A couple of weeks back the Gaurdian had a nice double page spread on T-
Mobile, the first time I can think of that a national paper has run a
positive (In the non drugs sense) story in many moons. Back to form
today, as UCI and ASO are fighting abou wether or not Unibet should be
allowed to ride Paris-Nice. with of course the Vuelta and Giro falling
into line and UCI threatening all sorts of horrible sanctions.

The UCI v Grand Tours thing is just such an annoyance. Please,as a fan,
can't people step away from their selfish positions and see the harm
all this does. lets get it sorted.

2006: Looking back in anger

Ullrich won the Tour:
http://cyclingheroes.tripod.com/cyclingheroes.english/id446.html

Sorry the adress was wrong. The right adress is:

http://cyclingheroes.tripod.com/cyclingheroes.english/id339.html



--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
<cyclingheroes@...> wrote:
>
> Merry Christmas !
>
> June 5, 1988 Gavia interview series
>
> 26.12.2006/ The legendary Passo di Gavia is often part of the Giro
> d'Italia and his 2621 metres have marked more than once the Cima
Coppi,
> the highest point of the race. The Gavia became a legend on June
5th in
> 1988 when stage 14 of the Giro passed the Passo in a merciless
> blizzard. The legendary stage was won by Dutch rider Erik Breukink,
> with American and later winner of this Giro Andy Hampsten in second
> place. Cyclingheroes will publish a series of interviews with
riders
> and team employees who were at the Gavia at June 5, 1988. The first
> interview is with Henk Lubberding, team mate of stage winner Erik
> Breukink in the Panansonic team.
>
> http://cyclingheroes.tripod.com/cyc...lish/id339.html
>

Merry Christmas !

June 5, 1988 Gavia interview series

26.12.2006/ The legendary Passo di Gavia is often part of the Giro
d'Italia and his 2621 metres have marked more than once the Cima Coppi,
the highest point of the race. The Gavia became a legend on June 5th in
1988 when stage 14 of the Giro passed the Passo in a merciless
blizzard. The legendary stage was won by Dutch rider Erik Breukink,
with American and later winner of this Giro Andy Hampsten in second
place. Cyclingheroes will publish a series of interviews with riders
and team employees who were at the Gavia at June 5, 1988. The first
interview is with Henk Lubberding, team mate of stage winner Erik
Breukink in the Panansonic team.

http://cyclingheroes.tripod.com/cyc...lish/id339.html

Hope you all have a great christmas and new year.
I hope santa brings you all them superlight carbon bikes you asked him
for!
micky

It is a shame but in truth just getting onto the list has probably
quadrupled the number of people who know who she is.--- In
roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> No joy  - not even top 3.... highlight being Gary Linekar announcing
> she was in the top 5 of the voting at one stage....
>
> Just have to have an EVEN better year next year, Nicole!
>
>
> --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
> <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Hi All
> >
> > Nicole Cooke made the final shortlisted 10 contenders to become
BBC
> > Sports Personality of the Year 2006
> > Voting is during the show on Sunday 10th December at 1900 GMT.
> >
> >
>
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the
_year/6166600.stm
> >
> > Please show your support and help put cycling to the top of the
> > sporting tree where the committment and effort involved prove it
> belongs.
> > Cooke has consitently been one of the best women in the world and
her
> > achievements deserve recognition
> >
> > cheers!
> > micky
> >
>

No joy  - not even top 3.... highlight being Gary Linekar announcing
she was in the top 5 of the voting at one stage....

Just have to have an EVEN better year next year, Nicole!


--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
<no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Hi All
>
> Nicole Cooke made the final shortlisted 10 contenders to become BBC
> Sports Personality of the Year 2006
> Voting is during the show on Sunday 10th December at 1900 GMT.
>
>
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/6166\
600.stm
>
> Please show your support and help put cycling to the top of the
> sporting tree where the committment and effort involved prove it
belongs.
> Cooke has consitently been one of the best women in the world and her
> achievements deserve recognition
>
> cheers!
> micky
>

Hi All

Nicole Cooke made the final shortlisted 10 contenders to become BBC
Sports Personality of the Year 2006
Voting is during the show on Sunday 10th December at 1900 GMT.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/tv_and_radio/sports_personality_of_the_year/6166\
600.stm

Please show your support and help put cycling to the top of the
sporting tree where the committment and effort involved prove it belongs.
Cooke has consitently been one of the best women in the world and her
achievements deserve recognition

cheers!
micky

Thanks for the replies - i seen the report in the Cycling Weekly
explaining what happened etc.
It seems the impact caused a heart attack. It seems strange how the
human body reacts to trauma. You would think that superfit athletes
would stand high chances of surviving bad accidents due to their all
round fitness, but that isnt the case.
The same happened with Carsatelli in the Tour in 95. He suffered one
or two heart attacks after his crash

scary stuff. Look after yourselves out there guys and girls.

Micky

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
<cyclingheroes@...> wrote:
>
> Isaac Galvez was also 2 times Madison world champion (1999, 2006)
>
>
> --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
> <sayandy40@> wrote:
> >
> > I don't know much about Galvez, he was part of the Casse D'Esp...
> > squad. Saul Raisin has registred with me. Promising young rider
> who
> > crashed badly suffering a terrible head injury, seems to be
> fighting
> > back. Was riding for Credit Agricol I think and was getting tipped
> > ofr great things. there have been a couple of big features on him
> in
> > in Procylcing. Looks like the very model of a wholesome American
> kid.
> > the injury was pretty extreme so I don't know what the chances of
> him
> > ever being back and competing are.
> >
> > --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
> > <no_reply@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Sorry to sound ignorant - but who are them two guys?
> > >
> > > --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
> > > <cyclingheroes@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Cyclingheroes interview with Saul Raisin: "My ultimate goal is
> to
> > race
> > > > by the end of next year"
> > > >
> > > > Isaac Galvez dies after crash at Sixdays in Gent
> > > >
> > > > More at: http://www.cyclingheroes.info
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Isaac Galvez was also 2 times Madison world champion (1999, 2006)


--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
<sayandy40@...> wrote:
>
> I don't know much about Galvez, he was part of the Casse D'Esp...
> squad. Saul Raisin has registred with me. Promising young rider
who
> crashed badly suffering a terrible head injury, seems to be
fighting
> back. Was riding for Credit Agricol I think and was getting tipped
> ofr great things. there have been a couple of big features on him
in
> in Procylcing. Looks like the very model of a wholesome American
kid.
> the injury was pretty extreme so I don't know what the chances of
him
> ever being back and competing are.
>
> --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
> <no_reply@> wrote:
> >
> > Sorry to sound ignorant - but who are them two guys?
> >
> > --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
> > <cyclingheroes@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Cyclingheroes interview with Saul Raisin: "My ultimate goal is
to
> race
> > > by the end of next year"
> > >
> > > Isaac Galvez dies after crash at Sixdays in Gent
> > >
> > > More at: http://www.cyclingheroes.info
> > >
> >
>

New interviews on http://www.cyclingheroes.info :

Magnus Backstedt: "I am hoping to be able to qualify for the 2008
Olympics on the track."

Doping-Protest.com: "163,193 kilometres have been ridden as a protest"

I don't know much about Galvez, he was part of the Casse D'Esp...
squad. Saul Raisin has registred with me. Promising young rider who
crashed badly suffering a terrible head injury, seems to be fighting
back. Was riding for Credit Agricol I think and was getting tipped
ofr great things. there have been a couple of big features on him in
in Procylcing. Looks like the very model of a wholesome American kid.
the injury was pretty extreme so I don't know what the chances of him
ever being back and competing are.

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
<no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Sorry to sound ignorant - but who are them two guys?
>
> --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
> <cyclingheroes@> wrote:
> >
> > Cyclingheroes interview with Saul Raisin: "My ultimate goal is to
race
> > by the end of next year"
> >
> > Isaac Galvez dies after crash at Sixdays in Gent
> >
> > More at: http://www.cyclingheroes.info
> >
>

Sorry to sound ignorant - but who are them two guys?

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "schuijlenburg"
<cyclingheroes@...> wrote:
>
> Cyclingheroes interview with Saul Raisin: "My ultimate goal is to race
> by the end of next year"
>
> Isaac Galvez dies after crash at Sixdays in Gent
>
> More at: http://www.cyclingheroes.info
>

Cyclingheroes interview with Saul Raisin: "My ultimate goal is to race
by the end of next year"

Isaac Galvez dies after crash at Sixdays in Gent

More at: http://www.cyclingheroes.info

German Ullrich fans start petition (in German and English)

http://www.freie-fahrt-fuer-ulle.tk

No need for shoes and gloves yet - you are a tough guy. i am
lucky/unlucky in that I can do the 30 mile round trip to work by bike
3 times a week to keep my hand/butt/legs in, though I am tending
towards the comfort of the gym outside of this. It is a couple weeks
since I last did a club run and I am find excuses too easy to come by.

Along with wieghts at hte gym I am going a bit of swiming which is a
nice change, working some less familiar muscles, probably doing
nothing for my cycling but hey


--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen
<no_reply@...> wrote:
>
> Everyone all motivated and getting stuck in now that the colder
> weather is here?
> How is everyone coping? Not cold enough for gloves or overshoes yet,
> but it may be soon
>
> Whats everyones opinions on best way to get thru the 3 or 4 months
of
> winter?
> keep riding thru the week in the dark and weekends?
> just weekends?
> or have a break and do other sports or just simply see cycling as a
> non-winter sport and enjoy life!?
>
> mm
>

Everyone all motivated and getting stuck in now that the colder
weather is here?
How is everyone coping? Not cold enough for gloves or overshoes yet,
but it may be soon

Whats everyones opinions on best way to get thru the 3 or 4 months of
winter?
keep riding thru the week in the dark and weekends?
just weekends?
or have a break and do other sports or just simply see cycling as a
non-winter sport and enjoy life!?

mm

leipheimer rejoined his american roots? i didnt know that. No
disrespect to the guy, but he was never a world beater was he....then
again, 2 years ago we werent all tripping ourselves up over the
potential of that Landis fella either, were we?

unfortuneatly all the REAL potential guys tend to do THEMSELVES in and
hit the self destruct button, leaving us with these false idols like
Landis, Heras, Ullrich, Basso(?) etc

people like Vandenbrouke, Millar, Kloden etc, promise much, but for
one reason or another fail to come up with the goods.

I so wish I'd been able to follow the careers of Kelly and Hinault
through the 80's, Icouldnt care if they were clean or not, but theres
nothing to suggest either way and the rides and races they won were
awesome.
Hinaults victory at Liege in the snow....kelly's descent of the Poggio
to win Milan-san remo (i DO remember that one, but that was at
twilight of his career)

great stuff!

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
<sayandy40@...> wrote:
>
> Vino lived up to his reputation with the Vuelta, I was so pleased for
> him. He may not be out of the woods yet with debates now going on
> about who owns his contract, and who will get to ride the tour. The
> tour organisers will want him there, but if he is forced to ride to a
> discredited team under Saiz..........
>
> On another point, I wonder what Liephiemer thinks of Basso joining
> Discovery? I doubt he joined to be Ivan's super domestique. --- In
> roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen <no_reply@>
> wrote:
> >
> > Thankfully Ullrich is at the twilight of his career so I dont think
> it
> > will be any big shakes him missing out. I felt sorry for him during
> > the Lance reign cos I would have loved to have seen him win one more
> > tour. Doubt that will ever happen now.
> > Unfortunately though, Basso has years ahead of him and so could
> > potentially be 'a new lance' for Discovery....leaving us fans and
> the
> > peloton, press etc forever tarnishing him with Puerto brush. these
> > allegations will follow him forever.
> > Name one thing Ben Johnson was famous for? Breaking 100m world
> record?
> > Or being banned afterwards?
> >
> > Landis will fall into this catergory too. I just hope they nullify
> his
> > victory in the Tour because its so obvious he's guilty.
> >
> > Biggest victim in 2006 in my opionion is poor Vino - all fit and
> > raring to go in the Tour after missing last years through
> injury...and
> > his team gets pulled on the eve of it
> >
> > hats off to a fine Veulta win! THATS the way to answer critics and
> > fight back, cant see Jan doing the same...
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
> > <sayandy40@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Now that operation Peutro appears to be collapsing it is possible
> to
> > > interpret the fallout in many different ways. My hunch is that
> only
> > > since it collapsed have Ullrich and Basso really come out
> > > fighting.Niehter have in my view behaved in a credible way since
> > > being banned if they are innocent. If you are Jan Ullrich on the
> eve
> > > of your last chance of the tour, and falsly accused of doping
> what
> > > would you do. Launch the legal action from hell or slink off home
> and
> > > wait to be sacked?
> > >
> > > MY gues is that sadly the accused are all guilty but will escape
> > > because the investigation will go wrong, and the follow up action
> > > will be lost in a blur of inconsitency between the national
> > > federations. --- In
> roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW"
> > > <gswidemark@> wrote:
> > > >
> > > > Did anyone else find Ulrich's articles to be a bit confusing?
> > > >
> > > > In the diary on his website he reprinted an article which
> intimates
> > > that he could countersue both T-mobile for firing him illegally
> and
> > > the Operation Puerta boys but Ulrich states maganimously that
> > > he "just wants to end things peacefully" and ride again.
> > > >
> > > > In the article on cycling heros, he acts as if he's with a team
> and
> > > all is just fine and Operation Puerta never happened.
> > > >
> > > > I have my own suspicions.... if Operation Puerta was a fake,
> what
> > > was behind it?  Because it cleared the stage for the American
> Floyd
> > > Landis to win, by eliminating all the guys who could have beaten
> > > him.  Kind of coincidental only I don't really believe in
> > > coincidence.  I think some money could have exchanged hands.  It
> sure
> > > won't be the first time. But if there were some skullduggery on
> the
> > > part of the Discovery Team, it backfired when their great white
> hope,
> > > Landis, was caught using testosterone.
> > > >
> > > > Back to the article on Ulrich's website, he states he doesn't
> know
> > > which team he will be riding with but he's confident of a
> positive
> > > outcome.
> > > >
> > > > Very confusing situation all around...
> > > >
> > > > If Basso rides for Discovery team, is he going to be another
> Lance
> > > Armstrong for the Americans?  And will the Americans be able to
> look
> > > to him as the "great white hope" as they did Floyd Landis?
> > > >
> > > > At last reading, Landis was still protesting that he did not do
> it
> > > (even though he was just about caught with a smoking gun).
> > > >
> > > > I guess time will tell... :)
> > > >
> > > > Sue
> > > >
> > > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > > >
> > >
> >
>

Vino lived up to his reputation with the Vuelta, I was so pleased for
him. He may not be out of the woods yet with debates now going on
about who owns his contract, and who will get to ride the tour. The
tour organisers will want him there, but if he is forced to ride to a
discredited team under Saiz..........

On another point, I wonder what Liephiemer thinks of Basso joining
Discovery? I doubt he joined to be Ivan's super domestique. --- In
roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, mickymallen <no_reply@...>
wrote:
>
> Thankfully Ullrich is at the twilight of his career so I dont think
it
> will be any big shakes him missing out. I felt sorry for him during
> the Lance reign cos I would have loved to have seen him win one more
> tour. Doubt that will ever happen now.
> Unfortunately though, Basso has years ahead of him and so could
> potentially be 'a new lance' for Discovery....leaving us fans and
the
> peloton, press etc forever tarnishing him with Puerto brush. these
> allegations will follow him forever.
> Name one thing Ben Johnson was famous for? Breaking 100m world
record?
> Or being banned afterwards?
>
> Landis will fall into this catergory too. I just hope they nullify
his
> victory in the Tour because its so obvious he's guilty.
>
> Biggest victim in 2006 in my opionion is poor Vino - all fit and
> raring to go in the Tour after missing last years through
injury...and
> his team gets pulled on the eve of it
>
> hats off to a fine Veulta win! THATS the way to answer critics and
> fight back, cant see Jan doing the same...
>
>
>
>
> --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
> <sayandy40@> wrote:
> >
> > Now that operation Peutro appears to be collapsing it is possible
to
> > interpret the fallout in many different ways. My hunch is that
only
> > since it collapsed have Ullrich and Basso really come out
> > fighting.Niehter have in my view behaved in a credible way since
> > being banned if they are innocent. If you are Jan Ullrich on the
eve
> > of your last chance of the tour, and falsly accused of doping
what
> > would you do. Launch the legal action from hell or slink off home
and
> > wait to be sacked?
> >
> > MY gues is that sadly the accused are all guilty but will escape
> > because the investigation will go wrong, and the follow up action
> > will be lost in a blur of inconsitency between the national
> > federations. --- In
roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW"
> > <gswidemark@> wrote:
> > >
> > > Did anyone else find Ulrich's articles to be a bit confusing?
> > >
> > > In the diary on his website he reprinted an article which
intimates
> > that he could countersue both T-mobile for firing him illegally
and
> > the Operation Puerta boys but Ulrich states maganimously that
> > he "just wants to end things peacefully" and ride again.
> > >
> > > In the article on cycling heros, he acts as if he's with a team
and
> > all is just fine and Operation Puerta never happened.
> > >
> > > I have my own suspicions.... if Operation Puerta was a fake,
what
> > was behind it?  Because it cleared the stage for the American
Floyd
> > Landis to win, by eliminating all the guys who could have beaten
> > him.  Kind of coincidental only I don't really believe in
> > coincidence.  I think some money could have exchanged hands.  It
sure
> > won't be the first time. But if there were some skullduggery on
the
> > part of the Discovery Team, it backfired when their great white
hope,
> > Landis, was caught using testosterone.
> > >
> > > Back to the article on Ulrich's website, he states he doesn't
know
> > which team he will be riding with but he's confident of a
positive
> > outcome.
> > >
> > > Very confusing situation all around...
> > >
> > > If Basso rides for Discovery team, is he going to be another
Lance
> > Armstrong for the Americans?  And will the Americans be able to
look
> > to him as the "great white hope" as they did Floyd Landis?
> > >
> > > At last reading, Landis was still protesting that he did not do
it
> > (even though he was just about caught with a smoking gun).
> > >
> > > I guess time will tell... :)
> > >
> > > Sue
> > >
> > > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> > >
> >
>

Thankfully Ullrich is at the twilight of his career so I dont think it
will be any big shakes him missing out. I felt sorry for him during
the Lance reign cos I would have loved to have seen him win one more
tour. Doubt that will ever happen now.
Unfortunately though, Basso has years ahead of him and so could
potentially be 'a new lance' for Discovery....leaving us fans and the
peloton, press etc forever tarnishing him with Puerto brush. these
allegations will follow him forever.
Name one thing Ben Johnson was famous for? Breaking 100m world record?
Or being banned afterwards?

Landis will fall into this catergory too. I just hope they nullify his
victory in the Tour because its so obvious he's guilty.

Biggest victim in 2006 in my opionion is poor Vino - all fit and
raring to go in the Tour after missing last years through injury...and
his team gets pulled on the eve of it

hats off to a fine Veulta win! THATS the way to answer critics and
fight back, cant see Jan doing the same...




--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
<sayandy40@...> wrote:
>
> Now that operation Peutro appears to be collapsing it is possible to
> interpret the fallout in many different ways. My hunch is that only
> since it collapsed have Ullrich and Basso really come out
> fighting.Niehter have in my view behaved in a credible way since
> being banned if they are innocent. If you are Jan Ullrich on the eve
> of your last chance of the tour, and falsly accused of doping what
> would you do. Launch the legal action from hell or slink off home and
> wait to be sacked?
>
> MY gues is that sadly the accused are all guilty but will escape
> because the investigation will go wrong, and the follow up action
> will be lost in a blur of inconsitency between the national
> federations. --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW"
> <gswidemark@> wrote:
> >
> > Did anyone else find Ulrich's articles to be a bit confusing?
> >
> > In the diary on his website he reprinted an article which intimates
> that he could countersue both T-mobile for firing him illegally and
> the Operation Puerta boys but Ulrich states maganimously that
> he "just wants to end things peacefully" and ride again.
> >
> > In the article on cycling heros, he acts as if he's with a team and
> all is just fine and Operation Puerta never happened.
> >
> > I have my own suspicions.... if Operation Puerta was a fake, what
> was behind it?  Because it cleared the stage for the American Floyd
> Landis to win, by eliminating all the guys who could have beaten
> him.  Kind of coincidental only I don't really believe in
> coincidence.  I think some money could have exchanged hands.  It sure
> won't be the first time. But if there were some skullduggery on the
> part of the Discovery Team, it backfired when their great white hope,
> Landis, was caught using testosterone.
> >
> > Back to the article on Ulrich's website, he states he doesn't know
> which team he will be riding with but he's confident of a positive
> outcome.
> >
> > Very confusing situation all around...
> >
> > If Basso rides for Discovery team, is he going to be another Lance
> Armstrong for the Americans?  And will the Americans be able to look
> to him as the "great white hope" as they did Floyd Landis?
> >
> > At last reading, Landis was still protesting that he did not do it
> (even though he was just about caught with a smoking gun).
> >
> > I guess time will tell... :)
> >
> > Sue
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
>

Now that operation Peutro appears to be collapsing it is possible to
interpret the fallout in many different ways. My hunch is that only
since it collapsed have Ullrich and Basso really come out
fighting.Niehter have in my view behaved in a credible way since
being banned if they are innocent. If you are Jan Ullrich on the eve
of your last chance of the tour, and falsly accused of doping what
would you do. Launch the legal action from hell or slink off home and
wait to be sacked?

MY gues is that sadly the accused are all guilty but will escape
because the investigation will go wrong, and the follow up action
will be lost in a blur of inconsitency between the national
federations. --- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW"
<gswidemark@...> wrote:
>
> Did anyone else find Ulrich's articles to be a bit confusing?
>
> In the diary on his website he reprinted an article which intimates
that he could countersue both T-mobile for firing him illegally and
the Operation Puerta boys but Ulrich states maganimously that
he "just wants to end things peacefully" and ride again.
>
> In the article on cycling heros, he acts as if he's with a team and
all is just fine and Operation Puerta never happened.
>
> I have my own suspicions.... if Operation Puerta was a fake, what
was behind it?  Because it cleared the stage for the American Floyd
Landis to win, by eliminating all the guys who could have beaten
him.  Kind of coincidental only I don't really believe in
coincidence.  I think some money could have exchanged hands.  It sure
won't be the first time. But if there were some skullduggery on the
part of the Discovery Team, it backfired when their great white hope,
Landis, was caught using testosterone.
>
> Back to the article on Ulrich's website, he states he doesn't know
which team he will be riding with but he's confident of a positive
outcome.
>
> Very confusing situation all around...
>
> If Basso rides for Discovery team, is he going to be another Lance
Armstrong for the Americans?  And will the Americans be able to look
to him as the "great white hope" as they did Floyd Landis?
>
> At last reading, Landis was still protesting that he did not do it
(even though he was just about caught with a smoking gun).
>
> I guess time will tell... :)
>
> Sue
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

I have to say I do find this all very strange. Surely one of the
things that has doogged Lance is his inability to shake the odour of
suspicion around him. If he had a potential golden bullet that put
the matter beyond doubt would he take it? Basso has that chance with
a DNA test. Clearly something has been going on behind the scenes. I
cannot believe a sponsor like Discovery would be willing to gamble
with stakes so high.

However a deal behind the scenes does not make Basso clean

--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW"
<gswidemark@...> wrote:
>
> Here is an article on Bruyneel's reaction to Basso and vice
versa....
>
> In there it states the Disc lawyers have gone through the evidence
and feel they could not, on the basis of that, keep Basso from riding.
>
> Apparently Basso could solve the mystery by allowing them to test
his DNA but so far, he has refused.
>
> Not to be skeptical or something but I have a hunch some payoffs to
the right people might also open some doors. Discovery has enough
money to play the game.  And now by hiring the guy with the best
chance of winning to TdF, they may put their name on the map again.
>
> http://www.cyclingheroes.info/id338.html
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Did anyone else find Ulrich's articles to be a bit confusing?

In the diary on his website he reprinted an article which intimates that he
could countersue both T-mobile for firing him illegally and the Operation Puerta
boys but Ulrich states maganimously that he "just wants to end things
peacefully" and ride again.

In the article on cycling heros, he acts as if he's with a team and all is just
fine and Operation Puerta never happened.

I have my own suspicions.... if Operation Puerta was a fake, what was behind it?
Because it cleared the stage for the American Floyd Landis to win, by
eliminating all the guys who could have beaten him.  Kind of coincidental only I
don't really believe in coincidence.  I think some money could have exchanged
hands.  It sure won't be the first time. But if there were some skullduggery on
the part of the Discovery Team, it backfired when their great white hope,
Landis, was caught using testosterone.

Back to the article on Ulrich's website, he states he doesn't know which team he
will be riding with but he's confident of a positive outcome.

Very confusing situation all around...

If Basso rides for Discovery team, is he going to be another Lance Armstrong for
the Americans?  And will the Americans be able to look to him as the "great
white hope" as they did Floyd Landis?

At last reading, Landis was still protesting that he did not do it (even though
he was just about caught with a smoking gun).

I guess time will tell... :)

Sue

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Here is an article on Bruyneel's reaction to Basso and vice versa....

In there it states the Disc lawyers have gone through the evidence and feel they
could not, on the basis of that, keep Basso from riding.

Apparently Basso could solve the mystery by allowing them to test his DNA but so
far, he has refused.

Not to be skeptical or something but I have a hunch some payoffs to the right
people might also open some doors. Discovery has enough money to play the game. 
And now by hiring the guy with the best chance of winning to TdF, they may put
their name on the map again.

http://www.cyclingheroes.info/id338.html

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Andy, Interesting analysis... thanks!

Sue

------ original message -------

>>>>>>>>
Posted by: "Andy Green" sayandy40@...   sayandy40
Sun Nov 12, 2006 1:42 pm (PST)
Its not clear at all what is going on. But as a result of one of the
rulings by the Operation Puetro Judges all in implcated riders are
free to race until the case is decided. Therefore in thoery but Basso
and Ulrich are free to ride. Ulrich has on licence at present, though
he is trying to get one from the Austrians. This is not an issue for
Basso.

There had been talk of Basso signing for the non pro tour Barloworld
and getting into the Giro via a Wild card. But looks like Discovery
have stepped in.

Now this begs 3questions
1) Will Basso be able to ride the tour. Well the noises being made by
the TDF organises suggest that no team is guarenteed a place. It is
possible that Basso's place in the Disco squad could mess things up
given that there is no real love between Discovery and the organisers
of the Tour.
2) Riis clearly felt he had no choice but to give Basso the bullet.
To push such a talent out of the door must have required so pretty
serious evidence. If Basso is vfound guilty this will be a disaster
now for discovery. Seems a huge gamble.
3) Given 1&2 why does Basson not allow a DNA test to prove his
innocence beyond doubt. Whatever the moral agruements if he is
innocent it would save him and us a lot of pain.

There are a couple of links below worth checking out for upto date
news.

http://www.eurosport.com/cycling

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/

Cheers
   <<<<<<<<

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Im surprised that Discovery are prepared to risk on a tarnished rider.
Especially such a high profile one like Basso.
after having spent years vehemently denying and standing by
Armstrong's innocence in doping matters, they employ a rider with a
cloud of suspicion and whirlwind of doubt surrounding him... very strange.

and lets not get started on Frankie Andreu...ooops!



--- In roadracingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "Andy Green"
<sayandy40@...> wrote:
>
> Its all a bit of mess right now. CSC are basically forced to dump their
> best rider to save their protour status and sponsership, then in a
> twinkling of an eye everything is OK for Discovery to snap him up.
>
> What do people think? Armstrong is again answering doping allegations,
> yet discovery plough on regardless. Operation Puetro is a farce right
> now.
>

Its not clear at all what is going on. But as a result of one of the
rulings by the Operation Puetro Judges all in implcated riders are
free to race until the case is decided. Therefore in thoery but Basso
and Ulrich are free to ride. Ulrich has on licence at present, though
he is trying to get one from the Austrians. This is not an issue for
Basso.

There had been talk of Basso signing for the non pro tour Barloworld
and getting into the Giro via a Wild card. But looks like Discovery
have stepped in.

Now this begs 3questions
1) Will Basso be able to ride the tour. Well the noises being made by
the TDF organises suggest that no team is guarenteed a place. It is
possible that Basso's place in the Disco squad could mess things up
given that there is no real love between Discovery and the organisers
of the Tour.
2) Riis clearly felt he had no choice but to give Basso the bullet.
To push such a talent out of the door must have required so pretty
serious evidence. If Basso is vfound guilty this will be a disaster
now for discovery. Seems  a huge gamble.
3) Given 1&2 why does Basson not allow a DNA test to prove his
innocence beyond doubt. Whatever the moral agruements if he is
innocent it would save him and us a lot of pain.

There are a couple of links below worth checking out for upto date
news.

http://www.eurosport.com/cycling

http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/

Cheers
racingukandireland@yahoogroups.com, "SueW" <gswidemark@...> wrote:
>
> Well, what's the story?  Did they get suspensions - Basso, Ulhrich
etc or are they free to do the TdF?
>
> Lance ADMITTED to doing EPO in 1999 to build up his muscles from
cancer in his book so what's new?  I guess even under doctor's
prescription that's forbidden?
>
> I feel like I'm getting half stories here because there has been
pretty much of a press silence on all of this in the USA.
>
> Anyone want to fill me in?
>
> Sue
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>

Cyclingheroes interview with Jan Ullrich with new picture of Jan
during a training ride in Switzerland

Ullrich: Turning anger into energy

12.11.2006/ An anger-fuelled Jan Ullrich is planning his comeback. The
German, who is preparing in Switzerland for the up-coming season, had
a few words for cyclingheroes about his objectives and his motivation.

Read more at:

http://www.cyclingheroes.info

Well, what's the story?  Did they get suspensions - Basso, Ulhrich etc or are
they free to do the TdF?

Lance ADMITTED to doing EPO in 1999 to build up his muscles from cancer in his
book so what's new?  I guess even under doctor's prescription that's forbidden?

I feel like I'm getting half stories here because there has been pretty much of
a press silence on all of this in the USA.

Anyone want to fill me in?

Sue

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Its all a bit of mess right now. CSC are basically forced to dump their
best rider to save their protour status and sponsership, then in a
twinkling of an eye everything is OK for Discovery to snap him up.

What do people think? Armstrong is again answering doping allegations,
yet discovery plough on regardless. Operation Puetro is a farce right
now.