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

il ciclista medio says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:16 pm

ben :
that's right! Jerome m-f'in coppel!

I'm feelin' ya!
ben says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:27 pm

OUT: Tondo (love you Tondo, but this isn't for you)
IN: SCHLECKINO

VSP PICKS:

1. j-rod from the rokkit skwad
2. fingerbang
3. Grimpy the Younger
4. Jerome coppel
5. one-dollar diluca
RedRanger says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:28 pm

I feel like any one who is going for the GC or stage wins at Le Tour wont show to much at this race, buts is a crap shoot as I have never seen this race before. I want to see Basso do well but I'm not so sure and same with Sammy. I think the team will be working for Igor ahead of Il Giro.

VSP PICKS:

1. Conti
2. Jrod
3. "you called master?"
4. Jr
5. The Carbon Wheel
Erik says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:45 pm

Another wild card selection. I'm going to keep saying Jeff Louder until he wins something.

VSP PICKS:

1. Andy Schleck
2. Alberto Contador
3. Vinokourov
4. Janez Brajkovic
5. Jeff Louder
frank says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:46 pm

Well, I've been voting with my hear and against the likely winner so long, I don't even know what it feels like to get points. Since it's a mid-week race that I don't fancy, I'll give it a whirl.

Clenny times it right, Grimplette goes to early, Gesink goes from the bottom and almost makes it.

BOOM.

VSP PICKS:

1. Clenbutador
2. Grimplette
3. J Rod
4. Gesink
5. Ryder on the Storm
anotherdownunder says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:49 pm

No bloody idea!

VSP PICKS:

1. A Contador
2. S Sanchez
3. Van Den Broeck
4. J Rodriguez
5. F Schleck
RedRanger says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:51 pm

Frank can you stop this from reposting my picks every time.

VSP PICKS:

1. Conti
2. Jrod
3. "you called master?"
4. Jr
5. The Carbon Wheel
Buck Rogers says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:54 pm

@harminator
Oooh, good call on Van den Broeck. I bet that dude shows up strong tomorrow.
minion says:

Apr 19 2011 at 7:57 pm

Scuba Steve :
Few outsiders there but the favourites are still in my selections, Basso has done bugger all this year and I think it's time he put in a showing. Hope Contador has stacked up on the Beef, I HATE tipping him but he's the favourite... Ahh the heart and head conflict!
VSP PICKS:
1. Gerrans2. Andy Schleck3. Cuntador4. Gilbert5. Basso

Yessss Gerrans! He would be my favourite rider of my picks, but the desire to suck wheels by picking favourites and moving up the leaderboard is too much for me. (Now I've said that he'll go and win the bloody thing) Couldn't do Contador though. I'd love to see Schlecks, Basso and Cuddles team up on him but I think I may ahve to wait till the tour for that.
Sprider says:

Apr 19 2011 at 8:13 pm

@Alex
Oh yeah, 10 picks would be easier!