Plateau de Beille has a reputation. It’s long. It’s hard. It’s steep. It’s high. And, because it’s in the Pyrenees, it’s either really hot or really wet.
Although it has only been featured in the Tour four times (1998, 2002, 2004, 2007), it has quickly been placed high on the list of fabled Tour mountaintop finishes for the simple fact that every time the Tour has had a stage finish at the Plateau, the winner of the stage has gone on to win the Tour: Pantani, Amstrong, and Contador have all won here and gone on to win le Grand Boucle. (Of the past winners, Pantani is the only rider whose photo I’m willing to post on a VSP event.)
For those of us who are superstitious, we will, because of this track record, choose the rider whom we hopes will go on to win the Tour. Those of us who are more reasonable might engage in some prognosticating, while others still will inexplicably pick Mark Cavendish or Philbert.
While we traditionally kick off the first intermediate VSP for a Grand Tour on the first mountaintop finish, this time around we waited for this decisive day. The riders have played their cards close to their chest, but surely they will be laid out on the table tomorrow. Get your picks in by 5am Pacific tomorrow morning for the chance to win 3, 2, or 1 points for the podium spots, and 1 point for 4th and 5th places. Good luck.
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VSP PICKS:
1. Cont
2. Basso
3. Cunego
4. Andy
5. Sanchez
VSP PICKS:
1. cunego go go go go
2. contraband
3. schleck can shift
4. sanchez
5. schleck can't shift
I don't see how a multiple GT-winner with more animal and racing instinct than the rest put together is willing to lose 15 seconds to convince everybody they're not feeling good. If he was faking, lose 2 seconds and look like a thirsty dog, but any more is dangerous given how far back he already was. I think he's genuinely struggling, which is probably the best news for everybody involved (except maybe Mr 60%).
Basso will just run down anybody in his way and work with Cadel to put Frandy in a double headlock. The Doublemint Twins will work together to limit Andy's losses when his true lack of form shows up, costing Frank his best ever chance at a GT, and earning them 5th and 6th on the stage (and 3rd and 4th in Paris).
Cunego will just hang in and hang in and will have his best ever TdF - right up until the final ITT, anyway - but tonight, will finish a strong 4th.
VSP PICKS:
1. Ivan the Terrible (Liar)
2. The Dog Skyperer
3. The Steakhouse Express
4. The little prince
5. Franky Spanky
VSP PICKS:
1. evans
2. f schleck
3. basso
4. a schleck
5. sanchez
VSP PICKS:
1. Frank
Sorry - blinking double post...
VSP PICKS:
1. Frank
2. Sam Sanchez
3. Andy
4. Basso
5. Contadoor
double Frandy headlock sounds great!
Basso and Cadel working together is the only way the double punch will be neautalised but I like GluteCramp's assessment
VSP PICKS:
1. Sanchez
2. Basso
3. Evans
4. Fränk Schleck
5. Andy Schleck
So after some modification here's a shitty looking deal (but, having a steed is of the utmost importance):
I'm going to play it off next weekend like I'm Andy with the weight saving down tube shifter for front, STI rear. 'Cept I'm not nearly as cool as the Haminator.
VSP PICKS:
1. cuddles
2. sir-basso-a lot
3. schleck the elder
4. schleck the younger
5. spanish steak
Cadelephantitus to emerge today and grimplette to lose time!
VSP PICKS:
1. Cadelephant
2. Basso
3. Clenbeutador
4. Grimpeur elder
5. Grimplett
VSP PICKS:
1. Frank
2. Basso
3. Cadel
4. Andy
5. Damiano