The Saga that is Lance
Continues tonight on 4 Corners, ABC 8.30.
As expected, the evidence is damning. However read today's Sydney Morning Herald article by one of the Drs interviewed last night. He points a finger at Cycling Australia too.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/spo ... 27mzr.html
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/spo ... 27mzr.html
Only the pope can provide the redemption needed by all involved.
Ironically, Eddy Merckx was probably the cleanest/drug free champion we'll ever see. Quite the opposite of Lance
Pre Merckx, Jacques Anquetil used amphetamines. Post Merckx, Bernard Thevenet used steriods. Depending on the source, Merckx was caught using drugs on at least one occasion, and some sources say three occasions. The drug was amphetamines.
Since then Bjarne Riis has admitted to doping too, and Jan Ullright was caught, as well as all the others in recent history.
In a time before modern drug testing, when drugs were not frowned upon the way they are today, and riders used to visit wineries and have a tipple, mid stage, before getting back on their bikes to ride to the finish, it's hard to believe Merckx didn't take substances which would be deemed illegal these days. As many riders did, he also rode with beer in his bidon, and raced all year round, so other riders would benefit from the sign-on fees for races he appeared at. He was a legend, who always put the riders' interests first, and would never endorse anything which put his health (or any other rider's health) at risk, but setting that aside, performance enhancing drugs have always been part of pro cycling, and one would have to say that applied to the Merckx era too...
Since then Bjarne Riis has admitted to doping too, and Jan Ullright was caught, as well as all the others in recent history.
In a time before modern drug testing, when drugs were not frowned upon the way they are today, and riders used to visit wineries and have a tipple, mid stage, before getting back on their bikes to ride to the finish, it's hard to believe Merckx didn't take substances which would be deemed illegal these days. As many riders did, he also rode with beer in his bidon, and raced all year round, so other riders would benefit from the sign-on fees for races he appeared at. He was a legend, who always put the riders' interests first, and would never endorse anything which put his health (or any other rider's health) at risk, but setting that aside, performance enhancing drugs have always been part of pro cycling, and one would have to say that applied to the Merckx era too...
It wasn't till the 1920's that some drugs were restricted (cocaine the drug of choice, but it's action was short-lived). Then in the 1930's, amphetamines were discovered and put a smile on all their faces. Jacques Anquetil, a five-time Tour champion who was very open about his drug use, is recorded as saying: "You would have to be an imbecile or a crook to imagine that a professional cyclist who races for 235 days a year can hold the pace without stimulants." Unfortunately, the fate of many of these heroes will never be known as many died in retirement of overdose, heart failure, depression, psychosis... The fate of that lovable egg-head Marco Pantani (I always remember him giving it everything up the mountain passes) is a case in point.
I'm sort of with the UCI over the use of radios. If they're going to enforce drug bans then maybe they should ban team radios too or the big races are going to be very ho hum.
I'm sort of with the UCI over the use of radios. If they're going to enforce drug bans then maybe they should ban team radios too or the big races are going to be very ho hum.
It's like politics. When one cares to blame a government or PM, it's also time to let the voters take some of the heat.
In cycling, spectators and fans want heroes, want spectacular up-hill attacks, along with sponsorship money and commercialisation of the whole sport, responsibility goes far wider than just UCI. It's a painful time from fans to riders, to sponsors, to the very top of sports administrators. Reset will be for everyone!
In cycling, spectators and fans want heroes, want spectacular up-hill attacks, along with sponsorship money and commercialisation of the whole sport, responsibility goes far wider than just UCI. It's a painful time from fans to riders, to sponsors, to the very top of sports administrators. Reset will be for everyone!
@AliG - it's totally weird, given all the evidence that Liggett would still say "He has been the best athlete in the world and the drugs have not made him that much better, He’d have probably still have won on a level playing field and still been the champion" - FFS, that's just stupid.
Good thoughts James!
I read the whole report, and it's damning. Whoever wrote it did an amazing job, as it's totally cross-referenced with corroborating evidence from disparate sources over a long time-span. All first hand (unlike Phil's pathetic defence), suported by stat decs or court transcripts or blood test results and experts analysis and so on and on and on and on. You can totally see why Lance wouldn't want to have to defend himself in court - they'd make mincemeat (and the worst sort of headlines) of the best counsel. It's actually quite a readable document and I'd recommend it for a literary award. I was sorry that I came to the end of it. Not a very happy ending tho'!
Addit: If you don't read anything else, read the ADDENDUM – PART TWO: ANALYSIS REGARDING INDIANA
HOSPITAL ROOM INCIDENT that's the unhappy ending. Beautifully constructed and reasoned and damning to eternity.
You'll see from Hincapie's evidence here exactly the point when Armstrong is motivated to engage in doping and why. He did it the usual Armstrong way.
Addit: If you don't read anything else, read the ADDENDUM – PART TWO: ANALYSIS REGARDING INDIANA
HOSPITAL ROOM INCIDENT that's the unhappy ending. Beautifully constructed and reasoned and damning to eternity.
You'll see from Hincapie's evidence here exactly the point when Armstrong is motivated to engage in doping and why. He did it the usual Armstrong way.
I always thought that it would not matter if LA had doped. I thought that he would always be a champion. I finished reading the 200 page report yesterday and have completely changed my mind. The level of organization, money, team involvement, deceit and intimidation is incredible to read.
Dominos continues to fall. Stephen Hodge comes clean and resigns from CA.
At this rate, the only senior administrators/team managers left will be those few who didn't dope in a sea of dopers and those who can continue to hide the past.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/cyc ... 27ved.html
At this rate, the only senior administrators/team managers left will be those few who didn't dope in a sea of dopers and those who can continue to hide the past.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/cyc ... 27ved.html
The question is no longer who doped, but who didn't dope in their professional career? Please step forward.
Yes. I would like to confess to using drugs too.
Admittedly, not performance enhancing, but drugs nevertheless. Started taking them in the 90s, and have never really stopped...
Still take the banned substance, insulin every day of my life...
Admittedly, not performance enhancing, but drugs nevertheless. Started taking them in the 90s, and have never really stopped...
Still take the banned substance, insulin every day of my life...
Chris, you don't count. You may be a Colnago pro, but not an Euro Pro!
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JoTheBuilder
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32
How on earth would one manage to 'supposit' one of them during a 250km race without a tv camera noticing? I can't imagine any of them wear drop-tails either...
There's no reason why they need to use the rectal route.
Today's Sydney Morning Herald article today. Some guy is claiming there is even doping in C grade races! Calling for testing. This all on the day I want to start racing (for the first time) at Heffron in the C grade 
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/uph ... 27wqr.html
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/uph ... 27wqr.html
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fenn_paddler
- Posts: 154
- Joined: 28 Mar 2007, 08:30
- Location: Petersham
So Frank wants testing of C grade at Heffron. I'm assuming he wants CA to stump up the cost (est at $1000 per test) of doing this.
CA are under enormous pressure to do more about doping. If they address this by tesing Heffron and maybe even RAW, we can look forward to greatly increased membership fees to cover it.
CA are under enormous pressure to do more about doping. If they address this by tesing Heffron and maybe even RAW, we can look forward to greatly increased membership fees to cover it.
They got the photo wrong. That is not Heffron.
The photo is of Matt White & Graeme Brown. I'm pretty sure it was taken at the Cronulla International Grand Prix in 2007 when Matt rode in his last ever professional race before retiring. When I watched that race, it looked to me like Matt was given the win. Everyone else sat back and let him ride away for the last lap by himself. Even Graeme Brown eventually sat up to let him win, which is unusual for him. So drugs in cycling is not the only issue that the CA/UCI are up against...
I just skimmed the article (SMH - Doping in C Grade). My opinion
That which is asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.
James
That which is asserted without evidence, can be dismissed without evidence.
James
An interesting article: http://www.cyclismas.com/2012/10/ground ... r-cycling/
Of note:
Why is the plaster there?
The UCI passed a no needles policy in May of 2011 which stated the following (quote courtesy of cyclingnews.com article by Stephen Farrand):
The UCI Regulations now prohibit injections that have the aim of artificially improving performance or helping recovery. It means riders can no longer inject vitamins, sugars, enzymes, amino acids or antioxidants to aid recovery. It is hoped the ban will contribute to the eradication of doping by greatly reducing the use of injections in cycling.
Herein lies the problem. No one asked why Wiggins had a plaster, and the interesting fact is that Boulting, who conducted the interview, didn’t find the plaster on Wiggins arm as strange. According to sources within the Tour de France, there wasn’t any blood drawn for anti-doping purposes on that day. So why did Wiggins have a plaster on his arm? It couldn’t have been for medicinal purposes, as a Team Sky doctor supported and asserted the no needles policy as “fantastic” during an interview with Lionel Birnie that appeared in the August 2011 edition of Cyclesport Magazine.
Of note:
Why is the plaster there?
The UCI passed a no needles policy in May of 2011 which stated the following (quote courtesy of cyclingnews.com article by Stephen Farrand):
The UCI Regulations now prohibit injections that have the aim of artificially improving performance or helping recovery. It means riders can no longer inject vitamins, sugars, enzymes, amino acids or antioxidants to aid recovery. It is hoped the ban will contribute to the eradication of doping by greatly reducing the use of injections in cycling.
Herein lies the problem. No one asked why Wiggins had a plaster, and the interesting fact is that Boulting, who conducted the interview, didn’t find the plaster on Wiggins arm as strange. According to sources within the Tour de France, there wasn’t any blood drawn for anti-doping purposes on that day. So why did Wiggins have a plaster on his arm? It couldn’t have been for medicinal purposes, as a Team Sky doctor supported and asserted the no needles policy as “fantastic” during an interview with Lionel Birnie that appeared in the August 2011 edition of Cyclesport Magazine.
In relation to amateur athletes using banned substances, I heard a representative from the Australian Customs saying that they were regularly seizing deliveries of banned sporting products that were being mailed in. I can't find a printed source to back it up at the moment. So it would appear that Frank's comments may be justified.
However, I would like to point out that Customs would be seizing products that are destined for any one in Australia, and this wouldn't just be limited to cycling, in either case, it would appear that people at the amateur level in any sport may be willing to cheat to gain an edge. Personally, I don't see the point, I recognise that I can only be so good regardless of how much training I do. I also recognise that if I was to do specific training then that would also allow me to be a better rider. If I was to use a banned product and win anything (even Heffron C Grade), then I would feel dirty, I wouldn't feel that it is a victory because I was the strongest or smartest rider in the pack that day, it would simply be because I spent some money on something that would give me an edge.
James
However, I would like to point out that Customs would be seizing products that are destined for any one in Australia, and this wouldn't just be limited to cycling, in either case, it would appear that people at the amateur level in any sport may be willing to cheat to gain an edge. Personally, I don't see the point, I recognise that I can only be so good regardless of how much training I do. I also recognise that if I was to do specific training then that would also allow me to be a better rider. If I was to use a banned product and win anything (even Heffron C Grade), then I would feel dirty, I wouldn't feel that it is a victory because I was the strongest or smartest rider in the pack that day, it would simply be because I spent some money on something that would give me an edge.
James
I agree the psychology of it is interesting. Like exam cheats, they don't necessarily have to be aimed at coming first. It's just a quick way to be there without putting in the effort. Some people are just like that and is a fact of life and society.
Jimmy, regarding customs seizing products coming into the Country. I read a couple SMH articles and I think there was a big Good Weekend article on Steriod Tourism very recently. It would appear from those articles that there was a very small sub culture of recreational bodybuilders whom wanted the physique but didnt wish to put the effort in to obtain it. hence those people would seek a drug assisted outcome.
If recreational drug users appear across society i dont think it would be a big leap to think there it may be present within our sport albeit in equally small amounts. there's no doubt there would be plenty of riders whom would love "the win". Of that group someone may think of obtaining an advantage with almost (or as it appears now, zero) no chance of being caught. Bragging rights are important to some people. CA would only have to test a couple of times to make the point.
We have all signed on to the drug testing program on the back of our licenses. Let CA make it real.
If recreational drug users appear across society i dont think it would be a big leap to think there it may be present within our sport albeit in equally small amounts. there's no doubt there would be plenty of riders whom would love "the win". Of that group someone may think of obtaining an advantage with almost (or as it appears now, zero) no chance of being caught. Bragging rights are important to some people. CA would only have to test a couple of times to make the point.
We have all signed on to the drug testing program on the back of our licenses. Let CA make it real.
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shrubb face
- Posts: 1010
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As an aside, I've been at Tuesday night Heffron when drug test have been done. I have a feeling there were only really there to test the likes of CJ Sutton rather than the rest of us.
True that urine is the primary sample for drug testing of most drugs, ones that are excreted and concentrated through the kidneys. However, blood is also often collected if one is looking for other factors eg. Hb and drugs not excreted through urine. All depends.
Last edited by weiyun on 22 Oct 2012, 21:39, edited 1 time in total.
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shrubb face
- Posts: 1010
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- Location: Marrickville
So its now official....
Cadel Evans is also on the defensive.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/evans-c ... ri-in-2000
This whole affair is a tsunami for the sport. No one is unaffected.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/evans-c ... ri-in-2000
This whole affair is a tsunami for the sport. No one is unaffected.
So the TdF organizer has announced that there'll be no official winners for those 7 LA years. Ouch! But can understand their predicament.
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Simon Llewellyn
- Posts: 1532
- Joined: 13 Nov 2006, 22:31
- Location: Tempe Velodrome
I find these statistics interesting.
http://www.bikeraceinfo.com/tdf/tdfstats.html
Since 1994 the slowest average speed for the tour was won that year by non other than Alberto Contador. I know that they will come up with some scientific reason for why some years have been slower than others, such as the wind, less mountains, equipment etc. But I can help but notice that Wiggins win this year was faster than Armstrong's win in 2000, based on that statistic if they are no longer doping then doping can't have helped all that much. Even Cadel's win last year was faster than Armstrong's win in 2000.
http://www.bikeraceinfo.com/tdf/tdfstats.html
Since 1994 the slowest average speed for the tour was won that year by non other than Alberto Contador. I know that they will come up with some scientific reason for why some years have been slower than others, such as the wind, less mountains, equipment etc. But I can help but notice that Wiggins win this year was faster than Armstrong's win in 2000, based on that statistic if they are no longer doping then doping can't have helped all that much. Even Cadel's win last year was faster than Armstrong's win in 2000.
UIC erases Armstrongs' TdF wins, but now attacks the people who were brave and honest enough to expose the whole cesspool.
McQuaid calls whistleblowers 'scumbags'.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/lan ... 282nk.html
McQuaid calls whistleblowers 'scumbags'.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/lan ... 282nk.html
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/cycling/uci ... 281uc.html
interactive in the herald!! push a button to see the cheats over the last ten years
interactive in the herald!! push a button to see the cheats over the last ten years
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JoTheBuilder
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32
I like Eleri's train of thought...
With men's cycling imploding, surely there is now an opportunity for women's cycling to get the support they so desperately need:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/gene ... 42351.html
With men's cycling imploding, surely there is now an opportunity for women's cycling to get the support they so desperately need:
http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/gene ... 42351.html
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JoTheBuilder
- Posts: 1500
- Joined: 19 Feb 2011, 15:32
Never seen so much press: yes. Imploding: yes. The two are not mutually exclusive. The decision by Rabobank could easily have a domino effect and other sponsors may follow...
Think the only thing that is imploding is the relationship between the big sponsors and the top-end/sharks of the cycling sport world. Also the credibility of the peak bodies in question.
Other than that us sardines are fine.
Other than that us sardines are fine.
Does any of the other sport codes have separate general administration and dope testing? Can see how that can be relevant but it'll likely add another layer of cost, which requires even more sponsorship/membership money to sustain. It's never easy.
That man will just have to change the last word to something that's appropriate, a small cosmetic surgery issue.
Excellent, I think this is needed.
Here we go. And why don't they have an enquiry into the use of drugs in weightlifting, hammer-throwing, waterpolo, running and flipping caber-tossing as well? There's plenty of low lying fruit there. And while they're at it, why not investigate state-sanctioned doping on Olympic teams since the 70's? Sure they will.
There's beginning to be an air of hysteria about the whole episode, while a lot of other sport administrators look on with a sigh of relief and a casual flung stone (to show that they're in total agreement) and quietly thank their god that it wasn't them. How ever did the US compete so successfully against those cheating communists for so long? Must have been their superior genes and heroic sport administrators! The foetid air of hypocritic calumny is choking me while the politicians seize the day and peck away at cycling until it bleeds.
There's beginning to be an air of hysteria about the whole episode, while a lot of other sport administrators look on with a sigh of relief and a casual flung stone (to show that they're in total agreement) and quietly thank their god that it wasn't them. How ever did the US compete so successfully against those cheating communists for so long? Must have been their superior genes and heroic sport administrators! The foetid air of hypocritic calumny is choking me while the politicians seize the day and peck away at cycling until it bleeds.
Karzie - Fair points all. I don't agree with your central argument though. The 'other kids in the playground' did it is never an argument one can hide behind for long. The question is whether doping in sport is right or wrong. The answer is simply wrong.
So, let's see cycling scrubbed clean. Then we can be part of something that we are proud of rather than embarrased by. I look forward to the day when weightlifters, sprinters et al feel shame alongside cyclists at the olympics. Instead we have the likes of Alexander Vinokourov grabing cycling's first gold this year. Who cares about weighlifters on steroids? Forget 'em. Let's make cycling about the ride. Drugs should be for recreation of those so inclined.
So, let's see cycling scrubbed clean. Then we can be part of something that we are proud of rather than embarrased by. I look forward to the day when weightlifters, sprinters et al feel shame alongside cyclists at the olympics. Instead we have the likes of Alexander Vinokourov grabing cycling's first gold this year. Who cares about weighlifters on steroids? Forget 'em. Let's make cycling about the ride. Drugs should be for recreation of those so inclined.
You misunderstand me perhaps, jbcow. I'm just saying there's legions more should be twisting in the gibbet and they never will. Also, that it's politicians requiring results who put people into positions of power where they foster doping and protect their star performers. If you don't recognise what the mechanisms of the corruption are, it makes it impossible to fix.
I've been watching cycling being made clean for the last thirty years and have become a bit cynical perhaps. There was a test developed and tested before the Sydney Olympics for EPO use, but not allowed to be used - because too many stars would get caught and the Olympics would totally lose credibility.
What other sports are being targeted? A whole chinese NATIONAL team got caught AT CUSTOMS bringing dope into australia very recently. We didn't see the same international media hysteria over that. Why not? How did that chinese woman swimmer get away with her result at London? Quite a young girl, she swam a freestyle lap faster than the fastest and strongest male. There was hardly a murmur.
Until these issues are addressed and rectified all the starry-eyed calls for cycling to be all about the ride will remain just that. There's a bigger picture.
I've been watching cycling being made clean for the last thirty years and have become a bit cynical perhaps. There was a test developed and tested before the Sydney Olympics for EPO use, but not allowed to be used - because too many stars would get caught and the Olympics would totally lose credibility.
What other sports are being targeted? A whole chinese NATIONAL team got caught AT CUSTOMS bringing dope into australia very recently. We didn't see the same international media hysteria over that. Why not? How did that chinese woman swimmer get away with her result at London? Quite a young girl, she swam a freestyle lap faster than the fastest and strongest male. There was hardly a murmur.
Until these issues are addressed and rectified all the starry-eyed calls for cycling to be all about the ride will remain just that. There's a bigger picture.
Hi Karzie, I'm highly skilled at misunderstanding things. If only I was half as good on the bike!
I agree there is a bigger picture and as you say, direct and indirect signs that doping is still a big problem in many sports. Of course they should be dealt with. But I personally welcome all the attention on cycling.
It takes a long time to go through the list in the below link. To be fair, it starts in 1886!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_do ... in_cycling
The most recent entry is for a guy I've never head of being caught doping EPO on 21 September this year. He's 26 - old enough to have seen scandals unfold, to have seen many riders caught. This guy and riders like him tell me that the sport needs to change. That's why I welcome all the attention. So let the investigations come, let the media have a field day. Rather than resist it, we should ride it and steer it. Let cycling become the standard of clean sport.
I agree there is a bigger picture and as you say, direct and indirect signs that doping is still a big problem in many sports. Of course they should be dealt with. But I personally welcome all the attention on cycling.
It takes a long time to go through the list in the below link. To be fair, it starts in 1886!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_do ... in_cycling
The most recent entry is for a guy I've never head of being caught doping EPO on 21 September this year. He's 26 - old enough to have seen scandals unfold, to have seen many riders caught. This guy and riders like him tell me that the sport needs to change. That's why I welcome all the attention. So let the investigations come, let the media have a field day. Rather than resist it, we should ride it and steer it. Let cycling become the standard of clean sport.
Believe this is affecting everyone now. Not sure if it is long term (skeptical) but a move in the right direction.
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympians-t ... 28o61.html
http://www.smh.com.au/sport/olympians-t ... 28o61.html
It's more than that. e.g, some of Sky's admin staff are very 'close' to these issues. This sort of policy says 'if anyone says anything about what's been going on, they're sacked'. I reckon that the cyclists should be given amnesty for evidence, but not administrators. Have an official investigation run by an independant body and get the goods on everybody. Sack the UCI and put all the proven clean riders in the top positions and put a doping tester onto every team. Pay them good money and move them every 3 months.
here's the thing. prohibition has never worked in anything. incentivise fair play, which i don't have an answer for by the way.
Animal trainers know that they can get the outcome they are after rather than through punishment. no seal has ever learned to balance a ball on its nose by being nagged.
Animal trainers know that they can get the outcome they are after rather than through punishment. no seal has ever learned to balance a ball on its nose by being nagged.
Kimmage’s quest for UCI accountability http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/kim ... untability
Kimmage is counter-suing the UCI - woo hoo. "As soon as the governing body announced that they were suspending their defamation against Kimmage the inevitable rumours of a counter-suit began to surface. A week later and the Rough Ride author has delivered: A 28-page document with 55 exhibits of evidence that will be presented to a Swiss judge who will in turn decide if Hein Verbruggen and McQuaid have a case to answer over counts of slander/defamation, denigration and "strong suspicions of fraud"."
Kimmage is counter-suing the UCI - woo hoo. "As soon as the governing body announced that they were suspending their defamation against Kimmage the inevitable rumours of a counter-suit began to surface. A week later and the Rough Ride author has delivered: A 28-page document with 55 exhibits of evidence that will be presented to a Swiss judge who will in turn decide if Hein Verbruggen and McQuaid have a case to answer over counts of slander/defamation, denigration and "strong suspicions of fraud"."
What is with this coloured/red names tags on this forum ie. first Eleri and now Stuart.
Is there some sort hierarchy developing here?
Is there some sort hierarchy developing here?
Lance just lying around?
http://www.mobli.com/media/show/id/22700756?referer=tw
Maybe I am a bit sensitive, but is that provocative or what?
http://www.mobli.com/media/show/id/22700756?referer=tw
Maybe I am a bit sensitive, but is that provocative or what?
Step right up.....the show must go on....its interview time
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/ne ... -interview
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
http://www.sbs.com.au/cyclingcentral/ne ... -interview
Sent from my Desire HD using Tapatalk 2
If he doesn't jump on the couch at least once I'll be very disappointed.
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