It’s right around this time of year when the little voice in my head that spurs me on in cold, wet, Rule #9 conditions starts getting overpowered by all my other personalities who at this stage are gathering stones and crowbars and getting ready to enforce their will on him regarding their preference for riding in nice, warm, sunny conditions. I feel bad for the little guy, too, since he helps me a lot in a climate like the Pacific Northwest; but truth be told, my fingers still haven’t regained their feeling from last week’s ride and I admit it would be nice to arrive home after a ride triumphant and warm instead of frozen and soaked like a wet rat.
It appears I’m not the only one ready for some warmer weather, and Paris-Nice traditionally holds a place of honor as “The Race to the Sun” for its timing is such that the race often starts in the French interior with rain (and possibly snow), and arrives on the sunny Cote d’Azur in Nice in balmy conditions.
With that we start our first stage race of the season, along with an opportunity to expose more bugs and logical faults in the VSP software. But never mind that; the same basic rules apply as do with one-day races, expect the stakes are a bit higher with 10 points for first place, 8 for second, 7 for third, 5 for fourth, and 3 for fifth plus two bonus points per rider in the top five regardless of the rider’s placing. Should the race be exciting enough to merit its inclusion, The Keepers may elect to include a bonus round on the VSP for one of the stages along the way. Watch this space for news in that arena.
Check the start list and watch the countdown timer as picks close at 5am Pacific on Sunday; up for grabs is the personalized Velominati Shop Apron to the contestent who wins the season-long competition. Check the Main VSP page for scoring guidelines and rules. Seeing as this is the first stage race, I strongly encourage you to enter your picks early, knowing that you can make changes all the way up until the VSP closes. If you notice something behaving strangely, please let us know and we’ll have time to resolve the issue.
Good luck.
I know as well as any of you that I've been checked out lately, kind…
Peter Sagan has undergone quite the transformation over the years; starting as a brash and…
The Women's road race has to be my favorite one-day road race after Paris-Roubaix and…
Holy fuckballs. I've never been this late ever on a VSP. I mean, I've missed…
This week we are currently in is the most boring week of the year. After…
I have memories of my life before Cycling, but as the years wear slowly on…
View Comments
@Marko
He's looking fantastic. As Farrar went for it I thought "too early mate", I guess he's just unlucky to be a Pro at the same time as Cav.
Wiggins, well he's a steady rider but I'm not expecting him to attack at any time which is a bit disappointing. Near the end today he kicked for a few metres and it would have been awesome if he'd taken it all the way to the line. Has he got it in him for later in the season?
@wiscot
Don't forget Gilbert. He publically stated that MSR is one of his main goals this year. I'm def going with Tomeke, Sparty, Gilbert, Cav and one other. Should cover most bases.
@frank
When I saw that photo online earlier today, all I could think was that poor Farrar has worn that expression soooooooo many times behind Cav that it is started to be permanently stuck on his face.
@Buck Rogers
The big question will be whether the classics guys can drop Cav.
@The Oracle
Videos, take your pick:
http://www.cyclingfans.com/tirreno-adriatico/videos
@wiscot
Thor was having a bit of stomach problems this week according to an article I read.
@snoov
Wiggo didn't really need to attack until Westra got away, but he did go too late then. I feel like he should do fantastic this year.
@Marko
The only issue here are his too-long socks.
@Marko
Gee, I have no idea why a Velominatus would be immediately drawn to the look of Cav's kit this year...
@Marko
He must read the site.
@frank
It seems they are longer for the sole purpose to include rainbow bands at the top
@DerHoggz
Merci! Or, I suppose it should be, Grazie!
Dang, say what you want about that guy, but he can flat out bring it.