Velominati Super Prestige

Velominati Super Prestige: Vuelta a España 2015

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:

  • Café Roubaix's CR Wheelworks Arenbergs

[vsp_results id=”33481″/]

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315 Replies to “Velominati Super Prestige: Vuelta a España 2015”

  1. @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?

  2. Catching up after a busy weekend. Christ, Vince is sent home!

    Also, how miniscule is Chaves exactly? He made Flecha look like Andre the Giant in today’s interview. Damn.

  4. hey, it looks like my VSP boycott of Astana riders is working out pretty well for me. #fuckAstana

  5. @xyxax

    If one of these picks is in its right place, I’ll lick @Steampunk‘s derailleur pulleys clean*.

    *Offer void where prohibited by law and presence of road dung,.

    @Steampunk better make sure to video this for the rest of us.

  6. @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.

  7. @MangoDave

    @xyxax

    If one of these picks is in its right place, I’ll lick @Steampunk‘s derailleur pulleys clean*.

    *Offer void where prohibited by law and presence of road dung,.

    @Steampunk better make sure to video this for the rest of us.

    I’m pretty sure that kind of thing is illegal in most of Canada.Quebec might be different though . . .

  8. @wiscot

    @MangoDave

    @xyxax

    If one of these picks is in its right place, I’ll lick @Steampunk‘s derailleur pulleys clean*.

    *Offer void where prohibited by law and presence of road dung,.

    @Steampunk better make sure to video this for the rest of us.

    I’m pretty sure that kind of thing is illegal in most of Canada.Quebec might be different though . . .

    “@xyxax Pucker up, daddy-o. Everything’s legal so long as you don’t get caught.”

    Somehow I don’t think they’re too concerned about the formality of law.

  9. @wiscot

    @MangoDave

    The exclusion by road dung was specifically inserted to rule out all of Canada, or at least Ontario.

    But just in case, I’m puckered like Kim Kardashian.

  10. @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 ?

  11. @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?

  12. @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…..

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

  14. @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

  17. @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.

  18. Just to review my picks in light of Nibali’s DQ:

    1.

    2.

    3.

    4.

    5.

    Because I Delgadoed the whole thing…

  20. @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.

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

  22. @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….

  23. 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.

  24. 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.

  26. 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!

  27. Uh Oh. Bad crash at the Vuelta.

    Lotto Belisol rider in big trouble. 

    Teejay suspected R collarbone busted

    Dan Martin also out

  28. That’s Lotto Soudal – Kris Boeckmans – he’s now conscious and stable in hospital.

    VLVV

  30. @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.

  31. As if we needed any proof that the men in the thin Lycra are tough as fuck:
    “Saturday’s stage winner, Jasper Stuyven (Trek Factory Racing), was also forced to withdraw after he claimed his first grand-tour victory despite breaking a bone in his wrist.”

    I guess he must have been caught up in one of the crashes but still managed to wind up that excellent sprint? Jeez.
    Sagan is gone and Boeckman’s is in an induced coma. Gosh.

  33. @piwakawaka

    Big Tommy D!

    Big ?? I kept hearing who is the big guy and what’s he doing smashing it on the climb? He’s only 71kg ? That’s BIG in the pro peloton I guess. Dang. But, what a great ride for him today. Imagine having buried yourself on an attack only to look over your shoulder at 150m and seeing the Froomantula on your wheel and then him counter attacking? And yet Mr D still digs deep to hit ’em back ! Yowza. That was uber cool.

  34. Haha, I thought you were talking about Tom Danielson at first! I was all like what the shit??

  35. @wilburrox

    @piwakawaka

    Big Tommy D!

    Big ?? I kept hearing who is the big guy and what’s he doing smashing it on the climb? He’s only 71kg ? That’s BIG in the pro peloton I guess. Dang. But, what a great ride for him today. Imagine having buried yourself on an attack only to look over your shoulder at 150m and seeing the Froomantula on your wheel and then him counter attacking? And yet Mr D still digs deep to hit ’em back ! Yowza. That was uber cool.

    Wiki has Froome and Dumoulin at 186cm but Froome at 67.5 kg, it’s crazy but losing those last kilos is exponentially harder as you go down but man, I’m 185cm and 75-6kg when I get to 72kg race weight, boom it ‘aint no easier but it’s way faster!

    Maybe he wants to apply liberal doses of manorexia and get all skinny like the Froomantula , imagine if he was 3.5kg lighter yesterday?

  37. I hesitate to find humour in any crash but Sean Kelly’s Eurosport co-commentator on Sagan’s rant to the race doctor after being neutral supported out of the Vuelta “have you got anything for a sulk?” was priceless…

  40. Rest day swaps are in. I have no idea how this will turn out, so here goes nothing.

    VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    Quintana
    Froome
    Chaves
    Aru
    Pozzovivo

  41. @piwakawaka

    @wilburrox

    @piwakawaka

    Big Tommy D!

    Big ?? I kept hearing who is the big guy and what’s he doing smashing it on the climb? He’s only 71kg ? That’s BIG in the pro peloton I guess. Dang. But, what a great ride for him today. Imagine having buried yourself on an attack only to look over your shoulder at 150m and seeing the Froomantula on your wheel and then him counter attacking? And yet Mr D still digs deep to hit ’em back ! Yowza. That was uber cool.

    Wiki has Froome and Dumoulin at 186cm but Froome at 67.5 kg, it’s crazy but losing those last kilos is exponentially harder as you go down but man, I’m 185cm and 75-6kg when I get to 72kg race weight, boom it ‘aint no easier but it’s way faster!

    Maybe he wants to apply liberal doses of manorexia and get all skinny like the Froomantula , imagine if he was 3.5kg lighter yesterday?

    Froomantula goes right the fuck into the Lexi just as sol as I’m at a computer. Top marks, team! TOP MARKS!

  43. Evil Knibbles – the car towing daredevil cyclist – is out and Fabowzer is in at #3. Don’t feel great about leaving Landa in at #4, but the reward isn’t wort the risk.

    VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    1. Froome
    2. Quintana
    3. Aru
    4. Landa
    5. Valverde

  44. VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    1. Quintana
    2. Froome
    3. Valverde
    4. Aru
    5. Majka

  45. Not boarding the Dumoulin bandwagon. He’s going to knock it back in the big stuff for a tilt at rainbows- after all, Spartacus is crocked and Martin is ??? for the TT.

    Tomorrow holds answers.

    VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    1. Frooooooooooooooooooome
    2. Quintana
    3. Chaves
    4. Roche
    5. Aru

  47. Nibbles ya wee shite

    VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    1. Froome
    2. Quintana
    3. Valverde
    4. J Rod
    5. Aru

  48. VSP PICKS (1st Rest Day Swaps):

    1. Froome
    2. Quintana
    3. Aru
    4. Valverde
    5. Majka

  49. No swaps.

    But FYI: the provisional results above show Valverde as 5th. Should be Aru. Valverde is 6th at the moment. http://www.lavuelta.com/la-vuelta/2015/us/stage-10/classifications.html

  50. No swaps. Not happy leaving Ni-balai in third, but equally reluctant to repeat my multi-swap nul-point TdF performance of last year.

    Chapeau to big Tom if he proves me wrong to leave him out.

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