Bloody Peugeots, always breaking down on hills. Stockeau, 1980
We’ve all watched bike races, that’s a given, but how many of us actually listen to a bike race? It’s at this time every year that I’m reminded of something;
The Ardennes Classics sound different.
How does a bike race sound exactly? In the case of L-B-L, it’s the low buzz of the TV helicopter that is ingrained in my psyche. The subliminal hum of the rotors, droning away, overlaid with the monologue of Phil and Paul (or some Dutch or Spanish guy), also droning away, is a trance-inducing concoction not even the likes of Ken Kesey ever experienced.
Be warned, if you’re a Vietnam Veteran watching (and listening to) this clip of Argentin taking his fourth Doyenne may lead to flashbacks.
While the cobbled northern Classics elucidate a mien that takes hold of our hearts and can’t really be explained, the hillier races in the last week of the Spring campaign offer their own charms for us to appreciate. The fragile climbers, who’ve avoided the rough and dirty roads in weeks previous, mix it up alongside a smattering of the Big Men of the Stones who make the crossover to give it one last crack, or to simply help their grimpeur buddies get a slice of their own pie. These are races that can go to any number of riders who are having an on day.
Which doesn’t make picking a winner in this, the final Spring edition of the Velominati Super Prestige any easier. Will a Schleck, any Schleck, stand up (or be countered). What will the reactions be if Veino repeats, will he still be the villain, or is a year a long time in cycling and he’ll be forgiven, cheered and revered? PhilGil could make his own history and take not only the triple crown of Amstel, Fleche and Liége, but the quadruple with his Brabanste Pijl win thrown in for good measure. Whichever way the cards fall, or whoever plays them right, it’s always a worthy winner who rolls across the line first in Ans.
All that’s left to do is take a look at the start list, use your Powers of Deductionâ„¢ to decide your Top V, fill in the blanks and pick up an Obey The Rules bumper sticker for your trouble. It’s a prize older and more coveted than any other cycling-based-website-race-tipping-competition-bumper-sticker-giveaway.
Maybe listening to your heart is the way to go on this one.
Best of Belgian to you.
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@Oli Brooke-White
@Steampunk
I felt today was horribly reminiscent of the Tourmalet and a coupla other climbs from the tour, on both occasions Schleck had his man where he wanted him (the favorite), but subsequently didn't do what was required. Either he doesn't have the talent or the brains, but i think he has both of these so what the fuck is wrong. I have wondered whether having a brother so close to him in standard sometimes is a hindrance, e.g. Ventou in 2009, he seemed to be trying to take Frank with him and break Contador at the same time which isn't going to work
@Sam
Yep. Contador's probably thinking: don't get dropped and I'll win in the final TT. That should make for an exciting Tour.
You're just trolling, right? Because I really don't know how to reply to that.
Something that's getting lost in the Schlecks' ineptitude is Gilbert's tactical nous or strategery. He was the only rider with the wherewithal to go with the Schlecks when they made their break. The move left the entire peloton sleeping. Except one guy. That guy just happened to be a total stud.
@Steampunk
Strategery is an American term not worthy of such a hardman. Strategery was coined by a village idiot who stole elections.
That said, your point is well taken. They perhaps knew the second PG marked their attack that racing was futile. Bummer for us though in terms of seeing a race, fun if you like seeing a guy impose his VVill on the peloton. Just think if dudes did the same in previous classics this year when Faboo went. Boring.
@Steampunk
Zactly. If their attack had poppd PG they would be golden. And that was their big chance.
I just wonder why L-T didn't put some one in the break. that would have forced Lotto to work a lot harder it seems. But I think we may be a little hard on them. They have had 5 podium spots for the 4 monuments. That is not bad.
Completely with Steampunk on this. The Schlecks were a fucking disgrace to procycling. Whunge, whinge, whinge, couldn't do anything cos he was too strong, whinge.
Pathetic
You didn't even try you pair of pathetic losers. Neither of you deserve to win the tour because of that display.
Oh and for anyone thinking that the Schlecks will shit on Phil in July. Do you really think Gilbert gives a toss about winning the Tour? No. He's only riding this year because of team pressure and because he isn't going to the worlds. He take a stage, aim for the yellow jersey then sit back and work for VDB2.
On the positive side of LBL, Phil is fucking awesome. The attack he put in on Saint Nicholas was massive. Tactically he did all he could to ensure he won, always prepared to be jumped. Bet he was laughing at 500m to go.
@Jarvis
+1. Fuck July, it's a soap opera. Real men show up in April.
I hope my prior posts don't sound like I am apologizing for the brothers Luxembourgian. They were soundly defeated by a superior force.
@Steampunk
yeah i think it's sad, if it were just left to Contador in july, let's just hope that in the Giro (which is the superior race in my opinion) he kills himself beating Nibali and is feeling the effects and that Cuddles early season prep goes in his favor or Basso gets over that weird moment he had in Pais Vasco, just anything not to make it a two horse race
@Jarvis
PhilGil is only going to the Tour to prepare for San Sebastian!