Pro Cycling 2012- Checking in before our favorite race

I have to admit I was not happy last year with the announced changes to the Ronde route for this year.  No Muur and Bosberg, what?  That said, I HATED the finish of last year's Ronde.  Yes, Nuyens raced smart...blah blah blah, but truthfully, he stole the Ronde from a much stronger Fabian Cancallera. From the preview pics of this year's Ronde course, NO ONE will be stealing this one!  As for picking who will win, that is tough.

I have been watching races, watching videos, looking at pics and even checked in with some family members for advice.

 Fergie is going with Boonen, but thinks Pozzato might surprise everyone! She is impressed with Pozzato's quick healing ability and strong rides in the last few races.

Chili is confident the Fabian is not only the strongest, but is the most motivated to win this race. Vincent thought deeply on it, and he thinks Chavenel will win in a Devolder like move.

Forrest is all about the dark horses... he thinks Sagan or even Devolder gets away to win the race as the main favorites watch each other.

Some good advice from the family for sure.  My gut tells me Fabian will win the Ronde and Boonen will be on the podium, but not win.  I think Sagan will be on the podium at the Ronde as well.














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Belgian Badasses Tee

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We believe the driekleur (Belgian National Champ jersey) is the best looking and most prestigious jersey worn in the peloton. From Leon Houa in 1894 to Roger De Vlaeminck in 1969 to Philippe Gilbert, the names of all of the champions come together to form this flag on this design. Add in the Lion of Flanders and this tee screams Belgian Badass!

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Stage 1 of the #TDF: Even Gilbert's girlfriend matched his new kit

It get's no better for fans obsessed with all things Belgian than Gilbert kit today.  He paid attention to all the details from his his glasses to his watch.  His girlfriend even joined in!

His Belgian colored Canyon also looked sharp! (It's no Ritte Vlaanderen Bosberg but they are not UCI legal, so we will say his Canyon looks good.)

His watch is now on our MUST HAVE list of Belgian Bling! 

His girlfriend was also in the spirit!!! WE LOVE BELGIUM!

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It's the Ronde Damn it!

Out of respect to the Flemish people and the race, we will refer to the Ronde Van Vlaanderen as well...the Ronde and not the Tour of Flanders. We would not want them to call the Super Bowl something like Buuwel Van Suvvpper (just guessing since I was unable to locate an English to Flemish translator.  They have online English to Luxembourgish or Hmong but not Flemish).

So obviously, Fabian, "Swiss Machine", is the favorite, but we are wondering if you think anyone of these people/things can derail him.

1. Boonen:  Looks like the knee is solid, no police incidents, no blow and he just won Gent Wevelgem. He also has the strong team card to play, like he has in previous years with Chavanel.  We're pretty sure Boonen and his Quick Step team are pulling for the radio ban, since they have Capt. D-bag Lefevere in their ears.  If he doesn't get caught taking a drink again, etc..do you think he can hang onto Fabian when he attacks?

2. Mechanical/problem (flat, broken chain, crash)?  Fabian puts out crazy power - add in cobbles and 20% gradients, it is a lot of stress on his ride.  If he snaps another chain, flats at the wrong time or ends up on the ground (he might break the cobbles not the other way around) no one will be waiting.   I know Conta is not in the race, but you know what I mean - This is a 1 day race

3. Philipe Gilbert:  He is a Belgian (a Walloon, but still) and he wants to win this race for King and Country and all of that.  We have no question he will put in an attack and if things play out, he might be able to make it.

4. Matthew Goss: Want a dark horse? Matthew Goss is Belgian at heart, and he is a flat out fast!  Not sure if you have noticed but he is showing the world he is a force to be reckoned with!  He is not scared of weather or climbs as he proved in Paris Nice, and he can out sprint Fabian if he has the chance.

* Our heart forces us to include Stijn Devolder - who know if he has the form to win, but we had to include him.  He will don the finest threads in the peloton, and that Belgian Champions kit will give him wings like 4 Red Bulls, a double purple nurple and slap on the ass!


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