Monday Musette - Paris-Tours, T-Shirts, and Classic Wheels

1. If you didn’t see it yesterday, you missed quite an exciting finale to Paris-Tours. Here’s a video that pretty much gets it all—from just after Philippe Gilbert’s attack through the final sprint.

Give Gilbert credit for riding aggressively, even with two sprinters on his wheel. Other men would have stopped working, not content to pull two sprinters to a seemingly easy win. Not Gilbert though, he rode the front consistently, nervous that any diminished effort would lead to his group being caught. It was a textbook case of a rider racing to win, not racing not to lose. Also interesting was Van Avermaet closing the gap to Gilbert’s initial move only to get dropped moments later. Could he have been ordered back to the field? (Ed Note: A reader pointed-out that it was Van Avermaet who attacked first--makes much more sense.)

In the finale, when Gilbert launched his sprint (from 3rd wheel—the best option), Boonen hesitated for a split-second, wavering as to whether to stay on Borzic’s wheel or go after Gilbert himself. It cost him dearly, for Gilbert chose the perfect gear for his final effort—big enough that he couldn’t spin it out, yet small enough to keep the others at bay. A truly fantastic win!

As for Boonen, credit him with countering Gilbert’s attack 8km from the line, then holding-on to the finish. It was a reminder that when he wants to be, the big Belgian is one of the finest classics riders in the world. If these men race like this come April, it’s going to be an exciting spring!

Expect to see Borzic make the move to a Pro Tour team soon—perhaps Silence-Lotto? He would go a long way toward filling the sprinter's hole left by McEwen’s departure last year. (Ed Note: Borzic has renewed through 2011 with Vacansoleil--smart move by the management.)

Next on Gilbert’s program: the Tour of Lombardy. Silence-Lotto will have a tough choice, as Lombardy is likely on Cadel Evans’ list as well. Regardless, with two aces up its sleeve, the team’s great October looks set to continue. Can Cunego spoil the Belgian party?

2. And speaking of Saturday's Lombardy look for a preview following Thursday’s final tune-up, the Giro del Piemonte. In Belgium, the road season officially ends with tomorrow’s Nationale Sluitingprijs - Putte-Kapellen, which roughly means: normally the season’s over--go and watch cyclocross directly.

3. Last week I mentioned a care package I received from Mike and Kaiko at Gage & Desoto and cassette.. Take a look at the photos below, then head to their sites and order some for yourself. You won’t be disappointed.


The stylish graphics are printed on American Apparel tees—some of the best-fitting, most comfortable shirts on the market. Graphics are classic, simple, and evoke some of the sport’s most iconic images. (Note the cleverly disguised Flemish lion.)

And yes, while mine were indeed a gift, if they hadn't been, I would have gladly ponied-up my allowance for them anyway.

4. Have you visited our friends at Handspun recently? They’ve unveiled their new Belgian Series of wheels—did you notice the spoke nipples? More on these to come.

5. And while we’re on the subject of wheels for the classics, what are your thoughts on the good folks at Competitive Cyclist offering a handbuilt set of Ambrosio Nemesis tubular wheels—practically right out of Quick Step’s truck—for $1275? In my opinion, you can't really put a price on true quality--espcially when it involves handbuilding wheels with imported rims and gluing tubulars. (Heck, the description alone has to be worth something.) If you've been lucky enough to buy a set, I'll gladly make it worth your while to share your experience with us.

6. And finally, pick-up the latest copy of Readymade for an article on the Portland handbuilt bicycle scene by Embrocation's Jeremy Dunn. As always, Jeremy has a terrific way of telling a story through photos and words.

That's it for today--what's on your mind? Share your comments below.