Olympic Predictions Grudging Open Thread
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 5:36 PM EDT
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Dan has goaded me into putting up "something" to accommodate any chatter focused on good things, like puppies and sunshine and who's going to win the Olympic road races. Somehow I doubt either puppies or sunshine will be in abundance tomorrow night/Saturday. [Aside: this international date line is going to be a killer, I predict. It's like carrying the one in math: who has time to figure out the time difference and the day? For that matter, why does some part of the world have to be languishing in tomorrow or yesterday? Why can't it just always be today?]
As for the race, if Cadel Evans' knee is truly OK, add one more name to the finale. The fave has to be Valverde, but I'm going with Davide Rebellin. Or the Iranian guy. And Marianne Vos. Discuss!
Update: and don't miss the VN photo gallery from today (a/k/a yesterday). Gotta ask: if they hadn't curbed pollution, would these photos just be completely dark?
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Kolobnev
Time to start justifying those VDS points.
He looked good at San Sebastian, and if he’s in the mix at the end, I doubt he’ll let it come down to a sprint with VV this time around.
now you're talkin'
he had great late season form last year with his win at Eroica and he went to the line with Bettini in the worlds… so yea i just basically jinxed his chances.
"Race radios in Cat 4?"
my prediction is that less than fifty guys will make it to the end
if a breakaway doesn’t succeed, I’m going for Valverde.
I'm thinking that realistically...
... it’s Valverde as total favorite, then Freire then Bettini probably… but my heart wants Bettini to win… or an American… or the Namibian…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Schumacher, if he can hold onto his form (and little green pills) from the tdf...
...and obviously Valverde, Bettini et al
by A Cat Named Bugno on Aug 7, 2008 6:17 PM EDT reply actions
Bettini
He’s the ultimate big-game player, and he’s been looking good in his warm-up races.
Vai Paolo!
I going with
Andy after he breaks away and no one has enough leg left on the last climb to close it down.
My official VDS prediction is The Mustache ride on a long breakaway to avenge missing Le Tour.
"...The mind has to rule the body and tell the body, shut up and do what I tell you to do..." Jens!
I say he heads up the road early to force others to chase
and then once caught, he pulls out to save up for the TT.
If they don’t catch him – woo hoo!!!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
No mustache on DZ...
... he is, oddly clean shaven. I was hoping for a Van Dyke or something...
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Originally he said he just wanted it for the baby pics.
Hopefully we’re through that phase as he looks gooood with out it!!! :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
It will be hard to ever beat this picture...
Actually, he looks oddly like Napoleon Solo...
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
To quote Jimbo...
“DZ is one sexy bitch!”
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
If a prospective girlfriend of mine were to dump me for DZ...
... how could I object? It would be like getting dumped for Sean Connery…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Now he's a good lookin' older man. Absolutely loved him in Medicine Man.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
I really like him on Celebrity Jeopardy
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
Exactly the one I was going to pick! Well played Sir.
“That’s ‘The Pen is Mightier’ “
Without further
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
Yes, exactly! Well played Sir.
Without further adieu
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
Oh man! I can't watch any You Tubery at work.
The stupid IT nazi’s think it’ll distract me from my job.
I almost peed my pants laughing!!!! Happy Friday!!!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
I've never seen that before...
... holy crap that’s hilarious!
“ANAL BUM COVER” for 600 Alecksh.
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Or
“Jap Anus Relations”
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
oh, puhleeze... do not compare that clown dz to sean connery
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
I want C to podium
but would love for any of our guys to do so.
As for winners, besides C, I think Kirchen has a shot, Valverde as well.
I’m so looking forward to watching this thing!!!!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Zabriskie's quote about the smog
“There’s definitely something in the air,” David Zabriskie said after his ride. “It’s like that Lynyrd Skynyrd song. ‘Oooh that smell. Can’t you smell that smell? Oooh that smell.’”
http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/summer08/columns/story?columnist=caple_jim&id=3523428
Wow... he looks like a Schleck...
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Much as I like him
I can’t take another 4 years of Bettini’s olympic outfits. If he wins it’s only a matter of time before he starts showing up at races in Liberace’s old clohtes. I’m going with V2 (my new name for Valverde).
Additionally, look at the first picture in the VN gallery and tell me if you can make out even the largest detail in the distance behind the Belgian riders. That’s a clear day? My prediction for riders suffering respiratory related late season swoons just went up by a factor of 10.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
Yow !
and I don’t mean Ming. That air looks disgusting. No way I’m jumping in that pool. The Chinese are going to spend a fortune on asthma related health issues in the future.
"I won! I won! I don't have to go to school anymore." -- Eddy Merckx, after winning his first bike race
that refers to Valverde, but is appropriate for the rest of the thread as well
BTW, there is a lot of plain old mosture haze, too, which is somewhat unpleasant but not harmful. But, you know, the word smog comes from smoke + fog. Just cause it’s foggy doesn’t mean it isn’t smoggy.
Picking Paolo...
which is tantamount to a jinx. Still, I’m standing firm with the pick. Valverde is a world class talent, but he isn’t a game-day player like Oscar or Davide. Paolo shines just a little bit more than those two on the big stage.
Plus, we won’t likely see Paolo’s outrageous kit for much longer. He’s going to retire soon. My guess is that he won’t ride unless he retains the rainbow jersey and gives it a farewell tour.
Brooklyn Chewing Gum: Vlaanderens Mooiste
That picture of him ...
... with his little girl sitting on his lap as he’s moving through the crowds of reporters…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Verrry cute!
Hadn’t noticed that before!
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Photo credit is allllllll Tifosa...
... who I will never be able to thank enough for taking this picture…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Great, great photo
this should get entered into some contests, I think VN has one. She even looks like daddy (might come back to haunt her later).
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 1:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey who's on Drew's team?
Cross them all off the list up front and then take a look for winners.
Just saying. Won’t take much for a hex with the air and we all know how great Drew is to his team.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
F Schleck, Yaropop, Edvald BH
That’s about it. Virtually his entire team is out of cycling now.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 7:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I have Frank Schleck?
When did that happen? I stopped looking at my roster June 1.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
I've got Bettini
Suckers…..............
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
From Hell's depths I stab at Thee
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
For hate's sake... I spit... my last breath....
... at theeeeeeeeeeeeee….
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Man the air is just
unreal! I’ve never seen air quality like that!
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Brit Style
Nice GBR kits… did they get them from a “design your own jersey” website? Or are those letters just ironed on?
Actually, so far the Olympic cycling events are kind of a fashion disaster. Save us, Azzurri!
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Rube Goldberg Device!
Is that really going to be better than a dude on the back of a motorcycle?
Wait a minute
Rob’s contraption bears a striking resemblance to the Venus Probe that Steve Austin once had to combat in a two part episode of The 6 Million Dollar Man (an all time kidhood favorite).
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
Heh... hehee...heeeheheheheheheeee...
“Venus Probe”
I think you can get one of those for 2 quarters in the men’s room at Barney’s Beanery…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
okay, how much white is there gonna be in the peloton friday?
and how long will it stay white?
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
+1000
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
laaaaame!
The tricolore piping is nice, but seriously, it’s like there’s a who-can-be-whitest contest going on. Hopefully the NZ team will be 100% black.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 9:06 PM EDT up reply actions
ahhhhh
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 9:10 PM EDT up reply actions
ditto
"Wizard's first rule. People are stupid. They will believe anything they want to be true or fear to be true." -- Terry Goodkind
Don't worry Chris
Their jerseys will be all black by the end of the race.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
I like those
"...The mind has to rule the body and tell the body, shut up and do what I tell you to do..." Jens!
With see thru white tops
...the guys should enjoy that. :-)
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
At least the Belgians are consistent
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
CSC will show that team loyalty, and their paycheck, is thicker then national pride.
Riis is gonna put on another clinic.
Half the peleton in this race is race is on that team.
I am envisioning something similar to what happened in Sydney all over again.
In Sydney, Telecom swept the podium. . . .
. . . Ullrich, Vino, and Kloden.
They broke from the pack and performed a TTT.
I could see CSC performing a similar thing with whom they’ve got.
by Ryan_Liles on Aug 7, 2008 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Thanks for the refreshing
if they raced for the win, the Spanish team would have the mojo. What are tthe odds on that?
Gee
That’s not at all suspicious…
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 1:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes
that appears to be a good looking… kit.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 9:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Awesome jersey (Jens must have designed it)
and better legs.
"I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass... and I'm all out of bubblegum."
I love the belgian one
looks like ¿Aerts? wants to cut ¿VanSummeren? head
by King of Doping on Aug 7, 2008 9:22 PM EDT up reply actions
Caption...
“And then, Contador peeled his Banana and stuck it in Ricco’s face like THIS”
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Hands down sexiest triceps I have ever seen.
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Nope... not big on that...
... lacks subtlety for my tastes. I have no problem with ink… but really? Tribal pattern rising out of the unmentionables? I see tribal tattoos and all I can think of now-a-days is Bob Roll’s comment about Sour Mash and Pork Rinds.
(THAT’S the Bobke I wish had shown up for TdF commentary.)
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Absolutely got the cred...
... I got the cred to wear Lederhosen… you gonna not give me shit for that if I show up at the ToC dressed in a pair?
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
by crashdan on Aug 7, 2008 11:51 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Oh come on... you can't go straight to the double dar...
first there has to be a dare THEN you double dare me… and then Nikki has to double dog dare me then Gav has to TRIPLE dog dare me…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Ok... wtf...
... all of you… out of my head now!!!!!!! There’s only enough room in here for the four of me!
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
What are the chances that two keyboards on the planet earth...
...are ever going to tap out the phrase “Triple Dog Dare” at precisely the same time again.
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
TOC is lookin' better and better everyday!!!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
I'm thinkin' with some beer goggles, a whole lot better. ha!
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Jesus these things...
... are expensive!
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
maybe you can get a secondhand pair
Ah, here we go.
P.S. Anyone remember Bagdad Cafe (the original version)?
Fantastic Movie...
there was a remake?
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Or you can get them
straight from the horse’s mouth, as it were. Made from the finest German goat.
There ain't no goat like a german goat...
... heyyyy… hooooo…
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Agree with both comments
Hadn’t really thought of it, but this year’s Bobke was nowhere near as entertaining as in the past. Do you think they told him to turn it down, or is he acclimating to the PC world of announcing?
"turn down the Bobke" is my suspicion...
... and Vs. loss.
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Agreed,
the ink is hot. I realize it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it does the trick for me.
by The Team Chef on Aug 7, 2008 11:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes but
Are you sure it’s permanent? There’s so much… I’d never get into the same pool as her if I had white trunks on. Unless they put some woolite into the chlorine.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Dutch kit
Kinda white. But not bad.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 7, 2008 9:12 PM EDT reply actions
the first one is from Ireland (I think they are Roche and Deignan)
by King of Doping on Aug 7, 2008 9:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Norway?
the frist guy looks a bit like Edvald Boasson Hagen
by King of Doping on Aug 7, 2008 9:32 PM EDT up reply actions
Right!
Damn, I should’ve figured that one. It’s not like there aren’t any Norwegian flags in north Seattle.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 2:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Uh oh
That’s deep in the heart of Scandy-Seattle. Is that the Nordic Heritage Museum?
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
well it's not white
but looks like a normal cyclist that just pulled together a jersey & bibs for a ride.
Andre Cardoso
just kidding!
i bet for a non super favorite Robert Gesink
if a favorite will be….Bettini
O'Grady ?
Am I crazy or does this course suit O’Grady? The climb doesn’t look like it is enough to shell him and if he is in there at the end, well I wouldn’t bet against him.
I bet O'Grady...
... gets a DNF due to respiratory problems :D
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
where can we buy?
Even with Tommeke and Stijn 5,000 miles away, i still love the belgian kit. Where can i pick myself up one? anybody know?
Google it
ProCyclingGear, an advertiser on this site doesn’t seem to cary them but I found this place and many other online sources. And Bicycle Odyssey in Sausalito has them on display in their front window when I ride by. That is not really an option for you I suspect. You live in Europe, correct?
If you are willing to sell your offspring to finance it
you can get a very stylish Rapha version.
Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets
In terms of kit...
...I like the Swiss kit (nice and simple) and also the Luxembourg one:
http://sports.yahoo.com/sc/photo?slug=0ed7a9ed9461f676b7d45c01ed1b6bc5-getty-oly-2008-cycling-lux-training&prov=getty
And on a side note of the 6 CSC team members I’ve spotted in photos so far that makes it 4 white Cervelo’s (Schlecks, Stuey and Fabian) to 2 black ones (Jens and Jason McCartney)
Okay, Cervelo get the prize so far for best paint job...
...having spotted another member of the CSC squad with a white Cervelo (Arvesen) looking again at the pictures (especially the side view of Frank’s bike) I’ve just realised that they’ve put Olympic rings on the frame – not all together mind, but so far I’ve spotted a red one, a yellow one, a green one and a blue one – just the black one left to find!
I know Andy was riding this one at the end of the Tour but it’s taken me till now to notice the full paint job and I love it!
I predict
No less than 53 Badabing jokes in the olympic race live thread. (conservative estimate)
Carlos Sastre - Tour de France winner - Born From Jets
I predict
Spain/Luxembourg establishing breaks with Italy chasing ‘em all down. If any stay away, I look for one of the Schlecks. If it comes back together, I think VV can take Bettini in the finale.
Does each rider choose their own bike
for the Olympics, or are National teams sponsored like pro teams?
I've never noticed a rider
NOT riding his trade team brand of bike. Even in Contador’s case, he’s still riding a Trek Madone.
Great article on CVV in today's LA Times...
Some quotes…
“I’m so strong right now,” Vande Velde said Wednesday. “You owe it to yourself, to your family, to your country, to keep it together four more days.”
Levi Leipheimer and David Zabriskie got the two U.S. time trial spots based on factors that included results over the long term rather than the last few months, according to USA Cycling spokesman Andy Lee.Whatever disappointment Vande Velde feels over that probably will disappear when he gets home to Chicago and heads for a vacation in northern Wisconsin after the road race.
Everyone is worried about the effect air quality could have on the road race, the longest endurance event of these Olympics. Vande Velde did not know what to make of the conditions after his first workout, a relatively easy, three-hour ride.“I didn’t notice it affecting me,” he said. “It’s not nice air here, but no city is. You can’t tell if it’s humidity or smog or what. I don’t know if you have to go really hard for it to hurt you or whether you would feel it after two weeks or whether it is a bunch of hype.”
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
I'm hoping they go to the place up north after Downers.
It would be sweet if he stopped by even if for just a meet and greet there. :-)
Although up north is really nice and he may want to get a trip in before TOM.
The family and Jake the dog came home this past Monday.
"The most wasted day is that in which we have not laughed."
Photos from Opening Ceremonies...
SPOILER ALERT: It’s in China…
Linkage...
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
Lordy
I’m not a huge ceremony guy, but those pictures are amazing. Love the green guys with the lights on them.
One exception: every time I see the shot of the fireworks from outside the stadium I want to yell “You FOOLS! You BLEW IT UP!!! Damn you! Damn you all to HELLLLLL!!!”
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
He can talk!
He can talk!
He can talk!
He can talk!
He can talk!
I can SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIING!!!!
I know, it said "als" instead of "ist"... don't give me any crap...
+ inf
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of fashion
as we so often do… from ESPN’s column on opening ceremony outfits:
• The 10 worst-dressed teams:
1. Denmark. Jean shorts. JEAN SHORTS?! This isn’t Gainesville, Fla.; this is the Olympics.
"If writing too much about the Classics is wrong, I don't want to be right."
by Chris Fontecchio on Aug 8, 2008 5:11 PM EDT reply actions
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