Velominati Super Prestige: La Fléche Wallonne

Freddy Maertens on the Mur de Huy

La Fléche would perhaps be my least favorite classic, were it not for Gent-Wevelgem’s ill-timed bike-throw in their race for last place. It isn’t anything to do with the quality of these races themselves, but more to do with the company they travel in. Gent used to be sandwiched between de Ronde and Roubaix, just as La Fléche is between Amstel and Liege; it just happens that these are some of the greatest races in the world, and the bridesmaid never looks as good as the bride.

It’s a shame, too, because the Mur de Huy is an absolute brute and ranks as one of the most fearsome and recognizable climbs in the world. Almost a kilometer and a half in length with pitches of 20% and 25%, the climb is hit several times on the finishing circuit. Diabolically, the finish is placed at the top of the hill.

The finish favors a powerful climber who can time an uphill sprint to perfection. Think Nicole Cooke or Danilo Di Luca. Cuddles misfired on this finish several times before getting it right last year and giving the “Thumbs Up” sign. You could almost a weakening Clentador thinking as he was getting passed, “I’m not climbing well enough for my weight yet. Need to get me some Spanish Beef.” Experience always counts, but it’s critical here.

So on with the 2011 Velominati Super Prestige and the La Fléche Wallonne. As usual, the winner of this VSP edition will earn an “Obey the Rules” bumper sticker and all reader’s points qualify towards the final prize of the free personalized Velominati Shop Apron. If you are inclined to enter, simply post your predictions for the top five placings in the designated area above the posts section, bearing in mind that entry/modification of picks closes at 5am Pacific time on the day of the race. Check the Super-Prestige main page for rules and scoring information.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

Bianchi Denti says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:02 pm

Hi Frank & Brett. I definitely got more than zero. Cheers.
RedRanger says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:08 pm

It was a reference to his name being Igor who was dr frankenstein's assistant. I'll be less clever next time.
Bianchi Denti says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:08 pm

@Marko

Marko :
@frankYeah but did she need to steal Flecha's lame-o salute?

Marko - Vos is good and tough enough to use whatever salute she likes. I certainly wouldn't argue with her!
Marko says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:10 pm

@Bianchi Denti
That is an interesting point, she is one of those riders who very well could transcend the Rules.
frank says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:15 pm

@ZachOlson

Hmmm... I know "J. Rodriguez" is a pretty obscure nickname, but somehow I feel like I should have gotten a point for putting him in 4th.

Yeah, that's a different problem entirely. That's when I'm smokin' through that list, buzzed on either too much espresso or not enough alcohol, Jackson and Joaquin are right next to each other. Same for the Sanchezeseeseseees.

That's a tougher issue to code against. Other than dumping the less likely options to the bottom of the list, which I think I will do, actually.
Buck Rogers says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:19 pm

ramenvelo :
@frankNOOOOOOOO! So cruel, I thought I was getting a bumper sticker.

Don't feel too bad. Bumper stickers are only given out for the Monuments. :)
ZachOlson says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:21 pm

@Frank Gotcha. Makes sense that you'd have every pro in the database instead of just the ones racing. From now on I shall not skimp on letters. It's pretty cool that you do all this just for the love of the sport.
Buck Rogers says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:23 pm

ZachOlson :
@Frank Gotcha. Makes sense that you'd have every pro in the database instead of just the ones racing. From now on I shall not skimp on letters. It's pretty cool that you do all this just for the love of the sport.

Actually, I think that Frank knows this site is like crack and that once he has enough of us hooked, he'll start charging us and retire on the proceeds!
ZachOlson says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:28 pm

@Buck Rogers That BASTARD...but if it's cheap...meh.
frank says:

Apr 20 2011 at 12:41 pm

@Marko, @Bianchi Denti

Yeah, and she gets extra points for carrying enough speed at the top of a 1.3km climb with a 25% grade to be able to do such a salute.

Arrow salute still lame, though, like Gilbert's upturned visor. It just doesn't matter as much.

For consideration: does it matter that it's for the Fleche Wallonne and not for the last name? Almost seems like shooting an arrow when your name is "arrow" is more arrogant than shooting an arrow when the race's name is "arrow", seems more deferential.

But it's still lame. It just doesn't matter as much.