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

John Irvine says:

Aug 27 2015 at 10:10 am

Interesting top 5 as of today. Last year after six stages, the eventual podium finishers were at 3,4,and 1 respectively.
Joe says:

Aug 27 2015 at 4:31 pm

@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)

Dunno, they've had more than a few riders dunked in the cauldron of magic potion in the last few years....
Joe says:

Aug 27 2015 at 4:37 pm

Groan. I'm going to DQ myself from the thread for paying about as much attention to my surroundings as Nibbles. Call me Astigmatix.

@Ron. Damn right on the purple strides.
dyalander says:

Aug 27 2015 at 11:12 pm

Enjoyed Aussie Esteban's ride last night. Looks like he might have a big future, depending in where he goes next.

Despite my tendency to eschew patriotic jingoism, my reluctance to support a team sponsored by Orica (especially combined with the front to call themselves Orica Greenedge), and my dislike for Matt White, I'm enjoying what they're doing and the way they ride.
piwakawaka says:

Aug 27 2015 at 11:21 pm

Gold.
Ron says:

Aug 28 2015 at 9:12 am

Jeez, could Bert Jan seem less pleased with his win? I want a Dutchie to explain his lack of emotion...

Ha, even Juan Ant asked him why he didn't seem very happy about his win!
Harminator says:

Aug 29 2015 at 7:19 am

Uh Oh. Bad crash at the Vuelta.

Lotto Belisol rider in big trouble.

Teejay suspected R collarbone busted

Dan Martin also out
Harminator says:

Aug 29 2015 at 7:40 am

That's Lotto Soudal - Kris Boeckmans - he's now conscious and stable in hospital.

VLVV
Harminator says:

Aug 29 2015 at 10:55 am

Achtung. Do not approach P. Sagan.
Mikael Liddy says:

Aug 30 2015 at 6:19 am

@Harminator

Achtung. Do not approach P. Sagan.

He was in full "Hulk SMASH" mode, although from memory, that's something like the 4th or 5th incident between a rider & race vehicle over the last 18 months. Not cool.