Found this on the BBC news website this morning:
Phew, it's ok, it's not Our Andy and TinkerJil, it's the crown prince getting hitched.
Other news to be reported today: cycling continues to reel from the Armstrong thing: like Jimmy Savile, he's been judged "guilty" even though there hasn't been a court case, and cycling is falling apart at the seams all around.
Rabobank are withdrawing from sponsorship, which is such a shame as they are one of the longest-running pro-team sponsors, 17 years so far, with the most consistent kit. Luckily they are taking their contract and responsibilities seriously, and are continuing to pay the team for next year, but are taking away their name.
Bert Bruggink said " the USADA report into doping by Lance Armstrong and the US Postal Service team was the reason for the decision."
Thanks, USADA.
You almost gave me a heart attack there Coug, with that 'Wedding Fever' title! Not that I wouldn't be happy if Andy and Tinkerjil were getting hitched, of course :)
ReplyDeleteSad, sad news about Rabobank. I was so disappointed and sad when I learnt they were withdrawing, although yes, at least they're still honoring their commitments and funding the team for another year. But I can't imagine a peloton without the orange and blue kit. I really enjoyed David Millar's open letter to Rabobank and wish it would make them reconsider: http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/open-letter-david-millar-responds-to-rabobanks-decision-to-leave-cycling
The fallout from the USADA and Armstrong thing just seems to keep going. I hope cycling can get this big purge over and done with, and come out better on the other side. I seriously think McQuaid needs to go and the UCI needs a serious overhaul, so fingers crossed, maybe this will be the big kick they need to sort themselves out.
On a positive note, the Lions Dive Resort website says the Schlecks will be present for the Amstel Curacao race (but I don't think they're competing) so fingers crossed fangirls of the world - there just might be dolphin pics this year after all!
Bris. Gal
I looked through the websites of Lions Dive and Amstel Curacao Gold race, but could not find any hint at Frandy going to Curacao THIS year????????
DeleteBesides Fränk's verdict is due in a few weeks, so why would they go on a long trip right now?
I also doubt that the press would allow them some rest and privacy over there.
Barbara.
Hi Barbara
DeleteThis is the link I found: http://www.lionsdive.com/en/amstel_curacao_race_2012.html
I realise the resort probably hasn't updated it for a while, so there is a high possibility that they won't go, especially since, as you mention, Frank's verdict is due soon. But if ever they deserved an island break, I'd say this would be the year. I'm optimistic, so I'll keep my fingers crossed :)
Cheers
Bris. Gal
Oops. My bad. It seems like my computer was taking me to an old cache of the above link. I've just tried it again and noticed they've deleted the mention of Frandy turning up. Apologies to all the fangirls whose hopes I've just dashed *begs for forgiveness*.
DeleteBris. Gal
Hi Bris,
DeleteI looked again and noticed the strange fact that in the Dutch version they're not mentioned, but they still are mentioned in the English and German versions???????
Let's wait and see.
Barbara.
Lance refused the arbitration that would have provided him the opportunities one finds in a court case - like cross examining your witnesses. Nothing is improper in this process. USADA is not a federal or civil court case - athletes agree to arbitrate any issues - Lance chose not to. Your implication that "he's been judged "guilty" even though there hasn't been a court case" is wrong and not the facts.
ReplyDeleteGlad to see the David Millar link . . . I was going to post it. I think he said it all very nicely. Maybe over the course of the year they will change their position.
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm definitely in love with David Millar. I had already read his open letter but I read it again and it was still quite emotional. Great man. However, girls, I bring you bad news: Johny Schleck advised his sons to quit cycling! http://www.velonation.com/News/ID/13118/Johny-Schleck-wants-his-sons-Andy-and-Frank-to-quit-cycling.aspx
ReplyDeleteNo Johny, this is not the solution! Doping and everything else bad that happens in life must be FOUGHT, you can't just run away from it. Actually, I don't think it can be an acceptable solution for Andy and Frank, especially for Andy who is already focussed on his 2013 season and pretends not to be touched at all by the Armstrong-Bruyneel affair. I'm pretty sure we're going to see both of them back in the peloton soon!
And perhaps thank UCI and Lance & CO - don't blame USADA for exposing what they have done. UCI is where Rabobank was really pointing a finger.
ReplyDeleteI live in hope that Rabobank will change their minds.
ReplyDeleteAfter all, look at Festina - they were at the very centre of the biggest and worst scandal: and yet to this day, their name is still all over the on-screen graphics, and the finish-line air-bridges, as they provide the timing for the races.
The bad publicity does not seem to have done them any lasting harm, nor has it put them off of cycling.
David Millar is worth listening to: has been banging his head against the UCI's lack of action, and the teams' lack of accountability, for years. If you haven't already done so, I recommend reading his book, The Fall and Rise of David Millar.
Coug
PS You missed my point, so I'll make it more clearly:
1) There has not been a "proper" court-style case where one side presents the accusations, the other side presents the defence, and an unbiaised panel make a judgement. (Yes, I know Armstrong chose not to, that's not my point.)
2) Yet "everyone" has judged that Lance is guilty. Before the USADA have even announced their findings. (Yes, I know that looking at what has been leaked so far, any idiot would say that Armstrong is guilty. But until or unless we hear both sides, how can anyone say that any "verdict" will be the truth?)
I call it "Trial by Twitter", where whoever shouts the loudest is the one who is believed.
"Everyone" has said that Frankie doped. Do you believe that he did?)
Hey Coug
ReplyDeleteIt's not quite owning the Leopard team, but we could all be virtual co-owners of the Rabobank team via http://www.wijkopendeploeg.nl/?lang=en. I thought it was a rather sweet way to show support for the riders and who knows, maybe it might help change Rabobank's mind regarding their withdrawal from the sport? (A girl can dream...)
Bris. Gal
Lol! What a lovely idea! I am now a proud co-owner of the Rabobank-less team, and who cares if they sell my email address to raise funds!
ReplyDeleteCoug