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

Benj says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:28 am

I'm watching the eurosport feed and Sean Kelly seemed to think his gearing wasn't that high because of the finish. Seemed to think it was something to do with Phinney being a track rider.
Bill says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:31 am

@Benj
Good call, Benji. I hadn't even looked at my Eurosport account today, since the German version hadn't shown the last several races. But they've got it.

Although I do enjoy listening to the Dutch announcers. My wife and I have discussed turning their commentaries into a drinking game.
Blah says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:45 am

So looks like Andy was a bad pick. 1.01 down on leader ATM. He looked like he was waiting for Frank.
Benj says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:46 am

@Bill
Hah! I've tried watching the Dutch streams during Omloop Het Nieuwsblad but it was just ridiculous.
Gooooo Richie Porte!
Benj says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:47 am

@Blah
From Michael Hutchinson on Twitter, gave me a good laugh.
Considering his qualities as a bike rider Andy Schleck really is an astonishingly inept time triallist.
Bill says:

Mar 4 2012 at 5:59 am

@Benj
Looks like Andy and Frank were in sync, placing above 100.
harminator says:

Mar 4 2012 at 6:03 am

@Blah
But still a better pick than my No. 1 Cam Meyer who was on the startlist yesterday but not today...
Benj says:

Mar 4 2012 at 6:10 am

Wiggo going up hill in the little ring... I wonder how much difference this rain will make?
Ron says:

Mar 4 2012 at 6:18 am

Life just gets better & better. Saturday morning I get to watch the Strada Bianchi, then put in 100kms, Sunday I get to wake up & watch Paris-Nice. Awesome. I almost can't remember what my life was like before becoming a Follower.

On another note, I found a superb three hour route the other week, rode it yesterday. I love having a favorite 2, 3, 4 hour route that I can ride when I have the time. "Oh, I have three free hours...I know, I'll hit that route..."

And, I even have a nice 1 hour route. It's mainly on a bike trail (I know, I know) but I can get in some decent training, no cars to deal with, and at the times I ride usually no one on the trail. (it takes me 25 minutes to get out of the city so if I only have an hour, silly to spend most of it getting in/out of town). Oh, and an hour outside is still better than an hour on rollers!
marko says:

Mar 4 2012 at 6:26 am

Very nice riding by Jolly Naughty Wiggo. With continued health, good support, and a little bit of luck this may be his year. I wish I got excited about him. One good day privateering in the mountains of France will change that for me though.

Tommy V looked bored with it all already. He's like a fickle mini-Bono.