Velominati Super Prestige: Men’s Olympic Road Race 2016
The Men’s Olympic Road Race, a race traditionally won by the biggest jerk in the bunch, usually after one of the coolest riders in the bunch makes a mess of things when the race is all but in his hands. Take Fabian Cancellara last time ’round, casually looking behind him as he leaned into a right-hander which he then just as casually overshot, opening the door for Alexandre Vinokourov – dirtiest rider in the bunch – to buy off the race from Rigoberto Uran Uran.
In 1980 the Rooskies won because no one else showed up to the race, then in ’84 Alexi Grewal won, beating Steve Bauer to the line. I don’t think there has ever been a nicer guy in the peloton who came second place in more important races than Steve Bauer. The Olympics, Paris-Roubaix. He got tangled up in the sprint for the Worlds once, and got sued as a result. In 1989, he flatted out of the lead group at the Worlds, when the math said Sean Kelly should have been the fastest sprinter. But math isn’t always right and Greg LeMond bested Sean to the line; there is no reason to belief Bauer wouldn’t have been in that sprint finish, with every possibility of taking top honors.
But races aren’t won on theories, and coulda-woulda-shouldas. My money is on a climber with a good descent and a fast finish, like Alejandro Valvecap. Nibali could get away, but let’s face it – it would be too glorious if he won and glorious things don’t normally happen in the Men’s Olympic Road Race. Is Armstrong coming out of retirement (again) for the race? Maybe he’ll win.
Check the start list, maybe check the 10 Riders to Watch list, and get your picks in by the time the clock goes to zero, and good luck.
[vsp_results id=”71280″/]
@taon24
Impressive pick!
@chuckp
Am actually in DC since yesterday, and am indeed amazed about bike-friendliness (when comparing to the likes of Amsterdam). So will certainly “do” Coppi when I get there. Was in Arlington today, watched out for cyclists coming back from Mt Vernon.Btw, as a result of being in US (NY before), I delgadoed all races.
@KogaLover
How long are you in DC? Feel free to shoot me an email [email protected]. If our schedules allow, would be fun to meet a fellow Velominatus in person. BTW, I live in Arlington. If it was in the late afternoon/early evening, might have been one of those cyclists. :-)
GET IN THERE!
@Buck Rogers
I fully support this initiative – can I please have the rings?
I mean, lets face it – I ain’t winning a new bike / wheel set / Velominati kit / any other races / any beauty contests / the lottery / anything else in my life ever…
@dinosaurJR
Dang and I’m crying. Now I know what it feels like to come 4th in the Olympics and miss a medal by one place.
@Buck Rogers
Good call! I will make this so! Men and Women, of course.
@dinosaurJR
Stand by; I am a tad short on time at the moment but this will happen.
@Teocalli
Its ok – this is really the equivalent of if one of the Iranian riders had won the gold on Saturday – highly unlikely / nigh on impossible and never to be repeated…
@frank
Absolutely no problem. It takes as long as it takes.
@Teocalli
I’m really happy – somehow even though I’ve done really badly recently I’m still top 10 and within spitting distance of the podium in the overall VSP. Just need a really good Vuelta.
@RobSandy
After an early season flurry in a breakaway in the Classics I’m back solidly in the Peloton. Could be worse at least I’m avoiding the AutoBus so far the year.
@Teocalli
I think I’ve made the selection but it remains to be seen if I’ve got the legs to make it to the finish line in a good position.
@RobSandy
Re: the VSP I’m pretty sure I missed the course marshals and made a wrong turn. I say that metaphorically yes, but, that’s actually happened twice in reality. Once with an entire lead group and peloton in a CAT 5 road race. Go figure… cheers
@frank
Unlikely as it may seem, the IOC is known to be a tad protective and litigious about use of the Olympic Rings.
Something like crossed laurel wreaths, in the style of the ancient Olympics, might be suitable and trademark free alternative. Indeed you have a prototype around the VSP emblem.
Or golden shoes, a la Sammy Sanchez.
@ChrisO
A Gold, Silver and Bronze V Cog?