Velominati Super Prestige: Giro d’Italia 2012
After a winter of long training rides that offered more in the way of numb extremities than it did in acute enjoyment, I have to say that the warming of the air and brightening of the skies have served to remind me that while I love riding in bad weather, I certainly don’t have anything against riding when its nice out.
But dont think for a minute that this quells my desire to watch the Pros battle the elements as well as each other and, quite frankly, after a Spring Classics campaign that gave us only fleeting tastes of Rule #9 Glory, I welcome the arrival of the 2012 Giro d’Italia which holds the distinction of being held in the worst weather and over the worst roads. Come July, I’ll get just as wound up as anyone about the biggest racing spectacle of the year, but in my heart, the Giro d’Italia is the best Grand Tour of the three.
All that said, I’m a little disappointed to see that the Giro starts in Denmark. Not that I have anything against Denmark – lovely place – it’s just that this choice takes us away from the classical Giro opening week involving a mountaintop finish or two and gives us a Tour de France-style opening week of flat stages and crosswinds. We’ll have to wait almost two weeks before we start seeing the riders cross the highest passes and hitting the uphill finishes, though the final week does appear to set us up for considerable fireworks as the second-last stage will see the riders cross the Mortirolo and finish atop the Stelvio.
What does this mean for the VSP? Quite a bit, actually. Bearing in mind the changes we’ve made to the Rest-Day picks from the years past, it means that as the race settles out, those who have made changes to their lineup on the first rest day will not have the opportunity to do so again on the second rest day. And, those who wait for the second day will see steep penalties tallying up against their totals. But on the line is a Symbol Pack, the chance to post for the rest of year with the Maglia Rosa VSP Badge and, of course, the grand prize of the personalized Shop Apron. Check the start list and with any divine beings that you might be able to influence, and then get your picks in by the time the countdown timer goes to zero at 5am Pacific on the 5th May.
For reference, please review the new Grand Tour scoring and penalty guidelines. Also note that since these new rules required new coding and this represents the first Grand Tour, there is always the chance that there are defects in the code. Watch your picks and your points as we move through the event and alert us of any anomalies. If your points seem wrong, use the dispute function to alert us of the matter; complaints in the posts feed to this effect will be ignored. Finally, don’t leave anything to the last minute so we have time to fix any problems before its too late. Good luck.
Scoring:
Readers who wish to enter shall enter their predictions for the top five placings on General Classification of each Grand Tour by 5am on the day of the first stage or prologue.
Points
Points will be scored as follows: 20 points for first place, 15 for second, 10 for third, 7 for fourth, and 5 for fifth; plus 3 points per rider in the top five regardless of the rider’s placing, but riders are not scored twice.
Changing of the Picks*
Contestants are allowed to make line up changes on one of the rest days of the Grand Tours but not both. These changes will come with a point penalty. You will be allotted one (1) rest day to make swaps in grand tours. You pick either the first or second rest day. The penalties for swapping will be lower for the first rest day than the second. This will allow you to swap out a rider(s) who gets caught in some first week nervousness with a 5 point penalty for each swap. Or make some go for broke/doomed to fail break-away swap on the second rest day for a 10 point penalty per swap. You make one swap or five on either rest day for the corresponding 5 or 10 point penalty per swap.
Additionally, if one of your riders crashes out, DNF’s, or DNS’s, you may swap them out on a rest day with corresponding penalties if you haven’t already used up your one rest day swap. The only exception to this is riders who are booted from a race for a positive test; if your rider is on the juice and gets chucked off the race, you get a free swap of that rider within 24 hours of the disqualification.
[vsp_results id=”15814″]
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@Steampunk
On the other hand, he was almost outsprinted by Basso. Look back at the footage. Basso is turning a massive gear and everyone is just waiting for him to cross the line. That Rodriquez won is not something to be amazed at, but the fact he was almost beaten by Basso says he was tired at the end of that stage.
But you’re right, he is riding with confidence and he didn’t crack yet so perhaps he’ll win. Even though I doubt it, he can win. (Look at my standings in the VSP: as if my opinion on the riders could ever be the right one.)
@versio
The more important question is, does it give a flying fuck?
@Netraam
I’m probably overdoing this is a bit, but it took me a very long time to come around on Rodriguez. I just couldn’t believe in him as a solid GC contender, but he’s grown on me over the past year or so, and I feel compelled to make up for past slights. But looking at the finish again, Rodriguez came from a long way back and looked fairly comfortable through the last kilometre. Too: Hesjedal had no chance in catching his wheel. Of course, the finish suited him, and all it takes is one bad day for any of these guys to be blown out of contention (Roman? Paging Kreuziger?)
@sgt
For my money, Basso is looking the strongest. Sure, Purito wasn’t under too much trouble, but he fades in the third week and Basso had everyone in the hurt locker. The only reason he didn’t throw the key away was because he knows he descends like a Schleck.
The last two uphill finishes will show some interesting attackes, punctuated by an admittedly boring tortoise and the hare as Basso just steams up and eventually leaves everyone behind.
I loved it when Basso took that dig with 1.5 to go; too bad he didn’t keep it going. Not worth the matches – that’s how you win a Grand Tour.
I am, nevertheless, prepared to eat my words, as the Giro always teaches you to shut the fuck up because you can’t predict this race.
@Netraam
There is nothing more fun than racing someone you respect. War on the road, camaraderie the moment you cross the line. If everyone is racing clean and fighting on the road, there is little that beats the fun in reliving it with the people you experienced it with.
Today’s stage was fantastic and they should all try to kill each other on the road, but after the finish, they should all be happy.
@frank
Betting against an Italian at the Giro is typically a poor investment, so you could be right. At the same time, he’ll need to hope Szmyd was saving himself today, because if the big engine is blown, the diesel will get lonely fast.
@frank
Somebody is going to have a giorno no in the next few days, most likely Purito, whose form is probably on its last legs.
@Steampunk
Didn’t he have a mechanical? I didn’t think he blew…
@mouse
(teary sniff)…that’s the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me.
@frank
I have no idea. I tuned in long after he was out of the picture. I wasn’t that worried regardless, knowing he must have put in his work for the day. He was so strong in helping Basso win in 2010, and then very average at last year’s Tour (I think he was sick). But nobody’s worked harder than he has at the Giro so far…
@Netraam
Remember the article about Nibali not re-signing for Liquigas and receiving a big offer from Astana? I’ll bet that offer just got even bigger. Kreuziger has just blown his chance to be Astana’s GT rider.
@frank
Today was the one year anniversary of Tondo’s death and they hugged and spoke a few words about him at the finish according to an interview I read.
@Buck Rogers
That is a rider I really miss. That was a guy who loved all things cycling. lived for it and was super humble.
@Buck Rogers
Rodriguez reportedly made the extra push at the line to win in Tondo’s honour (as he explained to Basso after the finish).
@frank
Who cares. Whatever! Thanx a million. Forget’adout’it.
@versio
are we forgetting Rule #43?
@RedRanger
Means no problem. No worries. Nothing to worry about. No problem. VSP is supposed to award zero points.
Twiggo’s got wood for TDF
This is going to be an awesome TDF. Cuddles and Twiggy breaking Sclecklets over their knees like dry kindling…
Hey VSP masters:
I’m curious as to how the VSP points are calculated.
I seem still to have just 9 points after the most recent GC shakeup, in spite of having 3 riders in the top 5.
Are the VSP points cumulative? Are they reset after each scoring round? To I need to dispute to get the points re-calculated?
Clarification please.
Thanks
@mouse
I think the Keepers are only updating the points from time to time, not every stage.
Not to get all worked up, but I’m showing 0 points right now when I have 3/5 picks right, just out of order. Shouldn’t I have a few?
Sorry if we’ve gone over this or I’m missing something, but zero seems wrong. And harsh! I can’t have a donut after 2.5 weeks or racing. If I do, I need that moto and camera out of my face so I can drop off the back & cry myself to sleep in a ditch outside Cortina d’Ampezzo.
@RedRanger
What were we talking about? Are we forgetting something?
@Ron
Wait: what? You got your picks in on time? For real? Like, at the beginning of the Giro? No wonder the whole system’s pooched!
I thought that Hesjedal was a shoo in for the top ten but holy shit, this guy is hungry. I’m a believer. Go Ryder!
@mouse, @Ron click on the downward arrow next to your picks & it will show you what points each of your picks have earned as well as any penalties that may have been incurred.
Yussss. I’ve gone from negative 50 to negative 37. Cunego was a sentimental pick but he’d better win a stage or I’m screwed.
Judas has done better than I thought he would after hearing the little shit had been “Uncle Dick” five minutes after I couldn’t change my picks – it’s only Roman taking a holiday that’s stopping me looking like a god of punditry.
Oh and wouldn’t you believe it – nice day = my bike’s in the shop.
Italians are indulging in some full on Bluffathon – I’m really starting to suffer from sleep deprivation with this race – don’t want it to end, but not sure I will last to the TT
Cracking racing – who is next for the chop!! – my money is on J-Rod to explode next
@Dr C the Aussie commentators last night kept repeating the fact that in the 3rd week of his GT’s he’s lost an average of 7 minutes so he’s definitely got form for it.
@Ron
Yeah. Thats what i’m talking about. I was under the impression that VSP points were cumulative. I had 9 points at the tally before, and still have 9 points at this tally in spite of having 3 of 5 riders in the top 5. I haven’t swapped anyone.
Something seems a little off?
@mouse & @Ron:
1. Read Rule V.
2. Read the VSP instructions
3. Read them again to be sure you didn’t miss anything.
4. Click on the arrows next to your VSP picks.
5. Consult the Giro overall standings.
6. Have a quick look at the VSP rules.
7. See Step 1 above.
8. Make a query, but be sure there isn’t an obvious answer (did you read the VSP instructions?).
@mouse
Presuming you don’t have any riders in their correct spots, each rider in top 5 not in right spot earns you 3 points. 3×3=9.
Points arent cumulative within a race.
Is your moniker referring to the size of your brain?
@Steampunk
Yes
Rule V and remember: Only the finish counts. Don’t care about your picks until the last day has ended.
What a wasted rest day pick RK was!!!!
Jebus on a hockey stick!!!
GO RYDER!
@Steampunk
This, I’m not responding to any queries about point “issues” through posts on the site. This is what the “dispute” button is for; use it. It is impossible for us to manage the complaints through posts.
And points are not cumulative. Not sure where you got that idea from, but its worth pointing out explicitly.
From the article (you don’t even have to go to the VSP page):
Wow, you don’t often see Cav get a perfect leadout and then get shown a clean pair of wheels from another sprinter. Guardini just BLEW out of the pack like he had another gear! Amazing sprint!
@frank
For conversation, wouldn’t it be great if Campagnolo made a 10 sprocket?
@frank
Allez les Dayglojaunes
Glad you posted that, so I can just fizz forward to the bunch sprint tonight, and go to bed at a sensible hour, and not indulge myself to 2am again, in the dulcid tones of Harmon and Kelly painting over the glorious landscape of Italia, waiting for the final battle of the day to unfold, with ever more brave soldiers being put mercilessly to the sword
@Dr C
Theirs not to reason why, theirs but to do and die.
Did Cavendish seem to be pissed at himself or did he think Guardini did something? He did get bumped a few times in the final wind up though. Man, elbow to elbow going that fast and that tight would make me slightly less than comfortable.
Awesome timing from Guardini!
Can’t believe the Giro has flown by so quickly.
Dr. C – Yesterday the final 50kms were just awesome. Watching them climb, watching guys implode, seeing the mountain peaks. Yes, today was not quite as majestic.
@Ron
I read it as just being frustrated that he lost. Guardini did nothing wrong and the rest was just sprinting. Tempers fly, no big deal as far as I could tell.
Refreshing to see Cav lose in a head-to-head battle; makes the sprints a lot more exciting when its not a forgone conclusion – seeing him in second wheel, I was sure he would take it, but no!
@Ron
I think Cav was pissed for a couple of reasons. One, he lost and he doesn’t like that. ((As far as I could see it was a very clean sprint).
Two, he needs the points. His lead over Purito is pretty small and he needed those 1st place points as he’ll get little from the last three stages. Had Ferrari and Pozzato not taken him out in crashes, he’s be free and clear, but the red jersey is still up for grabs. Cav is very cycling-history conscious and to win the points jerseys in all three grand tours is an accomplishment he wants on his palmares.
@wiscot
I agree. He wants that jersey and must be really pissed at missing them. Purito has a real chance for that jersey. No points for the TT stage though, right?
@Buck Rogers
Great further example of why I love the Giro – not often that the Green Jersey at the Tour is fought out between non-sprinters, let alone between a sprinter and a climber. Very cool.
@wiscot
@frank
Yeah, after today, Cav’s got 29 points on Purito in the overall competetion without a realistic chance to take anymore. Purito should be ble to bank ints on each of the next two stages. Definitely up for grabs. Giro kicks ASS, BABY!!!
Did any of you catch this in the Giro twitter feed?
Giro D’Italia – This is the show
What an amazing photo
@minion
a fotheringham piece here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/may/23/bradley-wiggins-tour-de-france
another piece here: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/cycling/9283386/Bradley-Wiggins-reveals-Team-Skys-explosive-secret-that-has-put-him-in-contention-for-Tour-de-France.html
Both interesting articles i think.
1048 posts already.
The raddest thing about this is that in 50 or 500 years time (mad max scenario / technology dependent ) when someone wants know about the 2012 Giro and how it played out this thread may be the definitive text.
@frank
Because the two competitions are now very different. Giro gives points equally on all stages, the Tour weights points towards the flat stages. See Cadel’s 2010 points win (the race in which Aussies won the mountains and young rider jerseys too!).
@Steampunk
@Marcus
@frank
Thanks for the clarification gents.