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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@Marko
It could be worse. After a nasty ankle sprain in March, I still wasn't back on the bike by this time last year.
@Marcus
Porn??? Did someone say Porn? Where????
@Marko
Damn dude, my rear light bracket has logged more kms than you this year.
@mcsqueak
Tell me about it dude. Between baby-having, being overloaded at work, and shitty-ass weather, I've been getting hosed on riding. Good to hear you're logging the km's. You must live in a weather-friendly clime?
@frank
Perhaps if it becomes a porn site that will be no bad thing.
Girlfriend after seeing me hastily put down laptop, "What are looking at?"
Me "Porn"
Girlfriend "You were not ! You were looking at bikes again, admit it"
Me, somewhat shamefaced "Yes but only a bit.."
On the other hand what can you say against a girl who suggests putting hooks inside the house to hang your new bike on.
@Marko I've got about 200k on the road bike, and maybe 300k on my commuter, but I spent all winter on my mag trainer. Last week when it was 70 and sunny for a day I went out and ended up riding with this triathlete on his aero bike who I met out there. I kicked butt, climbing the little hills in my 53x17 and rolling 40+k/h into the wind. I rode that guy until his tongue was hanging. All I have to say is, mag trainers make you STRONG if you can stand to sit on them and do some hard intervals.
But...I have a horrible sin to confess...I've been running since December and have about 400 miles on my sneakers. My endurance base is well-built because of it. I feel a little dirty every time I slide my bike between my legs, though.
But you're out in Ely right? Maybe late may or early June after school's out and we're less busy (you are a teacher, right?) we should meet up and ride around your neck of the woods.
@ frank, add a point for me for Purito, as in Juaquim "Purito" Rodriguez. Thank you.
@Marko
That's right, there was that baby too... they'll eat up your time (in a good way), that's for sure. I can't keep track of everyone who is having babies around these parts.
I live in good 'ol Portland, so the climate is not too bad if you can stand the rain. It's rarely ever too cold to ride, and honestly there have been plenty of cold but not rainy day's this winter. It's the start of my second spring on my bike now, and I'm logging speeds and climb numbers that it took me until last June to reach, so I feel pretty good right now coming out of winter.
Amazing ride by Vos for her 4th Fleche title! Good stuff! And absolutely fantastic ride by Gilbert, who I stupidly thought would be hiding his cards a bit for Sunday...I can't believe I dropped from my high position of 61st in the standings to 66th!
Days even, no apostrophe. I swear, if someone were to read only what I post on here, they'd think English was my third language.