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.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
And what to make of this headline on Slipstream's website: "Race report: Farrar leads as Garmin-Cervelo fights to the end at Flanders". I'm not too sure I agree with the spin.
@Steampunk
Second and fourth is more than ok! But only from a sponsor point of view.
In terms of sport, in my opinion, the team car did find the courage (or call it as you like)e to give the green light to Chevanel, that was showing a fantastic state of form, but no, Boonen is the captain.
Excuse me, I was trying to say:
...the team car did not have the courage to...
@Steampunk
Oh yeah, I totally believe that the team will be PISSED that they "only" got 2nd and 4th. After last year's Flanders, Quick-Step was royally pissed that they "only" got second. And with 1.5 guys in at the actual kill, and to walk away with 2nd, no doubt in my mind (I admit that "my mind" is a bit of a crazy place) that there will be some SERIOUS discussion tonight and pressure for next week.
@Marko
totally agree, there was an article in Procycling about Garmin having too many classics specialists and i think that came back to bite them on the arse the team wasn't working for one person rather playing wait and see to look at who is there and 'feeling good' further in. Personally i'm looking forward to the day when Thomas won't be held back by working for Flecha, really, really pleased to see the British champions jersey in the mix at the end of really big races
@Marko
This is probably the better, optimistic interpretation from Vroomen.
Today Cancellara posture after the finish, was exactly the same as the one at the Milano Sanremo...
Incidentally, another top 15 finish for Rollin. The guy's having an incredibly consistent spring!
For me Faboo's day will weigh heavily in my picks for next week. I think he spent everything he had in the tank and then some. Very different from a year ago when he seemed to have a much easier time. This opens up P-R a bit more I think without such a clear favorite. And if past is prelude, maybe we'll get a sprint in the velodrome this year.
I may have only garnered two points on the day but I didn't tip any of the Garmin riders as I felt strongly they wouldn't factor. I am bummed that my hunch, at least where they're concerned, was correct.
And how did Pippo DNF? Shit he was there sucking wheels until the last 10k or so it seemed?
@Pedale.Forchetta
What's the deal with the Katusha number plate?