Categories: Racing

Manx Depression

Am I the first to make this pun? Probably, because I suffer from a condition called “Awesome”. I could validate that assertion by doing a search on The Google, but that sounds overly complicated and likely to yield results that I’m not interested in seeing.

Mark Cavendish – or “Cav”, as those for whom uttering four syllables is an overwhelming undertaking prefer to call him – won the first road stage of the Tour. They call him “The Man From Manx” and “The Manx Missile”. Those are pretty good monikers, but I’m not sure I’m convinced. As you know, I am never one to favor the favorites, but there is something to his youth and his attitude that makes it hard to hate him, even if I can’t necessarily support him. Besides, apart from those ugly sunglasses, he looks pretty cool, and we all know looking cool is the most important thing. And, if you can back that cool look up with some results, you’re golden.

I think Mark has incredible potential and is a good bet for the Green Jersey this year, but, of course, my hopes are on Boonen. I was happy that Boonen did get the green light to start the Tour and it’s unfortunate that an Euskatel rider crashed and took Boonen out of contention, but that’s how it goes. Tomorrow is another stage and I’m looking forward to it. For now, good work, Cav. Boonen, show off your tricolore tomorrow!

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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mrhallorann says:

Sep 26 2011 at 12:16 pm

Coincidence that this popped article up in the random section? Thought I'd give it a post anyway. You were a couple of years ahead of the times with your predictions frank!

Hope you're warming to the lad anyhow. I think he's ace. He can put his money where his (considerable) mouth is but he manages to do it in an endearing way. I'm hoping he gets BBC Sports Personality of the Year this year, and then go on to take gold next year. It'll do so much good for cycling in Britain if he does both.

Merckx knows we need it.