I thought I’d take this opportunity to move en danseuse on Rule #89 and to refer to Liege-Bastogne-Liege by its less-common Flemish name. It also draws into sharp relief that fact that while Dutch may be every bit as expressive and subtle as French, it certainly sounds less sexy.
Some races seem to foster a romanticism that other races of equal difficulty simply can’t match. Sometimes it is due to the parcours of the event, but many times it has to do with its history and the tales of superhuman effort that capivate our imaginations and builds on itself. The last few editions of this event have left something to be desired in terms of its legend, with the event falling to riders with less-than-pristine records. But that probably only means we’re due for another epic, so buckle in. Perhaps snow is in the forecast, or perhaps the hearts of the early break foil the computers dictating the pace to the field and it stays away. Or perhaps we wind up with a nail-biting sprint finish between the big names. One thing is for sure; the final of this race is perhaps the most difficult of any race on the calendar, with a combination of kilometers and climbs taking its pound of flesh from any who venture towards the line.
La Doyenne is a monument, and as such the winner of this event will win the customary symbol pack and earn the right to comment for the remainder of the season with the LBL Winner’s comment badge. Check the start list, watch the countdown timer, and try not to Delgado this beautiful race. Bon chance.
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
Nabali gets me home in the bunch sprint for 3rd!!
I was bummed when he got caught though. What a move!
Another lame "no chase" by a group who should have known better. Nibbles couldn't have done much more. Great ride Iglinsky. Loved the 'look and go' when he caught Nibs.
@ChrisO
Unfortunately I can't watch an Astana rider get over the line without that thought running right through my head...
@harminator
Yeah at the bottom of Saint Nicolas when they were all looking around at Gilbert to run the chase all I thought about was Faboo at last year's Flandrian classics, some shit riding from the others just assuming the 'strong' man will carry them to the finish.
Not a fan of Bruyneel at all but it looks like he's finally laying down the law on Frandy. its about time to. those two need to HTFU and ride their damn bikes!
@ChrisO
I saw that too and thought the EXACT same thing. Perfect wording on their part, hopefully it was intentional.
@Sauterelle
Chapeau!
these Basque riders really need to learn how to stay on their bikes Anton crashes out of LBL before KM 0.
@RedRanger
"Not a fan of Bruyneel..." is enough for me.
I can just add that I wasn't a fan even when he was a rider too.
@Pedale.Forchetta
Totally agree. The stunt he pulled on Indurain in 1994 was just not a classy way to ride. You learn a lot about a person by the way they ride in a group.