Velominati Super Prestige: La Fléche Wallonne
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.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-O2_KwWMUg[/youtube]
under the wire!!!
VSP PICKS:
1. Joaquin Rodriguez
2. Bertie the Steak Man
3. Samu
4. Baby Grimpeur
5. Veino
Eurosport are telecasting to Oz without commentary. All you can hear is the sound of the chopper or the moto. It is kinda cool for a while but more beer required.
Roche out and on his way to hospital. Dan Martin has crashed also.
Just saw that.. Man, bummer as both are such good riders and good guys.
Martin also on way to hospital.
Just waking up here. who is in the break?
Maciej Paterski (Liquigas-Cannondale), Preben Van Hecke (Topsport Vlaanderen – Mercator), Maxime Vantomme (Katusha Team) and Matti Helminen (Landbouwkrediet) with just under 7 minutes and 55km to go…Saxo on the front with Leopard Trek.
What a lovely day over their today. Cripes, they have leaves on their trees and shrubs already and peeps wearing shorts. I’ve still got a foot of ice on the lake, 4 inches of snow in the woods, and a month out from leaves.
50km the gap is down to under six minutes…Flanders winner Nick Nuyens on the front of the chase.
@Marcus
Hi Marcus, check http://www.cyclingfans.com/node/1853 there’s plenty of feeds to watch. i’m following one of the eurosport ones but unfortunately no HD or higher def ones for this race. RAI are always good for that but they’re not following it.
@Marko
Damn, Marko. I didn’t know they had internet at the North Pole.
Jens is gonna blow some tops.
SHUT UP, LEGS!
Jens laying down the V, Baby!!!
@Marko
Seattle’s rainy, but that’s a pretty good description of why I left Minnesota. The thaw from Spring can be a rough ride if you’re jonesin’ to get on a bike. Hang tough, buddy.
Can-he-go hits the deck at the back…
I spent 3 years in the twin cities. that was enough for me.
Got to feel a little sad for the Little Prince.
@Buck Rogers
when will the poor guy get a break?
@Alex
Thanks mate – but we get it on cable here. Commentary started after a while. There was som snooker tourney onion the UK so they didn’t bother commentati g for just us Aussies. Snooker over, commentary started but no Sean Kelly commentating…
And sun on the Mur du Huy justlooks wrong!
@Marcus
no worries, i don’t have foxtel so no eurosport so have to watch on live stream.
in another life i would have been watching the snooker (world champs at the crucible no less which is like the flanders of queue sports).
i have a custom cue and a custom frame but the cue doesn’t get any action these days.
Interesting bit of trivia from the Flemish lads: Golas speaks 6 languages. What to do in your spare time as a Pro cyclist, eh? Learn languages, I guess.
Got a crowd of completely clueless coworkers around my desk watching the Race on Eurosport.
@tomb
LOVE IT! Disciples in the making.
Things are getting exciting now!!!
The CEO of Pinarello is shitting himself right now.
@Buck Course they all pissed off when they realized the race still had 20 KM.
Its on now!
Andy’s riding for Frank? Well I got that the wrong way around.
call em back tomb, this is getting good
@Alex
You aren’t the only one. I forgot how good Pino can be.
Gilbert is so awesome.
that mother fucker is tough!
F’n Gilbert
ok well i just learnt to have faith in big pHil
he is just soooo good, wonderful to see.
God DAMN! I picked the first three guys but in the wrong order!!! SHIT!
WHAT A FUCKING STUD!!!
he smashed them, like he looked around, said to himself “ok boys watch this” and boom
Ok, now the bet.
20 to 1 on 3 in a row?
I meant to say, that boy is good, clean, and wholesome.
Anyone know who took 4th and 5th?
No question – Gilbert for the hattrick.
Commentators: “This was a demonstration. This was not tactics, this was not planning. This not poker. This was riding your bike.”
Must stop underestimating Phil Gilbert.
@tomb
20 to 1???? More like even odds!
http://inrng.com/ predicted the seals shot! hahaha!
Leopard had that all wrong. why did they ride for Frank?
Incredible race. Very, very impressive.
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SPOILER ALERT:
O-fficial
1. Gilbert
2. J-Rod
3. Sammy Sanchez
4. Andy Schleck
5. Igor Anton
Frank, I didnt get a point for my Igor pick at #3