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.
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Couldn't force myself to write the 'V' word needed to put Vino's name down. Voting with my heart, not for points.
Go Gerro!
VSP PICKS:
1. andy schleck
2. alberto contador
3. phil gilbert
4. simon gerrans
5. m albasini
Going for the Maillot de Syringue.
VSP PICKS:
1. Rodriguez
2. Contador
3. Anton
4. Schleck, A.
5. Fuglsang
VSP PICKS:
1. Jay Rawd
2. Spanish Steak Boy
3. Sammy Sandshoe
4. Shrank Fleck
5. Wobble Gesink
if only cuddles was riding...
my podium has a present/past/future faces of doping look about it...
VSP PICKS:
1. clenbutador
2. veino
3. j-rod
4. schleck jr.
5. danny martin
Taken out Phil Gil. I now think he'll just turn the legs over here to keep loose for LBL. Wild-carding Martin instead to gain points on the VSP leaders. Now watch Martin crash at the first feed station, and Gilbert win ('cos that's how cycling works...).
VSP PICKS:
1. J Rod
2. Sammy Sanchez
3. Fronk Schlock
4. Contador
5. Dan Martin
Will the Schleck the younger get his shizzle together this time, or will Clenbutador rid himself of cold and come to the fore.... or will Tony Martin sneak in and outdo them all....
VSP PICKS:
1. Andy Schleck
2. Contador
3. Gilbert
4. Tony Martin
5. Gerrans
VSP PICKS:
1. andy
2. phil gilbert
3. contador
4. rodriguez
5. veino
@Vello Kitty
Nick Roche? AWESOME!!! Man, I hope he wins as I love him as a rider, esp after he almost put his teammates head through the window after he refused him a wheel. Let's hope he shines tomorrow!
All Spanish podium (Beef, it's what's for dinner).
VSP PICKS:
1. Joaquin Rod
2. Igor
3. Contador
4. Schleck Jr.
5. Gesink
VSP PICKS:
1. Purito
2. Grimplette
3. Un-pure Contador
4. Anton
5. Fuglsang