Re: Cycling : Thu May 19, 2011 3:55 pm  

Well he did it - good win and I fully expect him to go home to Peta Todd for some rest and recuperation (yeah right!!!).

Re: Cycling : Sat May 21, 2011 7:46 am  

I think I had heard before the Giro started that he would be bowing out of the Giro early once the few sprint stages were out of the way.
I think the way Thor isn't performing this season that the green jersey could be there for the taking if he can come out flying from the start.
I also have to say that the way Appollino *sp has rode for sky I wonder if they maybe would give him a run out at the tour? Though I suspect with other sprinters like Henderson, EBH, Sutton, Swift, they would rather use them this year.

Re: Cycling : Mon May 23, 2011 9:11 am  

An interesting weekend for cycling fans.

Old Bertie continues to dominate the Giro. Two pensioners lead the charge at the EPO Tour of California and Lance....

Well it looks like the house of cards around Lance Armstrong is about to fall down. Not seen the CBS show from yesterday but is this the beginning of the end for him?

Re: Cycling : Mon May 23, 2011 11:44 am  

You can't blame Mr Hincapie for telling the truth to the federal investigation. He'd be an idiot not to!
However Lance's holier than thou stance is both expected yet slightly dissapointing. You would think that he would do the right thing and hold his hand up. Instead he'll stick at it as his house falls down around him expecting his campaign against Cancer to uphold his integrity amongst others.

I'd actually have much much more respect for him if he owned up.

Re: Cycling : Mon May 23, 2011 1:25 pm  

Will he ever own up? He has so much to lose. His reputation would be in tatters in the cycling community. However.....what about the cancer community? Would they give a rats ass about doping?

The facts are that when Armstrong came back everyone else was at it. Indeed, if you weren't at it you were seen as someone who wasn't willing to put in the effort for yourself or the team.

You can understand why he won't confess though? Pretty soon Lance Armstrong could well find himself in the same position as Floyd Landis. Sitting at home wondering how he got caught....when he knows full well there are people still racing and still doping and are getting away with it.

Doesn't stop me loving cycling though. Although I'd love it a bit more if once you did get caught you received a life ban. That includes being a team manager or director sportif too. It's the only way in my view.

Re: Cycling : Mon May 23, 2011 9:32 pm  

Did you see the piece in cyclingnews or one of those cycling sites ( I can't remember which) but it was ratings given out from the biometric passports during the tour. The scores indicated the probability of doping with 0 being non and 10 being most probable. I think Lance was an 8 and Contador was a 9.

As for life bans. I think they should have to prove they are straight again have a set time for the ban and in that time have to help at grass roots level or something like that. If proved worthy and clean then they should be allowed back. Look at Scotlands own David Millar for how a one time doper can rehabilitate and become widely respected again.

Re: Cycling : Fri May 27, 2011 8:46 am  

I have - and even the latest UCI suspicion index is making things very interesting again. Doping hangs about the sport like a fog. Is he, isn't he. If Clenbutador can race this good why on earth does he need to dope......or is he doing it within the tolerences of the sport? Are they all at it? When Gilbert speaks out against it...is he protesting a little too much?

Much as I like David Millar I'm afraid that my life ban would mean he is gone. No redemption for some and none for others. It's no good giving young up and coming cyclists the idea that if you dope and put your hands up and then speak out against it then you'll be welcomed back. The choice should be simple. Dope and get caught - you're out....for good.....no more money to be earned off cycling. Goodbye.

Re: Cycling : Fri May 27, 2011 7:58 pm  

Whilst I respect your reasons and stance I just feel that in many cases the doping and pressure to dope comes from not the riders but the backroom staff. Imagine your a young neo pro this is your big and probably only chance to make it into the peloton. Your DS comes up to you ( lets say johan Bruyneel ) and tells you how you have what it takes , but they need that little bit more from you. Just have this little blood transfusion it'll help the team and I'll give you a new contract next year etc etc etc...... You get the jist.
Thats a lot of pressure to put on what are usually youngish shoulders. I'm not saying it's right , but I can understand why some would do it and this if for me why a life ban shouldn't be used. I would have however a 2 strikes and your out rule. I think that would be much better IMO

Re: Cycling : Sat May 28, 2011 9:34 pm  

Hmmmmm so it's Johann Bruyneel asking me.....well in my world he wouldn't be allowed anywhere near a team due to his close links with doping.

I understand what you mean but it's the only way to send out a clear message to a neo pro to stop him from doping.

What chance has the sport got when it's riddled with dopers as riders, DS's and managers?

Re: Cycling : Sun May 29, 2011 12:38 pm  

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere but can anyone recommend:-

- a good make of cycle computer (Cateye?); and/or
- a good cycle computer full stop?

Any advice gratefully received.