Plateau de Beille has a reputation. It’s long. It’s hard. It’s steep. It’s high. And, because it’s in the Pyrenees, it’s either really hot or really wet.
Although it has only been featured in the Tour four times (1998, 2002, 2004, 2007), it has quickly been placed high on the list of fabled Tour mountaintop finishes for the simple fact that every time the Tour has had a stage finish at the Plateau, the winner of the stage has gone on to win the Tour: Pantani, Amstrong, and Contador have all won here and gone on to win le Grand Boucle. (Of the past winners, Pantani is the only rider whose photo I’m willing to post on a VSP event.)
For those of us who are superstitious, we will, because of this track record, choose the rider whom we hopes will go on to win the Tour. Those of us who are more reasonable might engage in some prognosticating, while others still will inexplicably pick Mark Cavendish or Philbert.
While we traditionally kick off the first intermediate VSP for a Grand Tour on the first mountaintop finish, this time around we waited for this decisive day. The riders have played their cards close to their chest, but surely they will be laid out on the table tomorrow. Get your picks in by 5am Pacific tomorrow morning for the chance to win 3, 2, or 1 points for the podium spots, and 1 point for 4th and 5th places. Good luck.
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Alberto "I never promised you fireworks" Contador
VSP PICKS:
1. Alberto
2. Grimpy the Younger
3. Cadel
4. Basso
5. JEROME F'IN COPPEL
VSP PICKS:
1. frank
2. andy
3. cadel
@TomB, you can't have them per http://ca.oakley.com/sports/cycling/posts/2916 unless you're a world champion
Don't ask me why, I just have this feeling Ivan wants to be good this day.
VSP PICKS:
1. Ivan
2. Grimpelder
3. Grimplette
4. Clenbutador
5. Cadelephant
VSP PICKS:
1. Ivan
2. Frank
3. Cadel
4. Samuel
5. Alberto
I reckon the Schleckies will finally realise they can 1-2 Alberto, and Andy'll get the win to even out Fränk's little attack the other day. Cheeky mention for Voeckler who will either stick with the group in epic fashion to keep his Jersey, or drop out the back like so much shit off a shovel.
Thor's interview's just on the telly. Bless him, he's crying. Is that pure V coming out of his tear ducts? I think so.
VSP PICKS:
1. Grimplette
2. Grimpleur the Elder
3. Clenbutador
4. Cadel
5. Voeckler
@Netraam
Didn't he get second to Pharmy in 2004? Not bad prognostication.@Oli
I'd pay to watch that happen.
Martin goes clear early on, then gets reeled in by a dueling Schleck tandem. Bertie is dropped by Evans and Basso taking turns, and Basso gets the better of Evans by a few seconds.
I'll up it a step and say les Freres Grimpeur take 42 seconds on everyone.
VSP PICKS:
1. Grimplette
2. Grimpelder
3. Martin
4. Basso
5. Evans
Well fooey on them.
I will just have to be happy with my forthcoming Belgian flag Jawbones.
VSP PICKS:
1. Cuddles
2. Schleck Elder
3. Schleck Younger
4. Basso
5. T. Danielson