I’m quite upset about it, actually, all this racing that’s been going on in perfectly good weather. Vlaanderen, dry. Roubaix, dry. We were nearly guaranteed shit weather with the Olympics in London, but even then, only the women got to get all Rule #9 on our asses – and only for one race. Damnit, I want Epic, and if we keep insisting on riders getting off the juice, all the Epic is going to have to come from other places like pouring rain and freezing cold.
Its a good thing, then, that Valkenburg was picked for the Worlds, because that almost guarantees bad weather. Last time it hosted the race the weather was complete crap. Its also just hilly enough that I think any of those sprinters who are pretending like they’re going to finish at the front are huffing too much DuMonde Tech. Boonen might be able to hang with the leaders into the finish, but I’d hardly call him a sprinter anymore, now that it dawned on him that people get hurt and seasons ruined in those big bunch gallops.
My money’s on good weather though, because the weather is forecast to be good here in Seattle and assuming it will be the same halfway around the world in Dutchland seems easier than looking up the local forecast.
You know the drill, picks close at 5am on Sunday in Pacific time, and if you can’t figure out what that means, just put your picks in before the countdown timer goes to zero. Also note that the spam filter is feeling a bit peckish these days and has a tendency to gobble up people’s VSP Picks; don’t be alarmed, your picks are getting into the system nevertheless and The Keepers are monitoring the queue for posts to approve everyone to disagree with.
Good luck.
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@wiscot
I followed you on that swap. I briefly saw the posts about the upset stomach and foolishly believed that to mean Valverde wasn't riding. Great late attack from Gilbert to take it though - I'm happy to see the rainbow jersey on his shoulders for next year. I just hope he doesn't rock the white bibs along with it, but I have a feeling that he will.
@Frank: What say you about your Golden Boy Tom wearing shoe covers yesterday? As the temps didn't classify as cold, is this a blatant Rule 23 violation (and why silver?!)? It doesn't bother me a bit, but I guess to be fair, if Big George is to be chastised regularly, then Tornado Tom should as well. Notice the gears these guys are turning while conversing in an absolutely Casually Deliberate fashion.
THIS is how you fire the guns off in an attack!
Great race! I was so pumped I pulled out a WC Campagnolo jersey I have, which I picked up long before my Velominati days, and rode for a few hours with a pal. It shall now be returned to the bottom of my drawer until next year...
@VeloVita
Glad I wasn't the only one who made a foolish swap based on crap info!
@Tartan1749
Maybe it was a shoe sponsorship thing. Tommeke's not one for the shoe covers as a rule, except in foul weather. Sunday's weather wasn't bad at all. Shades of Spartacus' covers all year? I think so. Phil Gil looked like he was wearing his special Belgian-themed DMT shoes. Whatever, Boonen's shoes were three strap with no ratchets or twist adjustments. Any idea who makes them?
Over shoes which dont make you look a dick....?
@wiscot DMT Yes
@unversio
Nah, I meant who makes Tommeke's shoes?
@Tartan1749
Those are awful - his feet look like they're auditioning for a 1960s sci-fi film. This turns my stomach as Tommeke has always looked so classy on the bike.
I like those DMTs Gilbert was wearing. I'd like to try those, and some Bonts, since with each ride of my Ergo2s I get closer to finally giving up on them & deciding numb feet/toes isn't worth it. Oh, I also got some new soccer cleats. They're Pumas and have the anatomical foot shape, much like Bonts. A bit of getting used to but after a few wearings they are awesome.
What gruppo was Fast Phil using yesterday? Looks kind of like Dura Ace shifters but I'd thought he mainly used Campagnolo? Maybe that was before BMC...
And why was Boonen the only one in the tricolor helmet?