The decision has been made. Tonight the UCI handed down it's decision not to appeal the USADA's findings on Lance Armstrong to strip him of his seven tour de France titles and impose a life time ban from the sport.
You can read the developing story here.
To say we have had some bad days in the world of cycling recently would be an understatement, but this at least, will go down as one of the better ones. Which may sound funny coming from a former Lance supporter, but he has brought the sport into disrepute with his lies and deception.
So now what?
There has to be a clean out, a total clean out starting at the highest point. Although in his statement tonight UCI presendent Pat McQuaid states: "When I took over [as president] in 2005 I made the fight against doping
my priority. I acknowledged cycling had culture of doping. Cycling has
come a long way. I have no intention as resigning as president of the
UCI." so that isn't looking likely.
Cycling as a sport has long been seen as a farce by many on lookers due to its shady underworld, and it is no doubt that these cynics have been proven right - to an extent. So if there was a long way to go twelve months ago, the sport has just regressed decades.
The fight will be hard and long. There are many points to prove from within cycling at the highest level, down to the management, cyclists and up and coming juniors. The way forward is with support for a clean and respected sport. For the pure enjoyment of this magical sport that so many of us love.
I'm fighting the fight. Will you?
Monday, October 22, 2012
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Lance, It's time
This should be titled 'The post I never wanted to write', because it is.
Today there is a sickness in my gut and an anger that I can't explain. To a point where I almost feel ashamed to be a cycling fan.
Yes, I am a Lance Armstrong supporter, a long time supporter of his cycling and of his Livestrong Foundation. I still am. But yes, I'm gutted and yes, I think it's time Lance fessed up.
And although Lance supporters want to keep defending him I think the time has come for him to openly and honestly come clean.
With George Hincape being the lastest to offer a statement admitting to doping including when he was part of U.S. Postal, the evidence is really too much to continue to deny.
As much as Lance has vehemently denied his involvement, it is too far from the truth to believe that he was the only clean member of U.S Postal, or in fact the peloton, during this black period of professional cycling.
As I blogged previously I think deep down we all knew that 90% of the peloton during this time were doping and that of course, Lance was too. But I also think that the way the situation was handled was disgusting, and sadly played out in the media.
Do I still think Lance is a legend? Yes I do.
As wrong as it is, the fact is the cyclists were competing on a level playing field, albeit a dirty and illegal one, but even none-the-less. Was there a cyclist who could have come close to beating Lance? Some will say we will never know. But we do know the answer - No. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
So what now?
Lance needs to come forward. A tell all documentary is the only way he can save whatever face he has left. If not for himself, for his fans who have long supported him and will continue to do so, and for cycling. Let's get this period done and dusted. Let's move forward for the good of the sport.
It's the only way.
Today there is a sickness in my gut and an anger that I can't explain. To a point where I almost feel ashamed to be a cycling fan.
Yes, I am a Lance Armstrong supporter, a long time supporter of his cycling and of his Livestrong Foundation. I still am. But yes, I'm gutted and yes, I think it's time Lance fessed up.
And although Lance supporters want to keep defending him I think the time has come for him to openly and honestly come clean.
With George Hincape being the lastest to offer a statement admitting to doping including when he was part of U.S. Postal, the evidence is really too much to continue to deny.
As much as Lance has vehemently denied his involvement, it is too far from the truth to believe that he was the only clean member of U.S Postal, or in fact the peloton, during this black period of professional cycling.
As I blogged previously I think deep down we all knew that 90% of the peloton during this time were doping and that of course, Lance was too. But I also think that the way the situation was handled was disgusting, and sadly played out in the media.
Do I still think Lance is a legend? Yes I do.
As wrong as it is, the fact is the cyclists were competing on a level playing field, albeit a dirty and illegal one, but even none-the-less. Was there a cyclist who could have come close to beating Lance? Some will say we will never know. But we do know the answer - No. But everyone is entitled to their opinion.
So what now?
Lance needs to come forward. A tell all documentary is the only way he can save whatever face he has left. If not for himself, for his fans who have long supported him and will continue to do so, and for cycling. Let's get this period done and dusted. Let's move forward for the good of the sport.
It's the only way.
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