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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VSP PICKS:
1. Vanendert
2. Joaquin Rodriguez
3. Gilbert
4. Albasini
5. Nibali
VSP PICKS:
1. P Gilbert
2. J Rodriguez
3. T Voeckler
4. D Cunego
5. A Valverde
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Rodruguez
3. Sanchez
4. Valverde
5. Voeckler
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilbert
2. Purito
3. Dan Martin
4. Valverde
5. Cunego
VSP PICKS:
1. PhilGil
2. Nibbles
3. Vanendert
4. Martin
5. Mollema
Hopefully a better set of picks after getting it very wrong last time out.
VSP PICKS:
1. Gilforwards
2. Valverde
3. J-Rod
4. Grimpelder
5. Nibali
VSP PICKS:
1. gilbert
2. Joaquin Rodriguez
3. Jelle Vanendert
4. Ryder Hesjedal
5. Frank Schleck
VSP PICKS:
1. Frank Schleck
2. Gilbert
3. Nibali
4. Rodriguez
5. Gerrans
VSP PICKS:
1. J-Rod
2. Gilbert
3. Hesjedal
4. Albasini
5. Vanendert
Frank, while I agree that the French cycling words often sound sexy, I believe there is definitely a place in cycling for my adopted second language (ok its Dutch and not Flemish but near enough). The language has a simplicity and a straight forward functionality that goes perfect with the mechanical nature and engineering aspects of cycling. Sometimes the pure directness of the terms just really describe the emotion of the moment: the flowery word crevaison, for example, sounds almost like a happy occasion whereas "lekke band" for me captures the emotion of the event, especially when expressed in it's proper form of "Kut, lekke band" with correct emphasis and venom injected into the first word. And while pave conjures up imagery of the classic races between gentlemen, kinderkopjes brings up a whole unique imagery of it's own.
I guess my point is that sometimes the sexy sounding french terms are definitely appropriate, especially when describing valiantly fought battles between the giants of old in black and white film, but I also think the Lowland terms have their correct place and should be encouraged more amongst the cycling masses.
Ok off my soapbox now....