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.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Veino
3. Gerro
4. J-Rod
5. SchleckA
@Marko @steampunk
Hermenutics and exegetics are your friends.
@Jarvis-
Ha! You are so right, the last 12 or so editions features someone who was busted except for Bettini and Grimpeurtito. What does that say about Paulo? Anything?
I too am skeptical of Gilbert winning again but he is a strongman, no? I dare not bet against him. I still refuse to put down Vieno. Gesink? I think not. Ryder, I'd like him to fucking win this but unlike jesus in da cave, I don't think he will roll away the stone and ascend to the top of the podium. A-Merckx
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Nibali-thanks Rob
3. Kolobnev-thanks Bretto
4. Brajkovic
5. Grimpeur the lesser
@Brett
Yeah: Weight of a Nation = O Hesjedal. I don't like it, but Garmin (and now Garvelo) have been selling the t-shirts for a couple of years (Hesjedal was the lone Canuck in the TdF a couple of years ago).
@Gianni
Wow! Just wow: I'm in awe.
VSP PICKS:
1. Philly Gilly
2. Go Go Gerro
3. Dirty Sanchez
4. Van Avermaet
5. Chavanel
@Cyclops
Did L Ron Hubbard write those?
VSP PICKS:
1. P. Gilbert
2. Vino
3. Joachim Rodriguez
4. A. Schleck
5. Kolobnev
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Joaquin Rod
3. Gerrans
4. Vino
5. F. Schleck
@Gianni
Bettini? Well you tell me what it says about him, given the era he raced and was amazingly successful in...
@Brett
'Purito' is the "official" nickname of J-rod
Wanted to pick Gerro because it will be ANZAC day back here but I just couldn't. Aussie quinella at Bells Besch today was reward enough anyway!
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. S sanchez
3. A schleck
4. J-rod
5. Vino