Velominati Super Prestige: Vuelta a España 2015

Meanwhile in Spain...

This is the best Cycling photo in the history of time. If you’re wondering why, then we’re probably not looking at the same photo. I am pretty sure the guy playing guitar is the Dos Equis guy.

Anyway, nothing that cool will happen during this year’s Vuelta, although we’ll get to watch more lightbulb-humping, if that’s any consolation (it isn’t). But we do get to treat ourselves to the third and final Grand Tour of 2015 which is exactly as depressing as it is exciting. I’m also not going to remind anyone that I don’t really like the Vuelta because the last two times I said that, the race turned out to be terrific.

The VSP keeps on keepin’ on as well, with big points on offer for the Jaegher frame, Café Roubaix wheelset, or V-Kit. Anything can happen, and in past years we’ve seen the Vuelta be the deciding factor in winning the overall VSP; @Minnesota Expat holds a solid lead over @dancollins, a past winner. @Steampunk holds third over a tight field behind him and here’s hoping our Aussie Keeper @brett can finally put a point on the board as well, which would see him hoist himself out of the Lanterne Rouge. (I actually had to do some coding to give him his Keeper’s badge back, which is something I hadn’t anticipated when I designed the system, needless to say.)

So, study the start list, put in your picks by the time the clock goes to zero, and good luck.

Teaser shots of the Jaegher frame:

Teaser shots of the CR Wheelworks Arenbergs:

[vsp_results id=”33481″/]

frank

The founder of Velominati and curator of The Rules, Frank was born in the Dutch colonies of Minnesota. His boundless physical talents are carefully canceled out by his equally boundless enthusiasm for drinking. Coffee, beer, wine, if it’s in a container, he will enjoy it, a lot of it. He currently lives in Seattle. He loves riding in the rain and scheduling visits with the Man with the Hammer just to be reminded of the privilege it is to feel completely depleted. He holds down a technology job the description of which no-one really understands and his interests outside of Cycling and drinking are Cycling and drinking. As devoted aesthete, the only thing more important to him than riding a bike well is looking good doing it. Frank is co-author along with the other Keepers of the Cog of the popular book, The Rules, The Way of the Cycling Disciple and also writes a monthly column for the magazine, Cyclist. He is also currently working on the first follow-up to The Rules, tentatively entitled The Hardmen. Email him directly at rouleur@velominati.com.

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View Comments

PT says:

Aug 25 2015 at 1:54 am

@Barracuda

@PT

@wiscot

@Teocalli

@teleguy57

@PT

@Canucklehead

I could podium at the Vuelta using Nibali’s strategy. The gaul of Astana is astounding.

While I concur with your thinking in general, I am not sure exactly which Gaul of Astana you’re favouring. Are there in fact any Gauls from Astana? As an aside, Nibali does resemble a Roman Centurion in profile somewhat.

The gall of Astana, on the other hand, is clearly beyond the pale, by Toutatis.

(sorry)

This level of literacy is one of the key things that keeps me coming back here. Well-played, @PT.

I think Getafix the Druid’s brew is probably on the WADA list.

What about Carafix the Sicilian?

By Jupiter I think you’re onto something.

Obelix maybe ?

Well I would imagine he'd reign supreme in the sprints, especially when the elbows come out. Would probably run foul of the race referee though. Nevertheless, on reflection one does have to consider if all of that particular village of Gauls might be too obviously benefiting from Getafix' magic potion...shall we call it macro-dosing? - none would pass even the first controls. I'm sure Vitalstatistix would make a very convincing case that it was isolated to some rogue individuals but neverthless.....One only has to recall Asterix' experience at the London Olympic games to see what havoc might ensue. It does beg the question if perhaps the Gauls of Astana have really taken the magic potion perhaps a bit too far?
sthilzy says:

Aug 25 2015 at 2:27 am

@PT

@Barracuda

@PT

@wiscot

@Teocalli

@teleguy57

@PT

@Canucklehead

I could podium at the Vuelta using Nibali’s strategy. The gaul of Astana is astounding.

While I concur with your thinking in general, I am not sure exactly which Gaul of Astana you’re favouring. Are there in fact any Gauls from Astana? As an aside, Nibali does resemble a Roman Centurion in profile somewhat.

The gall of Astana, on the other hand, is clearly beyond the pale, by Toutatis.

(sorry)

This level of literacy is one of the key things that keeps me coming back here. Well-played, @PT.

I think Getafix the Druid’s brew is probably on the WADA list.

What about Carafix the Sicilian?

By Jupiter I think you’re onto something.

Obelix maybe ?

Well I would imagine he’d reign supreme in the sprints, especially when the elbows come out. Would probably run foul of the race referee though. Nevertheless, on reflection one does have to consider if all of that particular village of Gauls might be too obviously benefiting from Getafix’ magic potion…shall we call it macro-dosing? – none would pass even the first controls. I’m sure Vitalstatistix would make a very convincing case that it was isolated to some rogue individuals but neverthless…..One only has to recall Asterix’ experience at the London Olympic games to see what havoc might ensue. It does beg the question if perhaps the Gauls of Astana have really taken the magic potion perhaps a bit too far?

These Romans are crazy taking short cuts! Stuffed my VSP picks! Should "run lots" like this Belgium.....
Ron says:

Aug 25 2015 at 10:34 am

Eddy Merckx running? And why is he in purple pants? Only Prince can wear purple pants...
jaia says:

Aug 25 2015 at 10:59 am

@jaia

@frank

Sorry Frank , great photo but from the Giro, where Fuente made his best battles against Eddy Merkx.

To illustrate an article of the Vuelta 2015 , I suggest a more contextual photo.

regards

Jaia

A couple of photos from the Vuelta 1973 of the better cyclist contenders Don Luis Ocaña and the king Eddy. This year one won the Vuelta and the other the Tour (not the regular one).

https://plus.google.com/102058346762317029579/posts/FVMvwXdpWbg?pid=6187007063011773490&oid=102058346762317029579
jaia says:

Aug 25 2015 at 11:01 am

The other is here

https://plus.google.com/photos/102058346762317029579/albums/6187006010985390721/6187006089307368386?pid=6187006089307368386&oid=102058346762317029579
PT says:

Aug 25 2015 at 2:46 pm

@Ron

Eddy Merckx running? And why is he in purple pants? Only Prince can wear purple pants…

He's running because he is a messenger but I can't speak to his outfit. I concur with your Prince statement. By way of general background, you can find The Prophet amongst the list of caricatures in this summary from Wiki. There are many others......

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Asterix_characters
KogaLover says:

Aug 26 2015 at 5:06 am

@PT

Eddy's featuring as a fast runner/messenger in a comic strip, presume Asterix and Obelix, and in those days they did not wear lycra.
Jay says:

Aug 26 2015 at 6:01 pm

Just to review my picks in light of Nibali's DQ:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Because I Delgadoed the whole thing...
oldensteel says:

Aug 26 2015 at 7:18 pm

That's an awfully crowded 3rd step for the provisional podium.
Jose Angel says:

Aug 27 2015 at 9:17 am

@jaia

@jaia

@frank

Sorry Frank , great photo but from the Giro, where Fuente made his best battles against Eddy Merkx.

To illustrate an article of the Vuelta 2015 , I suggest a more contextual photo.

regards

Jaia

A couple of photos from the Vuelta 1973 of the better cyclist contenders Don Luis Ocaña and the king Eddy. This year one won the Vuelta and the other the Tour (not the regular one).

https:/plus.google.com/102058346762317029579/posts/FVMvwXdpWbg?pid=6187007063011773490&oid=102058346762317029579

Don Luis Ocaña and the Prophet, in 1973 Vuelta, Bilbao stage. That year Ocaña was Tour winner and Eddy Vuelta's King . Two reverenced cyclist of my olympo.