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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View Comments
@Oli
Totally agree you have to set goals to maintain focus. And while I agree with the sentiment that he is in with a realistic shout I totally disagree that Vansummeren was somehow a less classy rider, he is one hard-working Bastia with as much class as anyone.
@Gianni
You and me both brother
@brett
Yeah, and he complained more than a Springbok being eaten by a lion.
@frank
Um, he hasn't won a Grand Tour (or even a minor tour) and he doesn't have a world title or Olympic gold medals to his name.
I wasn't dissing JVS, but he's pretty much a solid domestique who lucked out on circumstance and had enough ability to finish off the job, whereas Wiggins has serious and undeniable class.
For example, if JVS said, "I'm going to win Liege-Bastogne-Liege!", or any race other than Paris-Roubaix, would we take him seriously? But if Wiggo says he's going to win pretty much any race he's shown he has the ability to at least give it a serious bash.
It's not an insult to JVS to call him a "journeyman", it's just a fact. Many journeymen will never be in the position or able to finish off a win like he did, and it was fantastic to watch, but that win didn't suddenly elevate him above being a good team worker.
You can try all you want, but you guys are screwed: it's going to be perfectly sunny on Keepers Tour. I know. I'm not home that week...