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.
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@frank
I will resist the urge to comment on reasons why someone might not be a fan of a sports figure. Did he not do his time in the pain cave? Who cares how he got there etc etc?
I won't say those things. Good on ya for having likes and dislikes.
I real;y am fucking useless at this game. However I believe I have learnt a few things from this spring:
1) J-Rod will never win a monument as he can't go the distance (neither can Boss Hog)
2) Vo-clair (beautiful pronunciation by the Sporza commentators) will be a major factor next year)
3) Vanendert & Rolland (who on a bike has style in spades) are part of the new generation coming through)
4) Philleeeppe will be back next year
Brunyeel is a CotHO
@Jarvis
Rolland was looking Magnificent today, and so was Tommy V. Great, great stuff. I am secretly very glad that Philippe tanked at the end; he hasn't shown the form and it would be...disappointing...had he suddenly risen to the top. And, as always, I admire a rider who fights in the face of a setback - putting his team on the front and riding like a leader was a great thing to see. His stock rose for me today.
J-Rod, and anyone on Astana: waiting for your positive tests is like waiting for a kettle to whistle: you know it will happen, but the fucking thing is just gurgling and wheezing but won't just get around to actually boiling...
@eightzero
At least you're letting it go!
@frank
Ahhh, someone finally actually goes there! I did not have the heart to say it.
@frank
Although I am still waiting for JJ Cobo's to boil.
@frank
The Astana kit is an abomination - on a good day it looks like spare stuff from an amateur cross country ski team from a fairly remote part of an underpopulated American state.
Not that I'm bitter about him losing me points etc but did anyone spot the major Rule #82 faux pas as Iglinsky crossed the line?
Of course we shouldn't be surprised as Astana riders are frequently seen wearing their turquoise and yellow team tights whilst actually riding in races>.
Maybe the Astana team kit designer is on something?
@Buck Rogers
Feels good, though, eh?
On the Keepers Tour RVV ride we rode past a dude at least as fat as Lampre Man wearing an Astana kit pissing on the side of the road. That was weird.