WADA ! Oh what big teeth you have !

Last week WADA elected a New President ! This week we find that UNPLEASANT
News will be delivered to hundreds of thletes ! Seems that " PED Testing methods " have been even more enhanced , in recent times ?

Whilst Tennis Stars are screeming in the Media about having the " Bio Passport " imposed on them , thus some already being given 2 year Holidays , some of the Athletes nearing the end of the 8 year Statute of Limitations , will read the following with DISMAY :

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/drugsinsport/10458454/IOC-to-act-after-new-testing-methods-reveal-hundreds-of-positive-results.html

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/olympics/2013/11/19/ioc-using-new-steroid-test-on-turin-doping-samples/3641581/

Just seen Usain Bolt , on the TV talking about his Autobiography , will he be worried about these developments ? His problem is that his Country's Anti Doping Agency , has a questioable history . Throw enough mud and some will stick ? Bearing in mind that about 6 of his Discipline Colleagues , were suspended in the recent times and soon we will have a Media Feeding Frenzy , even if the Guy is as clean as he claims ?

Testing 2006 Winter Olympians at Torino produced only one recorded result , a Russian Biathlete . In 2010 some retesting was done with negative results , but now more are being subjected to the new tests . With these tests revealing several Athletes at the Moscow World Championship Event in August 2013 , 2 of whom have already been named , but others to be revealed , it is an odds on certainty that there are Winter Olympians of 2006 Torino awaiting their post ?

Retesting of Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics has been done in 2012 , with 5 Athletes being detected . Guess this quote will unsettle a few of the Beijing Athletes :

  "  "We can go back to Beijing before 2016," Ljungqvist said. "We may do that. We haven't decided yet. We will do it as the eight-year time approaches."

Problem that continues to exist is that a determined Doper , will reap the Glory of the Podium and the Financial Rewards attendant to that , meanwhile , the CLEAN Athlete will be overlooked and may even leave the Sport , through financial hardship , if not dissolusionment with not being able to reveal their knowledge ?

TIME that there was a MORE EFFECTIVE " whisteblowing system " in place , perhaps with Financial Incentives " to ensure that " Determined Dopers " know that they are no longer immune , and will not have the opportunity to enjoy their UNWARRANTED benefits , for years , as is currently the situation .

WADA has been shown to be receiving a smaller Budget in coming years , BUT , with the fact that , Hundreds of recent tests are reported to be " Negatives " ,  is it not  time that their Budgets , were severely enhanced ?

MORE TESTS , MORE RESULTS ?  

I for one , want to see clean Sport !

There are some that are helping WADA in their fight for CLEAN SPORT !  Skins chairman , Jaimie Fuller , is one such . Using his company resources he has taken the fight to UCI , successfully causing the Aigle Tag Team Duo , to withdraw from their unfounded Legal Action against Paul Kimmage , who Outed Lance Armstrong . 

In recent months together with Ben Johnson , he made a World Trip highlighting Doping before visiting the IOC HQ in Lausanne . Ben Johnson was caught Doping in Seoul , his life was changed by that event . His Celebrity and life since should serve as a warning to ANY OTHER contenplating PED use as a way to enhance their Career ?

Another point reflecting on :

  "  Why does the degree of Doping/ PED use matter? I always hear rape is rape. If nice guy doped and bad guy doped, well dope is dope. Why treat them differently?"

As regards the USADA Reasoned Decision , which saw off , an athlete that seemingly avoided

detection , UCI Management in tzhe period 1999 & 2001 , intervened to " Hein & co`s benefit . This is a common observation on his fully deserved Life Time Ban :

  "  Like bribery, coersion, money laundering, drug dealing/supply, witness intimidation, perjury, libel, fraud and corrupt business practices 

Add all that into the mix and the perp in question deserves slightly different treatment to somebody who takes the odd shot of EPO every now and then don't you think? "

DOPING pays in the Short Term , BUT WADA , will now ensure that the DOPER , takes a serious knock in the FUTURE !

WADA ! Oh what big teeth you have !

LUNATICS running the ASYLUM ?

Race Cyclists have been told that Anti Doping in the Upcoming US Events will not include " HGH & EPO " , nor will USADA be allowed to participate ! We ALL Know that these are the PEDs of choice in Cycling but UCI has decided to overlook these tests ?

Currently phat the rat is president of the UCI and wishes to continue into a third term . Having lost the original Nomination by the Irish Federation , he then sought that of the Swiss Federation , which is now subject to legal challenge . Behind the scenes he has been active , and in cooperation with a number of MINOR National Federations , has caused to be put forward controversial changes to the UCI Constitution, which they propose to make RETROSPECTIVE ! So controversial are these changes that the Russian Federation has warned of Legal action and the various Media Pundits have had a field day .

Here is a timeline of events this year copied from Cycling News :

http://www.cyclingnews.com/features/index-of-the-2013-uci-presidential-election

Cyclingnews will bring you up to the minute coverage of the campaign until election day on September 27 in Florence, Italy.

April 13, 2013 - McQuaid celebrates cycling Ireland endorsement
April 13, 2013 - McQuaid endorsed by cycling Ireland for UCI presidency
April 15, 2013 - Kimmage angered by cycling Irelands support for McQuaid
April 16, 2013 - Moran resigns after voting against McQuaid
April 26, 2013 - Is Pat McQuaids future in doubt
April 26, 2013 - Cycling Ireland to re-consider its nomination of McQuaid for UCI president
May 16, 2013 - McQuaid backed by Swiss cycling federation for UCI presidency
May 23, 2013 - Pat McQuaid: Cycling has an extremely bright future
May 23, 2013 - Reactions to Pat McQuaids stakeholders comment
June 3, 2013 - Report: Cookson to run for UCI presidency
June 4, 2013 - Cookson confirms candidacy for UCI presidency
June 4, 2013 - Q and A: UCI presidential candidate Brian Cookson
June 5, 2013 - Cooksons bid for UCI presidency has professional support
June 5, 2013 - McQuaid fires a warning shot at UCI presidential rival Cookson
June 6, 2013 - Confederacy of Dunces? A look into the UCI presidential election
June 7, 2013 - Pinotti welcomes Brian Cooksons UCI presidency bid
June 7, 2013 - Makarov responds to McQuaids insinuations
June 12, 2013 - Swiss cycling federation backing of McQuaid called into question
June 13, 2013 - Could Pat McQuaid face a vote of no confidence at UCI management committee
June 15, 2013 - Irish cycling clubs vote against backing McQuaid for UCI presidency
June 16, 2013 - Mike Plant publicly ends his support of pat McQuaid
June 18, 2013 - Cookson reacts to dossier on McQuaid
June 22, 2013 - Cookson says he won't rely on courts to silence dissent
June 25, 2013 - McQuaid attacks half baked Cookson manifesto
June 25, 2013 - Opinion: Cookson the zero communication strategy
July 4, 2013 - Q and A: Brian Cookson discusses the UCI presidential campaign
July 8, 2013 - McQuaid releases UCI presidency campaign manifesto
July 17, 2013 - Petition plans for womens Tour de France unrealistic says Cookson
July 30, 2013 - Malaysia supports McQuaids bid for re-election
July 30, 2013 - McQuaid calls his nominations by Thailand, Morocco valid
July 30, 2013 - Proposed UCI election changes smack of attempted dictatorship says Cookson
July 31, 2013 - USA Cycling president concerned with UCI presidential process
July 31, 2013 - McQuaid touts anti-doping initiatives in re-election bid
July 31, 2013 - Malaysian motion may allow new candidates to enter presidential race
July 31, 2013 - AIGCP questions amendment to UCI election protocol
August 1, 2013 - Vaughters McQuaids record does not support campaign claims
August 2, 2013 - McQuaid to face additional legal challenge

It is apparent that phat the rat feels that he should no longer be thought of as Jim Burn ( that 1970s englishman found in contravention of IOC rules in Sth Africa ), but is now emulating the " Dear Leader of Nth Korea " & Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe 's style of leadeship of the UCI and thus Cycle Racing .

42 " Voting Delegates " are responsible for choosing the Future President of the UCI , in an Election that will take place on the 23rd September 2013 during the Firenze Congress . Already we are hearing that there are Items being ADDED to the " Agenda " , normally required to be considered by the "UCI Management Board " before being added . Seems that the UCI Constitution is being challenged , continually , by those under the influence of the current incumbent ? Must be difficult to work for an Organisation , where you are under continual threat of loss of employment , if you do not give way regarding what appears to be a triffling detail ?

Has anyone noticed that there have been , " NO Positives " from the 2013 " Le Tour "? Seems that ALL the Racers , that is the WHOLE PELOTON , decided to mark the 100th Edition of " Le Tour " , by giving up ALL the health products that their TEAM Doctors & Organisation provide them with during their Career ? Of course they will also have modified their OWN Dietry intake to achieve this SPECTACULAR Result ?

Fact is , UCI are in the position of choosing WHAT to test for , and WHEN to release those results ! In past years we have heard of a bunch of " Positives " being discovered on the unattended desk of a UCI Employee ! It was reported that the employees desk was thought to have been cleared when they departed ? REALLY ? Smacks of some thinking that those outside UCI Circles , are thought to be GULLIBLE ?

As mentioned earlier US Races about to take place are going to be denied oversight by USADA . As far as i am aware , USADA , are required to test and then SANCTION any Racer that contravenes WADA Codes ? What is different in the USA , as far as UCI is concerned ? Lance is not racing , LL is not racing , GH is not racing , so if reports from previous years are correct , they should not have to worry about their " Protoges " , failing the " Anti Doping Controls "? Could it be that certain UCI personnel , still have bent noses from their run in with USADA , over the " Considered Decision " from 2012 ?

Copies of Travis Tygart comments , that are pertinent :

  "  “The whole conversation and dialogue around the races, just like we saw at the Tour de France this year, is suspicion about riders which is unfair to those riders. It detracts from the beauty of the sport. It is all happening because of the lack of leadership that back in November said they were going to take decisive and transparent action to put the sport on a new foundation for clean competition. Yet they have done nothing since. 

“We are not doing our job if we don’t speak about the problem this causes. Decisive and transparent action was promised, but nothing has happened. We have been saying this since October 10th 2012. We are approaching a year pretty quick and both clean athletes and those that love this sport are sick and tired of the inaction.”

Read more: http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/15146/Tygart-blasts-UCI-over-refusal-to-let-USADA-do-tests-at-the-USA-Pro-Cycling-Challenge-and-other-top-events.aspx#ixzz2ayqTeMGI

Pretty clear to me that there is a " SMELL " in the air around Aigle !

My comment to that article :

  "  @mat binns WADA is NOT ALLOWING testing for HGH , EPO ? I doubt that !See my take in tourdafarce.blogspot.com 

Wouldn't it be a laugh if Jim burn aka phat the rat , became HEAD of IOC ? He could then grant himself clemency for his 1970s antics , perhaps award himself an honourary GOLD Medal for Cycle Racing ?"

With phat the rat losing a number of prestigious positions during 2012 , it is hoped that Jacques Rogge & co , would not consider leaving the road open to a PROVEN Liar & Manipulator ?

LUNATICS running the ASYLUM ?

" UCI IC " Derailment ?

If today's " Procedural Session of  UCI IC ", was an episode out of " Faulty Towers ", that TV Comedy , with phat taking the role , for which John Cleese is known to play , then today's session could not have been any more Comic ?  Originally scheduled for Tuesday , the " Procedural Hearing , was moved back to Today , Friday , due to the expectation that Heavy Snowfall in the London Region , last Tuesday would create Transport Chaos .

Only when i spotted the following Tweet , did i discover , why i was not seeing an earlier report of that hearing :
the Inner Ring ‏@inrng
Sounds like the UCI's Independent Commission has just been blown out of the water
https://twitter.com/richard_conway/s...55366577774592 …

On investigation of the tweet link i found a bunch of tweets over a period of a few hours . Read them , below , at the bottom of this blog post , starting from the last , to make sense of the timeline and goings on of the Hearing .

From seeing this tweet , i went to the CNF Clinic to see what was occuring there ! Nothing ! So i started the following thread :
http://forum.cyclingnews.com/showthread.php?p=1121658#post1121658

Some of the comments were of interest , others comic :


  "  I'm not sure why, but this scene from " A Few Good Men ", keeps springing to mind.

Col. Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I think I'm entitled to.
Col. Jessep: You want answers?
Kaffee: I want the truth!
Col. Jessep: You can't handle the truth!  "

  "  "We're not trying to kill this inquiry. We set you up," Mill responded later in a heated exchange that led to him being told by Otton: "Please do not raise your voice."

Perhaps the bolded bit is all the UCI meant to say "

"  Nick Howson ‏@NickHowson

UCIIC hearing will be adjourned until Thursday 31 January to allow Wada, USADA and UCI to agree amnesty process.


Jacquelin Magnay ‏@jacquelinmagnay

Uci ind comm suspended til 31st January. And will decide to "vacate" the hearing at that time.  "

There has now been a " News Release / Bulletin " from " UCI IC " :

http://www.uciic.org/press-release-25-january-2013/

Would like to have been a fly on the wall , today , but the only winners , appear to have been the Counsell , for the various parties , since they are reputed to be receiving GBP1500 , for each day . My computer does not have the " Pound key "!

Those of us , keen to see the " UCI IC " , succeed in their endeavours , hope that they " Stand Firm " , cause the UCI , to give them ALL Documentation and cause UCI & WADA , to create the necessary "Regulations " required to set up the " Truth and Reconciliation Process " to enable the Panel to do the JOB , with which  they were Tasked !

As my readers will recall , i have created a number of " petitions " , asking for an " Amnesty " , since i feel sure that Current Racers , are unlikely to risk their careers , to provide the type of Evidence needed , to enable Cycling to move away from it's sullied past !

When you consider that these petitions , aimed at assisting the Racers , have been largely ignored by the public , it is reasonable to believe that the " Racers and Support Staff " , will not step out of the shadows , without reasonable assurances of " Anonimity "!

http://www.change.org/petitions/wada-create-an-amnesty-in-all-sports …

&

http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/office-of-the-governor-general-of-australia-create-the-means-for-a-sports-amnesty-in-australia#invite …

there was another Petition , created by members of CNF / clinic , that achieved several hundred supporters , but it has dropped out of sight .


An Eye witness to , Today's hearing , offered this comment :

  "  I went to the hearing.

 Some comments:

The UCI were fully lawyered up. I counted six alongside Pat on the UCI benches.

Anyone who doubts the independence of the commissioners is flat wrong. They were openly sceptical of the UCI and turned down UCIs request to put the process on hold, for now at least.

The UCIIC will probably eventually put the process on hold, but not until there is evidence that 

a) some form of T&R / amnesty procedure has been agreed with WADA and 

2) the process will continue to look at UCI behaviour in a reasonably short time period.

 They are pushing to evidence of these at next weeks hearing.

The commissioners did not understand why they had not received documents and were concerned that even you accept the UCIs reason about T&R replacign the currrent process, that excuse only really became valid a week ago when the amnesty discussion started.

UCIIC keen to have all three of USADA, WADA and CCN involved in the review, as they have both evidence and expertise.

At one point, Ian Mill regarding the T&R process said to the the commissioners something like "you have chosen to take the side of WADA and USADA".

UCI have only agreed to support T&R because UCIIC pushed them to do so. To be fair, they do have reasonable arguments abotu the length of time such a process will take, but they then seem to want to put everything else on hold while this was completed.

At least one current or former member of staff at UCI has volunteered to give evidence to UCIIC, but only on condition that UCI do not attempt to discipline him or her for e.g. breach of confidentiality. UCI gave verbal agreement to this.

UCI raised the cost of the process many times, and said that they would "partly fund" a T&R / amnestry process. This looks to me like the next defensive position for the UCI. They may refuse to go ahead with T&R until there is sufficient funding from other stakeholders."

START your reading of " Richard Conway Tweets ", from the bottom !


UCI lawyer to Armstrong panel:"We're not the bad guys here.We have a finite amount of money available to us..we're not like a football body"
 Retweeted by Richard Conway BBC
Expand   Reply  Retweet  Favorite  More
12m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI want panel suspended. Panel requesting docs. UCI say expense is reason for not releasing, esp if panel won't consider matters in the end
Expand
22m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCIIC says needs to be persuaded UCI not using truth and reconciliation disagreement to "kick into long-grass" allegations in USADA report.

Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI counsel - "why have two processes when you could have one?" Independent panel increasingly aghast at UCI position.
Expand   Reply  Retweet  Favorite  More
41m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI counsel responds by saying that "we're funding this process" as one reason why it won't release requested docs to independent panel.
Expand
43m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
Things heating up at UCIIC meeting. Panel demanding to UCI counsel to see documents. Say no documents provided by them to panel.
Expand
51m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
Truth and reconciliation process wouldn't begin until middle of year. UCI counsel says twelve months before all involved give evidence.
Expand
59m Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI plan update in March on progress towards wider truth and reconciliation process.

Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI say no amnesty can go ahead without changes to WADA code. No April hearing, no report in June. Commission they established neutralised.
Expand   Reply  Retweet  Favorite  More
1h Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI accept need for truth and reconciliation process but it must go wider, involve WADA. Say proposed UCIIC hearing in April can't go ahead.
Expand
1h Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI about to explain its position on amnesty and truth and reconciliation process.
Expand
1h Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
UCI counsel:3 week window for doping amnesty proposed. UCI declined. Strength of amnesty highlighted by Armstrong's statement he'd take part
Expand
1h Richard Conway BBC ‏@richard_conway
At UCI commission meeting. Lead counsel says it has met with "omerta" and without amnesty for witnesses evidence over doping will be limited

Found this gem today :

" UCI IC " Derailment ?

HEIN VERBRUGGEN

As an " Honorary President of UCI " , Hein is copping some stick this week ! Seems that he has never been popular with the " mushroom farmers at CNF ! Not being in Holland i am as yet unaware as to whether he arrended any of the Management Meetings or the Annual Friday Congress .

With the USADA supposedly compiling their case against Armstrong for delivery at some future date , the Media are churning up all sorts of stories to fill their quotas . Produce articles or else must be their watchword ? No point paying their own expenses for the " jollies " they are enjoying in Holland !

The following article surfaced on CNF :

http://www.newcyclingpathway.com/news/blog/hein-verbruggen-would-like-to-recall-the-message-el-pais-article

"  From: Hein Verbruggen

Date: Tue, 29 Nov 2011 09:19:50 +0100
To: Martin Hardie
Cc: Vincent Gaillard , Ingrid Beutler , Hein Verbruggen
Subject: El Pais article
Dear Mr. Hardie,
I refer to an article you have recently written published at: http://www.elpais.com/articulo/deportes/Verbruggen/SA/Dracula/frente/banco/sangre/elpepudep/20111007elpepudep_11/Tes
Allow me to express my anger and disappointment that you, as a Lecturer at the Deakin University of Australia have bowed so low as to publish such unfounded comments. You state that ‘Y al decirlo es como si describiera a su propio patrón, a Verbruggen, al mismo Verbruggen que, muchos dicen, tiene su dedo en muchos pasteles financieros y vínculos de negocios que, como poco, suponen un grave conflicto de intereses.’ As an academic, such unfounded claims of conflicts of interest without any proof, based solely on rumours, show a profound lack of professionalism on your part.
Having never met you personally, your accusations are defamatory and I would warn you to exercise restraint and journalistic professionalism in your research prior to publishing further such claims. While I do not aim to defend myself here, you should be aware that I have fought to uphold the standards of transparent and ethical practices in doping eradication both during my time as President of the UCI and now as President of SportAccord. I have enabled and driven my organisation’s dedicated focus to combating match-fixing and to establishing good governance in sport.
My disappointment is profound, but trust that in the future your publications pronounce fact and not fiction and serve to benefit those who are working so hard to ensure good governance in sport.
Yours sincerely,

Hein Verbruggen


On 29/11/11 7:31 PM, “Hein Verbruggen” wrote:
Hein Verbruggen would like to recall the message, “El Pais article”.

One wonders who was responsible for these emails becoming available to that blog ?

Another article caught my attention recently and led me to look for the source of the report about the forgotten emails :

 http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/verbruggen-wont-take-legal-action-against-hamilton

I won't bore you by reprinting the content of the article , since you only have to hit the link .

First met Hein , in Valkenberg , in 1998 , at the World Cycling Champs and subsequently visited the old offices , west of Lausanne , after riding the route of the Tour de Romandie one year . It was a very pleasant visit and i seem to recall that i met Ray Godkin , Vice President of UCI , as a result . Ray has been the subject of a variety of controversies also , over the years , one subject was related to Leontin's visit to Australia's , Dunc Gray Velodrome in Sydney .

Whilst at the 2004 Olympics in Athens i had occasion to ride over to Hein , as he was awaiting transport on the steps of the Hilton , to the Olympic Stadium and whilst chatting Dick Pound wandered over to introduce himself . Seems he was aware of my involvement in Physically Challenged Sport .

Meanwhile CNF warriors are in uproar about the UCI going ahead with their Court action against Paul Kimmage . Seems that UCI has chosen to take the low road and sue the Journalist alone , rather than the Newspapers / vehicles that printed the articles that caused them to be so upset .  Guess they hope that Paul's pockets are not so deep now that he is no longer employed by the " Times of London " ! Last year there was an action to raise monies to help Charles Pelkey , as soon as this means to support Paul becomes available i shall post a link on my blogs !

Here is a link to the Article about the Fund for Paul :


http://www.cyclismas.com/2012/09/paul-kimmage-defense-fund/


Whilst UCI Delegates are meeting in Holland , the WADA org. is meeting in Stockholm ! In fact David Howman in delivering the keynote speech called for " New Alliances " to fight Doping as it is considered to be a " PUBLIC HEALTH ISSUE "! Too bad that UCI and WADA have to meet at the same time , since both should be working together to eradicate the sources of Doping in ALL SPORT ! As some may be aware Fatpat (Phat , the CNF nickname ) is a member of the WADA Management , representing the IOC in some manner , curious that he is unable to be instrumental in avoiding a clash of dates ?

http://playtrue.wada-ama.org/news/wada-calls-for-increased-alliances-during-stockholm-symposium/

Garmin are amongst those i choose to follow on Twitter , and this week their Tweeting , included advice of David Millar being involved in setting up future WADA protocols !

http://playtrue.wada-ama.org/news/athlete-committee-discusses-code-amendments/

Some may recall that Dave was suspended for 2 years after admitting to French Police the use of PEDs in 2003 whilst he was UCI World Champion Road Time Trialler . What surprises me is that he is a Co Owner of Garmin Team ! When he returned to Cycling he adopted an " Anti Doping " stance , but , Garmin seems to have collected quite a few other Road Racers with a questionable background .  Zabriskie , Danielson and Vandevelde are ALL awaiting the fallout from their discussions with USADA . No doubt there are others that will hear from USADA when the Armstrong Papers are passed to UCI in the next months !

On another blog there are links to the press conference where Phat  took some questions from David Millar about UCI's handling of Doping during recent years .


Just before you rush away , here is a hilarious take on Hein by these guys :

http://www.cyclismas.com/2012/09/a-vexing-verbruggen-in-valkenburg/

HEIN VERBRUGGEN

ARMSTRONG CASE CLOSED !

No it’s not ! Seems that USADA has decided they want some publicity and guess how they will get this ?

Do the members of US Cycling look forward to having to fund a “ Witch hunt ” ?

DOUBTFUL !

With the resources that were thrown at the Case that has just been closed , it seems to me that there would have been “ indictments ” sought IF there was ANY evidence that could be followed up in ANY JUDICIAL AREA ! Hearsay and the public utterances of aggrieved and convicted former cyclists are not the sort of thing that will bring about the results that so many of the CNF /mushroom farm were praying ! Looks like there will be a turf war breaking out between the various factions , those for Lance and those against , if the “ Moderators ” don’t act firmly to nip it in the bud !

Not really sure if all those commenting on that particular forum really believed that they had a just cause in seeking adverse findings for Lance Armstrong but we will see how they deal with the blow to their self esteem .

The following article is taken direct from CyclingNews to give some understanding of what has taken place during the course of the investigation that has just concluded :

Cyclingnews' complete coverage of Armstrong investigation


Timeline of US federal investigation from Landis to closure:

It all started with an email from Floyd Landis, accusing Lance Armstrong of doping, and it continued for nearly two years before a US federal investigation into the charges was closed.
Cyclingnews followed the story of the investigation into the charges against Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service team with these stories:
May 20, 2010 - Landis drug Revelations?

May 20, 2010 - Landis confesses to doping, implicates Armstrong and Bruyneel

May 20, 2010 - WADA and UCI issue statements on Landis confession

May 20, 2010 - Johan Bruyneel: Floyd Landis needs ‘help’

May 20, 2010 - Armstrong rejects Landis allegations

May 20, 2010 - UCI rejects Landis' accusation of concealed doping test

May 21, 2010 - Video: Armstrong rejects Landis allegations

May 21, 2010 - Team RadioShack reveal further emails from Landis

May 22, 2010 - Two people named by Landis may co-operate with authorities

May 22, 2010 - LeMond supports Landis in fight for clean cycling

May 23, 2010 - Landis makes an appearance at the Amgen Tour of California

May 25, 2010 - McQuaid acknowledges accepting Armstrong donation a mistake

May 26, 2010 - Scope of US doping inquiry may be widened

May 26, 2010 - UCI requests investigations into Landis claims

May 27, 2010 - Biological passport expert taking Landis seriously

June 9, 2010 - McQuaid defends UCI against Landis and Bordry

July 6, 2010 - Investigation into Landis claims widens to include Interpol

July 14, 2010 - Verbruggen labels Landis a nuisance

August 2, 2010 - Ball could hold link to Armstrong probe

August 4, 2010 - Holczer accuses Leipheimer of blood manipulation

August 8, 2010 - Armstrong lawyer condemns "un-American" investigation

August 17, 2010 - McQuaid suggests US Postal investigation sparked by personal vendetta

August 26, 2010 - Former USPS doctor denies doping at team

September 15, 2010 - Lance Armstrong on defensive in federal investigation

October 14, 2010 - Howman suspects the Armstrong investigation could be as significant as the BALCO case

November 3, 2010 - Popovych to testify in Armstrong probe

November 4, 2010 - Popovych denies witnessing doping

November 17, 2010 - Armstrong investigation extends to French police

January 5, 2011 - Armstrong shrugs off FDA investigation

January 19, 2011 - Frustration for Armstrong as questions arise

January 19, 2011 - A summary of the Sports Illustrated Lance Armstrong investigation

January 23, 2011 - Armstrong era 'corrupt' says ex-mechanic

January 24, 2011 - Bruyneel dismisses Sports Illustrated accusations

January 31, 2011 - Landis: It was either cheat or get cheated

January 31, 2011 - Landis: It was either cheat or get cheated

April 15, 2011 - Armstrong, Ferrari relationship probed in Italian doping investigation

April 26, 2011 - Dr Ferrari offers to meet magistrate surrounding his links to Armstrong

May 11, 2011 - Armstrong investigation progressing, but case is 'solid'

May 20, 2011 - Hamilton says he saw Armstrong use EPO

May 20, 2011 - Tyler Hamilton's letter of confession

May 21, 2011 - Report: Hincapie tells FDA Armstrong took PEDs

May 22, 2011 - Betsy Andreu talks ahead of 60 Minutes show on Lance Armstrong

May 24, 2011 - Ekimov denies Hamilton's claims of Armstrong doping

May 24, 2011 - Verbruggen says Armstrong “never, never, never” doped

November 11, 2011 - Armstrong lawyers ready for Federal battle

February 3, 2012 - Lance Armstrong inquiry concludes with no charges filed



No doubt those that served on the Grand Jury will have voiced their opinions to their families and friends and I would hope for their sake that there will not be any “ Deep Throat ” articles since there will be those looking to benefit from any of their indiscretions !


My comment to Charles Pelkey’s explainer article : http://redkiteprayer.com/?p=7669

“ Doping is " Sporting Fraud " and requires even harsher punishment than already exists and NOBODY is above the law !
Having said that i am aware that Cancer Sufferers use medication after their treatment and one such product is EPO . That Lance had to use " Drugs " whilst Racing and these " items " were approved by UCI and WADA , does not make him a " Doper " ! So many people have come out of the " Woodwork " to try to bring him down to their level and to gain recognition for themselves .

Charles will tell you of the medication that he has to continue to use now that his treatment programme has finished , and for how much longer , and he is not a " High Performance Athlete "!
Myself , i have to use " Sinitron ", or a substitute for the rest of my life due to Embolisms as mentioned in my blogs but then am not in competition .

WADA provides an annual list of " Proscribed Items " and do a thorough job of " Policing " their regs but i doubt it is in anyone's interests for them to kick around in the same area that the Grand Jury has just finished with seems pointless ! Of course there are those in the USADA who see a chance to garner benefit in some manner AND if after they expend huge sums of money and their " witch hunt " leads them to conclude they can make a case against Lance and others do they really think that the Public will thank them ?

Doubt that any will care and as for Lance , a " Suspension " will mean what ?

Will USADA spend millions to go nowhere and antagonise their public ? ”

Back in December 2011 Charles had written another item on this “ Ongoing Saga ” and here is that link :

http://redkiteprayer.com/?p=6973

My comment then was a shot in the dark and some will Say that there was “ Political Intervention ” in this case ! But then there will be many other conspiracy theories espoused in the coming months !

ARMSTRONG CASE CLOSED !

WADA International Testing Standards

These are the rules that are to be applied regardless of the Sport being scrutinised !

" International Standard for Testing"

"World Anti-Doping Code International Standard for Testing is a mandatory International Standard (Level 2) developed as part of the World Anti-Doping Program."

Some excerpts from the WADA's International Standard for Testing:
Random Selection: Selection of Athletes for Testing which is not Target Testing. Random Selection may be: completely random (where no pre-determined criteria are considered, and Athletes are chosen arbitrarily from a list or pool of Athlete names); or weighted (where Athletes are ranked using pre-determined criteria in order to increase or decrease the chances of selection)...
Target Testing: Selection of Athletes for Testing where specific Athletes or groups of Athletes are selected on a non-random basis for Testing at a specified time...

4.3.9 The ADO [Anti-Doping Organization] shall ensure that the timing of Testing is planned to ensure optimum deterrence and detection of doping practices...

4.4.2 ADOs shall ensure that a significant amount of Testing undertaken pursuant to the Test Distribution Plan is Target Testing, based on the intelligent assessment of the risks of doping and the most effective use of resources to ensure optimum detection and deterrence. The factors that will be relevant to determining who should be made the subject of Target Testing will vary as between different sports, but could include (without limitation) some or all of the following factors:

a) Abnormal biological parameters (blood parameters, steroid profiles, etc);
b) Injury;
c) Withdrawal or absence from expected Competition;
d) Going into or coming out of retirement;
e) Behaviour indicating doping;
f) Sudden major improvements in performance;
g) Repeated failure to provide Whereabouts Filings;
h) Whereabouts Filings that may indicate a potential increase in the risk of doping, including moving to a remote location;
i) Athlete sport performance history;
j) Athlete age, e.g. approaching retirement, move from junior to senior level;
k) Athlete test history;
l) Athlete reinstatement after a period of Ineligibility;
m) Financial incentives for improved performance, such as prize money or sponsorship opportunities;
n) Athlete association with a third party such as coach or doctor with a history of involvement in doping; and o) Reliable information from a third party.

4.4.3 Testing which is not Target Testing shall be determined by Random Selection, which shall be conducted using a documented system for such selection. Random Selection which is weighted shall be conducted according to clear criteria and may take into account the factors listed in Clause 4.4.2 (as applicable) in order to ensure that a greater percentage of ‘at risk’ Athletes is selected.

One wonders how many Sports observe theses rules correctly ?

WADA International Testing Standards

MAFIA profiting from DOPING !

Cycling News Forum commenters were fooling themselves when they “welcomed ” the 8 year ban on “ joe papp ” and the fact that he did not get jail time ! When I reminded them that there are innocent people losing their lives in the Mexican Drug Cartel Wars there was no reply to my comment ! Not a peep from those garrulous overworked fingers !

Doping is BIG business and has been for most of the 21st century and it will continue to grow to the extent many athletes are calling for it to be legalised . Wondering if they are using or are frustrated at the inability of the authorities to cope amounts to the same frustration . WADA’s David Howman has spoken with Cycling News about the efforts to catch Dopers and has made it abundantly clear that only the “ dopey dopers are getting caught . Link to the recent article :

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/howman-talks-tough-on-organised-crime-and-doping

One Cyclist says that because he didn’t drink enough water after his Dope Treatment he was caught in an Out of Competition Control . So if he drank more water that day he would still be cheating ALL ! You , me , team , sporting fans , family and friends , fooling us all into thinking that his efforts were due to training and natural ability rather than the shortcut regime he chose !

Were his team admin and colleagues surprised ? Doubtful that they were pleased with his attitude of indifference thus casting suspicion on the other members of the team . So many of the team have been with other previous teams that have had members suspended for Drug usage and thus there are many questioning their ability to perform .


WHEN WILL WADA and UCI institute a moratorium that allows ALL cyclists both current and retired to come forward without penalty provided that they turn in the names of those they know are USING and SUPPLYING ? Reading of those associated with Team Telecom that have owned up as one example of teams in recent years that had questionable practices in place suggests that more skeletons are to be unearthed from that era .

When and only when a moratorium is put in place will the true level of corruption be exposed . Those that do not put their hand up before the expiry date should be subject to 10 year bans or even Lifetime Bans from involvement in SPORT at any level be it as a competitor , spectator , or suppliers’ employee including Goods , Services or Advisory capacity . None of their previous Sporting activity will then be of value to future employers . Can you imagine where the likes of Hamilton or flandis will earn an income if they were reduced to the level of “ joe blow ” the taxi driver or car wash attendant ?

Youngsters that show promise are targeted by the Drug industry and thus when they reach a certain stage of “ Excellence ” should be put into monitoring programmes so that not only their ability is enhanced but their health is monitored so that there is little opportunity for the Criminal element to put them on Drug related regimes . Costly as this may be initially it will forestall any hoping to rise to the top by illicit means and hopefully will save lives along the way . Many youngsters are dying from undetected health issues whether in sports events or elsewhere and perhaps saving some of these could be a beneficial result even if they do not rise to prominence in their chosen sport .

Smoking was socially acceptable until recent years and very gradually it is being banished from a more healthy society . All tobacco companies are trying to find new markets for their products in the developing countries but thankfully I no longer leave a restaurant or private party stinking of residual smoke . Alcohol is also being targeted to the extent that I can drive more safely on the roads and walk the city centres with less fear of being hassled by drunken slobs . Drugs are still on Main Street and Governments are even now reversing their attitude to soft drugs having realised that reducing the penalties on the likes of Marijuana only encourages those supplying to offer more and tempt current users with stronger more harmful products .

White Collar crime is being targeted in the workplace and Drugs there also so it is overdue to crack down on recreational sports doping . If Tobacco and Alcohol can be made Socially unacceptable so can the use of Drugs in Sport . Fact is Fraud is unacceptable in the workplace so there is no excuse to allow it in the Sporting Arena !

When looking at Sports Forums it is clear that there are some Amateur Sports People using Doping Products . What are they getting from wasting their money in buying a product that will give them no benefit other than “ bragging rights ” with their mates ? But then that for some that is all that counts !

EGO is so important to many but surely they must question what they could have achieved without resorting to enhancing their abilities in this way ?

MAFIA profiting from DOPING !

CLENBUTEROL

With WADA announcing the “ 2012 Prohibited Substances List ” recently there will be an upsurge in speculation as to the results of the “ UCI / WADA ” challenge at CAS in mid November over Contador’s positive to Clenbuterol at the 2010 Tour de France !


http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/no-changes-for-clenbuterol-in-2012-wada-prohibited-list

Currently we are seeing various sports having problems with this substance and as a result varying results when these cases are referred for consideration . Some federations tend to be more relaxed than others when handing out “ Suspensions ” to athletes .

Recently Oscar Sevilla was handed a six month suspension for use of “ doping related product” , another example of the relaxation of the 2 year penalty normally handed out in such cases .

Formoterol and Salbutamol both products to assist “ Asthma sufferers ” find relief ,have had their limits per 24hrs increased which could no doubt assist Petacci in future as he served a ban for overstepping the previous lower limit .

Nicotine use will now be monitored to see if this product has any effect on Athletes’ Sporting performance ! Grew up believing that smokers were disadvantaged by the use of Nicotine and had thought there was plenty of scientific evidence to support this supposition .

In June I tried to run a “ Competition “ to give away some “ Continental 4000s clincher tyres “ but very few looked at the story nor responded . PLEASE Take time to look at www.skippi-cyclist.blogspot.com/competitiondetails and tell me how we can do something which will make for a better result .

CLENBUTEROL

2013 Tour de France in Fiji ?

As i trawl around the net i come across the odd item that perks the interest, one such is below:

http://cyclinginfo.co.uk/blog/funny/fiji-to-host-tour-de-france/

Of course this is an unlikely possibility even with New Caledonia as a near neighbour but when you hear of Washington, New York and Montreal being considered as Grand Depart by the managements of the Grand Tours one wonders about other possibilities. Over the past years i have enjoyed the cross border excursions by the TDF to Spain and Italy. Harder to deal with were starts in Belgium and Holland before the transfer back to Italy, for me Air Travel but for the caravan personnel and Team support vehicles it was a tedious drive through the Autobahn System during what is considered to be a rest day for the Racers.

Pegasus the team for the Aussies by the Aussies was supposed to rise from conception to the Pro Tour status as did Team Sky but no such luck here, my guess it was because Murdock was not involved, further more Pro Continental status is still under consideration by the UCI. Hopefully any othe team starting out will see that "throwing Money on the table" does not buy the right to push aside other longer established teams regardless of the calibre of the Racers that they have recruited along the way.

Fallout from the Pegasus episode is the reduction in the Team Roster and thus we now see that some talented Racers are without contract for 2011 .





Currently the Guy who was Australian Vice Champion in 2010 and raced the 2010 TDU with distinction is sidelined and seeking employment for 2011. Kempy as he is known to the Cycling Fraternity is temporarily without a future in 2011 and this is entirely due to Over ambitious expectations of People who failed to lock in their projected financial backers let alone do the due dilligence that most businesses planning success perform. Vaughters the owner of Garmin wrote an article recently about the essence of Cycling 's future and he touched on this subject with his discussion of Geox not knowing at the time that Pegasus would have similar problems.

Sponsors are hard headed business people who see Cycling as an opportunity to promote their interests and are only interested in their ROI even when they have an interest in the sport. Too often recently we have seen Teams collapse because funding has been cancelled because the sponsor does not wish to have their reputation sullied by the constant roll call of "Bad Eggs" seeking to take short cuts to the podium.

Too often i have offered my two penny worth for the "Powers" to clean house by calling a moritorium, getting all the skeletons out in the open and then imposing harsh penalties for future transgressions. Four year suspensions with time locked in the house with electronic tags would serve to remind anyone considering letting themselves down let alone their family and colleagues that there is no benefit in taking the easy road. With being locked out of participation as an athlete, supporter or spectator any normal person would feel that Sporting Fraud is no longer an option.

2011 will see the usual crop of Sporting Fraudsters but it is possible that WADA & UCI can make the risks so adverse that 2012 will be the beginning of an era where "Respectable Companies that currently worry about their clean reputation" and thus shun Cycling Sport as an avenue of investment will make the decision to participate and sign up for long term sponsorships. Several banks over the years have invested for upwards of 20 years and there are other types of Business who could be encouraged to join thus providing the stability that will grow the sport further.

2013 Tour de France in Fiji ?