Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sunday Roundup

Floyd Landis will find out tomorrow if the CAS has ruled in his favor, or not. We'll be here to provide the latest news we can find as soon as we get access to it. To second what TBV posted last night, it's been a grind for us at times and after almost two years it would be nice to put other things first after the ruling and subsequent fallout are covered. Saying this, it's hard to imagine what the Landis family is feeling this weekend and our thoughts are with them. So folks stay tuned, it's almost over.

News
The CyclingNews notes the upcoming Landis decision with the usual tinge of unpleasantness it has managed to offer throughout its coverage of the case.

Bicycling's Joe Lindsey pens a short feature on tomorrow's CAS Landis decision, without comment.

The Ottawa Citizen opines that sports like cycling and track and field look dirtier because they test more and consequently catch more "cheaters" than other sports do. The author also says that no matter what the Landis/CAS ruling people will still think cycling is dirty, and even those who did not cheat will be tainted by those who did.

Blogs
Rant writes about tomorrow's highly anticipated CAS announcement on the Landis case and reviews what Floyd's options may be whether he wins or loses. But, Rant makes a bigger perhaps more important point:

There is one thing to note about how this whole process works that hasn’t been publicized much. And that’s who gets to review the decision before it gets the final seal of approval. Who gets to pass judgment on the judgment?

No Endeavor blurbs the forthcoming award, and includes a link to excellent video of stage 17, including the rarely-seen-in-the-US breakaway move.

Go Faster Jim has definite opinions on just how long the whole Landis case has dragged out.

Potholes and Roadapples
writes briefly about tomorrow's highly anticipated Landis/CAS decision.

MABRA-USCF still drops Landis' name to promote the Mill Mountain Time Trial.

CyclingEurope offers tips on viewing a mountain stage, and has a snap of Landis dragging the bunch up the Croix Fry in 2004.

Velociti got a lot of comments on his post concluding Landis doped. Our familiar contributer Larry tries to be educational.




11 comments:

Unknown said...

Gay sets a new U.S. record in the 100:
http://www.comcast.net/articles/sports-general/20080628/ATH-Track.Trials/

His previous comments about Gatlin notwithstanding, might his record not tasted sweeter had he earned it running head to head while bettering Gatlin?

The best competitions are when the best compete against the best @ their best. The TdF, and cycling in general, does itself no favors by watering down the fields. Some would argue Floyd benefited from a watered down field in 2006. I’d tend to agree, up until the alphabet soup found a way to further water down the field, almost immediately post 2006 Tour. On the other hand, I’m betting Floyd would have welcomed racing against the full field, including Basso and Ulrich, in 2006. The best of the best…………………..

nahual said...

The following comes to mind anticipating Monday's announcement:

Genghis Khan
He could not keep
All his kings
Supplied with sleep
We'll climb that hill no matter how steep
When we get up to it
Whoo-ee! Ride me high
Tomorrow's the day
My bride's gonna come
Oh, oh, are we gonna fly
Down in the easy chair!

Bob Dylan, You ain't goin' nowhere

I'm expecting a reversal and removal of Floyd's conviction and hope he's ready for it.

Larry said...

strbuk, TBV, I think this is an opportune time to say thanks to both of you. You've created a warm, caring and intelligent community here. It may sound strange, but having experienced this community, I'm a less cynical person today than I was a year ago.

Russ said...

TBV, Strbk,
Yes, many thank yous and blessings!
Ditto Larry's comment about being less cynical a year later, which is an amazing thing, given the contributions from on high by the alphabet soup.

Just in case you really are looking for a worthy challenge, consider carrying on with Floyd's aim to improve fairness for the athletes! He gave all he had for that... thanks Floyd!

Also heart felt thanks to the many very concerned contributors! esp Judge Hue, Larry, Mike, Ali, Tom to name a few (sorry if some had to be left out for brevity:-)

Also, esp, all the best to Floyd and his family!

God Bless you all!!!
Russ

Eightzero said...

I can't believe I'm reading my last morning roundup....

I too will add my deepest thanks and congratulations to TBV, strbk and Judge Hue for their work here. It has changed my life, and the world is a better place for your efforts. You should be very proud of what you've done.

Thank you as well to all the commenters. Your contributions to reasoned debate is the essence of scientific inquiry and the skepticism that must take place when some tells us "it is obvious." Well done, all of you.

Lastly and most importantly, no matter where we are 24 hours from now, I wish to thank Floyd and his family. I remember the thrill I felt upon watching his ride in 2006. I still have stage 20 saved on my Tivo. I can't image what it has been like for them in the last 24 months, but their efforts have been a source of continuous inspiration to me. I have used his travail as an example to my law students (yes, I assigned his case as a class project), and have told any who would listen just how important it is that each of be afforded rights when the rich and powerful wish to exploit us for their personal gain. Those that stand up to injustice done will forever be my heroes.

Floyd: come next what may, you're my hero. One day I will have a t-shirt or jersey made: "My Hero won the 2006 Tour de France."

Thank you all.

strbuk said...

Eightzero I highly doubt our LAST "roundup" will be this week, or maybe even next, who knows? But, I think we are all just about ready to move on...

str

highwheel said...

Isn't the "OTTAWA CITIZEN" the house paper of Dick Pound? Why such an article at this time? Is it to give us an "it doesn't matter what the outcome of the hearing is they are all dopers". Just in case Floyd wins? So, everybody can be sure WADA was right to follow this case?

Eightzero said...

Oh, expect lots of further posts...just not "roundups." :-) Maybe "Tuesday Press Coverage of Floyd's Vindication."

TiGirl said...

HI..this has nothing to do with anything, but the CyclingEurope link is to Jennifer Sage, who is without peer when it comes to planning bicycle trips in Europe. She does all the footwork, making hotel reservations, etc, and provides access maps for all the Tour stages and information to the best places to watch. She was spot on with all of it. She's lived over there, her insights are invaluable.

I used her services for the 2004 TDF, and it was the best vacation I've ever had. The best part was not being with a large group and having to either wait for others or be waited for...we did all the major climbs at our own pace. Self supported was awesome.

If you are thinking of doing a bike tour anywhere in Europe, contact Jennifer, she's the best.

Unknown said...

TBV,
Thanks for all the time and energy you put into this. It has been a really long "ride". Also thanks to all the contributors: I think I understand at least part of the science and its shortcomings. It must have been very difficult for Floyd and his family and I think your website was certainly a support. See you tomorrow.. hopefully with good news.

bbarrows

Cheryl from Maryland said...

Best wishes, good fortune and strength to the Landis Family. Many thanks to Floyd, TBV, Starbuck, Judge Hue, Rant, Marc, Larry, Ali and others for their understanding that a decision without clear supporting information that is reliable is no decision at all. No one deals well with "because I told you so."

I hope the CAS decision is based on the facts of the case and not the political circus of doping. Let's hope later today the CAS confirms Floyd's victory in the 2006 Tour de France.