Pres. Obama is a busy man with a lot on his plate currently and it will get busier over the next months as the USA gets ready to vote for the President they want from January 2013 !
There are some , who think the world revolves around their opinion , and that they are the " Ekite of the Elite "! These people can be found in the CyclingNews Forum , usually camped in the " Clinic " set of threads ! Some weeks ago there was an upset to their way of thinking and they have been buzy trying to right the " Apple Cart " ever since !
Some weeks ago one of these jesters decided to use a little known approach to right the grevious wrong done tham . It appears there is a mechanism that can be used to canvass the President to consider overturning some decision . This " Petition " requires 25000 signatures to get into the system BUT it appears that " all the walking the walk and talking the talk " is falling on deaf ears ! The thread where this " petition " can be found in the " Clinic " is " US Prosecuters..." . Last time someone mentioned it was to advise that there were around 140+ signed on ! there appeared to be some urgency to the matter , perhaps there is a time limit to the mechanism's life ?
Great things were expected when someone reported that G.Lemond , of an address that was considered his , was reported to have added their signature ! Well it appears that the " petition " is going to fail !
Saw recently that the " Elite of the Elite 2 are expecting that new contributors to this thread will read the 2400* comments before they voice an opinion . Let me tell you that i have read qite a bit of this thread and the only items worth a second glance were related in my blog post in " Tourdafarce " ! The rest seems to be a childish squabble between Dr Maserati and " A" who claims it is a newbie BUT behaves like it has an agenda !
Too many posters must have , in their opinion , untraceable IP addresses : If Birotte of Los Angeles , is appointed to the Federal Bench as a Judge , will his friends be exacting some revenge for the vilification pourer on him by these spoiled upstarts who think that they are in the right ?
Not interested in seeing people " Railroaded " , caused me to side with Armstrong , but , my views as regards proven , not suspected , " Dopers " ,remain the same , severe punishment is their just deserts !
What will happen mid 2013 will be the subject of speculation , and i am not prepared to guess nor forecast who will have the knives out and for whom !
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Thursday, February 9, 2012
CONTADOR DECIDES ?
After we suffered 566+ days of turmoil , for “ El Pistolero “ the travail begins again ! CAS has made an important declaration that neither party in the dispute offered !
CAS is saying we think you are both wrong about the cause of the adverse findings , BUT we think this “ contaminated supplement theory ” could have been the cause of the “ Clenbuterol ” in the doping test ! What are they Judge or “ Defence Lawyer ”? Whatever they choose to be , they have added controversy to the case !
Going back a little , closer to the start , we have a Spanish Politician , Zapatero , the then Prime Minister , facing an Election trying to garner the votes of Cycling Fans . He weighed in as the Prime Minister of Spain knowing that people listen to his opinion , by saying :
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/spanish-prime-minister-backs-contadors-claim-of-innocence
“ There is no Judicial reason to sanction Contador ”
Well the whole world got to hear about that , Spanish Cycling Fans would have been elated but he still failed at the polls ! Put in context , this remark was made after a One year ban was imposed by the Spanish Federation and to which Contador made objection by filing an appeal . One wonders what could have happened if Zapatero had stayed stumm ? Will Contador be happy to see that John Fahey , a Past Politician from Australia , who retired from the office of Premier of the biggest state in OZ , New South Wales , has stated that WADA , of which he is currently President were then left with no choice but to go to the CAS ?
On 8th February he stated in an article broadcast by Reuters :
"I can say with regard to the Contador decision, it was regrettable that, when the Spanish federation proposed a 12-month penalty, a senior politician made a statement to say that Contador was innocent,"
John Fahey went on to state some of his personal thoughts about this case and CAS :
" I have great respect for CAS, I worry about decisions of individual national federations where it comes to dealing with their own sportsmen and women who have tested positive, because clearly the temptation must be there to protect one of your own," he said.
"I don't know the alternative. I can't imagine that Spain would say to Italy, you deal with all Spanish positives and we'll deal with all Italians, I think hell will freeze over first.
"I can certainly understand where there must be a certain level of national element, particularly if it's a national hero."
Already there is a thread on Cyclingnews Forum regarding why Alberto should Appeal the CAS findings :
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16530
We have seen in recent days the withdrawal of the Grand Jury Investigation of Lance Armstrong in the USA , and that is creating it’s own set of problems for all concerned !
On a personal note , I can see that there is a case for outside intervention in the matter of National Level Athletes ! Top tier athletes gain International attention and thus huge international fan bases , this causes polarisation when any thing crops up that attacks their credibility ! Imagine the furore that would arise if any one questions “ Bolt’s ” running records , Thorpe’s swimming records , Redgrave’s rowing records ?
Perhaps the solution is to have sub committees of the International Federations sit IN A TIMELY MANNER and judge each case on it’s merits ! In this day of the internet and “ Tele conferencing “ the paperwork and personal visual contact is albeit instantaneous ! Oh , I forgot , the Lawyers would want a piece of the action since they are in the business of making money out of others misfortune !
How many “ Doping Matters ” could have been settled with the same results if the Lawyers had not been involved ? My guess 95% , perhaps some would then still go to CAS , then Lawyers could be necessary ?
Meanwhile there are matters to finalise for Alberto , in that there is a request from UCI of $2.45M penalty although others have suggested he is liable for upwards of $12M in damages ! Another consideration is his continuing employment by Saxo Bank Team ?
Due to the CAS determination Saxo Bank Team lose ALL his “ Pro Tour Points ” from the point that CAS decided was the suspension point AND it seems he will have to ride for two years before he gains any further points to help the Team that chooses to employ him after the current ruling expires in August 2012 !
Alberto had a press interview this week and stated :
"I can't understand the final verdict," said Contador. "I've gone through everything, spent hours going over things. If there's anything I can do to prove my innocence I'll do it. There are many things that I cannot understand about this decision but for the moment I want to keep them to myself. I'm not an expert."
My personal attitude to “Doping ” is well known to all , it is SPORTING FRAUD :
I would like to see the following sanctions applied in ALL sports with International Uniformity :
Minimum of four years suspension from their chosen Sport
Locked in the family house with an ankle bracelet for a period decided by the presiding sports court , thus saving the community the expense of detaining them in Prison ! Sporting Fraud is a crime and deserves to be treated in the same way as Theft or burglary !
Loss of employment in any type of Sports Activity whether it is in Media , Travel , Coaching or Competition in other Sports !
Sanctions against All personnel working with the Athlete including Trainers , Masseurs and Team personnel impacting on their ability to cheat their employers and the Public !
Harsh penalties need to be applied to ALL TOP TIER Sports Athletes so that those choosing this career path will know that they are NOT to take the EASY OPTIONS offered by others ! There are those that attach themselves to an aspiring athlete and see it as a way to improve their personal circumstances and thus EVEN conspire against their protégé , so as to get recognition earlier than would be the case if the athlete followed his normal progression in their chosen sport !
Personally I have met Alberto many times and ridden on rest days with his teams and am in doubt as to what has actually taken place ! Will he turn out like those shams , Flandis , Crapp and Shamilton or will scientific investigation and further judicial proceedings eventually prove that it was a “ NO fault situation ” ?
This matter is nowhere near conclusion !
On a lighter note , I found this item in relation to the benefits of the UCI Bio Passport :
Originally Posted by T_S_A_R
the biopassport was presented as a way to build cases against dopers.
Dear TSAR,
We finally captured the last doper and banned him. His name is Floyd Landis. All is well now. But thanks for asking.
- Pat McQuaid
UCI el-Presidente
The wag that wrote this comment has the Avatar shown !
Seems that More cans of worms have spilled as a result of the CAS decision :
Saxo Bank Team’s status ?
Points system in relation to Cycling Athletes’ Suspensions ?
Conspiracy theories about the timing of the release of information about the Conclusion of the Lance Armstrong Grand Jury and the release of the Contador Case findings ?
WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES ?
CAS is saying we think you are both wrong about the cause of the adverse findings , BUT we think this “ contaminated supplement theory ” could have been the cause of the “ Clenbuterol ” in the doping test ! What are they Judge or “ Defence Lawyer ”? Whatever they choose to be , they have added controversy to the case !
Going back a little , closer to the start , we have a Spanish Politician , Zapatero , the then Prime Minister , facing an Election trying to garner the votes of Cycling Fans . He weighed in as the Prime Minister of Spain knowing that people listen to his opinion , by saying :
http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/spanish-prime-minister-backs-contadors-claim-of-innocence
“ There is no Judicial reason to sanction Contador ”
Well the whole world got to hear about that , Spanish Cycling Fans would have been elated but he still failed at the polls ! Put in context , this remark was made after a One year ban was imposed by the Spanish Federation and to which Contador made objection by filing an appeal . One wonders what could have happened if Zapatero had stayed stumm ? Will Contador be happy to see that John Fahey , a Past Politician from Australia , who retired from the office of Premier of the biggest state in OZ , New South Wales , has stated that WADA , of which he is currently President were then left with no choice but to go to the CAS ?
On 8th February he stated in an article broadcast by Reuters :
"I can say with regard to the Contador decision, it was regrettable that, when the Spanish federation proposed a 12-month penalty, a senior politician made a statement to say that Contador was innocent,"
John Fahey went on to state some of his personal thoughts about this case and CAS :
" I have great respect for CAS, I worry about decisions of individual national federations where it comes to dealing with their own sportsmen and women who have tested positive, because clearly the temptation must be there to protect one of your own," he said.
"I don't know the alternative. I can't imagine that Spain would say to Italy, you deal with all Spanish positives and we'll deal with all Italians, I think hell will freeze over first.
"I can certainly understand where there must be a certain level of national element, particularly if it's a national hero."
Already there is a thread on Cyclingnews Forum regarding why Alberto should Appeal the CAS findings :
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?t=16530
We have seen in recent days the withdrawal of the Grand Jury Investigation of Lance Armstrong in the USA , and that is creating it’s own set of problems for all concerned !
On a personal note , I can see that there is a case for outside intervention in the matter of National Level Athletes ! Top tier athletes gain International attention and thus huge international fan bases , this causes polarisation when any thing crops up that attacks their credibility ! Imagine the furore that would arise if any one questions “ Bolt’s ” running records , Thorpe’s swimming records , Redgrave’s rowing records ?
Perhaps the solution is to have sub committees of the International Federations sit IN A TIMELY MANNER and judge each case on it’s merits ! In this day of the internet and “ Tele conferencing “ the paperwork and personal visual contact is albeit instantaneous ! Oh , I forgot , the Lawyers would want a piece of the action since they are in the business of making money out of others misfortune !
How many “ Doping Matters ” could have been settled with the same results if the Lawyers had not been involved ? My guess 95% , perhaps some would then still go to CAS , then Lawyers could be necessary ?
Meanwhile there are matters to finalise for Alberto , in that there is a request from UCI of $2.45M penalty although others have suggested he is liable for upwards of $12M in damages ! Another consideration is his continuing employment by Saxo Bank Team ?
Due to the CAS determination Saxo Bank Team lose ALL his “ Pro Tour Points ” from the point that CAS decided was the suspension point AND it seems he will have to ride for two years before he gains any further points to help the Team that chooses to employ him after the current ruling expires in August 2012 !
Alberto had a press interview this week and stated :
"I can't understand the final verdict," said Contador. "I've gone through everything, spent hours going over things. If there's anything I can do to prove my innocence I'll do it. There are many things that I cannot understand about this decision but for the moment I want to keep them to myself. I'm not an expert."
My personal attitude to “Doping ” is well known to all , it is SPORTING FRAUD :
I would like to see the following sanctions applied in ALL sports with International Uniformity :
Minimum of four years suspension from their chosen Sport
Locked in the family house with an ankle bracelet for a period decided by the presiding sports court , thus saving the community the expense of detaining them in Prison ! Sporting Fraud is a crime and deserves to be treated in the same way as Theft or burglary !
Loss of employment in any type of Sports Activity whether it is in Media , Travel , Coaching or Competition in other Sports !
Sanctions against All personnel working with the Athlete including Trainers , Masseurs and Team personnel impacting on their ability to cheat their employers and the Public !
Harsh penalties need to be applied to ALL TOP TIER Sports Athletes so that those choosing this career path will know that they are NOT to take the EASY OPTIONS offered by others ! There are those that attach themselves to an aspiring athlete and see it as a way to improve their personal circumstances and thus EVEN conspire against their protégé , so as to get recognition earlier than would be the case if the athlete followed his normal progression in their chosen sport !
Personally I have met Alberto many times and ridden on rest days with his teams and am in doubt as to what has actually taken place ! Will he turn out like those shams , Flandis , Crapp and Shamilton or will scientific investigation and further judicial proceedings eventually prove that it was a “ NO fault situation ” ?
This matter is nowhere near conclusion !
On a lighter note , I found this item in relation to the benefits of the UCI Bio Passport :
Originally Posted by T_S_A_R
the biopassport was presented as a way to build cases against dopers.
Dear TSAR,
We finally captured the last doper and banned him. His name is Floyd Landis. All is well now. But thanks for asking.
- Pat McQuaid
UCI el-Presidente
The wag that wrote this comment has the Avatar shown !
Seems that More cans of worms have spilled as a result of the CAS decision :
Saxo Bank Team’s status ?
Points system in relation to Cycling Athletes’ Suspensions ?
Conspiracy theories about the timing of the release of information about the Conclusion of the Lance Armstrong Grand Jury and the release of the Contador Case findings ?
WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES ?
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
2012 Vuelta a España:
Once again there was a leak of the route details ! Time will come when the savvy journos will not fly into the “ Presentation ” unless they have made important appointments for face to face interviews with the Racers that cannot be done on the phone !
Whilst the amount of Mountain top finishes do not unduly trouble me , I cannot see how I can hitch hike from Barcelona to the North west corner in a day ! It took me all of two days to make it from Innsbruck to Grenada in 2010 and I was in the same vehicle from near Albi in Italy to Grenada for 30+ hours ! That was on motorway most of the journey . Across Spain is somewhat more difficult to get a lift if recollections are correct .
No doubt the racers will be relieved of this task by flying but their support vehicles will no doubt exit Andorra and the team cars will convoy with Police Escort ! The caravan attached to the Vuelta is small compared to the TDF so their non appearance in Barcelona will be no surprise .
Southern Spain usually has warm to hot weather but I recall some fear some storms on the north coast and I wouldn’t bet on Barcelona not having a down pour also !
The route of the 2012 Vuelta a España:
Stage 1, August 18: Pamplona team time trial, 16.2km
Stage 2, August 19: Pamplona-Viana, 180km
Stage 3, August 20: Oion-Arrate (Eibar), 153km
Stage 4, August 21: Barakaldo-Valdezcaray, 155km
Stage 5, August 22: Logroño-Logroño, 172km
Stage 6, August 23: Tarazona-El Fuerte del Rapitán (Jaca), 174km
Stage 7, August 24: Jaca-Motorland (Alcañiz), 160km
Stage 8, August 25: Lleida- Coll de la Gallina (Andorra), 175km
Stage 9, August 26. Andorra-Barcelona, 194km
August 27: Rest day
Stage 10, August 28: Ponteareas-Sanxenxo, 166km
Stage 11, August 29: Cambados-Pontevedra time trial, 40km
Stage 12, August 30: Vilagarcía-Mirador de Ezaro (La Coruña), 184.6km
Stage 13, August 31: Santiago de Compostela-Ferrol, 172.7km
Stage 14, September 1: Palas do Rei-Los Ancares, 152km
Stage 15, September 2: La Robla-Lagos de Covadonga, 186.7km
Stage 16, September 3: Gijón (Villa de Jovellanos)-Cuitu Negro, 185km
September 4: Rest day
Stage 17, September 5: Santander-Fuente Dé, 177km
Stage 18, September 6: Aguilar de Campoo-Valladolid, 186.4km
Stage 19, September 7: Peñafiel-La Lastrilla, 169km
Stage 20, September 8: Palazuelo del Eresma-Bola del Mundo, 169.5km
Stage 21, September 9: Cercedilla-Madrid, 111.9km
Miguel Indurain has already commented that “ With so many tough mountain stages, I would have been stuffed from the start,”
Miguel noted the lack of “ Time Trial Ops” which was his forte :
“This kind of route is exactly what the fans want, and the climbing specialists will have a great chance to win the race,"
The stage distances have been shortened but he thinks :
“they’ve maintained the level of difficulty of the stages.”
This will be a rather novel Vuelta , with the finish in Madrid which is the southernmost point of this Grand Tour edition
“It’s going to be different, because it’s all in the north, and it’ll be quite a nervous race because there are a lot of summit finishes,”
Source :http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/indurain-i-would-have-struggled-on-2012-vuelta-a-espana-route
Whilst the amount of Mountain top finishes do not unduly trouble me , I cannot see how I can hitch hike from Barcelona to the North west corner in a day ! It took me all of two days to make it from Innsbruck to Grenada in 2010 and I was in the same vehicle from near Albi in Italy to Grenada for 30+ hours ! That was on motorway most of the journey . Across Spain is somewhat more difficult to get a lift if recollections are correct .
No doubt the racers will be relieved of this task by flying but their support vehicles will no doubt exit Andorra and the team cars will convoy with Police Escort ! The caravan attached to the Vuelta is small compared to the TDF so their non appearance in Barcelona will be no surprise .
Southern Spain usually has warm to hot weather but I recall some fear some storms on the north coast and I wouldn’t bet on Barcelona not having a down pour also !
The route of the 2012 Vuelta a España:
Stage 1, August 18: Pamplona team time trial, 16.2km
Stage 2, August 19: Pamplona-Viana, 180km
Stage 3, August 20: Oion-Arrate (Eibar), 153km
Stage 4, August 21: Barakaldo-Valdezcaray, 155km
Stage 5, August 22: Logroño-Logroño, 172km
Stage 6, August 23: Tarazona-El Fuerte del Rapitán (Jaca), 174km
Stage 7, August 24: Jaca-Motorland (Alcañiz), 160km
Stage 8, August 25: Lleida- Coll de la Gallina (Andorra), 175km
Stage 9, August 26. Andorra-Barcelona, 194km
August 27: Rest day
Stage 10, August 28: Ponteareas-Sanxenxo, 166km
Stage 11, August 29: Cambados-Pontevedra time trial, 40km
Stage 12, August 30: Vilagarcía-Mirador de Ezaro (La Coruña), 184.6km
Stage 13, August 31: Santiago de Compostela-Ferrol, 172.7km
Stage 14, September 1: Palas do Rei-Los Ancares, 152km
Stage 15, September 2: La Robla-Lagos de Covadonga, 186.7km
Stage 16, September 3: Gijón (Villa de Jovellanos)-Cuitu Negro, 185km
September 4: Rest day
Stage 17, September 5: Santander-Fuente Dé, 177km
Stage 18, September 6: Aguilar de Campoo-Valladolid, 186.4km
Stage 19, September 7: Peñafiel-La Lastrilla, 169km
Stage 20, September 8: Palazuelo del Eresma-Bola del Mundo, 169.5km
Stage 21, September 9: Cercedilla-Madrid, 111.9km
Miguel Indurain has already commented that “ With so many tough mountain stages, I would have been stuffed from the start,”
Miguel noted the lack of “ Time Trial Ops” which was his forte :
“This kind of route is exactly what the fans want, and the climbing specialists will have a great chance to win the race,"
The stage distances have been shortened but he thinks :
“they’ve maintained the level of difficulty of the stages.”
This will be a rather novel Vuelta , with the finish in Madrid which is the southernmost point of this Grand Tour edition
“It’s going to be different, because it’s all in the north, and it’ll be quite a nervous race because there are a lot of summit finishes,”
Source :http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/indurain-i-would-have-struggled-on-2012-vuelta-a-espana-route
Sunday, January 8, 2012
AUSTRALIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012
Not hard to visualise what took place these last few days , thanks to the commentary from CyclingNews.com :
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/mars-cycling-australia-road-national-championships-2012/elite-womens-road-race/results
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/mars-cycling-australia-road-national-championships-2012/elite-mens-road-race/live-report
ONE OF THESE YEARS I will get to see these efforts live . In past years I have driven through these areas but never cycled them so that will be an interesting experience to enjoy .
Really pleased to see that Simon Gerrans has taken this year’s title since I have seen him win some really important races in Europe and he has always flown the Aussie Flag high regardless of the results from his efforts ! Totally professional racer that I have always enjoyed chatting with over the years .
Mattie Lloyd coming in second for GreenEdge has started his season on a good note and will help him to forget the rubbishy treatment he had to get over during 2011 . Looking forward to seeing him collect a few podiums during this season , hopefully some of them they will come in the Grand Tours which I hope to see live and thus enjoy greeting him after he crosses the finish line .
Richie Porte rounding out the Podium is no surprise as so many people will be looking forward to the day when he wins a Grand Tour , remember well his valiant defence of the Maglia Rosa some seasons back already ! Here’s hoping that 2012 will be another spectacular year for him !
During the year “ Vince ” , the guy that did a post about me , rode parts of the Tour de France for the second time . Latest email regales some of the Championship events and since he reads these posts I will be happy to have him “ ADD ” his experiences as a live observer here in the near future ! Up to you Vince !
Women’s Championships were perhaps more important from my point of view since so many NEW names came to my notice ! The depth of talent available is no surprise and I am looking forward to seeing their victories during the period leading up to London 2012 ! Amanda , Tiffany and Rachel are all new names to me , but I hope that the Tour de Romandie will have a Women’s Time Trial once more this year and thus I will enjoy seeing them in action . World Championship and Olympic Medals are the result of years of hard work and good team work but regrettably it is the luck on the day that decides who gets into the record books ! Team tactics can be very important and Oenone Woods sacrificed her chances of a medal in the Athens 2004 Olympics to ensure Sara Carrigan won the Gold . Coming in fourth she was unlucky to miss the podium but had the satisfaction of knowing that Oz had the gold as a result of distracting the other racers , who were certain that she was the person to mark .
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/mars-cycling-australia-road-national-championships-2012/elite-womens-road-race/results
http://www.cyclingnews.com/races/mars-cycling-australia-road-national-championships-2012/elite-mens-road-race/live-report
ONE OF THESE YEARS I will get to see these efforts live . In past years I have driven through these areas but never cycled them so that will be an interesting experience to enjoy .
Really pleased to see that Simon Gerrans has taken this year’s title since I have seen him win some really important races in Europe and he has always flown the Aussie Flag high regardless of the results from his efforts ! Totally professional racer that I have always enjoyed chatting with over the years .
Mattie Lloyd coming in second for GreenEdge has started his season on a good note and will help him to forget the rubbishy treatment he had to get over during 2011 . Looking forward to seeing him collect a few podiums during this season , hopefully some of them they will come in the Grand Tours which I hope to see live and thus enjoy greeting him after he crosses the finish line .
Richie Porte rounding out the Podium is no surprise as so many people will be looking forward to the day when he wins a Grand Tour , remember well his valiant defence of the Maglia Rosa some seasons back already ! Here’s hoping that 2012 will be another spectacular year for him !
During the year “ Vince ” , the guy that did a post about me , rode parts of the Tour de France for the second time . Latest email regales some of the Championship events and since he reads these posts I will be happy to have him “ ADD ” his experiences as a live observer here in the near future ! Up to you Vince !
Women’s Championships were perhaps more important from my point of view since so many NEW names came to my notice ! The depth of talent available is no surprise and I am looking forward to seeing their victories during the period leading up to London 2012 ! Amanda , Tiffany and Rachel are all new names to me , but I hope that the Tour de Romandie will have a Women’s Time Trial once more this year and thus I will enjoy seeing them in action . World Championship and Olympic Medals are the result of years of hard work and good team work but regrettably it is the luck on the day that decides who gets into the record books ! Team tactics can be very important and Oenone Woods sacrificed her chances of a medal in the Athens 2004 Olympics to ensure Sara Carrigan won the Gold . Coming in fourth she was unlucky to miss the podium but had the satisfaction of knowing that Oz had the gold as a result of distracting the other racers , who were certain that she was the person to mark .
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