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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View Comments
@Jarvis
Sorted out your picks mate, sorry I couldn't work out your monikers!
WOW! That was awesome! Like G'phant, I'm operating on less than 5 hours sleep, and only 4 on Friday night after the Great VSP Server Meltdown. But amm I complaining? HELL NO!
Best race I've seen for a long time, better than watching one guy solo for 40km. Would've loved to see Chav take it, he was suffering just to suck Fab's wherel there for a while, and to go again at the end, both of them, just awesome. Boonen needs to use his head a bit more.
Ride of the Day though, Schierlinckx! I loved it when the commentator spotted him and said "who the hell is that guy?"
If only photos were finish lines...
That was great fun. How did the Seattle version turn out?
@G'phant
Oh yeah, Thor will be there next week. He has built his entire year around that race. I think he will be there designated protected rider and a force to be reckoned with. As for JV, guy's a twat in my opinion. Just saying! :)
"There" should read "their" in my above post. One of my pet-peeves and there I go and do it myself!
OK, Chavanel, not Boonen. I blame it on sleepless week.
@G'phant
I salute you, sir, for the use of the word "pusillanimous".
@xyxax
That's a great pic, isn't it? I don't remember where I saw it, but the kid who's threatening to eat Spartacus has been in the same spot for the past umpteen years. Flick back through old shots of the Muur.
@Steampunk
EXACTLY! At first I did not believe that it was a pic from this year as it is SOOOOO similar to other pics that I have seen on that same spot. That kid has definitely learned where to stand for the race!
@Buck Rogers
Of course, the expression never changes, so maybe's he just a garden gnome...
@Steampunk
Now THAT made me laugh, which is difficult as I just finished a solid hard ride and my lungs are feeling it!
I agree. GREAT word. I have never heard of it before and had to look it up. Definitely one to try to remember (although I probably won't!)