LLB and I were discussing this point last night, and came to the conclusion that the cycling life-style just doesn't allow for much in the way of sex scandals. I mean, between having to eat only those things provided and approved by your team doctor, having to train for 3-5 hours every day, and having to keep your ADAMS completely up to date - well, when would there be the time, or the energy?
And then today, adding fuel to the "blimey, do they actually read this blog?" complex, Jonathan Vaughters of Garmin tweeted:
Spooky!
And no, before you ask, I'm not back on Twitter: LLB spotted it and sent it to me.
So, what sex scandals in the peloton would we like to see?
You mean the Schleckland ship is haunted again?!? I could have sworn that our phantom Captain was seen on Twitter talking about echelons.
ReplyDeleteOh wait, that was on Sunday after this post. Well kids, I guess there won't be any good ghost stories at Halloween in Schleckland this year after all. ;D
Kat
Sad Andy news............
ReplyDeleteWhat! *rushes in panic to read cycling news, bleary-eyed and still half asleep*.
ReplyDeleteOh, dnf due to respiratory problems. Oh, poor Andy! (pets Andy and rubs his back gently) Talk about one thing after another. But it could have been worse - did you read about Johnny Hoogerland being smacked by a car while out training?
Hi Kat *waves sheepishly* , yes, ok I admit it, LLB and I were watching the Tour of Qatar on Sunday, on our laptops, and yes, I did sign in to Twatter, just so I could check my "list" of people whose opinions might be interesting and/or amusing. And yes, I couldn't quite resist commenting on the race, just a little teeny bit. Well, dead flat, no scenery, no zombies, it doesn't really "hold" the eye, does it? ("No Andy" could be added to that list.)
Coug
"Baaaah!" *jumps nervously - where did that sheep come from?*
I just feel so bad for the guy (Andy). It seems to be just one hit after another. And the "chatter" about it isn't helping him at all I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteI recall saying, after his fracture, that due to the location of it - this could be really bad for him, for his future, structurally- let alone emotionally. I didn't want to be right - I've just seen it too many times before.
I am concerned that he will tire of continuing failure and leave the sport. Such talent that has just been tromped on for a variety of reasons. I still think the turning point for Andy was Woulter's death and falling in love. 2 things that definitely change lives and perspectives. Toss in the painful Frankie issues....heck, I don't know if I'd stay around. Sad, just sad. And more sadly,if he managed to turn everything around and show his old style and kick butt and win....people would question that as well! No way to win really.
Hi everybody!
ReplyDeleteI might sound boring because I keep talking about this subject but I think I haven't talked about it yet on this blog, so I'm going to do it now.
Andy's situation reminded me of another sportsman I really like, Aussie diver Matt Mitcham (Olympic champion Beijing 2008). He's just published his authobiography, "Twists and turns", in which he recounts his life and the number of problems he had, including injuries and depression, which led him to Meth addiction.
I'm not saying that Andy is going to take up drugs - I hope not - but I see a lot of similarities in Andy's and Matt's stories. Being a professional athlete is stressing, especially if you are young and talented and everybody always expects something good from you.
I agree with Anonymous about his fear that Andy could leave the sport. I'm afraid that he's not enjoying it any more, and that's the worse thing of all. He said in an interview during TDU that his family helped him a lot (psichologically) throughout his career and of course in the toughest moments last year. But this is something he has to cope with on his own - deciding what's best not for his reputation or his career, but for his life.
Looking forward better moments,
Alice
PS: I know there are some Aussie readers on this blog: read Matt Mitcham's book, I think it's worth it! (Sorry for illegal unauthorised advertising)
OUCH!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sporza.be/cm/sporza/wielrennen/130208_andy_schleck_radioshack_ongerust