Stephen Hodge resigns from Cycling Australia

The huge upheaval that that affected cycling over the last week has now moved to Canberra. ACT cyclist and former Tour de France participant, Stephen Hodge resigned from his position as vice-president of Cycling Australia. Hodge admitted to taking performance enhancing drugs for 6 years, to be competitive and to secure his spot in his team for the big races like the Tour de France.

http://www.cycling.org.au/default.asp?Page=48093

Hodge raced on the European race circuit for around 10 years.  He raced and finish 6 Tours de France, 4 Giro d’Italia’s, 4 La Vuelta’s, virtually every Classic, 10 World Championships, an Olympics and a Commonwealth Games.  He raced with ONCE and Festina.  Two teams with a interesting history.

Cycling Tips has an extensive article on Hodge. http://www.cyclingtips.com.au/2011/06/where-are-they-now-stephen-hodge/

Stephen Hodge has been a very good ambassador of cycling in this country and importantly in Canberra. He sits on the board of Amy Gillet Foundation and works with the Cycling Promotion Fund. The criterium track in Canberra is named after Hodge.

However, he could not continue in his role at Cycling Australia given they were considering doping in Australian cycling given his admission.



This was a courageous decision by Stephen.  He gave up everything with his admission of doping.

Stephen spoke to ABC Grandstand's Tim Gavel in an open, transparent and frank interview. You can listen to it at:
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-10-19/interview-stephen-hodge/4323380

Hodge is a true leader. I hope others in Australia and around the world will take a similar position.  Somehow I doubt that will occur.