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.
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.
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.
The Australia media was running hot two days ago with the story that Matt White was mentioned in the USADA 'reasoned decision' that led to the disqualification of Lance Armstrong and the potential for all his Tour de France victories to be stripped from the record books. White has since admitted to doping while riding with the US Postal Team and he resigned from his positions from Cycling Australia and Orica GreenEdge.
Cycling Australia has come out today and admitted that more Australian may actually be involved in the doping affair. They are talking about an amnestry. [Now that is just sweeping the problem under the carpet].
Tyler Hamilton dropped a bucket on Lance Armstrong in 2011 with his accusation that Armstrong used performance enhancing drugs when he won his Tour de France titles. We now know for USADA's 'reasoned decision' that a large number of Armstrong's team mates at US Postal Team used performance enhancing drugs, including Hincapie, Hamilton, Landis, White, Leipheimer, Vande Velde, Vaughters and Zabriskie. Other also testified against Armstrong. The common factor here is all these riders rode for US Postal Team. That is not denied.
The story ran hot in the world media. In Australia, AM, one of premier current affairs programs on the ABC, picked up the story. It interviewed Patrick Jonker, who rode for the US Postal Team in 2000. I will note that he only rode for the team for one year. He did not ride for the team in the Tour de France.
In the interview with AM, Jonker said
PATRICK JONKER: My time at US Postal I didn't see anything that
indicated any sort of cheating that Tyler alleges. Now he's making these
allegations and he's also going to bring his autobiography out and you
sort of, you wonder sometimes the motives of what they're saying and why
they're doing it.
ANNA HIPSLEY: So you don't believe Tyler Hamilton's telling the truth?
PATRICK
JONKER: No, no, my only statement is that with my time at US Postal I
saw nothing and also he didn't give any indication, like I was rooming
with Tyler Hamilton for quite a time actually.
ANNA HIPSLEY: You never saw any pills in his fridge or never saw him injecting anything?
PATRICK JONKER: So that's my statement from an ex-teammate at that period.
It is now clear from the USADA dossier that doping was rife in US Postal at the time that Jonker was at the team. Jonker's assertions could not be any further from the truth. Doping was happening all around him and it seemed that most of the team was participating in these activities. Jonker has not been mentioned in the USADA Report and there have been no indications that he has been involved in dubious activities.
I do however ask why Jonker was being very clear in relation to the team's doping activities given the evidence that has been provided over the last week. Given the events of the past week, it would be been advisable for Jonker not to make any comments. Defending a friend and past team mate can be problematic.
Past riders should not be asked to partake in these type of interviews. Silence would be best as people will go back after the event and question their statements.
Who can forget the surprise sacking of head directeur sportif, Matt White, from Garmin-Cervolo during the 2011 Tour Down Under. It was reported at the time that White was sacked for referred former team rider Trent Lowe to Dr Luis Garcia del Moral of the
Sports Institute of Valencia in April 2009, breaking the team's internal
policy that all medical referrals are approved by the team's medical
staff.
Del Moral was the head of medical staff of the US Postal team between 1999 - 2003 and has been implicated in the USADA case against Lance Armstrong, which accuses Armstrong of being at the centre of an elaborate doping conspiracy.
White was sacked one week after the launch the GreenEdge cycling team that would be competing for a in World Tour licence. It was widely reported at the time that White that the true reason behind his sacking was being groomed for a role at GreenEdge and he might take with him several young Australian riders that were riding with Garmin.
White riding for US Postal Team
White has now been implicated in the USADA Armstrong dossier. One of the rider's testimony has accused White of taking drugs while riding with the US Postal Team. This occurred at the same time that Vaughters was riding with US Postal. Vaughters has since admitted to doping while riding for US Postal.
White has not made a public statement on these accusations. However, it now becomes clearer why Vaughters took this drastic action back in 2011. Given his personal knowledge of doping at the US Postal team, he would have had a genuine concerns that White was dealing with Dr Del Moral.
Postscript: Since I wrote this Blog, Matt White has admitted to doping and has stepped down from his roles as Cycling Australia and Orica GreenEdge.
In his media statement, White said, "I am sad to say that I was part of a team where doping formed part of
the team's strategy and I, too, was involved in that strategy".
"My involvement is something I am not proud of and I sincerely apologise
to my fans, media, family and friends who trusted me, and also to other
athletes in my era that consciously chose not to dope." White
said.
Cycling Australia is in damage control. Cycling Australia will meet to this week to discuss the fall out from the Lance Armstrong Affair. The Herald Sun has reported that the CAhas admitted his organisation was perhaps "naive'' in appointing Matt White to key roles.
After the poor team selections at the Olympics and the World Championships, I am glad that we have seen the back of Matt White. I just hope that he will not reappointed in the future when this issue has settled down.
Newspapers around the world have reeled off article after article on the one of the world's, if not not the greatest, sporting fraud after the USADA released its dossier of evidence that it used to disqualify Lance Armstrong for doping violations.
It was not long until an Australian cyclist would be implicated in this messy affair. Matt White rode with Armstrong at the US Postal for several years. Cycling Australia reacted swiftly by issuing a media release after it was reveal that Matt White was identified as a drug user in the USADA Report. Cycling Australia President, Mr Klaus Mueller called for more resources for drug testing and time to analyse the details raised in the Report. "Until we've had a chance to do that it's impossible to say whether any
Cycling Australia members are implicated", Mueller said.
White was not the only Australian cyclist named. American rider, who currently riders for Omega Pharma Quick-Step, Levi Leipheimer raised in his affidavit that Michael Rogers one of several cyclists who attended training camps in 2005 at Tenerife, in the Canary Islands, with Dr Michele Ferrari. It has been widely reported that Rogers had a short relationship with Ferrari between 2005 and 2006. Rogers indicated to Rupert Guinness either this week that linking with Ferrari was a mistake and it may have ''tainted'' his reputation. Rogers said in 2006: ''I rated him because I think he is the best coach
in the world. He has made some mistakes, and I think he has learnt
from them. But with me, he never mentioned anything of that [drugs]. It
was just hard work and training. I have nothing to hide.'' Rogers severed his relationship on the advice from his German team - T-Mobile.
Image replicated from The Age.
Ferrari is a disgraced Italian cycling coach who has had a long association with dubious training practices. In October 2004, Michele Ferrari was sentenced to one year prison
(suspended) and a fine of 900 euros, for sporting fraud and abusive
exercise of the profession of Pharmacy. He was later absolved of all charges on appeal in 2006. However, his time was up in July 2012 when the US Anti-Doping Authority issued Ferrari a lifetime
sports ban for numerous anti-doping violations including possession,
trafficking, administration and assisting doping. Ferrari was banned by the Italian Cycling Federation (FCI) on the back
of rider testimony relating to his activities and in February 2002, the
body announced that it would hand down suspensions of up to six months
to riders who were found to have consulted with him. Earlier this year, the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) banned Pozzato for collaborating with Ferrari.
Rogers has lived and worked in Italy for many years. He should have known that the FCI did not want Italian riders being associated with Ferrari.
Leipheimer's affidavit does not accuse Rogers of used drugs. It only reveals that Rogers was present at the training camp. Given the association with Ferrari during 2005 and 2006, it would not be unusual for Rogers to be present at European training camps where all Ferrari athletes were present. However, it will not stop people jumping to conclusions about Rogers given the furore that has abrupted this week.
I am sure that Cycling Australia will be looking at USADA 'reasoned decision' very closely. However, given the mounting evidence questioning the practices of Ferrari dating back to 2002, Rogers could have saved himself a lot of grief by never associated himself with Ferrari, even if he was the best coach at the time.
Suzuki-Trek kicks off the 2012 Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania today with the team time trial from Cascade to the summit of Mount Wellington. At a height of over 1200 metres, there will be no time for a quick brew for the boys as the road hit an average 7% gradient over the last few 12 kms.
The Caterpillar Underground Mining Tour of Tasmania is a nine stage race over 6 days. The 552.4km journey begins in the state’s capital, Hobart, today, starting with a grand parade of riders from Constitution Dock
to Cascade Brewery, and finishes with a Kermese in Devonport.
Riding for Suzuki-Trek in Tasmania are:
Tim Cameron
Sam Sautelle
William Lind
Josh Berry
Ben Hill
Josh Berry and Ben Hill are the team's guest riders.
Marc Williams from Team Budget Forklifts will also be racing in Tasmania.
After another successful season on the US pro tour circuit, Rory Sutherland (United Healthcare) will move across the Atlantic and race for SaxoBank-Tinkoff Bank in 2013. Sutherland joins Saxo Bank on a two year contract.
Sutherland has had a prolific 2012 with overall GC wins at the Tour of Gila and Tour de Beauce (Canada). In addition, he picked up stage wins at the Tour of Utah and Stage 6 mountain top finish on top of Flagstaff Mountain during the US Pro Cycling Challenge.
In the Saxo Bank Press Release, team owner Riis said "Rory is a rider, who I believe can be a very important for our team.
Throughout the talks we have had, I have gotten to know him as a great
guy, genuine and dedicated to his job. His results also show, that he is
a versatile rider, who is able to climb well and finish off races, when
the opportunity is there. So for me it was natural to give him the
chance to perform at the highest level".
I expect to see Sutherland to be a climbing domestique for Contador in either the Giro or the Tour de France after he showed that he was a very capable climber. But he think he has the capacity to win races if given the opportunity.
"I have been racing in the States for six years, and I have pretty much
taught myself how to race at this level. I have had some fantastic
experiences and had great support from my team, and I'm happy I could
repay that with some great results," Sutherland said in response to his impending shift to the World Tour in 2013. "But now I also felt it was time for a
change and to figure out how far I can go on the very top level. I
really believe Bjarne Riis and Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank was the best
choice for me on this journey. I like Bjarne's focus on team spirit, and
the way the team is run and structured appeals to me. I believe this is
an environment, where I can thrive and perform on a personal level and
help the team achieve results," he later said.
Sutherland will join fellow Australians Jonathan Cantwell, David Tanner, Luke Roberts and neo-pro Jay McCarthy.
Good luck to Rory in 2013.
Sutherland claiming Stage 6 of the US Pro Challenge
The cycling focus this week shift to Limberg, Netherlands, where the 2012 UCI Road World Championships are taking place. Five ACT riders are riding in different events.
UCI ROAD WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS - SUMMARY
Aussie junior Allison Rice kicked off preceding for ACT riders at this year's Championships in the women's junior individual time trial. On a cold, wet and gloomy day, Allison managed to get around the course in 19th spot - 1.32 minutes down on eventual winner Elinor Baker (silver medallist in 2011). It was a huge result for Rice considering Barker's
performance.
Top 10 - Women's Junior Time Trial
1 BARKER Elinor GBR
2 LUDWIG Cecilie Uttrup DEN+35.87
3 DE JONG Demi NED +1:03.13
4ROPER Emily AUS+1:08.18
5FORCHINI Ramona SUI
+1:10.42
6MOTTET Eva FRA+1:11.59
7SIGGAARD Christina DEN+1:13.26
8 LECHNER Corinna GER+1:13.35
9ZIJLAARD Nicky NED+1:14.84
10 OYARBIDE JIMENEZ Lourdes ESP+1:15.26
After the junior TT, the focus shifted to the women's junior road
race. It was a 80.5km (5 laps of the circuit) around the Limburg. GB's Lucy Garner
took out the road race in a bunch finish. Rice worked well to compatriot Emily Roper secure a top 10 finish. Rice finished the race in 59th spot, 3 minutes and 27 seconds down.
Top 10 - Women's Junior Road Race
1 GARNER Lucy GBR2:11:26
2 BRUSTAD Eline Gleditsch NOR
3 STRICKER Anna Zita Maria ITA
4 WILLIAMSON Sophie NZL
5 DRUYTS Jessy BEL
6POCYTE Rasa LTU
7GUTIERREZ RUIZ Sheyla ESP
8LUDWIG Cecilie Uttrup DEN
9ROPER Emily AUS
10RATAJCZAK Alicja POL
11COPPENS Kirsten NED
12VAN DER MEULEN Kaat BEL
Saturday, 22 September was a big race day for ACT riders. Three riders were participating in the two events, with Drapac's Adam Phelan the best chance for a medal.
The day started off with the under 23 road race. It started at a fast and furious pace and it rarely settled down over the 177.1kms. Unfortunately for Adam Phelan he had a puncture (with five laps to go) and two bike changes after a broken derailleur around three laps from the finish. Phelan could not break free with the peloton after a attack with a lap to go.
Phelan heads back home and will compete at the Tour of Tasmania with Drapac.
After the under 23 mens road race, the focus shifted to the women's elite road race. Two riders were in the Australia team, Gracie Elvin and Jessie Maclean. Unfortunately there was a massive fall in the women's race that took out half the field. It appears that Gracie and Jessie were caught up in the crash. Jessie finished in 71st spot and Gracie in 72nd spot. Both finished 6.04 minutes down on the winner, Marianne Vos.
Top 10 - Women's Elite Women's Race
1VOS Marianne NED3:14:29
2NEYLAN Rachel AUS3:14:39 +10
3LONGO BORGHINI Elisa ITA3:14:47 +18
4 NEBEN Amber USA3:15:02 +33
5VAN DER BREGGEN Anna NED3:15:24 +55
6RATTO Rossella ITA3:18:09 +3:40
7VILLUMSEN Linda Melanie NZL3:19:06 +4:37
8 17 ARNDT Judith GER
9JOHANSSON Emma SWE
10BRZEZNA-BENTKOWSKA Paulina POL
Rabobank's Michael Matthews is currently riding in the men's elite road race - the last race on the program.
Well done to all the ACT riders that represented Australia.
WEEKLY WRAP OF RACES
The road season is slowly coming to a end after a huge season for ACT riders. Miffy Galloway has returned back home and Fabio Calabria will be back in the next two weeks. Let's hope we see them at the CCC Summer Criterium.
Canberra riders participating at internatioanl events and domestic events include:
Ben Hill, Mitch Lovelock-Fay and Joe Lewis have been riding in the Tour of China II over the last week. Mitch is currently 5th on the GC and Joe Lewis 16th after 4 stages. Both riders had a strong stage 4 TT.
A number of Canberra riders were participating at the NSW Elite, U23 & U19 Road Championships and Kurrajong Classic this weekend. These included Marc Williams, Etienne Blumstein-Jones, Mitch Flynn, David Gillies, Kris Johnston, William Lind, Matthew Rizzuto. Competing in the u23 were Alastair Loutit and Laurent Groom. In the women's elite were Lisa Keeling and Yvette Fisher. There were also a number of riders in the under 19 races. No update on results, but a quick review of twitter indicates no success for ACT riders.
