Velominati Super Prestige: Paris-Nice 2012

The master of Paris-Nice: Sean Kelly

It’s right around this time of year when the little voice in my head that spurs me on in cold, wet, Rule #9 conditions starts getting overpowered by all my other personalities who at this stage are gathering stones and crowbars and getting ready to enforce their will on him regarding their preference for riding in nice, warm, sunny conditions. I feel bad for the little guy, too, since he helps me a lot in a climate like the Pacific Northwest; but truth be told, my fingers still haven’t regained their feeling from last week’s ride and I admit it would be nice to arrive home after a ride triumphant and warm instead of frozen and soaked like a wet rat.

It appears I’m not the only one ready for some warmer weather, and Paris-Nice traditionally holds a place of honor as “The Race to the Sun” for its timing is such that the race often starts in the French interior with rain (and possibly snow), and arrives on the sunny Cote d’Azur in Nice in balmy conditions.

With that we start our first stage race of the season, along with an opportunity to expose more bugs and logical faults in the VSP software. But never mind that; the same basic rules apply as do with one-day races, expect the stakes are a bit higher with 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 7 for third, 5 for fourth, and 3 for fifth plus two bonus points per rider in the top five regardless of the rider’s placing. Should the race be exciting enough to merit its inclusion, The Keepers may elect to include a bonus round on the VSP for one of the stages along the way. Watch this space for news in that arena.

Check the start list and watch the countdown timer as picks close at 5am Pacific on Sunday; up for grabs is the personalized Velominati Shop Apron to the contestent who wins the season-long competition. Check the Main VSP page for scoring guidelines and rules. Seeing as this is the first stage race, I strongly encourage you to enter your picks early, knowing that you can make changes all the way up until the VSP closes. If you notice something behaving strangely, please let us know and we’ll have time to resolve the issue.

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

Roadslave525 says:

Mar 3 2012 at 12:33 am

Wiggins aiming to peak for the Dauphine, so using this as a leg loosener... but he'll still do well... but no match for Martin. Wiggins will then think he's in fantastic shape for TdF, but will then fall short again (sniff), and will sulk through the Olympics denying Cav a medal (again). Destiny is a cruel mistress.

On another matter, did I see a post from Adrian near the top? Old Adrian or a new one?

VSP PICKS:

1. Tony Martin
2. The Modfather
3. Porte
4. Valverde
5. Leipheimer
snoov says:

Mar 3 2012 at 12:46 am

Two TTs could suit Wiggins very well, even if he's not on top form he does have the Sky approach on his side.

VSP PICKS:

1. Wiggins
2. Martin
3. Gerrans
4. Leipheimer
5. Cunego
mouse says:

Mar 3 2012 at 12:57 am

VSP PICKS:

1. Richie Porte
2. Alejandro Valverde
3. Tejay Van Garderen
4. Simon Gerrans
5. Tony Martin
Dr C says:

Mar 3 2012 at 1:03 am

@brett
I am frankly disappointed anyone worked my list out, apart from Twiggo of course - I was taught through med school to make your notes as indecipherable as possible, so when your ass is hauled into court, you can just Ad-Lib

Anyway, I better clarify that Giant Tomato is indeed Geraint Thomas, future winner of the TdF (no comment needed thanks Fronk) - in case he wins and I inexplicably go into an unassailable lead in the VSP

Also, Wiggo for the TdF!!!!!
zac says:

Mar 3 2012 at 1:12 am

VSP PICKS:

1. wiggins
2. porte
3. Valverde
4. t martin
5. tejay van garderen
Blah says:

Mar 3 2012 at 2:08 am

VSP PICKS:

1. Valverde
2. Levi
3. A Schleck
4. Wiggins
5. Porte
Noel says:

Mar 3 2012 at 2:26 am

VSP PICKS:

1. Leipheimer
2. Valverde
3. Wiggins
4. Kloden
5. Cunego
Oli says:

Mar 3 2012 at 3:13 am

@paolo
Jacky Durand was only famous because of that RVV win - his long breaks would have been mild diversions if they hadn't come off from time to time, but once one had there was always the chance another would, hence the fame. I agree with Paolo that shooting for the win and getting nowhere has less value than conserving and finishing on the podium, even if only in terms of prize money and publicity in this professional sport.
simonsaunders says:

Mar 3 2012 at 3:14 am

Difficult choices for this race, so many could do well, and yet early season form unpredictable. Thought I'd throw some left field choices in....

VSP PICKS:

1. Wiggins
2. Frank Schleck
3. Alejandro Valverde
4. Pierre Roland
5. Cameron Meyer
Rob says:

Mar 3 2012 at 4:08 am

VSP PICKS:

1. D. Cunego
2. I. Basso
3. T. Martin
4. S. Chavenal
5. C. Knees