Il Grillo gives it some stick in 06. Photo: actionplus sports images[/caption]
Lombardia is a beautiful race. Taking in the majestic shoreline of Lake Como and climbing past the shrine to the Madonna del Ghisallo, its stunning Italian-ness bookends the Monuments along with Milan-San Remo which started them way back in March. And it’s a coming out party, a debutantes ball for the newly crowned World Champion.
Not since Paolo Bettini in 2006 has the rainbow jersey won here, but even if the bands don’t always take the win they are usually well represented at the business end of the race. Cuddles tried out his new found attacking style in 2009 by setting up Gilbert for the first of his two wins, and now the Belgian has the perfect opportunity to show off his new kit and add a third. The betting might not be on if Gilbert wins, but how, and whether he chooses to don black shorts or goes for the full Cipo-style whiteout. Let’s hope common sense and good taste prevail, especially after Cav did such a stellar job of Looking Fantastic over the last twelve months.
The VSP overall race is also at a critical point, and could be decided this weekend. San Tonio has a nice little 13 point buffer and probably only needs to pick up minimum points, while the chasing pack may need to think outside the square and hope a roughie can deliver a la Zaugg last year. You could throw a blanket over 2nd, 3rd and 4th, so close are they to each other, with Gianni not far back tasked with upholding the Keepers’ honor and hoping for a late surge into the top 5 or even the podium.
Check out the start list, take some chances or play it safe, keep an eye on the timer and get your picks in for a chance to wear the Lombardia badge for the next year. Good Luck!
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I will get a point before the season is out, yes. And I will not stop picking Voeckler, no.
I am less convinced about my Tiralongo fantasy though....
VSP PICKS:
1. Voeckler
2. Quintana
3. Uran
4. Nibali
5. Tiralongo
@Oli
Happens to the best of us, as you kindly demonstrated. Similarly, my posts before my morning pint are absolute crap.
@batchuba
Apropos to yesterday's article on heroes vs villains - I admire the fight!
I need some VSP glory!
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Valverde
3. Nibbles
4. Contador
5. Sanchez
First VSP I won't DNF In at least a month.
Hated gobbles for a bit last year but that dude has always been a fighter and showed it this year through his monster loss streak Before taking the worlds. massive class.
In the misheard lyrics (which are often better than the real lyrics) of We Got The Whip (Audioslave)
You've got bones, boy - we gonna stand you up!
VSP PICKS:
1. Gobbles
2. Nibbles
3. Jrod
4. Bertie
5. Sammie sanchez
@Oli
Damn, I missed an opportunity to call you bad names!
My tips are sure to suck but I'm pretty confident Giblets will be wearing white bibs - in full euro trash style - and pull it off magnificently!
VSP PICKS:
1. Giblets
2. Kessiakov
3. Lloyd
4. Contaor
5. Gerrans
The video of Gilbert's final attack is still one of the most devastating and demoralizing (to Scarponi) things I've seen. I know it looks like he has a mechanical, but I truly think Gilbert just broke his spirit. I'm looking forward to a classy ride in one of the most beautiful races of the season. Vive le VSP!
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Uran
3. Dan Martin
4. Kolobnev
5. Valverde
@frank Vincenzo is easily in my top three for my all hardman team... he earned much of my respect this year for his day-in-day-out hardman style (even before the TdF). He's an impact rider, win or lose, he's a factor every time he rides.
VSP PICKS:
1. Nibbles
2. Sanchez
3. Tommy V
4. Gilbert
5. Valverde