Velominati Super Prestige: Men’s Olympic Road Race 2012

Grewal, legally doped to the gills, takes the win ahead of Canadian Steve Bauer.

You can all wave “goodbye” to your Post GT Depression Syndrome, because the Men’s Olympic Road Race is only three days yonder. I don’t typically give two shits about this particular event; while contested by national teams, unlike the Worlds it appears as just another one-day race on a calendar filled with events that carry much more historical and nostalgic significance. What’s worse, it seems the brilliance has faded from the flame of Olympic Spirit – after all, what is an international sports rivalry without the associated political Boggie Dance of Political Superiority? Merckx, I miss the Cold War.

But this time is different. Contested in London over a route that may or may not favor the squat little speed demon Mark Cavendish, the Cycling world has been abuzz about whether his presence on Team Sky alongside Pippi Longstockings implies his impending doom or his certain success – because everyone knows those are the only two possibilities. Be that as it may, the route boasts to be lumpy enough for breakaways or small field sprints, which makes this particular Velominatus, for once, really excited to see what happens. Oh, and as a special request to the riders, if we could keep everyone off the juice this time round, that would be peaches and creame.

With that, check the start list and pretend like that is going to help you make your predictions. Then look at the route and do the same before making a wild guess and hoping you come up good. One-Day VSP rules apply; get your picks in by the time the countdown timer goes to zero and pray for daylight.

Good luck.

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

Harminator says:

Jul 25 2012 at 2:50 pm

The English will send an gritty expendable Scotsman up the road as bait but it will all backfire as Lord Cavendish gets stuck when a stray corgi brings down the bunch...

VSP PICKS:

1. Gerrans
2. Millar
3. Sorenson
4. Albasini
5. Terpstra
scaler911 says:

Jul 25 2012 at 2:50 pm

Don't think the sprinters are going to hang. But WTF do I know?

VSP PICKS:

1. T Boo
2. Nibbles
3. Gesink
4. TJ in the Garden
5. Roche Jr.
Trobs says:

Jul 25 2012 at 3:24 pm

Has to come down to a sprint. Finishes on The Mall for Christ sake!

VSP PICKS:

1. Caviar
2. Andre the Giant
3. Sagan
4. Matty Goose
5. Like a Boss Hog
ironaiden says:

Jul 25 2012 at 3:31 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. cavendish
2. cancellara
3. sagan
4. goss
5. boonen
Mikael Liddy says:

Jul 25 2012 at 3:43 pm

I'm shooting for a break to stick & the boy Sagan to stomp on everyone.

VSP PICKS:

1. Sagan
2. Philbert
3. Gerrans
4. Millar
5. Chavanel
Velomihottie says:

Jul 25 2012 at 3:44 pm

I'm predicting it will end up in a bunch sprint and hence no one can go past the missile. Gossy is ever the bridesmaid again with Sagan rounding out the podium.

There was a time where I couldn't stand Cav but I've warmed to him now. His 2nd stage win at this years TDF was definately a highlight for me and it was nice to see the world champ win on the Champs as well - as opposed to being reduced to being waterboy! God I hope he leaves SKY....
Lukas says:

Jul 25 2012 at 4:09 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Cavendish
2. Greipel
3. Sagan
4. Nibali
5. TeJay Van Garderen
minion says:

Jul 25 2012 at 4:38 pm

While you'd have to be insane to bet against Cav, I am getting thoroughly sick of the English crowing and sincerely hope someone rocks up to spoil the party; I think the other teams, especially Belgium, have to smash the race to bits and screw up Enger-land's game plan, but despite that Cav will still win. The only other scenario I can see is Boonen getting away with a small selection that may as well include Cancellara and Gilbert, who probably have points to prove at this point in the season.

If Team Sky sits on the front the whole race and Cav slots the easy putt in I'm burning my English passport.

VSP PICKS:

1. Cav
2. Greipel
3. Boonen
4. Sagan
5. Goss
il ciclista medio says:

Jul 25 2012 at 4:40 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. PhilGil
2. Cavhasgrownupdish
3. Goss
4. Saggin'
5. Tommeke
Dr C says:

Jul 25 2012 at 4:41 pm

Are we in 98.6% agreement that we all (98.6% of us anyway) on the site, now have a little soft spot in our hearts for Bananaman / Friggin' Beaker?