Cal Naughton Jr.

I’d like to hop on this comment to distract from the Suits binge-watchers. That’s a wonderful sentiment, Robin. I applaud those two girls for their courage and bravery which has spared more potential victims (and all the associated collateral damage to families). Bear in mind that in addition to the offenses, the victims and their families have been dealing with the fallout of reporting it since February of last year. We won’t ever know if there are other victims, but may all involved see justice and healing. Secondary to this, it’s commendable that CSA’s whistleblowing and disciplinary structures worked.

Stolen: Swift Neurogen (TT) 2015 When: 21/08/2023Where: Cape Town City Centre, Cape Town, Western CapeTT bike Size XS (52cm) SRAM Red 10sp groupset Reynolds discGet further details about the incident in the Stolen Bikes section.

SARS

Posting on behalf a friend, Devin Shortt, who has spent the past seasons racing in Europe. He is doing the Zwift Pro Academy where the winning rider is awarded a professional contract. He's looking to rent a smart trainer for the month of September. The trainer needs to be a direct drive trainer (Wahoo Kickr or similar). Obviously, he is happy to pay a negotiable rate to rent the trainer as well as a cash deposit. If you are willing to help out (or know of someone) please send Devin a Whatsapp on 071 402 0731.

You're correct. Initially, I was of the opinion that one doesn't accidentally ingest heptaminol. The more digging I did, the more plausible it seems. Actually a lot of stuff that contains it. Fact remains that he satisfied the anti-doping tribunal. That does count for something.

Heptaminol has seen previous high profile positives. Fofonov and Georges. The drug is easily available in France and I'd assume other European countries too. It is sold over the counter as a "specified substance". Heptaminol is mostly used to treat low blood pressure. It is also found in Kynoselen (anabolic steroid). I suspect his given a defense of accidental ingestion. It is a very weird substance to ingest accidentally, but the defense has satisfied the anti-doping tribunal it seems. Of course, the court of public opinion will have their say too. It is plausible that there was some accident - possibly a clueless doctor with a prescription. But blood pressure meds is one hell of an accident.

That's strange. Could've sworn I saw a Team ASG rider in the elite bunch using disc breaks on every stage (except the final stage). And might I add, he did so without penalty.

The climb all the way to the top is 3km. Climb to amphitheatre is 1,6km. So that's halfway (or 53,3% of the way to the top). It was cool last year to cross the finish line with the monument and valley view in the backdrop. Kinda defies the point of finishing up a climb if you only go halfway up. Old finish: http://image.prntscr.com/image/25090aad67ef4aa5bd893118000161cd.png New finish: http://image.prntscr.com/image/0bc24a75ee9f42b7a007833ce8d7f001.png The coolest had to be a few years back when the elites did a circuit with the dirt road and had the finish line at the top. Always hoped they would open that up to other categories too.

Let's look at Damean's results: SA TT - 5th (36min, 15 sec) SA Road Champs - 2nd (3hr, 10 min) Selection Criterium - 2nd (31min, 29sec) Selection TT - 2nd (35min, 6sec) Selection Road - 2nd (2hr, 11min) If you compare the average of all the juniors' placings throughout the above 5 events, Damean ranks 2nd (after Greg de Vink). Greg averaged 2,5; Damean averaged 3. However, if you compare all the times of the juniors' throughout the 5 events, Damean ranks 1st. On paper and with simple statistics, you can objectively measure and compare performance - especially in terms of consistency. The argument that Damean wasn't selected based on how he raced works doesn't appear to be valid. Did he get lucky 2nd places in 4/5 events? Surely there can't be much of a fault in your racing style with results such as these? FYI, I don't know Damean personally. I do think the fact that he was left out is a travesty.

They even selected someone who wasn't at the "selection" race.

Seems like another selection farce. What's new? Uhm, no?

Okay, well, an 18.3km descent to Prince Albert then. And are you not familiar with the Caves road and Ullrich then? It's not exactly a flat run-in to the (Strava segment) beginning of the climb.

I don't really have much evidence for the prior.

I think you should be fine with that provided your tank isn't empty at the foot of the pass. Seeing that guys are saying its regraded, it should make those steep kicks hurt a little less. If it makes you feel better I'm running a 53/39 and 11/28.

Entered and ordered my 28mm from CRC. Just hope my frame has enough clearance. Used to live in George so I know Swartberg all too well - probably the coolest pass in the country. Hats off to the organisers for having the balls to start this event (the first for SA). I can see this becoming as popular as an Attakwas/Karoo2Coast for its unique format. I've been taking my road bike on the gravel roads of George for the past 2 years to spice up training and rode the Flemish cobbles last year - trust me, cobbles are way worse. Being said, I'm yet to be made aware of a 20km cobble climb or descent. Will be hairy down Swartberg with anything less than a CX bike/knobblies.

What a facking joke.

Very proud of the way Songezo is riding his first GT. A really nice guy with a very inspirational story behind his name.

Also, I would just like to add that being in possession of a syringe (if he so happens to be innocent) really sounds like amateur hour. At that level you should know exactly what will land you in trouble

In response to those speculating to how it could have been found, it could've been a "random" (aka targeted) search by anti-doping guys. Interestingly enough, whilst I travelled with my team into France from Belgium in August, we were pulled off by the French douane (customs). Our camper and team car (which we rented from Caja Rural) was thoroughly searched. They went as far as reading through our team manager's notebook! Apparently it is standard procedure for them to stop and search cycling team vehicles in an attempt to find illegal substances. Perhaps it was something to this extent and Rourke's bag was searched? However, I doubt that Andorran customs would be updated on anti-doping laws and having a syringe in your possession isn't illegal. This is why I believe it was a targeted search by anti-doping officials. So what if he was targeted? It doesn't mean he's guilty. I don't think it's fair to pass judgement on the guy just yet. Edit: Of course, no discretion is needed when the "system" proves he's guilty.

Hey guys! I hope you can help me. I'm interested in buying a 50mm wheelset from UAM (HongFu). Despite their interesting grammatical use and vocabulary their service is actually pretty good. Anyway, costs are as follows: Wheelset: $470 + 4% PayPal charge = $490 (rounded off) Shipping: $120 Total: $610 What are the import duties I need to pay on this? I'm not quite sure what the rate will be or whether I'd have to pay VAT on the amount as well? If anyone could clear this up it would be very appreciated. If it turns out to be about 10grand in the end I might as well buy something from DarkHorse or Blackspade.

Has anybody bought wheels from DengFu or HongFu? If so, are they reliable wheels and how was the service? I need a new pair of wheels after mine broke, but I can't afford to pay 15 grand for a Zipp or Mavic set.

Swartberg!

I think it's a great idea. A XC course that is not above everybody's level. Easy enough for 90% of riders, but not a simple lap race. I believe the profits should go to the Stander family or Songo.info. However, let us not do anything yet. Just stay calm for a few months and with the help and consent of the Stander family, something like this could be organised. It is very important that the Stander family be involved and nothing should be done without their knowledge and permission. Things should be kept formal and official.

I have 2 cousins who play/have played for Paarl Gymnasium's first team rugby. According to them, they're school has a strict anti-steroid and doping policy and regulations. However, they say that in other schools it's relatively easy to get hold of steroids, in fact, in some cases the coaches encourage the use of it! Disgusting! That had me thinking, at junior (u/18) and under-23 level it is very competitive and sponsorship is sought after. Many upcoming youngsters have cycling fixed as their career choice and because of this securing a sponsorship is extremely important. I think that in some cases the level of tough competition might pressure some youngsters into different measures of 'developing talent'. This is a cruel and vicious circle and as of yet we've been lucky to see no reported cases and I hope it stays that way. It may sound ridiculous, but I think u/18 and u/23 riders must be monitored as well, not just the elites.

Hi all, In this topic we can discuss whether not the Sky team, i.e. Bradley Wiggins and Chris Froome are dopers or not. We can also discuss the credibility of other cyclists, such as Armstrong and Co., etc. I'll start: Chris Froome is no doper. He has showed consistent results throughout his career. Lately his experience has paid off. Also, Armstrong is no doper and he is an exceptional natural talent.