A positive test
Wednesday, 11 June 2008 22:08
I feel a little weird this morning, mostly because of what's transpired over in Belgium in the last three days.
Tom Boonen is one of the most exciting bike riders in the world and for those who might not know who he is you're missing out! Tom is the full package - movie star looks, amazing talent and a cycling mad country (Belgium) who love his every move, well almost. This week Boonen has been caught out in an 'out of competition' test and tested positive to cocaine.So why do I feel weirded out by this? Well it's because the cycling world breathed a huge sigh of relief when they found out it was only cocaine. Hmm, isn't this a crazy scenario? We are happy it's only cocaine! One of the genuine superstars of our sport is banned from the Tour de France where last year he was the best sprinter by a mile, winner of the green jersey. He really should be in disgrace yet we are all relieved it is only for a so called recreational drug. What does this tell you about where the sport of cycling is at right now?
For me it says two things. The first is that at least the out of competition testing is working and secondly the ASO (the crew that run the tour)have again taken a hard line with cyclists, no matter who you are! I remember being on radio the night Ulrich, Basso etc all got excluded from the Tour de France. Myself and fellow show host Matt Keenan were shaking our heads as to the loss of the biggest names in world cycling as the names kept filtering through as to who was being excluded. From that day on the governing bodies have declared war and have taken only the facts into consideration not the name. Maybe years ago Boonen might have talked his way into the Tour.... not now.
written by Matt , June 12, 2008
As a young rider who has an incredible knack for supporting riders and following their careers BEFORE they get done for drugs, the real question here i think is a) should i just publish my list of favourite riders to ASO now because i seem to be jinxed and b) what message does this send to young Australian riders/fans of cycling who struggle to find a role model in the sport.
It may not seem like a big deal, but a good role model or someone to aspire to ride like has a very big influence on many young cyclists.
