We are quickly arriving at what is, for any Velominatus, the end of the most awesomest week of the year. There have been emails and comments flying around within the community so we thought it would be fun to publicize our plan for honoring the Hardmen of the Cobbles this coming Sunday.
So, with that, we launch the first Keeper Tip Hotline. For those of you who are inclined to leave a comment, please do so and tell us what your plans are and who you are tipping for the podium. Top five places are scored; whoever has the highest cumulative score will get an Obey the Rules prize. Scoring simply runs in reverse order; 5 points for first, 1 point for 5th.
Update (13 April 2010): This competition has been renamed the Velominati Super Prestige. More information on this competition and current results can be found on the Velominati Super Prestige Page.
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@Joe
Joe, I think you had the best Sunday experience of all of us. A great cobbled ride through English country and then watching the race at a pub...you are a Velominatus of the highest order.
As soon as I started to watch the race and saw Tommeke I thought, Jesus, what an idiot, of course Boonen will win this. How could have I bet against him? And Breschel didn't even finish! Damn.
I lost all respect for Boonen after those comments. Yeah, they all should have worked to catch Fabian, but I think they knew the jig was up as soon as he got over 40 seconds up.
Do you think Flecha was being a bit narky with his applause coming over the line? Apparenty Thor told him he was cramping on the way in, so he couldn't do any pulls... bike riders eh, what a bunch of c**ts!
@brett
I'm starting to wonder if that Dirty Harry doesn't have a point after watching the way those rider rode!
I still love Tommeke no matter what; he's my boy. And I think Flecha rode like the stupid idiot. Sure, after the gap was over 40 seconds, it was over - that's why you fucking close it down right away.
It's so frustrating when we all see them make those mistakes, but the bottom line is that Fabien won fare and scare. Funny, last time he won there was a whole fiasco behind him as well. Seems like he just destroys this race when he's on.
@brett
You know, I kinda thought the same about Tommeke. What he said after the race was pretty different than his tone before the race. Not really walking the talk so to speak.
@frank
When 1 guy destroys the whole peloton like that there's bound to be some misplaced frustration and catfights. Fabian is the only guy coming out of yesterday with any shred of dignity. And whoever said Hoste is a pussy is correct.
@Marko
I think we need to look at Tom's track record of being a good sportsman; after every defeat, he's the first to say he was beaten fair and square. In fact, he says he still wouldn't have won even if he'd been able to stay with Fabien. This is the only case I know of where he's bitched about the bunch; I think it's safe to give him the benefit of the doubt and take his word on what the mentality in the group was. Now, if it was Hincapie, I'd completely agree with you - but this is one of the most stand-up, good sports I know of in the peleton.
And Hoste is a pussy - on the order of Hincapie, if I may say so. Even in the pre-race interviews, Hoste and Hincapie look like a couple of scared goats who just saw a plate of sliced tomatoes and chèvre.
As the newbie here I would like to thank the Great and all Velominati for making this years P-R a memorable experience. I have enjoyed the subtle and not so subtle debate. I am in for the summer long competition because I could really use a new shop apron and like the bumper sticker I will display (if I am that lucky again, sorry Marko) it proudly!
Keep perfecting "The Stroke" - Rob
P.S. Boonen is prime for nomination but personally I have to wait for him to come through with something more like past performances, after yesterday he seemed very non-Flahute and if that continues .... If you stop pulling at the front you are allowed to take a rest, but come on, you are always ready for the counter attack. I mean it was dry there was only internal pressure and although he had no help he was strong enough to chill and wait for others to initiate a move. Can you tell I am disappointed in his mental fortitude and that takes into account that they had gone further at that point than I have ever (even in the day) ridden and I was guilty of those split second misjudgment in more races than I care to admit - but he is an experienced Pro, aaargh.
P.P.S. the above "Hoste and Hincapie look like a couple of scared goats who just saw a plate of sliced tomatoes and chèvre." so well said I thought the same less poetically.
@Rob
Cheers to your win on the innagural Keepers Tip Hotline. Well done, even if you didn't pick the winner. You deserve a nod for that hardman ride you did over the weekend. Now, off to the Ardennes and ToC.
Oh yeah, check out the Welly-Roubaix ride we did on Sunday...
Marko,
Thank you - very gracious of you and any nods should be tempered by the fact that we stayed on the dead flat part of Long Island.
Brett gets the Hardman award, nice one! That is what Long Island looked like 100 years ago...
@frank
Bro,
The description of your pre-race ritual is awesome. Wish I was there with you to ride the Seattle cobbles, sip espresso, and drink ales, in no particular order. I raise my ristretto to you sir! And to the hardmen of Spring. And, finally, to real hardmen http://www.mountainproject.com/v/bob_bickford/106338419