Velominati Super Prestige: Grand Prix Cycliste de Montreal 2012

Rui Costa leafs the opposition behind in 2011. Photo: Rob Jones

Ok, as some of you have been reminding us, this one slipped off the radar last year, and threatened to do the same again this time. Is it because it’s held in Canada? That despite a quality field and only two weeks away from the Worlds, it’s in Canada? That even though the course is a perfect template for riders who hold hopes for earning some stripes in Valkenburg, this race is still in Canada?

There should be a good deal of interest in this race from the locals, now that The Weight of a Nation has been somewhat lifted with Ryder’s win in the Giro in May. He will be on the start line in Montreal, no doubt garnering the most attention of anyone clipping in for this semi-Classic, fast gaining a solid reputation along with its sibling in Quebec, held on Friday and won by Aussie puncheur Simon Gerrans. These two could both feature here, and will definitely be looking ahead a fortnight too. Lats year’s winner Rui Costa is back to defend, and the likes of T5, GvA, LL Cool, Chav, Sags and Boss Hog will all have something to say.

Check out the start list, think about your goals for the Worlds, get your picks in and good luck!

Brett

Don't blame me

View Comments

  • I actually got my picks in, but I didn't realize the race was today.  I alway thought Quebec and Montreal were a week apart.  I totally would have picked Lars Ulrich

  • @Buck Rogers

    Oh come on!  When did you put is up???  i hav been looking for it for the last 72 hours!

    Sagan, Sanchez, Voeckler, EBH, and Hesjedal in fifth.

    Zero points either way.

  • @frank please do not neutralize. And deduct 5 points from anyone who whinges about it - as a lesson in Rule 5.

    The fact that people did enter means there was opportunity for all to do so. Sometimes the VSP awards the opportunists.

    Gerrans looking like he is in tip top form for the Worlds.

  • I picked a good race to delgado. I've never even heard of the winner. Young Moser will be a force to be reckoned with and I'm starting to think Sagan has finally tired himself out.

    @Marcus
    You are right about Gerro, that Worlds course suits him and he is on form. People better mark his ass. And Fucking Conatdor too. He could easily be next one in rainbow stripes. booom.

  • @batchuba

    Dayum; I figured a hyper-conservative selection would at least guarantee summink in the way of reward. This VSP lark is harder than it looks.

    Indded, mate! My method: pull your picks blindly out of your hat, cross your fingers, and have fun. Although, I'm 87th or so on the year so maybe don't listen to me.

  • @Gianni

    I picked a good race to Delgado. I've never even heard of the winner. Young Moser will be a force to be reckoned with and I'm starting to think Sagan has finally tired himself out.

    Not to worry Gianni. The on-site announcer was very animated in describing Boasson Hagen's sprint down the final stretch for the win. Only well after Nordhaug had crossed the line did the he realise his mistake. He then referred to Nordhaug as "the other Norwegian" before finally figuring out his name.

  • And if you don't then he can tell you to fuck off... although I guess that works equally well for both outcomes.

    I may not have done well in the VSP but I was pretty spot on with that prediction...

  • People whinging about the VSP not going up, then when we do, others whinging about missing it... I had to do this on a Sunday morning when I could've been doing Sunday morning stuff, so Rule 5 is indeed the order of the day. If you're playing the VSP seriously, then you would've known one was due, even if we didn't! Sorry for the lateness, not sorry for your own incompetence or lack of attention.

  • @brett riiiight, like there are so many cool things to do on a Sunday morning in Wellington.

    The General Store would have been shut wouldn't it?

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