Velominati Super Prestige: 2011 Clasica San Sebastian

Photo: Katusha

The Velominati Super Prestige continues with it’s typical post-Tour follow up, Classica San Sebastian. The race isn’t normally given much credit, though it stands out as the first major classic of the Summer season. It’s unfortunate that the race suffers from the ill effect of being overshadowed by the Tour; if it occurred anywhere else in the calendar I think it would stand out as one of the most exciting races of the year due to it’s tough route and unpredictable finish.

A race favoring the climbers, this tough parcours typically favors a strong finisher who can climb well but win from a small group. But this race is perhaps the hardest to judge because, coming so closely after the Tour, rider’s form is difficult to gauge because riders who ended the Tour coming into good form should be able to carry it for another week and factor in the finale. But freshness can’t be overrated and there is also the possibility that riders who rode the Giro and skipped the Tour will be finding themselves with good legs.

Only the race will tell. Can the Schlecks rubberneck their way to a much-needed win? Or will Canhego take his good form and fast finish to the bank? J-Rod, assuming he races (I can’t be bothered to look it up), will be on home turf and fresh after the Giro; this could be his year.

This winner of this Super Prestige edition will again earn an “Obey the Rules” bumper sticker and all reader’s points qualify towards the final prize of the free Velominati Shop Apron. As always, if you are inclined to enter, simply post your predictions for the top five placings in the form below. Make your picks by 5am Pacific tomorrow, regular VSP Rules apply. Good luck!

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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View Comments

pakrat says:

Jul 30 2011 at 10:25 am

Not a bad day at the Super Prestige office. After dropping the LBS crew on the last 800m to the summit this am I find my man Phil does it again! This deserves a a nice Belgian brew in the hammock to celebrate.
drsoul says:

Jul 30 2011 at 11:23 am

I was really surprised to see Frank Schleck in the mix. I wouldn't say his TdF was easy, but he seemed to maintain nice form. But Gilbert? What I said in an earlier post rang true. Totally. Winning. Good race, overall. What was more surprising was not seeing Cunego. He finished six and a half back. Wow. Guess he couldn't go after all.
seemunkee says:

Jul 30 2011 at 11:49 am

@pakrat
What doesn't call for a nice Belgian brew in the hammock?
Gianni says:

Jul 30 2011 at 1:39 pm

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I can't believe this will work but lets try. Look at the big brain on drsoul! Nice work. Check is in the mail.
Gianni says:

Jul 30 2011 at 1:52 pm

Bravo to all who had the class to pick Gilbert. I wish I had. I felt bad putting in Andy Schleck as a choice for a few people because he wasn't racing and I felt bad for people who picked Sastre as he maybe was there.

Gerrans, Ryder, Richie were a few dark horse picks. Cunego was picked a tons. Who knew? And I hope Purito=Basso or a few people will be contesting the results. And a few picked Sanchez without specifying which, so I picked Sammy for those. Anyway, contest away, I will abide.

I got zero points? I want to contest that!
Marko says:

Jul 30 2011 at 4:02 pm

At the end of the year when the sports talking heads are trying to decide what the greatest sporting achievements of 2011 were, Gilbert won't even get mentioned. At least not in North America. He should though.
mouse says:

Jul 30 2011 at 4:04 pm

Phil Gil is just incredible.
Imagine the mind fuck it would be for any one of his compertitors to line up against him in a one day classic
Sprider says:

Jul 30 2011 at 4:13 pm

Hey frank, matter of pride here, no points for Purito? (J-Rod to the non-Catalan folk)
Steampunk says:

Jul 30 2011 at 4:17 pm

@Gianni
Purito=J-Rod (although I don't know why I'm helping"”didn't pick him).

@mouse
And not a lot of strategy from Gilbert either in most of his wins this year. At the start line: "So, just so you know, I intend to go for it from about 4k out. Try to keep up. But you can't; I'm going to bury you."
Gianni says:

Jul 30 2011 at 4:21 pm

@Sprider
My mistake, I couldn't remember that name, I was guessing it was Basso's dog, like Piti was Valverde's. I'll correct those and update by the end of my day.