Oh Boy..... Just In.......

LONDON (AP) -- The gold medalist in one of track and field's glamour races and a silver winner in cycling are among six athletes from the Beijing Games nabbed for blood doping in the latest Olympic drug scandal. National sports bodies in Bahrain and Italy confirmed Wednesday that 1,500-meter champion Rashid Ramzi and road race medalist Davide Rebellin turned up positive for the new blood-boosting drug CERA in retests of their samples. Dominican women's weightlifter Yudelquis Contreras and prominent German cyclist Stefan Schumacher were among the others. A person with knowledge of the results told The Associated Press that Greek race walker Athanasia Tsoumeleka and Croatian 800-meter runner Vanja Perisic also tested positive.
Rashid Ramzi Country: BRN Sport: Athletics Beijing results: 1,500m -- 1st	Davide Rebellin Country: ITA Sport: Cycling Beijing results: Road race -- 2nd	Athanasia Tsoumeleka Country: GRE Sport: Athletics Beijing results: 20km walk -- 9th	Yudelquis Contreras Country: DOM Sport: Weightlifting Beijing results: 53kg -- 5th	Stefan Schumacher Country: GER Sport: Cycling Beijing results: Road race -- WD Time trial -- 13th	Vanja Perisic Country: CRO Sport: Athletics Beijing results: 800m -- 6th (Round 1, Heat 3)
If their backup "B" samples also come back positive, the athletes face being disqualified, stripped of medals and banned from the next Olympics. The International Olympic Committee announced Tuesday that a total of seven positive tests involving six athletes came back positive for CERA, which increases endurance by stimulating production of oxygen-rich red blood cells. The IOC has not named the athletes or the sports involved. The six new cases bring to 15 the total number of athletes caught doping in Beijing, and underscore both the persistence of cheating across sports and nations and the IOC's aggressive policy in catching drug users even outside the period of the Olympics. The IOC reanalyzed a total of 948 samples from Beijing after new lab tests for CERA and insulin became available following the Olympics. The testing began in January and focused mainly on endurance events in cycling, rowing, swimming and track and field. Ramzi won Bahrain's first gold medal in track and field and is the first champion from the Beijing Games to be busted for use of performance-enhancing drugs. The Moroccan-born runner, who won the 800-1,500 double at the 2005 world championships, gave Bahrain its first ever Olympic track and field gold medal with victory in Beijing in 3 minutes, 32.94 seconds. Ramzi's "B" sample will be tested in France on June 8 and he will face an IOC hearing the same day, the Bahrain Olympic Committee said. "The Bahrain Olympic Committee apologizes for receiving such news from the International Olympic Committee since it ensured Ramzi went through all the necessary doping tests before the games and they were all negative," the committee said in a statement. Ramzi became a citizen of Bahrain after moving to the Gulf nation to take up a job in that country's armed forces in 2002, but retains a Moroccan passport and trains with old coach Khalid Boulami. If he is stripped of the Beijing victory, Asbel Kipruto Kiprop of Kenya stands to be upgraded from silver to gold. Nicolas Willis of New Zealand would go from bronze to silver, and fourth-place finisher Mehdi Baala of France could move up to the bronze medal. Track and field has been battered by Olympic drug scandals, from 100-meter winner Ben Johnson in 1988 to sprinter Marion Jones in 2000, both of whom were stripped of their golds. The International Association of Athletics Federations confirmed it had received notification of three cases in track and field, but declined to give any names because they were considered confidential. However, the person with knowledge of the results identified the two others as Tsoumeleka and Perisic. The person confirmed their identities to the AP on condition anonymity because the names haven't been released by the IOC. Tsoumeleka finished ninth in the 20-kilometer walk, and Perisic was eliminated in the first-round heats of the 800. Tsoumeleka announced in January that she had tested positive in Beijing rechecks. She was charged by a Greek prosecutor earlier this month with using banned drugs. "The IAAF would like to commend the IOC for their efforts in the storage and re-analysis of samples and for their coordination with the IAAF in this process," the federation said in a statement. "This step shows that athletes who cheat can never be comfortable that they will avoid detection and sends a strong message of deterrence." In Rome, the Italian Olympic Committee suspended Rebellin and anti-doping prosecutor Ettore Torri called him to a hearing on Monday. The 37-year-old Rebellin finished second behind Spain's Samuel Sanchez in the Olympic road race. If he loses his medal, Switzerland's Fabian Cancellera could move to silver and Russia's Alexander Kolobnev to bronze. Rebellin's pro cycling team, Diquigiovanni-Androni, temporarily suspended the rider, pending analysis of the "B" sample. "I don't see why I should take a path that would ruin me or my image," Rebellin told Italy's state TV on Wednesday. "I don't know if I'll still be able to race, but I will always ride because cycling is my life." The German cycling federation announced that Schumacher, who finished 13th in the Beijing time trial and dropped out before the finish of the road race, was among the positive cases. The 27-year-old Schumacher already has been banned for two years by the International Cycling Union after being caught by French authorities in retesting of Tour de France samples for CERA. Schumacher won two individual time trial stages at the Tour de France last July and wore the yellow jersey for two days as race leader. "One of the riders (Schumacher) is already under suspension and, for the other one, (Rebellin) we will be writing to him and suspending him provisionally," said International Cycling Union president Pat McQuaid. The Dominican Olympic Committee identified Contreras as another of the athletes snared by the retests. She competed in the 116-pound category as Yudelquis Maridalin and finished fifth. The IOC previously disqualified nine athletes for doping at the Aug. 8-24 Olympics. In addition, there were six doping cases involving horses in the equestrian competition. The IOC has already stripped four athletes of Beijing medals - Ukrainian heptathlete Lyudmila Blonska (silver), Belarusian hammer throwers Vadim Devyatovskiy (silver) and Ivan Tsikhan (bronze) and North Korean shooter Kim Jong Su (silver and bronze).

I figure this is what the pricks in the car that just buzzed you must be reading while they're driving?

Bicycling is an important factor in less carbon-intensive commuting

Of all the Fastlane entries over the first days of this Administration, the one that has generated the most responses is the one on my address to the National Bike Summit. We all know that bikers are passionate about their wheels; we also know that bicyclists are vulnerable to automobiles and need secure lanes and greater awareness from drivers. On Earth Day, it seems appropriate to talk about bicycling, not only as recreation, but as an environmentally sound commuting option. And, about what the DOT is doing to improve the cyclist's commute.

Bicycling was one of the earliest beneficiaries of stimulus funding, with portions of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act explicitly devoted to bicycling, and this department has been very active in getting that funding out the door. States must spend 3 percent of their allocation on the Transportation Enhancements program, which is a primary source of bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure funding. The remainder of the “highway” money also creates an opportunity to build complete streets. All of the highway funding is flexible, and bicycle and pedestrian projects are eligible. The 3 percent in Transportation Enhancements is a floor not a ceiling. 30 percent of a state’s allocation is sub-allocated to urbanized areas, where commuting by bicycle is most likely.

$3.1 billion is provided for the Energy Efficiency and Block Grant Program, which provides formula funding to cities, counties, and states to undertake a range of energy efficiency activities. One eligible use of funding is for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. $1 billion is provided for the Community Development Block Grants program, which provides formula funding to cities and counties that meet certain criteria to undertake community improvement activities. One eligible use of funding is for bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.

So, a number of funding opportunities exist, but cycling advocates must get their cities and states to request funds for these purposes. Many states, counties, and municipalities have already done so.

When I told the League of American Bicyclists National Bike Summit that "Cyclists are important users of America's transportation systems," I meant it. And, when I wrote that "With DOT, bicyclists have a full partner in working toward livable communities," I meant that as well. President Obama has challenged us to transform the way transportation serves the American people by creating more choices and encouraging less carbon-intensive transportation, and we are working hard on that challenge.

The upcoming reauthorization of DOT’s surface transportation programs provides an opportunity for us to feature bicycling as part of a new American mobility within livable communities. As I said today in testimony before the House Energy and Commerce Committee, this includes fostering communities where bicyclists feel both safe and welcome on the roadways. Bike-friendly development also has the potential to contribute significantly to the revitalization of downtown districts and offer an alternative to sprawl and automobile-focused commuting.

Earth Day is today, but we'll need the sustained engagement of bicycle commuters and their advocates in the weeks and months to come to help keep the wheels of bicycle-friendly legislation on the road.

Twitters From the Gila.........

1. Levi_LeipheimerEarly breakfast with UCI anti-doping for Team Mellow Johnny'sabout 2 hours ago from Tweetie
2. lancearmstrongUCI anti-doping control. #25. Been awhile. Thought they forgot about me.about 2 hours ago from TwitterBerry

How The Tour of the Gila was saved!!

Two dynamic women with the #1 TV show single-handedly saved the race!!!!
Oh my..........

Philly is ON!!!!!

Pro Cycling Tour News...

EMBRACE THE RACE!! YOUR SUPPORT NEEDED!

4 29 09 5:55PM BREAKING NEWS: RACE IS ON!!! RACE IS ON!!! read all about it!!!

4 28 09 5:45PM BREAKING NEWS: IT'S NOT OVER YET! ...And We DO believe in miracles!...read more...

DO YOU BELIEVE IN MIRACLES? If 50,000 people give $5, or 25,000 people give $10 we will have a bike race!!! CLICK HERE TO HELP!

Buy tickets, posters, stickers, donate now and help us save the race!!!!

The event that started it all for international, professional cycling in the U.S. needs your help. After 24 years as the largest single-day, professional cycling race in North America, the Philadelphia International Championship is in jeopardy.

The economic challenges experienced in both corporate and civic circles have converged to create a shortfall in the operating budget of the race’s 25th year, and the reality of the situation is that unless a $500,000 gap can be closed in the next several days, the race will be cancelled. (To read an article on the status of the race in The Philadelphia Inquirer, click here. To read their helpful editorial, click here)

While the scenario seems extraordinary, what we know is truly extraordinary is the love of this event among fans, cyclists and sports enthusiasts in Philadelphia, throughout the Delaware Valley and across the country. This is a decidedly difficult position for any event organizer – and perhaps one that’s become too familiar in recent months.

However, it is because of the incredible support the Philly race has enjoyed throughout its history, that we are bringing an appeal directly to you, the fans and cycling community. Thousands of fans line the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and streets of Manayunk each June to watch the world’s best in this sport. There is power in those numbers, and we’re hoping that power can help save the 25th running of the race.

Full Story and How You Can Help

From Velonews -

Armstrong, 2 teammates will meet the Gila Monster

By Patrick O'Grady

Posted Apr. 28, 2009

It seems Lance Armstrong will meet the Gila Monster after all.

The seven-time Tour de France winner and two Astana teammates will race the SRAM Tour of the Gila in Silver City, New Mexico, after USA Cycling and the UCI negotiated a compromise over the international governing body’s rules regarding UCI Pro riders’ participation in national events.

The nature of that compromise is unclear. According to Andy Lee, communications director for USA Cycling, “the UCI interpreted one of their rules in a way that ultimately allowed Lance as well as two other Astana riders to compete.” A UCI spokesman, meanwhile, told Agence France Presse that the international governing body notified American officials about a loophole within their own rules.

"It was actually the UCI who told USA Cycling about the existence of a rule within their own regulations, which allows three riders from the same professional team to compete wearing neutral jerseys," the spokesman said. "USA Cycling were unaware of this."

UCI rules
Chapter VIII, Individual races
2.8.003
1. riders enter on an individual basis;
2. riders of a UCI ProTeam can take part a maximum of 3 times a year in an individual race;
3. a maximum of 3 riders of the same team registered with the UCI can take part in an individual race;
4. the minimum prize money shall be 8000 Swiss francs;
5. the maximum distance shall be 170 km for men and 120 km for women;
6. if the race is ridden on a circuit, that circuit shall be at least 10 km long;
7. technical support shall be provided by neutral cars;
8. team vehicles shall not be admitted to the race.

According to Lee, UCI rule 2.8.003 permits a maximum of three riders from a UCI Pro team to enter national-calendar races as individuals, but bars them from competing in their pro-team kit.

The compromise also affects BMC, a Continental Pro team subject to the UCI’s restrictions. As a consequence, team manager Gavin Chilcott said his squad, "per se, is not participating in the Tour of the Gila." Five of his riders are leaving Silver City, and while three will remain to compete — Scott Nydam, Florian Stalder and Chad Beyer — "they are not entered as a team and they will not be allowed to wear team uniforms," Chilcott said.

Armstrong, who will return to racing for the first time since breaking his collarbone in Spain's Vuelta a Castilla y León last month, said he was eager to get back in the game.

"I'm excited to get back to competitive racing. The recovery training has been going well but nothing compares to getting back into the bunch and racing," he said.

Levi Leipheimer and Chris Horner — who is also coming off the disabled list after cracking a collarbone and rib in the Vuelta al País Vasco — will join Armstrong in Silver City, reportedly racing under the auspices of "Mellow Johnny's," the name of Armstrong's bike shop in Austin, Texas.

"Lance and I are psyched to race the Gila," said Leipheimer. "It's great preparation for Europe, and we know this race will be challenging. There is a hell of a lot of uphill."

Horner should be pleased, too. On Monday, he was critical of the UCI rule originally used to exclude Astana from the Gila, calling it "wrong."

"It’s a pro race, you should be allowed to race your bike," he said. "If we are skipping ProTour races to do a non-ProTour event, then it makes sense. But you should never, never, never just not allow a rider to race his bike. ... Every man should be afforded the right to work."

Fab and his new rig?

Sent in from Josh R.-

Tic tic tic.......

(File photo) Posted: Monday, 27 April 2009 1:13PM Phila. Pro Bicycling Group Stretches Deadline to Close Funding Gap

by KYW's Steve Tawa Monday's announced "go/no-go" deadline for Philadelphia's pro bicycling race has been pushed back by one day by the race organizers. The June 7th event has been in danger of being canceled as organizers race a different kind of race -- to line up sponsors and close a budget gap. Race co-founder David Chauner says they are still about $400,000 short of the $1.7 million they need to hold the 25th annual installment of the race (see previous story). And now, he says, a new name has stepped forward as a possible savior. Chauner says that entity wants a Tuesday meeting to potentially seal the deal and save the race: "The party that wants to talk to us requested that we postpone the decision for 24 hours." Chauner says they had originally set the Monday deadline because contracts need to be signed for vendors, vehicles, tents, and catering. Also, he points out, participants -- comprising roughly 25 pro teams -- come from all over the world and need to make arrangements in advance. Governor Rendell, who previously committed $200,000 from the Commonwealth, is also pledging to buy $50,000 worth of VIP tickets for state workers. He's also urging the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce to get its member businesses to buy some of the those $75 and $100 VIP tickets.

Econ-no-me! Shit!

Philly race threatened

On the eve of its 25th anniversary edition, the Philadelphia International Championship is in jeopardy of cancellation due to a USD 500,000 budget shortage.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that the race organisers has raised only $1.2 million of the $1.7 million it needs to hold the 1.HC-rated UCI event. Despite title sponsor TD Bank's contribution, the race still faces the shortfall due to the City of Philadelphia's own budget crisis. The newspaper reported that the city, which used to provide police and other services for free, has decided to charge the race organisers for the city's services this year.

Jerry Casale, who co-founded the race, didn't blame Philadelphia. "The city has been a great partner for 24 years. Everybody is facing an economic crisis," he said to the Inquirer.

Past winners include Americans Lance Armstrong, George Hincapie and Eric Heiden. Last year Danish rider Matti Breschel (Saxo Bank) prevailed on the Philadelphia course, which takes in the famous Manayunk Wall, with a gradient of up to 17 percent.

"This is an event that adds so much to the quality of life and vibrancy [of] the city," said Loree Jones, former city managing director, who now is executive director of the Manayunk Development Corp. "It would be a terrible loss."

City Councilman Curtis Jones knows the importance of the race. "We understand there is a recession, but we don't want to lose this. I'm going to try to rally some people with deep, deep pockets and see what we can do."

According to race organisers, the event more than pays for itself by bringing between $15 million to 20 million in revenue to the city.

OK, just watch this..... Jeeeeez-us!

Presidential Cycling Tour of Turkey 2009 Stage 8 Final Kilometers

Sent in from Lens-man Greg P.

I guess some antidepressants are in order.....

U.S. cyclist Tyler Hamilton tests positive for banned substance

American cyclist Tyler Hamilton participates in a Tour of California press conference in Sacramento on Feb. 12. Hamilton tested positive for a banned substance for the second time in his career and has announced his retirement from the sport.
The 38-year-old gold medal winner says test results were triggered by an over-the-counter antidepressant, adds that he will retire.
Associated Press

7:56 AM PDT, April 17, 2009
Olympic gold medalist Tyler Hamilton, whose win at the Athens Games was overshadowed by a blood-doping scandal, tested positive for another banned substance and will retire from cycling.The latest positive test stemmed from usage of an over-the-counter antidepressant, Hamilton said Friday.


"There's nothing to fight about," Hamilton told the Associated Press. "I took a banned substance. I accept the consequences. You make mistakes in your life and I accept the penalty like a man."He served a two-year doping suspension that ended in 2007. The new positive test -- which the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency hasn't revealed -- could bring a ban of eight years or more, essentially ending the career of the 38-year-old racer."I made a poor decision," Hamilton said.
Hamilton said he has been fighting depression for some time, brought on largely by a divorce and his mother's struggle with breast cancer. He was clinically diagnosed, he said, in September 2003 -- a year in which he won a stage of the Tour de France."Should have been the best year of my life," Hamilton said.A year later, he won the time trial at the Athens Olympics, capping one of the finest days USA Cycling had known. The Americans won three medals that day on a road along the Saronic Gulf, with Hamilton's gold and Bobby Julich taking the bronze in the time trial and Dede Barry winning silver in the women's time trial.Soon after, Hamilton's first positive test for blood doping came back, but he was ultimately allowed to keep the gold medal because his "B" sample could not be tested. A month later, he tested positive again.Hamilton has long denied participating in blood doping, the transfusion of extra blood that can increase endurance because more red blood cells are available to deliver oxygen to muscles.This time, he denied nothing."I knew it was banned," Hamilton said.Hamilton said he knew the antidepressant included a banned substance and chose to take the risk anyway. He took the product on a Saturday and Sunday, he said. That Monday, USADA testers showed up to see him.Hamilton said he got the positive test results back in mid-March."There's always going to be doubters, regardless if this happened or not," Hamilton said. "I would live with the doubters for the rest of my life. This isn't about a test. It's a bigger issue. It's a disease that I'm going through, that my family has gone through, that I need to take care of."Cycling is just a sport, racing your bike from Point A to Point B. What I'm going through is so much bigger."Still a polarizing figure in the sport, Hamilton's absence from some races in recent weeks raised eyebrows.Citing bronchitis, Hamilton did not ride in the Vuelta of Castilla and Leon in Spain -- the race in which Lance Armstrong fell and broke his collarbone. And he was expected to be the leader of Rock Racing's team for a race in Portugal earlier this month, but was replaced on the roster shortly before that event.

Looks like Dan's puttin the Hurt on Ol Levi.......

First timer makes good!

Cop is a no joke race... this sent in from a first timer

Copperopolis


Tuesday, April 14, 2009

This is my first post so I'm sure I'm going to take some flak. I'll try to avoid power numbers, weight and whether or not I had a good crap that day.

First race of my 55+ racing career was good fun. I'd pointed toward Copperopolis since my last ski race in mid February. Had a cold 3 days before the race and debated not going but figured it could still be a good training ride. 35 in the field. Paco told me to keep an eye on John Elgart so I did. The road was pretty crappy but after a while it was forgotten. The first climb reduced the field to about 15 and then we kind of cruised, noone wanted to work into the wind. The first climb of the second lap reduced the field to about 11. No real moves until the second climb where Rich Larson and a few others took off. I matched them and stayed in the top 5 or so. I led the downhill to stay out of trouble. Barely noticed the bad road. I let the group catch up and then stayed in the top 3. No moves until about 200 or 300 meters out. John and Mark Caldwell take off. I jump on John's wheel and then sprint past him inside 100 meters. Caught them by surprise as they hadn't seen me before. Did a goofy fist pump crossing the line which I apologized for later. Neither John or Mark seemed to mind. They were quite gracious but I know they will be out to kick my ass next time.

Peter

Horner.....

johanbruyneelXrays didn't show fracture 4 Chris Horner. Has to repeat in a few days. He's in good spirits and says will be at the GIRO...

Tour de Nez!!!

TRUCKEE — The annual multi-day pro bicycle race known as the Tour de Nez will once again visit Truckee and Northstar this summer.

See the schedule of events below:

Wednesday, June 17

• Park and Ride to the Reno Aces afternoon baseball game.

• Ride back to Amendment 21 for “Meet and greet” Pro racers

• Reno Film Festival bicycle film; "Pee Wee's Great Adventure" at the Amendment 21

Thursday, June 18

• Downtown Truckee Criterium for Pro men/Pro women/Masters 35+1,2,3 and Handcycles

• Downtown Truckee races for clunkers, messengers, and kids

• Music and feast after races in downtown Truckee

Friday, June 19

• Group ride with athletes in the morning with coffee stop

• Downtown Reno Circuit Race at riverside Wingfield Park, Pro men/Pro women/Masters 35+1,2,3 and Handcycles

• Races for clunkers, messengers, and kids at Wingfield Park on the river in Reno

• Reno Film Festival bicycle film; "Breaking Away", at Wingfield Park Amphitheater

Saturday, June 20

• Village circuit race at the Village at Northstar at Tahoe for Pro men, women, and masters, Juniors and Handcycles

• Village races for clunkers, kids and messengers

• Expo, music, demos, food, festival, and party, all in the Village at Northstar

• “Ride with the Pros” in morning*

Sunday, June 21

• LUX The great Tour de Nez Century ride along the shores of beautiful Lake Tahoe*