See that huge mountain over there? The one with the steep, twisty road going up it? The one that is often covered in snow this time of year? Right, race ya to the top.
I don’t know what more there is to say about this year’s Giro; four days from the end, with two of the biggest mountain stages yet to come and the G.C., Mountains, and Points competitions are all wide open. Basso is looking perhaps the freshest of the favorites, but Hope of a Nation is not looking to be weakening, either. Purito hasn’t shown weakness, though he also hasn’t really been able to show the speed he usually has on the uphill finishes; on his trademark uphill finale attacks, the slower men have (usually) been able to contain him. The Pony, on the other hand, showed his scars as he cracked on the way over the last hill on Wednesday’s stage and seems to be on the down side of his good form as we enter the final stretch.
Friday’s stage may well solidify the looks of things, but Saturday’s stage to the top of the Stelvio will be fireworks for sure. Clear your calendars for Friday and Saturday; this is going to be good.
Since this is a Tour stage, point on offer are 5 for first, 4 four second, 3 for third, 2 for fourth, and 1 for 5th. No bonus points for the right rider in the wrong place. Get your picks in by the time the countdown timer goes to zero. Points count towards your overall VSP total but do not effect your Giro VSP total. 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
Ok, last time !!!
VSP PICKS:
1. Hesjedal
2. Scarponi
3. Possovivo
4. Basso
5. Rodriguez
One more order change
VSP PICKS:
1. Pozzovivo
2. Basso
3. Rodriguez
4. Hesjedal
5. Scarponi
I was astounded by the comments of Martinelli, the Astana DS, about Kreuziger's win yesterday.
Basically that they didn't have Kreuziger on the team for stage wins, but to get on podiums and he had done nothing in the two years they had him.
My theory... Kreuziger hasn't taken part in the 'Preparation' program of Astana and so they have no sympathy when he has an off day, and probably he can't train the same way and they get on his case even more. He'll leave and hopefully find a team that suits him, where he will develop.
Rujano withdraws and I don't find out until after the VSP closes. Bugger.
Last chance is right, Mr. Savio... http://velonews.competitor.com/2012/05/news/giro-notebook-stage-19-vande-velde-on-tt-savio-livid-with-rujano_221088/2
I've said it before and I'll say it again - I have no idea what the fuck skateboarding has to do with cycling shoes. And to cut from that straight into a cooking analogy is completely incongruous.
For someone who sees a lot of cycling David Harmon (UK Eurosport) is appallingly stupid about tactics.
Sean Kelly never corrects him directly, just says what is actually happening. Harmon was just excitedly exclaiming how Van de Velde had lost touch on the flat between the Mortirolo and Stelvio and would have to fight hard to get back with the leaders.
Kelly responds by suggesting that it would be a bit unusual for someone like VdV to be dropped on his own there and has probably been ordered back by the DS to help Hesjedal, which is why he was in the break. D'oh.
35km to go...
Is Zaugg belly breathing or is he a bit full-figured these days?
And some style comments:
- I normally like Specialized helmets but the current S-works looks like a mushroom top on the head of smaller riders like Cunego
- cyclists are typically thin-faced. It's beyond me why some of them wear these HUGE shades. Yeah, they're sponsored but they could choose better fitting ones. They look like little kids in adult glasses. Gotta get shades that fit well.
- Uran Uran Duran Duran has been going with black socks. Hmm, look pretty solid with the black bibs of Sky.
I wonder what the twelve or so hours between yesterday's finish and today's start were like for the riders within striking distance? I know they're so tired they could probably fall asleep standing up, but it must cause serious anxiety to have the entire race come down to one day...and have the Stelvio waiting for you...
Ryder is down to just Band and fell? not a perfect situation I would think.
Slapping myself on the head , i put in de gent in fifth for today and then changed my mind and put rabotini in stead