I just had to use this pic of Tom Simpson in 1965 wearing the Peugeot kit as the title pic for this year’s VSP for La Fleche Wallonne. Rigid hooked himself up on the Keepers Tour with the same kit he purchased at the Flanders Cycling Museum and it’s Grade A nipple lube. Although victory eluded Simpson in this Classic he still looked damn good in the kit and gave it the berries, taking third that year behind the two Italians on his wheel in the photo.
With that, the VSP returns to Belgium after a short and exciting few days in the hilly parts of Dutchland. We’re not sure yet if Brett, Rigid, or Harminator will be drinking beer and harassing the fairer sex on the slopes of the Mur de Huy but the racing promises to be no less exciting, if almost totally unpredictable. There was a lot of talk about the Spaniards getting it right for Amstel Gold. Although they had two riders in the top 10, neither was able to reach the podium. Interestingly enough, PhilGil seems to have at least put the brakes on going Gilbackwards, Billions and Billions is still tantalizingly close to getting it perfect, and little Tommy V may be timing his peak just about right for either La Fleche or L-B-L this weekend.
So put that Dutch pisswater down and settle in with some more proper Belgian beer as Ardennes classics week continues with La Fleche Wallonne. We’re steaming full speed ahead to the end of the Spring Classics in the VSP and there’s only a couple chances left to slot your picks for your favorite rouleur or puncheur as from here on out the conversation will change largely to the G.C. men in the Grand Tours. Check out the start list and watch the timer, good luck!
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
@Buck Rogers
Ah hell, switching out Freire for Sammy Sanchez. Probably will regret it but what the heck, why not?
VSP PICKS:
1. Valverde
2. Gilbert
3. Vanendert
4. Slammy Sammy Sanchez
5. F Schleck
VSP PICKS:
1. Valverde
2. Rodriguez
3. Vanendert
4. Gilbert
5. Albasini
@Buck Rogers
You'll regret picking Freire, AND you'll regret picking SamSan. Freire can't ride a top 10 here and Samuel Sanchez isn't riding.
Too many options...
VSP PICKS:
1. Rodriguez
2. Gilbert
3. Sagan
4. Voeckler
5. Vanendert
VSP PICKS:
1. Sagan
2. Gilbert
3. Vanendert
4. Hesjedal
5. Sanchez
If Gilbert wins I will be very very surprised considering his form the past couple of weeks. Not even gonna waste a spot on either of the Schlecks.
VSP PICKS:
1. Valverde
2. Gilbert
3. Nibbles
4. Tommy V
5. Purito
@Netraam
Cheers for the heads up I missed the Sanchez scoop. How many people will regret picking Sagan!! And Vockler!
VSP PICKS:
1. Horner
2. J Rodriguez
3. Valverde
4. Gilbert
5. De Gendt!
@Netraam
Told you I was half asleep! I agree about Freire and that is why I dropped him for Sammy but I did not know that Slammin' Sammy was not riding. Switching AGAIN to J-Rod. That dude CAN climb and is hungry as well. Thanks for the heads-up! (still probably end up with a goose egg like in AG)
VSP PICKS:
1. Valverde
2. Gilbert
3. Vanendert
4. J-Rod
5. F Schleck
VSP PICKS:
1. Joaquin Rodriguez
2. Jelle Vanendert
3. Philippe Gilbert
4. Alejandro Valverde
5. Ignore Anton
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Nibali
3. Gesink
4. Freire
5. Voigt