Some stories I've stumbled across recently:
-- NYTimes Frank Litsky: Elite Riders Come to Defense of Their Sport
Quoted:
Jonathan Vaughters: “I never wanted to make a moral judgment because you’ve got to understand why guys do it,” Vaughters said. “Most of them weren’t looking to win races or gain an advantage. They wanted to be competitive and keep their jobs. They didn’t want to get fired. You can’t condemn someone for that.”
Levi Leipheimer: “It’s crossed my mind that some people associate all cyclists with what has happened. That’s no different from being racist or otherwise prejudiced.”
-- Floyd Speaks in Bicycling
-- BBC: Tour 'to learn lessons for 2007'
-- The Guardian: Pedersen emerges from chaos to claim first major win
-- Pez Cycling News: EuroTrash Monday!
and right from Cyclingnews.com:
ReplyDeleteThe head of the International Cycling Union (UCI) and the president of the Italian cycling federation, Renato Di Rocco, saw their relationship disturbed last week: Francesco Moser, head of the association of professional cyclists (CPA) told Italian TV his point of view on the discussion about doping in the sport. "If all riders can be brought to the same level then we should stick with doping controls. If not, then for the professionals perhaps the solution is [total legalisation]," said Moser, who topped Eddy Merckx' hour record in Mexico City in 1984.
while not advocating for the above, it best describes the dilemma that I think the sport really faces right now!!
To suggest that Leipheimer pull a turtle neck over his nose and look like a "Ban Roll On" as a result would in fact be prejudicial.
ReplyDeleteTo suggest however that disgusted fans are likened to "racists" only proves what we already know...pro cyclists need to stay away from journalists or adopt the Hincapie media approcach and shut the hell up.
What would a CA suburanite know about racism? To even compare the ills of racism to this scandal is completely irrepsonsible and something that Lephiemer should apologize for.
What a moron.
I totally agree with Tooth on Levi (I like the Ban rollon metaphor!). It was a stupid comment. I wasn't thrilled that Discovery Channel signed him, and I'm even less thrilled after that comment.
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