Category Archives: Doping
So who does BMC Soigneur Sven Schoutteten know?
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Gerard Vroomen hits the mark with Contador and Schleck, but misses Riis
Since getting shuffled out as CEO of Cervelo, Gerard Vroomen seems to have become a lot more outspoken about the top tier of cycle sport. This section in an interview with Cyclingnews, about the tipping point in the relationship between … Continue reading
The Giro 2011: It’s all about Alberto Contador, except when it isn’t
Contador has been the dominant force in the race for the Maglia Rosa in the Giro d’Italia 2011, no doubt about it. But comparing it to all the other Grand Tours he has won reveals a more interesting story. Take … Continue reading
Strange coincidences in the world of anti-doping
First, last week there was a report from EU Athletes on the relative success of Wada’s anti-doping effort described in the press release thus: “The report, ‘Adverse Analyzing’, raises serious questions about the foundation of evidence behind current anti doping … Continue reading
The Grand Illusion: doping has changed
This is part of a series of posts on what I think are illusions that have grown up over the years around cycling. For further reading, you can do no better than read the section in Roland Barthes Mythologies and … Continue reading
Say adios to steak-frites Alberto Contador
(Photo by Sifu Renka on Flickr, used under Creative Commons licence) There are few culinary delights in this world which can match the pleasure of steak-frites done properly. It’s the great constant of French cuisine that you can order anywhere … Continue reading
An open letter to professional riders on the subject of speaking out about doping
Dear riders, Some of you have been remarkably outspoken on the fate of one of your number, forcefully damning one idiot. Sadly you seem to equally reticent to condemn another, well, idiot. I’m sure you don’t need me to put … Continue reading
How Paul Kimmage changed the game of cycling journalism
In 1990, Paul Kimmage stuck his head above the parapet and published his account of his time as a professional cyclist, Rough Ride. It changed cycling journalism. In 2011, Kimmage once again changed cycling journalism in a fundamental way. Except … Continue reading
We’re back in 2008 as Ricco faces failure
Here’s a meme I prepared earlier: Riccardo Ricco Epic Fail. A lot earlier. Like July 2008 earlier. Then I wrote of the hubris of Riccardo Ricco. I stand by what I said then “Don’t bother searching for culprits in systematic doping, … Continue reading