Alberto Contador and Saxo Bank team owner Bjarne Riis met the press today to discuss the arbitration court decision in Contador's 2010 Tour de France doping case. Contador's contract with the team ends with his suspension, but Riis signaled that he would like Contador to return to the team. Contador maintained his innocence, and criticized the system for the slow speed of the decision-making.
Contador claims he does not really understand the decision, and reiterated the now-familiar argument about the small amounts of Clenbuterol found in his sample. There is no way the substance could have enhanced his performance, he argues.
Contador said he feels some "satisfaction" that the arbitration reports seems to acknowledge he did not dope (thanks Ted!). Here he is referring to the following statement from the arbiters:
"…in light of all the evidence on record, the Athlete’s positive test for Clenbuterol is more likely to have been caused by the ingestion of contaminated food supplement than by a blood transfusion or the ingestions of contaminated meat. This does not mean that the panel is convinced beyond reasonable doubt that this scenario of ingestion of contaminated food supplement actually happened."
Contador's lawyers, meanwhile, are studying the possibility of further appeals. Contador could still appeal to the Swiss courts or to the European courts to overturn the arbitration court's decision.
Bjarne Riis confirmed that he would like Contador to return to racing with Saxo Bank once his suspension is up. For now, however, due to his suspension, Contador can not be under contract. You will recall the UCI protests when Valverde showed up to do photo shoots with Movistar before his suspension ended. Riis said he would like to sit down with Contador and discuss the future.
"We see no reason not to support Contador, but we need to sit down and talk about the future. If Contador wants to continue with Saxo Bank, that would be my intention also," said Riis. "I will have no problem working with him again. He is a fantastic person. I haven't seen a bike racer like him in many, many years, maybe since Hinault and Merckx."
Contador is eligible to ride in August in time to race the Vuelta a España. Plainly, Riis would like to see the Spanish grand tour specialist wearing the Saxo Bank kit on the starting line. In his press statements, Contador has thanked the team for their support. But he will no doubt have offers from other teams between now and the end of his suspension.
Next up? The UCI is studying the status of the Saxo Bank Pro Tour license in light of the arbitration court's decision. Contador loses the points he earned between the 2010 Tour and the arbitration court decision this week. Saxo Bank could also lose those points, which would mean an end to their Pro Tour status.
On Twitter yesterday, Jonathan Vaughters, the president of the teams association hinted that the AIGCP might intervene in support of the Saxo Bank cause. It may yet be two to three weeks before a decision is announced on the Saxo Bank status.
Really, this is so much fun, I just don't want it to end.
0 recs | 234 comments
Attacking A. Schleck when Schleck’s chain dropped was enough bad karma that even if he did eat tainted beef he deserves his punishment.
Additionally, performance enhancement doesn’t matter, all that matters are their thresholds for banned substances.
MikeyGreen - February 7, 2012
Hmm, what was my favorite comment about that incident
I think it went something like “If you draw your sword and than drop it, expect to get stabbed”
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
What kind of a comment was that?
Surely we all expect the riders to hold hands and sing happy songs when they are racing. :D
flying dog - February 7, 2012
We Shall Overcome
Always works. Always.
TheFigurehead - February 7, 2012
Thank's Birgit
Jens - February 7, 2012
So moving forward in the non-court way..
Saxo would like Bert on the start line of the Vuelta and have the money to do so since they were already budgeted for him. But after this season Saxo needs/must buy some riders that have points with them and so keeping Bert after this year is more problematical. Possibly but up in the air.
Other teams swooping in to buy Bert for this Vuelta? Possible but they already have their budgets and teams together and most teams are full. (Last I looked only Lampre and BMC have space.) However they could possibly offer a better multi-year deal for Bert than Saxo can, with his salary going up substantially starting next year.
I presume the Spanish Pro Conti teams can’t afford him even for just the Vuelta. Might be wrong of course.
ursula - February 7, 2012
Yep
That all makes sense.
One more twist: Contador does not accrue points to a team for the next two years, because of the doping sanction. That might lower his price, though he will almost certainly bring results and exposure. A team that is secure in the points situation is the most likely suitor. I can’t imagine how he doesn’t take a pay cut, though Specialized has deep pockets and doesn’t care about points.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
holy phuck...if BMC were to hire him...
head explodes
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
Yeah
Talk about super teams…
ursula - February 7, 2012
How much did Riis pay him during his working vacation?
Drew Davis - February 8, 2012
As ursula points out, BMC has space--and money. And points up the wazoo.
majope - February 7, 2012
Space?
For his entourage too?
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
Not instantly, but when Greg Van "No, really, I'm fine being stomped by PhilGil...again" Avermaet leaves, that's one spot open.
majope - February 7, 2012
Besides, there's some good help there for him on BMC already.
majope - February 7, 2012
Yep.
And its not like he’s had Navarro, Hernandez, etc. etc. etc. follow him around to every team he’s been on. Plus non-Spaniards have enjoyed working with/for him like Tiralongo or Morkov.
The fact that Bert has spent almost all of his career on non-Spanish teams makes it easier for him to look abroad compared to say Valverde.
ursula - February 7, 2012
Indeed
Moinard, Tschopp, Frank, and Santaromita are all perfectly passable climbing domestiques, not to mention that one guy who guy who might as well have “Climbing domestique” tattooed on his forehead (though has he ever ridden the Vuelta?)
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Meh. Pretty shoddy support for the GT favourite imo.
tgsgirl - February 7, 2012
Honestly, Bert doesn't need more
ursula - February 7, 2012
True
Just saying, that isn’t much of a posse
tgsgirl - February 7, 2012
Space? For two recent Tour winners?
Douglas Ansel - February 7, 2012
yeah, good point there, for sure.
Intriguing.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
and cadel
ant1 - February 7, 2012
good point.
Evans would love working for Contador.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
or vice versa !!!!!
Willj - February 7, 2012
it will be the new Schleck brothers. Nobody will win.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
So if Cadel and Bert don't win
And neither do the schlecks… Does that mean we’ll see Menchov take it?
In reality, I’d expect that to play out like Astana a few years ago. Bert would win, Evans probably 3rd.
Douglas Ansel - February 7, 2012
You won't actually see Menchov win though
He will just appear on the final day wearing the leader’s jersey ….
muk - February 7, 2012
I really, really hope he does well. I missed him in 2011.
Seahorse - February 8, 2012
What about Team Sky?
When I think “made of money,” they’re the first team that comes to mind.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Thought they didn't hire dopers?
majope - February 7, 2012
Yeah. Don't think they will welcome him.
ursula - February 7, 2012
Bert’s no doper. Contaminated supplement, says CAS. And cleared of doping in Puerto too. And has TUE’s for most of his other drugs.
fmk - February 7, 2012
Again, Brailsford: "I don’t see us signing somebody who has come back after a doping ban."
majope - February 7, 2012
plus they will have the reigning tdf champion by then
falls off chair laughing
andrewp - February 7, 2012
good one!
ursula - February 7, 2012
Sergio Henao?
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
First Swedish Grand Tour winner since Gösta Pettersson of course
Jens - February 7, 2012
Unless, of course, he’s British and the local media quietly and conscientiously bury his doping positives, in which case … let’s hire Sean Yates!!!
fmk - February 7, 2012
Everyone's local media buries dope news of favorite sons
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Does that justify it?
fmk - February 7, 2012
No, not at all
They’re hypocrites, sure. They’re just not special or unique hypocrites, in any way.
Americans don’t want to hear about Lance or Levi doping.
Spaniards don’t want to hear about Bert or Valverde doping.
Italians don’t want to hear about Basso or Pellizotti doping.
Germans don’t want to hear about Ullrich doping.
And so on and such forth. Circle of life.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
I would never accuse the Brit media of being special.
fmk - February 7, 2012
true, but it’s a false legend that there were Frenchies on Festina
Willj - February 7, 2012
Judging by Brochard's hair, I'd say he was Canadian
Jens - February 7, 2012
+1 !
Willj - February 7, 2012
I'm unconvinced Sean Yates is exactly that...
civetta - February 7, 2012
Valverde never failed a doping test
yet what do most people consider him?
And CAS said that supplement contamination was the most likely explanation among a plethora of very unlikely things to have happened. They didn’t actually rule at all on how they felt the substance entered Contador – just that he didn’t prove it was unknowingly ingested in the beef.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Loads of junkies never failed doping tests.
fmk - February 7, 2012
that in itself doesn't make Contador (or anyone else) one though
andrewp - February 7, 2012
Read what I wrote. Please, read what I wrote.
fmk - February 7, 2012
fair point
yet non “dopers” can fail drug tests (baxter et al)
andrewp - February 7, 2012
The CAS isn't the truth fairy.
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
What CAS says
TheFigurehead - February 7, 2012
No facts please, it muddies the spin
Jens - February 7, 2012
It's so unlikely the contamination was caused from doping it is more likely it was caused from something highly unlikely
=suspension
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
There is the not mentioned fourth option
HE TOOK THE DAMN CLEN TO SLIM DOWN HIS FAT ASS IN TIME
Jens - February 7, 2012
The Bluffy excuse?
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
The Astana source that talked to Humo.
majope - February 7, 2012
We need either a crayon Bluffy or a Barbie Bluffy so we have a photo to post
Willj - February 7, 2012
Ha!
As if I’d play the enabler to that one :D
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Yet clen is used to fat up cattle?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
it is used to make them lean.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
and stop cow asthma
Willj - February 7, 2012
I think you're justjoshinme
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
The opposite
To keep the meat lean
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
K
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
er.......................
“I got my friend to drive to spain to buy some meat because the meat in the hotel wasn’t good………………………………”
FUCK LIKE THAT’S NOT THE BIGGEST CRAP I’VE EVER HEARD!!!!!!!! WAKE UP ALL YOU NAYSAYERS
Maratsafin - February 7, 2012
easy now pls :)
Willj - February 7, 2012
sorry
but…………………you know the rest ;)
Maratsafin - February 7, 2012
Neigh.
flying dog - February 7, 2012
I believe what they said was...
…meat thing and clen in transfused blood are both more unlikely than contaminated supplement.
Unlikely = less than 50% probability that it’s what was the case.
All in all, we’re not saying anything is likely.
Likely = better than 50% probability that it’s what was the case.
So, we have no idea what the fuck happened except that dude had clen in his bloodstream. Clen is banned. The ‘exculpatory’ scenario he presented is even less likely than some other accidental scenarios that we’ve seen before. Conclusion, Contador violated WADA code and earned a 2 year ban.
The reasoning here is actually perfectly consistent, and logical.
Ed K - February 7, 2012
Oh?
The only team I recall going on record saying “riders with doping clouds need not apply” was Vacansoleil (that of course only coming after and because of them getting caught with their pants down vis-a-vis Zeke and Tricky Ricky). Even Garmin will hire someone who has a past history of doping.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Different philosophy--Sky's is zero-tolerance.
Here’s a Brailsford quote from last year:
linkmajope - February 7, 2012
sky had a zero-tolerance commitment applying to riders and staff
tested during hiring of Michael Barry (associations and allegations related to USPS/Landis/Lance) and they interviewed Neil Stephens and had some issues with his past. Some info here: http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2011/feb/15/dave-brailsford-team-sky
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
Two words: Sean Yates.
fmk - February 7, 2012
They don't
or they used to be very vocal about it, but then they turned around and hired an ex-doper for a DS.
tgsgirl - February 7, 2012
Thanks all
Didn’t know any of that.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
when the opportunitry arise, people will fall in line.
I do think, however that Sky is too busy building a british story up.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
I'm sure a team owned by a company owned by Rupert Murdoch will stand by its high moral values...
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
Going back to Astana in 2013 is a possibility.
Oil prices are good etc.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
imagine points would be an issue for them.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
depends on how Kreuzeiger and Brajkovic performs this year I think.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
I forgot they snagged Jani (looks at my DS team again)
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
(looks at my DS team again)
Always ALWAYS that’s priority #1
ursula - February 7, 2012
Unless somebody unretires again
’s why he did it last time.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Astana is for the glory of Kazakhstan; Vino would have him back for that :)
And let’s not forget that last time, he toted drinks and worked for Bert. I actually think that Astana seems like a smart bet.
Seahorse - February 7, 2012
I've really taken to thinking of him as 'He who shall not be named'
Voldekourov has a good ring to it
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
+1
I like that. Voldekourov. Definitely a good sound to it.
Retancourt - February 8, 2012
Think about it.
Contador tests positive on Astana and the team signs him back at 25% discount.
Good deal.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
ha!
But his time at Astana was..up and down. Definitely I think they will bid for him but I think they won’t be his first choice.
ursula - February 7, 2012
agree, but its pretty clear the competition to sign him will be substantial.
Perhaps we are only looking at -10%
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Yep
ursula - February 7, 2012
I can see Omega Pharma trying to get a bit more cash from sugar daddy
and sign Contador. Leipheimer will not last for ever.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Huh, hadn't thought of that
but doesn’t sound too unlikely
tgsgirl - February 7, 2012
specialized connection...could fund it via the bike sponsor...
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
It would Immediately elevate the team to the top.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Sounds very plausible to me
ursula - February 7, 2012
Definitely a possibility.
They might be able to live without the points for a couple of years as well.
Retancourt - February 8, 2012
They don't have room for more riders
the team has 30 riders incl 5 neo pro, so they can’t take Contador this year, but of cause next year is a possibility.
LittleOldLady - February 8, 2012
Lefevere was said to be one of the more serious players the first time Bert went on the market
Aly Edge - February 8, 2012
but is he serious enough to sack one of his rides now, so he has room for Conta in August?
LittleOldLady - February 9, 2012
To a throw enother name out there
Movistar if signing Bert brings in some more Spanish sponsors.
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
He and Valverde are said to be friends
But that’s an awful lot of top-level talent not earning you any sporting criteria points. Safe as they’d be to get an invite to the Vuelta and probably the Tour, you never want to have to rely on wildcards if you can avoid it.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
They can scrape to 12th or so with their other riders
and bring in an insane amount of $$$$ if Valverde and Bert do what they do.
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
For 2013, maybe
What about 2014, when your two top point-earners still get you jack all for sporting criteria? That better be a truly insane amount of $$$ those new Spanish sponsors will bring in, since they’ll have to do a ridonkulous amount of point buying.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Valverde would be in his third year back by then
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
Right, so his points earned during 2014 would count
But when applying for the 2014 license?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Am I reading it wrong?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
by 2014 the rules will be changed to something else anyway, so don't worry about it...
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
+1, regrettably
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Either that, or they have less skilled riders feature in races for that reason
And lessen their chances of winning those races. Doesn’t sound too likely either, does it?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Christina Watches - Onfone
Because Chicken and the Hembos lives in a different reality than the rest of us.
TheFigurehead - February 7, 2012
You made me laugh
the worst thing is I would not be surprised to see a statement from them in tomorrows news about how they would welcome Conta and what a good support team they would give him.
That team never fails when it comes to make me laugh
LittleOldLady - February 7, 2012
Christina Hembo's husband seem to be an interesting person
And by interesting I mean that he’s just like the other two. Anyway, I read an article earlier today where they quoted Rasmussen and it didn’t really sound like he had any warm feelings toward Contador.
TheFigurehead - February 7, 2012
Well we are back to normal and I again disagree with you :)
I find Christina interesting and her husband embarrassing. I saw a program where they were looking to buy a very expensive house (more like a small castle) and he was so embarrassing that both the realtor (if that is what it is called) and his wife looked embarrassed.
LittleOldLady - February 7, 2012
It wasn't really a compliment
A few months ago he missed the point – probably on purpose – when a team manager from one of the Danish teams said CW will have problems controlling the Danish races because they will race a lot abroad. Hembo’s response made it sound like he thought he was some sort of heavyweight boxer talking trash before a fight. It was mostly embarrassing.
TheFigurehead - February 7, 2012
I recall a pledge to quite cycling if banned...
I am not a big contador fan, but I honestly hope he returns.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
damn sloppy spelling...meant quit
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
Yeah...he addressed that
He’s continuing in part for his fans.
ursula - February 7, 2012
how noble of him
Nomer - February 8, 2012
Contador's most important point was, I think,
that he feels the report acknowledges, agrees, that he did not dope. “Satisfaction” was what he came up with after a 5 second pause.
tedvdw - February 7, 2012
Ah, good catch.
I missed that bit, thanks.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Blerg
Well, this is clarifying from the Saxo POV: he’s off the books, but they’ll probably get him back on the books in six months. I mean, it’s not like you can spend that money on someone else in the meantime. And Contador probably feels some interest in coming back, with Riis saying all the right things. And nobody else will have a Contador-sized opening in their budget, except for the superteams, whose rosters are full.
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
er
Except then they have no license pointys. Hm… OK, this could get interesting.
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
One of two things could happen or both
1) Riis doesn’t re-sign Bert in the offseason and instead goes on a points buying spree
2) The teams make UCI change their points system
ursula - February 7, 2012
I'll take #2, actually.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Yes please
ursula - February 7, 2012
Innerring just tweeted something about the UCI rule regarding not getting points for 2 years after returning from a ban could be against WADA rules, something about adding to the punishment.
LittleOldLady - February 7, 2012
A bit like British Cycling "No Olympics for You, Doper" policy
Contador has millions of reasons (euros) to challenge the policy.
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
It's the BOA's policy
not BC’s.
civetta - February 7, 2012
especially if applied retrocatively
Willj - February 7, 2012
Ja
Don’t we all feel the same…..
A big NO F’N WAY to the prospect of revoking Saxo Bank’s World Tour license, though.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Yeah, I hear ya on the Saxo Bank thing
I think there should be some consequences for the teams in doping cases, but stripping the points after the license is already issued seems like the wrong answer.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
So you're saying they're going to do it?
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
They're studying it.
Answer in two to three weeks.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
I think at this point studying it = making it seem like we're taking the possibility seriously...
…but actually just giving ourselves time to take everyone’s temperature and acknowledge the fact that doing so would effectively destroy the sport and / or ensure a breakaway league starting as soon as one can be organized.
Ed K - February 7, 2012
sorry,
was snark – wrong answer means that’s what they’ll do
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
What consequences should befall this team in this case, though?
The adverse test came while he rode for someone else. They didn’t know about until after he’d signed. Then, he was cleared by RFEC.
Were they just supposed to sit the rider soaking up the majority of their payroll, for a year?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
apparently yes.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
No idea, honestly
I think in theory it makes sense for there to be a consequence for teams. But I feel like in practice, there really isn’t a good way to do it.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
The rule – that they may (not must) revoke licence – is there for egregious cases of fraud, more likely financial than sporting.
The prob with the no pts for two years for returned dopers rule is you can still buy points, if your pockets are deep enough. Best of both worlds: publicity and wins from returned dopers, points from someone else’s efforts. (Vaughters does actually have a point.)
fmk - February 7, 2012
Yeah
On this issue, Vaughters is right, I think.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Maybe we could all just point fingers as they ride by
at least for a race or two.
Katiek - February 7, 2012
I like how you think :D
Or, they could wear a D for Doper on their helmets? You know, something embarassing, but not especially costly.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Or we could just ignore the races they appear at and the teams they ride for. The sponsors would soon get the message.
fmk - February 7, 2012
Can't modern cameras
just un-see the dopers?
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
I've tried this line of argument with some journalists on twitter
Saying “Do you really need to put out all these stories on returning dopers. Sure, publish race results as it’s news but don’t give them additional coverage”. But even those that are vocally antidoping keep putting up the stories about “Valverde at his first teamcamp”, “DiLuca prepares for the season aimed at the Ardennes” and all the stuff that is generated by the fluff pressreleases and media events of the teams.
I’m guessing they are so pressed to produce content that they will pretty much use anything to fill space.
Jens - February 8, 2012
Is an arms race. They do it cause it they fear their competitors will do it. The competitors so it cause they fear …
And, somewhere, someone is reading it.
fmk - February 8, 2012
Yeah
It’s partly the infinite hunger of the internet for content. It’s also google baiting. You know people are going to google those riders’ names, so stories about them pick up some numbers without really trying. A better story on a lesser known neo-pro won’t have that benefit, sadly.
Jen See - February 8, 2012
I just found the elusive missing 2. in Chris's plan for success
1. Spend infinite amounts of time blogging about cycling
2. Infiltrate Google and manipulate “Sep” into the holy search algorithm
3. Profit !
Jens - February 8, 2012
Oh, a new scarlet letter!
tgsgirl - February 7, 2012
Yellow stars?
fmk - February 7, 2012
Mixed feelings
Never having been a fan of Contador (I can’t explain why) this evening I’ve started to really feel sorry for him. Someone needs to give him a big hug! I doubt he knowingly doped although the reasons given for failing tests are questionable at best. I suspect this is more to do with his management at Astana than Contador as a person. Similarly, the talk of Saxo Bank losing their licence for 2012 as a result is laughable. Whilst Bjarne Riis has history, they inherited the problem and have played by the rules along the way removal of their license when the season has already started is like shutting the door after the horse has bolted. The additional penalty of Contador not being able to earn UCI points for a team for two years is questionable too. Where did this sanction come from?
mypeloton - February 7, 2012
If he needs a hug
why not ask the Spanish Federation?
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
In their credit:
At least they didn’t give him a medal.
holmovka - February 7, 2012
Yet.
majope - February 7, 2012
Is it August 5th yet?
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
In my heart, Phil. In my heart.
ursula - February 7, 2012
+1
Bruce Suomi - February 8, 2012
Yes - You missed the Giro.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
TAKE THAT BACK!
I was close to saying is it May yet. But yes I am now in fact looking forward to the Vuelta more. I’m still hurt they let Zome go
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
I wouldn't worry too much about the Giro's mad king being deposed
Surely you’re well acquainted with this year’s route. It’s only marginally less insane than last year’s.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Too many sprints
keep them away
Phil H. - February 7, 2012
Giro = Cav territory now
Uphill - February 7, 2012
I knew you were a closet Tour de l'Ain fan
Willj - February 7, 2012
snort
Jen See - February 7, 2012
So Contador has to sign for a team that wants him but doesn't need him.
All while navigating to avoid a huge pay cut.
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
When you put it that way it sure does sound like BMC
Or perhaps Garmin, if they’ve got the cash.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Not if JV's tweets have any reliability.
And I don’t think Garmin would take him now, if they were ever serious. He’ll never confess, so he can’t be adequately reformed.
majope - February 7, 2012
Contador said he nearly transferred to Garmin in 2009, amid the Astana financial debacle
True that Vaughters never directly spoke to that, ongoing negotiations and such. Has he been speaking about Bertie recently? (well….everyone has, but I mean on this subtopic, of where he might end up)
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
Not that I know of. The tweets I were referring to were about Garmin's cash problems.
Vaughters did say that when they were considering Bert, it never got as far as checking his blood values, so I don’t think anything firm was ever on the table.
majope - February 7, 2012
So, does the two year ban apply to VDS points too?
(I’m kidding)
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
Bjarne's had a crappy couple years
phantom_51 - February 7, 2012
K a r m a
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
quite
Uphill - February 7, 2012
so what'd bjarne ever do?
(serious question)
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
He admitted to doping while winning the Tour de France for one
Willj - February 7, 2012
plus there are a number of doping related cases somewhat tied to his team:
Hamilton
Jaksche
Basso
F Schleck
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Mr 60%
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
training related case
in fschleck’s case.
ant1 - February 7, 2012
wasn't that a $20K check or something?
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
i think it was 7k
to a gynecologist, who are renown for their training acumen.
ant1 - February 7, 2012
getting stronger stomach muscles with help the TT
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Maybe Fränk had a leaking problem
and needed to do pinch-excercises?
Jens - February 7, 2012
he was only doping
to try to beat his brother in training.
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
food supplements
Uphill - February 7, 2012
oh, ok.
lot of karma floating around out there.
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
He freely admits to having doped during the '96 Tour
Do we think that was the only time during his career he did dope?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
and he only did it after just about every other Telekom rider admitted it first.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
True
I was just thinking that same sentence could/should be applied to Zabel
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
I agree - and I really liked Zabel. His admission was hard for me to deal with.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
that didn't bother him, Jaksche was the man who put serious pressure on Riis.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
Jaksche name pops up everywhere. I know he has Liberty Seguros/Wurth history. What history does he have with Riis?
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
He was riding for Riis and claimed he doped and Riis knew about.
Uphill - February 7, 2012
so he's not a hypocrite like the rest of them?
seems like good karma to me.
ant1 - February 7, 2012
no his hypocrite count was never above 60
Willj - February 7, 2012
rec'd --- well done
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
lol
ant1 - February 7, 2012
I would suggest "better karma" than most is a fair statement.
JustJoshinYa - February 7, 2012
so you know,
i wonder with all this karma talk, what do cyclists come back as after they die? Given the way cows look at me when i pass, i’m pretty sure i know the answer.
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
No
He clearly outlines when and where he doped in his autobiography. All from the easy stuff early on to the heavy EPO use starting at Ariostea and until he retired. No secret.
Jens - February 7, 2012
Most "fantastic" performance I remember from him,
was riding away from the field at Amstel.
tedvdw - February 7, 2012
meh
Watch the video of the team car during Flanders last year. A lot of DSs would kill for just one such moment.
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
I'm not sure about the "can't be under contract " thing
He just can’t participate in any team functions but unless there is some automatic firing-clause in the event of a sanction in Saxo’s contract he could still be under contract I think.
Jens - February 7, 2012
Interesting
ursula - February 7, 2012
I'd be shocked if every cyclist didn't have a "dope and you are canned" clause
lieutenantmudd - February 7, 2012
But they are probably
“dope and we reserve the right to can you”?
And there is probably a convenient “if the rider is ineligible for racing he is not entitled to be paid during that period”
Jens - February 7, 2012
+1
Uphill - February 7, 2012
there were some “dope and you must refund your salary” contracts recently as well
Willj - February 7, 2012
I remember Robbie Mcewan being outraged
Willj - February 7, 2012
Katusha's is "dope and pay FIVE TIMES your salary"
Now it makes sense why a by-all-appearances clean rider like Steegmans was spooked off by that. If he ate the wrong steak or took the wrong supplement he could be in the poorhouse.
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
yep, have a bad start to season and the team chef might get ordered by the DS to serve Mexican steak soup
Willj - February 7, 2012
He could work customer support.
The Saxobank trading platform is also available in Spain and in Spanish
Willj - February 7, 2012
Sweet!
He’d have to move to India though. On the upside, less likely to be served beef there.
Jens - February 7, 2012
He could supplant that Saxo Bank trader
who regularly pitches up on the BBC as an enjoying-it-all-rather-too-much harbinger of economic doom.
civetta - February 7, 2012
comment of the day
Chris Fontecchio - February 7, 2012
Hmm
Possible. But from the comments of Riis, I would be surprised if he was still under contract.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
The offical contract is gone, but if Saxo-Bank have the smarts, the new contract should already be signed and sitting in the filing cabinet, waiting to be submitted. (If it’s not already signed, why stand by their man?)
Then again, cycling and foresight don’t go hand in hand. Look at RCS, only now trying to work out how to respond to havng to rewrite their results …
fmk - February 7, 2012
Ha!
Oh noes! I need a new trophy! Aww, poor Giro.
Yeah, I wouldn’t be surprised if there weren’t already an agreement done and signed. Or, a pretty fucking tight agreement to sign.
Jen See - February 7, 2012
Ugh, I need a break from this headache
Our sport sure is a grand one, ain’t it folks?
Aly Edge - February 7, 2012
our sport
is the senile grandparent that we all love but who is better off kept locked away in the attic.
yeehoo - February 7, 2012
Actually I thinking of cycling as rebellious unruly, unpredictable teenager son or daughter.
Whom you always will love, no meter how much worry and harm he or she brings to you.
holmovka - February 7, 2012
You have lucky children ;)
Seahorse - February 7, 2012
what?
and i don’t have lucky grandparents?
yeehoo - February 8, 2012
Possible Appeals
The only Swiss court he can appeal to is the Bundesgericht (our highest court) which can only overturn a CAS ruling if the CAS made any errors in their process, meaning that Contador’s lawyers have to find something if they want to have any success.
As to the European Courts, I don’t think that Contador can appeal to any of them at the moment.
TheElrad - February 7, 2012
An appeal to any other court than the Swiss Supreme Court would be precedent-setting
(read: not happening) The Swiss Supreme Court could not rule on the evidence, as you said, and they have very little if any history of overturning CAS rulings.
It’s over (at least, this part of it is – we still have fun & games with Saxo’s license).
Aly Edge - February 8, 2012
Never mind, Contador. I'm on pins and needles awaiting the big Ullrich ruling.
Katiek - February 8, 2012
Frites or Saucisson?
Willj - February 8, 2012
uh, both
und eine grosse bier, bitte!
yeehoo - February 8, 2012
I can't even remmeber what they're deciding in the Ullrich case.
Jen See - February 8, 2012
Who's Ullrich?
Jens - February 8, 2012
grand fondo rider from germany
ex competitive eating champ
ant1 - February 8, 2012
yer thinkin of "Max Kraft"
who only listens to Max Panic
and only watches Max Headroom.
R Mc - February 8, 2012
Guy who used to come in 2nd all the time in the Tour, but he did win one...
No, wait—that’s Andy Schleck.
majope - February 8, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Podium Cafe to post a comment.