Velominati Super Prestige: Ronde van Vlaanderen 2013

This is the real Ronde

Imagine a world without the little things we take for granted; a house without a roof, a pub with no beer, a Keepers Tour without any clothes. The last one is a reality for me at the moment, five days in and still no trace of where the hell between Wellington and Paris my bag (filled with V-Kit, shoes, helmet, everything) is. The other thing that has me perturbed again this trip is that there is no Muur de Grammont/Kapelmuur in the Ronde. To me, the race feels naked without it.

That won’t stop us from riding it next weekend though, and although there will be no crowds, no pros, there will still be the magical spirit of the great battles past on these hallowed stones. We’ll try and emulate The Lion and climb it in the big ring (or the 50t) while the man himself watches on, probably laughing inside, or indeed outwardly, as we succumb to the gradient and stab frantically at the left-hand shifter. Then we’ll realise just how ordinary we are and how special this hill is.

Even though the Muur is absent again this year, the 2013 Ronde is shaping up as one of the best in recent history. The battle between Faboo and Sags is well touted, but will they mark each other out of it and let an opportunist take their chance? My money’s on that scenario playing out, but if you have any sense you’ll see my VSP scores reflect a total lack of tipping nous so far this season and reject anything I predict as hogwash.

Check out the start list, grab a cold Malteni or other fine Belgian ale, slather your frites in mayo and keep your eye out for the V-Flag on the Oude Kwaremont this Sunday. Goed geluk!

[vsp_results id=”22888″/]

Brett

Don't blame me

Next Keepers Tour: Eat Properly »

Previous « Velominati Super Prestige: Ronde van Vlaanderen Féminine 2013

View Comments

Adrian says:

Mar 29 2013 at 6:20 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. cancellara
2. sagan
3. Boasson Hagen
4. Stannard
5. Chavenel
kyle says:

Mar 29 2013 at 6:33 pm

@Mirko

@Dr C

I hope for Fabian's sake, Galloping Tony has the legs and timing to get in the main break in the later stages, so he doesn't have to do his annual hopless, though bloody amazing chase down to make the Velo-final

Just off to buy some Trappist Beer, and have the frites and mayo sitting in the fridge waiting for the great, ignore-the-family session on Easter Sunday....

Even bought myself some new shoes to wear whilst I watch it

Yummmm

VSP PICKS:

1. G
2. Chavanel (the good one)
3. Sagan
4. Faboo
5. Gallopin

Wow, congrats. Kindly keep us updated on these shoes, as I fancy them, as well. According to my local dealer, they are among the few models I'd actually get my fleet in.

Got a pair (in black) last season. Worried a bit about the dial closures but have had no trouble. I'd buy them again.
JohnnyP says:

Mar 29 2013 at 6:45 pm

@ramenvelo Rog will never shut up

VSP PICKS:

1. Spartacus
2. Chavanel
3. Sagan
4. Terpstra
5. Bozic
Jay says:

Mar 29 2013 at 6:53 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Cancellara
2. Van Avermaet
3. Sagan
4. Luekemans
5. Boonen
xyxax says:

Mar 29 2013 at 7:05 pm

I also believe in the Easter bunny.

VSP PICKS:

1. Langeveld
2. Sagan
3. Cancellara
4. Chavanel
5. Thomas
seemunkee says:

Mar 29 2013 at 7:20 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Cancellera
2. Sagan
3. Van Avermaet
4. Chavanel
5. Boonen
anotherdownunder says:

Mar 29 2013 at 7:31 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Cancellara
2. Geraint Thomas
3. Sagan
4. Chavanel
5. Gatto
freddy says:

Mar 29 2013 at 7:32 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Sagan
2. Cancellara
3. Boonen
4. Van Avermaet
5. Stannard
Asyax says:

Mar 29 2013 at 8:14 pm

VSP PICKS:

1. Sagan
2. Cancellara
3. Boonen
4. Haussler
5. G Thomas
Vernwitha_V says:

Mar 29 2013 at 8:18 pm

Living on the eastside of the "D" I gotta throw the DeBusschere guy in this week.

VSP PICKS:

1. Sagan
2. Cancellara
3. Sylvan Chavanel
4. Boonen
5. DeBusschere