one used to bad weather; if there is any Keeper Spooning happening, it will be Brett and Gianni. I'll be the one filming it.