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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Wow! That was up there with last year's world champs as one of the most open races I've witnessed. I was literally on the edge of the seat!
I'm looking forward to hearing from Faboo about being caught (esp the speed with which he was reeled in!)... cramp? dehydration? He certainly couldn't get enough water into himself in the kms leading up to the catch. As everyone else has said, Roubaix is going to be very interesting indeed.
Sitting at work with 4 hours sleep under my belt and smiling! God I love Euro spring!
@frank
Glad the DVDs arrived and are comprehensible, notwithstanding being in Flemmish not the previously-advertised Dutch. (Apologies for not knowing how to distinguish the two. It's like Swedish and Norwegian. Only muddier.)
I presume he sits there in a lawn chair in order to save his prime spot for next year.
@frank
I understand, but I'm not sure I agree. Chavanel got up the road and did everything that was asked of him. In hindsight, it's also pretty likely that he sacrificed his own victory by staying loyal to Boonen, who did slip up. But both men were very active all day. Chavanel was the story of the day, in my opinion. A very gutsy ride and terrific performance that deserved more than second place.
Awesome comments! The race took on a new dimension after reading all these comments.
So what about Chavanel getting edged out twice as they closed on the line. Just racing? Did he get screwed?
And it seems like Nik did some wheelsucking. Would take his turn at the front but had a sprint in him?
Agreed frank. While it's fantastic for a rider to make the podium and we shouldn't take anything away from those that do, to be so close and yet so far, heartbreaking.
Uncle Phil's take on coming second twice in this race -
'One hundred second places isn't worth one win,'' Anderson says today. ''Surviving the battles of the Ronde and to be so close to victory, but then see it slip out from under you scars a rider for life.
Amazing race and well worth the lack of sleep
Best Ride of the Day: Chavanel (his pain face looks like Sigourney Weaver and/or an Alien)
Best Ride by someone who didn't factor: Geraint Thomas
Saddest Moment (for me): Watching Faboo not drop Chav. I knew something was up. Drinkies? NOOOOO. Bad news.
Saddest Moment (for us all): The two American teams who had the guns did squat.
PS - where the HELL was Heino today? I saw more Zanahorias de Sangre that Barbie!
@ Marko
I officially know I know too much about professional cycling.
I read "RDV" and for a second tried to sound out the acronym in my head. Then I said, in my head, "Oh fuck, I know what Marko is talking about!"
Marko - Roger!
@ Frank - I like an education on cycling, which is just one of the reasons I'm a Follower.
I listened on Euro Sport today, but I have no problem watching races in Flemish. I can tell what is going on by watching, and by hearing the commentators voices spike when fireworks go off.
And, it is wild to think that what Boonen lacked today was - focus. Not form. Not talent. Not legs. But, focus...
Incredible.
@frank
I reckon there is no Flemish translation of "sitting in," and that's why Garmin was no where to be seen. You can't win, and you won't even show up, in Flanders, without you taking the initiative.