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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@Buck Rogers
So Nibali is 100,00 euros richer this morning than he was yesterday?
Chappy McPappystackings and the Mrs. McPappystackings celebrating the shared podium placing, and wishing Bauke had bucked up a little more.
@frank
Go to 51:40 in this podcast to learn about the 2 new undectable EPO variants.
oh come on, really? doubting about the honesty of Gasparotto's, Iglinskiy's and Rodriguez' victories and the general performance of the Katusha and Astana team and not even considering second thougts on Boonen's and his team's performance in the Flemish Spring Season? I did not expect such biased opinions of Velominati members, who are supposed to be cycling adepts. it s not like they ve appeared out of nowhere...
@JC Belgium
Tommeke?!?!? We all know that he would never do any illegal drugs. Besides, I worship at the alter of Tommeke so I could never suspect him!
@Chappy McPappystackings
Chappy treats the Mrs well. Congrats Monsieur McPappy Stackings, those 5 points were not easy to come by. I had Voeckler and Danny-boy Martin in the right order but one place off the real money so it's 2 wee points for me. Not enough to open a bottle of Abby Blond. At least I now understand what those Belgian beers are all about and just how pissed one gets when one goes out in Lille and has many of them out of big vessels.
@JC Belgium
Biased opinion is what we are all about.
Sheer luck got me on the top step, with the two odds-on favorites not featuring.
I do like my little Belgian flag-colored Belgium icon, though. Unité fait la force!
Hmmm, squeezed in to the top 20...
@JC Belgium
Are you joking ?
Gasparotto - 30 years old, won a couple of Giro stages 5 years ago and suddenly turns around with a win and a podium in one week.
Iglinsky - 31 years old, never podiumed at a classic let alone a monument.
If we have learned anything from the doping years it is that unbelievable results are just that - unbelievable.
Unless it is through tactical reasons riders in the later parts of their careers do not suddenly switch from also-rans to top dogs.
Rodriguez I would not lump into the same category, although I would not be susprised to be wrong, given his history of riding with suspect teams. Rodriguez has the riding and wining history and we know the Fleche finish is perfect for him. Which is also why I don't suspect Boonen.
In their case even if they are using something it isn't a case of turning a donkey into a thoroughbred.