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.
Monday, September 24, 2012
Gilbert crowned UCI world cycling champ
The world cycling championships held in the Netherlands came to an exciting conclusion yesterday with Belgium's Philippe Gilbert taking out the men's elite road race.
The race didn't disappoint with plenty of action but the final few kilometers proved to be the most exciting as Gilbert attacked.
No one was able to match Gilbert's pure strength and determination and he crossed the line with plenty of time to celebrate the rainbow jersey. Gilbert rode a tactically sound race with his Belgian team mates solid in their support.
Norway's Edvald Boasson Hagen took silver followed by Spain's Alejandro Valverde.
Unfortunately the race didn't pan out in the Aussie's favour with Allan Davis our best placed rider in a respectable 6th position.
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Women's Road Race: UCI World Championships
There was little doubt that Maryanne Vos would take out the Women's Elite Road Race at the UCI World Championships in the Netherlands.
The golden girl of Women's Road Cycling didn't disappoint, but it was Australia's Rachel Neylan who excitedly took the silver medal ahead of Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini.
Congratulations Rachel! Awesome job. Another Aussie to be proud of!
"At no stage was I told I was going to be a great cyclist or that I was talented but that is the best recipe as it just keeps you trying for more and wanting to prove to people that you can do it." - Rachel Neylan
The golden girl of Women's Road Cycling didn't disappoint, but it was Australia's Rachel Neylan who excitedly took the silver medal ahead of Italy's Elisa Longo Borghini.
Congratulations Rachel! Awesome job. Another Aussie to be proud of!
"At no stage was I told I was going to be a great cyclist or that I was talented but that is the best recipe as it just keeps you trying for more and wanting to prove to people that you can do it." - Rachel Neylan
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Aussies left disappointment in time trial: Worlds
It was a tough day for Aussie time trialists Luke Durbridge and Cameron Meyer at the UCI World Cycling Road Championships in The Netherlands yesterday.
Both Cameron and Luke were left disappointed after finishing in 16th and 21st respectively, well behind Germany's Tony Martin who claimed back to back titles.
The tough, undulating 45.7km course took its toll on the riders with many expecting that they would have fared better.
We now look ahead to the Men's Elite Road Race which promises to be a cracker with so many contenders.
For the Aussies we have a well rounded team for the 261km race on Sunday with Simon Clarke, Allan Davis, Simon Gerrans, Adam Hansen, Heinrich Haussler, Michael Matthews, Richie Porte, David Tanner as well as Wesley Sulzberger who replaces Mick Rogers who unfortunately had to withdraw from the race due to tonsillitis.
Go Aussies!
Who's your pick?
Thursday, September 13, 2012
The Aussie squads : UCI World Cycling Championships
Not long now until the 2012 UCI Road World Cycling Championships and the Aussie's have announced their squads.
Elite Men
Simon Clarke
Allan Davis
Luke Durbridge
Simon Gerrans
Adam Hansen
Heinrich Haussler
Michael Matthews
Cameron Meyer
Richie Porte
Michael Rogers
David Tanner
Most notable of course is Simon Gerrans who is having a fantastic season, peaking at the right time. Gerrans along with Simon Clarke, coming off winning the Vuelta KOM jersey, strong man Adam Hansen and Richie Porte having a great year supporting team leaders at Sky including Tour de France winner Bradley Wiggins, makes for a strong showing. Throw in a couple of sprinters including our best chance in a bunch sprint in Allan Davis and it is a pretty well rounded squad.
Cameron Meyer and Luke Durbridge will contest the time trial with Durbo out to prove he can beat the best (which I think he can!).
Notable exclusions would again be Mark Renshaw, (no surprise there, but is also without form), and Rory Sutherland who withdrew himself from selection.
It think the selectors have done a pretty good job this year, and I am particularly pleased to see Haussler given the nod. My pick is Gerro for the course, he is in with a fantastic chance, so GO Aussies, GO!
(full list of Aussie's squads can be found here)
Do you think the selectors have got it right this year?
Monday, September 10, 2012
It's a wrap! Vuelta 2012
They saved the best for last. Grand tours that is. After a great start to the year with the Giro we went into Le Tour with great expectations only to be left feeling a little lackluster. Thankfully the Vuelta saved the day with some of the best racing we have seen all season.
I have mentioned before my excitement to see Alberto Contador back in the action so it is no surprise that I am thrilled that he took home the red jersey.
But mostly it was the excitement of the racing that made this the tour of the year.
Perhaps the Tour de France powers that be can learn something from this years vuelta? With shorter stages, greater and tougher climbs and perfect time trial placement the Vuelta had a good recipe for success. Throw in a couple of extra flat stages early on to whet the sprinters appetites and of course a full contingent of fit and healthy riders we have a fantastic scenario for a Grand Tour.
Caps off to Contador, Rodriguez, and Valverde for providing such great racing and ending the year on a high.
Long live the Vuelta ;)
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