Alberto Contador needs to prove the prohibited clenbuterol in his system came from contaminated meat. At first glance, trying to go backwards to a meal eaten in July sounds futile. But actually, it’s not, tracking down the rogue steak should be straightforward. So here’s a quick piece explaining the food chain in Europe. I know … Read more
Just a brief point. Obviously Alberto Contador’s reputation is on the line, or more appropriately at steak. In situations like this, goodwill matters. You need support, friends, luck and the benefit of doubt. The Spaniard might have the backing of his national federation, after all they stood by Alejandro Valverde for way too long. Only … Read more
The ProTour was a great idea but poorly executed. An published list of premium events with guaranteed entry for certain teams based on open criteria is a winner for fans, riders, teams and sponsors alike, especially combined with additional rules on a minimum wage, safety and improved administrative standards. Only the ProTour collapsed after the … Read more
The Inner Ring is read in high places but it’s coincidence that days after I write a piece shining a light on the role of rider agents that the UCI swings into action. In a press release today, the UCI announces the following: The Management Committee also approved a text ruling on the role of … Read more
Everyone’s got a view on Alberto Contador today. But they’re not thinking about the rules that govern sport and in particular, anti-doping. Here’s the relevant part of the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Code: 2.1 Presence of a Prohibited Substance or its Metabolites or Markers in an Athlete’s Sample2.1.1 It is each Athlete’s personal duty to ensure … Read more
Pat McQuaid might be a familiar name to you. The Irishman is President of cycling’s governing body the UCI and by definition one of the most powerful men in the sport. But he’s not the only McQuaid in the sport. I’d planned on having a look at the family’s influence on our sport but a … Read more
La Gazzetta Dello Sport says that Italian coaching maestro Aldo Sassi is ready and willing to work with Riccardo Ricco. “I know it could put my credibility in play but it’s easy to pick challenges you can’t lose. Sometimes you have to take risks with something big” says the Italian coach. Sasso works on Ivan’s … Read more
Fly-V has been a useful Australian team that’s also been operating in America to publicise its sponsor, an Australian airline, V Australia. Only now the team is stepping up and gunning for a UCI ProTour licence. I’m excited and supportive of this. Here’s the roster of riders announced by the new squad, courtesy of Cycling … Read more
Sailing close to the wind With the World Championships starting in Geelong, no doubt plenty of business is being done over bottles of fine Australian wine. Only there’s a little-known UCI rule on the desirability of sponsors that could block Australians from backing the sport. Here’s the relevant rule: 1.2.030 bis SponsoringWithout prejudice of the … Read more
If the Spanish give up, can Francesca Rossi get on the case? There’s news that the Spanish judicial authorities could wrap up Operation Puerto. For me the case has a mess from the beginning, with justice dished out according to nationality rather than behaviour. But regardless, it’s finally coming to an end. Here’s cyclingnews.com, quoting … Read more