As the date for SanRaflaanderrs nears, most, if not all of the major players for this years race are making their final training preparations for the event.
The Defending Champion
The prohibitive favorite is, without a doubt, last years champion and local folk hero, Ken Hushvod. With a victory in 2008 while under intense pressure from the local fans and media, Hushvod proved many pundits wrong. While the optimistic will point to his victory last year as proof of his ageless nature, doubters will no doubt argue that Hushvod is yet another year older with a less than ideal winter program that saw him often sighted about town with his longtime companion Ms. Plockey, attending theatre shows, formal balls and movie premieres (no doubt enjoying the resulting fruits of his victory). These same doubters will also point to his victory in the ’08 SanRaflaanderrs being thanks to a highly controversial ruling on a course diversion that some say allowed Hushvod to arrive at the finish with fresher legs than would otherwise have been the case.
The Favorites
The obvious 2nd choice to Hushvod would no doubt be Mathys Foley, the “Raymond Poulidor of SanRaflaanderrs,” a 2 time runner up and perennial contender who, so far, has been unable to take the last step to the top of the podium. After a tremendously heavy race schedule in ’08 that saw few results, Foley was a notable absence from the traditional season opener, Paskenta. An undisclosed source close to Foley hinted that his “sensitive nature and thin skin” were bruised by the criticism of the media during his mostly unsuccessful ’08 racing campaign. Always a factor in any race that doesn’t actually matter, Foley will no doubt be an active protagonist in this year’s edition but it remains to be seen if he can make the leap to the top of the podium.
One of the most vocal detractors of Hushvod is rival Markus Clijsters, a well know, though only moderately successful, cyclocross racer who finished in the pack in ’08 after igniting the field in the early going. Clijsters is, by most accounts, an outside shot this year due to a turbulent off season that saw him married, moving residences and an expectant father-to-be. Clijsters’disappointing showing in the season opening Paskenta saw him get dropped by the hard driving group after only 35km and turn for home early. His agent also indicated his intention to forgo the traditional run up event to SanRaflaanderrs, the Grasshopper Adventure Series. Not a positive sign for Clijsters, given the demanding nature of the Ronde.
Any discussion of SanRaflaanderrs would, of course, incomplete without mentioning former champion, Jonis Lodewyk. A sometime controversial figure in the pro peloton, Lodewyk, know as much for his vocal nature and stylish wardrobe as much as his powerful sprint and exceptional bike handling skills, has been experiencing a renaissance of sorts after last years aborted racing programme. With a new family, new contract, new stature within his Whole Athlete team and a mid pack finish at Paskenta, Lodewyk seems to be right on schedule for a return to spring glory.
The Wildcards
Every year there are unaccounted for riders who make their way into the spotlight of San Raflaanderrs. Sometimes these men are cagey veterans who, by their experience, savvy and cunning make a return to the front of the race. Others are young up and comers who stun the riders and fans alike by coming from seemingly no where to snatch spring glory from the favorites.
Last year an early charge was made by budding talent Johan Finley that surprised many of the contenders into timidity. News and sightings of Finley have been few and far between over the winter and rumors that he is laying low to avoid investigations that he is one of the names in Operation Puerto are neither confirmed nor invalidated. Finley will no doubt be a factor this year…if he indeed is able to make the start.
Another new face to the Ronde will be the Italian, Dario Fredericcio, founder and captain of the Whole Athlete training center. The possible participation of Fredericcio has sent shock waves through the Whole Athlete Team, of who his business is the title sponsor mainly due to possible conflicts with Lodewykover who will be the protected rider during the race. Neither camp has elaborated on the situation beyond the standard, tired, “We will see who is stronger on the day” rhetoric. Expect this situation to explode at some point before the race as Fredericcio has been on for this spring with several high finishes in the Grasshopper Adventure Series while Lodewyk has chosen to skip his traditional Grasshopper build up in favor of a lower profile Sonoma County training camp. Is this a planned strategy of separating oil and water?
To add fuel to a already combustible situation, will be the rumored start of Baen van der Standish of the Dewars Racing Team. One time teammate and mentor of Lodewyk, Van der Standish’sreputation as a dangerous threat in any race is well earned from numerous successful seasons. Although in his twilight years during which he has been in a primarily advisory role with the BMC Pro Continental squad, van der Standish has hinted that he may well make a return to racing at this year’s SanRaflaanderrs.
The Unknowns
As always, beyond the favorites, beyond the heroes, are the riders who were unlooked for at the start but impossible to forget after the finish. This includes, Stijn Cherry of Team Northside, a savvy veteran who regardless of form will be a factor in any race, Davey van VonSimeon, who, in the past has ridden in support of teammate Lodewyk but, after a successful foray into cyclocross during the dark months, could likely decide that his own aspirations deserve to be recognized, and Jimmey Robinksi the Russian party boy who has shown flashes of brilliance between extended periods of inactivity due to surgery and copulation.
The Red Devil
And let us not forget cycling juggernaught R.A. VonSchmidt who will be gunning for his record setting 3rd straight Lantern Rouge. VonSchmidt’s last minute clearance to start the ’08SanRaflaanderrs was the stuff of tabloid legend with allegations of bribery, falsification of sponsorship documents and claims that his wife was doping his beer. With his team support in the clear, a renewed contract with sponsor Duvel and a happy family at home, it looks to be next to impossible for anyone to have the testicular fortitude necessary to wrest the “Red Flag of Mediocrity” fromVonSchmidt’s grasp.
Next week: This Years Course Breakdown-Berg by Berg…
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