Ok, ok, settle down now people. Take your seats please. You’re all a little bit on edge, like some cycling Gamblers Anonymous group that’s been let out for the weekend with a pocket full of bills and the name of the nearest bookie. But in your excitement, you managed to crash our server, delaying the fix you so desperately crave.
But wait no more. You’ve warmed up on the gateway races, now it’s time for the hard stuff, as grimy, rough and unadulterated as the roads of Flanders themselves.
You see, there’s this bloke I know who knows a bloke, hangs around the Velominati bike sheds, seems to know a bit about the racing game. Reckons he’s got a sure bet for the weekend. A cert. A dead-set shoo-in. Number 1 in Race 3 of the VSP at Flanders. Fella reckons you could put your left one on it. Absolutely Faboolous or something he’s called. He’s got form (and, judging by the way he shelled the nags on last week’s card, possibly a motor). But word is there could be a late plunge on the other fella, Boom Boom Boy, so maybe a bob each way might be the way to go. I’d watch out for those not-so-roughies though, the likes of Gilbert, Devolder, Ballan and Thor will be waiting to pick up any leftover chaff and could steal away the win, leaving you as frustrated as a one-legged man at an ass-kicking contest.
So what’s it gonna be then? Take the sure thing, or the other sure thing, or throw a dart at the board and hope it sticks? It’s time to study the form guide, search the dark recesses of your soul, throw out any logic, and pencil in your picks on the ticket provided at the bottom of the comments. Whether you’re canny, savvy or just plain tinny, the coveted Obey The Rules bumper sticker is waiting. Is your bumper worthy?
The only thing for certain is that bicycle racing will be the winner on the day.
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VSP PICKS:
1. cancellara
2. boonen
3. haussler
4. gilbert
5. leukemans
@frank
oh yea of little faith.
VSP PICKS:
1. Cancellara
2. Boonen
3. Hushovd
4. Gilbert
5. Flecha
VSP PICKS:
1. Flecha
2. Ballan
3. Gilbert
4. Hincapie
5. Thor
There are literally dozens of picks that could fit into a top 5! I think it gets so hyper-focused on not letting Cancellara get away that a small group comes to the finish and Flecah finally gets his trophee...but I really wish Develoder pulls another magical ride!
VSP PICKS:
1. Flecha
2. Boonen
3. Cancellara
4. Ballan
5. Devolder
Woah, if you haven't already, check at steephill. They have one photo of Lampre + amateurs en route on the Koppenberg. The guy who ain't PRO, broke a hip. But ehhh, he didn't have a heart attack!
Leave it to the PROS, lads, leave it...
VSP PICKS:
1. Boonen
2. Ballan
3. Cancellara
4. Gilbert
5. Pozzato
Well fuck @ Frank - that ride you posted looks Faboo.lous!
Damn, must be fun to ride that loop around the lake, up the cobbles, mixing lake views, some jazz of riding in city traffic, and the climbs.
I'd demand to borrow your bicycle on my next visit to Seattle, but you happen to be a Dutch Monkey, one 16 cms taller than me.
Oh well, I can dream. Which Follower living in Seattle rides a 53 they'll consider letting me test ride on Frank's route? I need to give this route a ride.
@Ron
My Velomihottie has three different 53's...take your pick between steel, alu, or carbon...on second thought, she'll never let you ride the R3-SL, but you can choose between the others...
OK, let's try this again! Thanks to Frank for the VSP issue trouble-shooting.
VSP PICKS:
1. The Wenatchee Kid
2. Cancellara
3. The God of Thunder
4. Thanks Manx
5. Boomshakalaka