Cycling Thread

[Knockout Ned]

I don't think it's fair to devalue his charitable work

No intention to do so, his reputation will always reflect on the Livestrong foundation and I suspect he wouldn't jeopardise it by admitting anything.

Though I don't believe he was poorly advised or weak willed, his huge ego and reputation as a bully are widely acknowledged.

 

[Deutsch Wolf]

I wonder how those who used him as an inspiration in their own health battles will feel now. Let down I would imagine.

 

[Lord Knows]

Disappointed because he was an inspiration for many people.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MIl5RxhLZ5U

 

[nimrod]

i'm just glad someone had the balls to take this case all the way in spite the intimidation tactics. the sad thing is how long he was allowed to get away with this.

it'll be interesting to see if any civil cases follow. bruyneel sacked by radioshack today.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Cancellara had a lot to do with bruyneel being fired. Quality cyclist to say the least and he doesn't want the association. Watershed times for cycling. Very pissed off with Armstrong myself. Same as I was with pantani, who was a great Fave of mine. The next year will be interesting in cycling. I hope it comes out the other side as a clean sport.

Properly fucked off with Armstrong. His attitude, when faced with staggering evidence is vomit-inducing.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

No intention to do so, his reputation will always reflect on the Livestrong foundation and I suspect he wouldn't jeopardise it by admitting anything.

Though I don't believe he was poorly advised or weak willed, his huge ego and reputation as a bully are widely acknowledged.

Heard today a journalist say that the Livestrong Foundation raised $33m last year and used some of it to pay lobbiests in Washington to try to prevent USADA from investigating.

 

[Knockout Ned]

Heard today a journalist say that the Livestrong Foundation raised $33m last year and used some of it to pay lobbiests in Washington to try to prevent USADA from investigating.

Hadn't heard that DW....quite possibly speculation but in light of everything it wouldn't be all that surprising would it?!

 

[Donegal Wolf]

No it wouldnt specially after some the lenghts they went to in the past to keep things quiet.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Using a cancer charity and the funding of it as a stick to shut people up. I'm revolted. And Im a massive cycling fan. Christ knows how this looks to everyone else. Cheers Lance.

 

[Donegal Wolf]

http://www.independent.ie/sport/oth...charges-for-doping-lies-in-court-3257406.html

He might not get away scot-free according to this.

 

[broughtonwolf]

Great article on the battle by David Walsh of the Sunday Times and his doubts. http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/david-walsh-it-was-obvious-me-lance-armstrong-was-doping

David Walsh' articles are ones I will always make a point of reading.

 

[broughtonwolf]

Rabobank - now pulling out of all support for professional cycling. I can see why - but would have thought this would be the ground zero for a cleaner sport?

 

[So Long Architect]

Using a cancer charity and the funding of it as a stick to shut people up. I'm revolted. And Im a massive cycling fan. Christ knows how this looks to everyone else. Cheers Lance.

Hmm. High profile figure uses charity work as a front for nefarious activities.... Bit of a theme lately.

 

[broughtonwolf]

Very poignant comments by Geoff Thomas today, he must be one of many who are struggling with the impact of the Lance Armstrong revelations

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/20009741

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

I feel for Geoff there. The Armstrong revelations are a real kick in the guts for him.

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

UCI have accepted the USADA findings and Lance Armstrong has been stripped of all titles and banned for life.

 

[nimrod]

about friggin time. shame on UCI for claiming they did all they could. they did all they could to kill the case and protect the bully.

 

[broughtonwolf]

Armstrong now asked to pay back

USD 11m by insurance company who covered performance bonuses in the event he won the event in various years and USD 2.4m by T d F itself - both on the basis that they have been received fraudulently. The ramifications go on and on.

 

[Johnny75]

Still not covering itself in glory and a whistleblowers get called scumbags. Seems there is only one scumbag and he looks as bad as Sepp Blatter.

http://www.theprovince.com/news/Head+cycling+body+calls+Armstrong+whistleblowers+scumbags/7430016/story.html

 

[Paddingtonwolf]

Well, back to racing with the 2013 route announced.

Pyrenees are a bit meh from what I can see with only one summit finish and a day of further mountains with a descent finish (don't know the Cols yet so hard to judge that)

Really pleased to see Mont Ventoux return before a brutal last week in the Alps. The two ascents of Alpe D'Huez are there (but as part of a reasonably short stage). Then a stage from Bourg D'Oisans to Le Grand Bornand which will feature plenty of climbing. Nasty mountain time trial, before a final day of climbs around Annecy which features two new climbs that look like bastards.

Still a Paris finish. Versailles to Champs Elysses on the last day.

Doesn't really suit Wiggins, but until I see the full details of the mountain stages it will be hard to judge for sure.