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

Marcus says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:17 pm

After firing too early last year, Clenbutador wants this one bad, real bad.

VSP PICKS:

1. Contador
2. J-Rod
3. Sammy Sanchez
4. Gerro
5. Gilbert
il ciclista medio says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:18 pm

A couple of hopefuls and a couple of definitely maybe's.

Good luck to all.

VSP PICKS:

1. Sam San
2. J-Ro
3. J-Co
4. Uran-us (kiddie humour)
5. Schleckles Jr.
minion says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:28 pm

That guy has the best name in cycling. Be interesting to see how Basso's form is coming along, since Liquigas has been quiet so far this year. Again no idea, punts based on a limited grasp of reality mean some gonzo picks sit alongside some bona fide selections, I just don't know which ones are which.

VSP PICKS:

1. J Rod
2. Andy S
3. BeÃ±at Intxausti Elorriaga
4. Basso
5. S Gerrans
Alex says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:35 pm

I think the bridesmaid will break through on this one. Clenboy will just miss again and the others will all be thereabouts. Gesink isn't maybe tough enough but Sammy Sanchez is also a dark horse.
Pity we can't do 10 picks eh!

VSP PICKS:

1. J Rodriguez
2. Contador
3. Schleck the Elder
4. Gerrans
5. Gilbert
harminator says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:37 pm

Hello, um Liquigas, is anyone there?

VSP PICKS:

1. J Rod
2. Gerro
3. The Spanish Steak
4. Van Den Broeck
5. Basso
Alex says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:39 pm

swap that Schleck elder for Schleck junior

VSP PICKS:

1. J Rodriguez
2. Contador
3. Schleck the Younger
4. Gerrans
5. Gilbert
R00td0wn says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:39 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Sammy Sanchez
2. Dirty Contador
3. J Rod
4. Gesink
5. Hesjedal
harminator says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:42 pm

@minion
Kelly will have no hope pronouncing that - he still can't say Cadel properly.
But what about Nelson Filipe SANTOS SIMOES OLIVIERA?
Oli Brooke-White says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:44 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Andy Shleck
2. Contador
3. Rodriguez
4. Basso
5. Frank Shleck
Jamin says:

Apr 19 2011 at 4:45 pm

Schlecko is going well. Alberto is too. Gerro didn't have enough to go with Gilbo Sunday. Gilbo will be too knackered by now. Sanchez is Spanish and can climb. VD Broek just might 'cause he's from around there?

VSP PICKS:

1. Andy Schlecker
2. Contadorey
3. VD Broek
4. Sammy Sanchez
5. Gerro