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!
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View Comments
@Marko
+1 to that. It's sad that in the US, it's hard to see any discussion of cycling these days. I was surprised that the NY Times had a couple of stories about the TdF during the last two days of the race. Yup, the LAST TWO DAYS!! And one article mostly addressed issues we, too, had been discussing, including the likely diminished use of doping in the peloton.
ESPN (24 hour sports television, for those not in the know) had a brief mention of the final stage, with the commentator saying that "Andy Schleck won the final stage", all while they ran the video footage of Mark Cavendish crossing the line behind the HTC lead out train. Good grief.
Man, I totally Ron'ed this one. I was going to pick Gilbert though (scout's honor), so can I have 1 sympathy point?
Indeed, had a nice spin with @scaler911 and one of his friends this morning. He almost saw me puke too, which would have been pretty "epic".
At this rate, I think we'll be ready for our own PDX Velominati meet-ups soon, there certainly seem to be a growing number (sort of like tribbles) of us on here.
Well I can't pick them for this race. I thought for sure that the elder Schleck had some fire in his belly and would come out swinging. I guess I was wrong.
blondie likes belgians. the brunette doesn't. either that, or she's a bad kisser.
Jeepers, finally got two points!
After sticking Fast Phil at number two as I thought he couldn't win everything (respect to JVS) in 2011 - supastar
What are the qualifications for a podium girl?
Even the pros seem to be in awe of Gilbert.
This from David Millar and Ryder Hesjedal on Twitter.
"And @ryder_hesjedal gives QUOTE OF THE DAY: 'I hope he gets his big contract and chills the fuck out, he's making us look stupid.' True dat."
Gerro was also very complimentary. And i don't get the sense that they are hinting at anything untoward. Please God there isn't - if Gilbert was busted I think I would cry.
@ChrisO
Pure, unadulterated gold!
Woo hoo! Do I get a txapella next to my name?
@Steampunk
Oh that is gold. The thing is, he is the only one that can pull it off. I am sure plenty have said and tried. Oh maybe only Merckx could have...
Oh My Merckx...I have just realised. Philly Gilly is the Son of Merckx. IT'S THE SECOND COMING! All Praise be to The Father (Merckx) the Son (Philly Gilly) and the holy Goat!
@ChrisO
The Son of Merckx, he can be no other. Respect.