TimW

Oh, and I can confirm that is his cell number ....

I know Murray well ... he is a respected journo and has an interest in outdoor sports (he has also covered the Epic a few times for Argus -- and other events such as Wines 2 Whales). I know how he was alerted to the story and you can trust him ... give him a call and it will probably help all cyclists and help stop the "crime wave".

SA Cycling Champion Gets Maximum Sentence Cape Town – 5 December, 2012 – SA Institute for Drug-Free Sport (SAIDS) has announced that South African cycling champion, David George, who tested positive for the banned drug EPO (Erythropoietin) has received a two year ban from sport, following sentencing on Saturday. “George waived his right to attend his hearing, which went ahead anyway on 1 Dec,” says Khalid Galant, CEO, Institute for Drug-Free Sport. “He admitted guilt prior to the hearing and preferred the sanction to be determined as soon as possible. The athlete has the right to waive his participation in a hearing without prejudice.” The hearing was conducted by an independent tribunal. “In addition to the ban, any points or prize money obtained after the 5th Nov is forfeited and monies have to be repaid,” Galant adds. “Money has to be repaid to race organisers of the Cape Pioneer Trek MTB race, which David George/ Kevin Evans won after Nov 5th and results will have to be re-issued.” Commenting on the sentence George received, Galant says: “George claims his EPO doping was isolated to himself and he could not provide us with information in terms of an infrastructure of doping. Hence he received the standard two-year ban, as there were no grounds for a reduction in this sanction.” However, Galant says that George has committed to assist SAIDS in its test planning so that SAIDS target testing can be even more robust in addressing doping in endurance sport. “As a former professional cyclist he provides a unique lens into how our test distribution planning can mitigate against high doping risk periods and what is going through the minds of athletes when they attempt to beat the system,” he says. “We welcome this commitment from George as part of attempt to atone for the doping offense to the cycling community.” SAIDS warned the sports community a year ago that they would be vigorous in their testing of both the blood and urine of SA's top athletes. “We will continue to aggressively target EPO dopers and we will be increasing 'out of competition' testing of cyclists for EPO, a hormone that artificially increases the red blood cell count therefore increases the athlete’s oxygen carrying capacity, and, in turn, enhances performance,” says Galant. Galant says that SAIDS will be increasing the quantity of testing not only to cycling but also to other endurance sports like triathlon, running and canoeing. “The monies pledged by Nedbank and other companies to clean up sport will be exclusively used for testing,” he adds. George, one of SA’s top cyclists, a former Olympian, a podium finisher in the Cape Epic, and a former Lance Armstrong teammate on the US Postal Service Cycling team 1999-2000, tested positive in an out-of-competition test conducted by the South African Institute for Drug-Free Sport on 29 August 2012. The athlete biological passport is an essential tool in the fight against doping. “His biological passport, which analyses the athletes blood profile, indicated suspicious activity that triggered a targeted EPO test which showed possible manipulation of the blood profile and a subsequent urine test came back positive for the banned EPO drug,” says Galant. -Ends- About the Institute of Drug-Free Sport Drug-Free Sport is a public entity that promotes participation in sport that is free from the use of prohibited substances or methods intended to artificially enhance performance, thereby rendering impermissible doping practices, which are contrary to the principles of fair play and medical ethics, in the interest of the health and well-being of sportspersons. The institute’s efforts include anti-doping strategy in sport; education on drugs in sport; and collaboration with other national anti-doping agencies throughout the world. The Drug-Free Sport Act grants the Institute for Drug-Free Sport statutory drug testing powers and the authority to conduct and enforce a national anti-doping programme. By virtue of the Institute’s legislative ambit, national sports federations are obligated to co-operate with the Institute. For more information go to www.drugfreesport.org.za <http://www.drugfreesport.org.za>

While CSA has issues and I think it is far from perfect, the are at worst a necessary evil. According to Sascoc regulations, cycling has to have one regulatory body that conforms to Sascoc constitution and that means having provincial structures (which I think is why PPA had to be ousted). CSA is it (if it was not CSA it would be a different acronym but probably have the same people), so whether we like it or not, CSA is probably here to stay -- if you are not happy with what they do, you could try and run for office and change things (I know I do not want to). Are they worthwhile? As I said I think they have their faults and there are areas worthy of a lot of criticism. But they also do a lot of good behind-the-scenes work from administering a calendar to choosing teams (OK, I do not know how well they do that -- ask Cherise) to bidding for international events to training officials and getting them accredited to providing insurance to race organisers (without which there would not be races or they would be much more expensive) to dealing with government to making sure you are not horribly ripped off by race organisers to making sure race organisers have proper safety structures in place to making sure teams can compete overseas (how many of you enjoyed seeing Burry at London 2012, or Greg Minnaar win World Champs -- without CSA neither would have happened). For all of that and more, R35 a race is maybe not that bad. However, if you ride more than two races a year, the R35 is only an issue if you are a bit dim. Rather take out CSA membership for the massive sum of R75 and you do not have to pay R35 a race ... so if you ride three races it costs R25, and ride 10 races it costs you R7.50 a race -- you club membership will almost certainly cost you more. I will moan about CSA with the best of them, but I think the bottom line is that all sports need some sort of administration and structures and for cycling we have CSA -- unless we want get off our bikes and spend time being administrators.

Hope this has not been posted before, but and interesting viewpoint on CRC and other online shops ... An open letter from Matt Holmes of 2020 BMX Magazine to Chain Reaction Cycles, the largest online retailer in the cycling industry (in response to Chain Reaction Cycles enquiring about advertising in his magazine). Hey Ged, thanks for getting in touch with the magazine. So firstly, I may as well get this out of the way. Chain Reaction will never have a place in 2020, BMX on these shores or (if i have it my way) any Australian cycling media. To take on advertising from you would signal the death of not only my publications, but the DVD’s, TV productions, events I’ve put years into building up. I’d go as far as to say the industry I know here as a whole would be in jeopardy. How you honestly think you can expect me to work with Chain Reaction is beyond me? Arrogant is the only word that I can think of to describe the way Chain Reaction works. Chain Reactions presence is one that I’ve seen begin to destroy the industry I have lived and breathed amongst as a rider and beyond for more than 25 years. Luckily BMX is not yet under your thumb like the road and MTB worlds on these shores and thats something we’re working very hard to ensure never changes. At ground zero within the BMX community here and hopefully the larger BMX industry world wide. I can add you to the likes of Dans Comp in the way your business model takes from our scene locally. Taking dollars and jobs from a scene that is small to start with is something I now have to take personally for my own survival. But to add the real truth, your avoidance of Australian Goods and Services Taxes, import duties and warranty costs by your offshore business model, the industry here is simply unable to compete. So not only do you take dollars from the bike industry on an unfair playing ground, you’re taking dollars from our economy at every level. Freeloading on an industry and a country thats been built over years of hard work. While the big picture paints a grim outlook, on a local scale, it becomes even more apparent. For example. Are Chain Reaction going to be there on a Saturday morning to help a rider with his bike? Are Chain Reaction employing Australian mechanics, sales people, or people to take care of warranty on these shores? Are Chain Reaction going to support grass roots events, large events, sponsor riders or be a part of a scene beyond your massive warehouse? There’s no need to add that your one advertisement (should I choose to take it) would not support the publication I’ve made for 13 years. All I see is a company with absolutely no interest in anything but taking from the scene I love here. When you’ve undercut every Australian shop and distributor and all local distributions chains and shops are closed, who will be there to help a rider? Who will be the one to give a rider a chance to possibly work in a shop to chase his dream of travelling with his bike? It ain’t Chain Reaction who’ll offer support and knowledge on how to build a bike? To be part of a local skatepark event? It goes further, there will be no avenue for photographers and filmers, to no designers and artists, no one having any kind of support, the scene will have nothing left. And from there, your sales will drop, as will the parent BMX company you bought from in larger numbers than the local distributor could at the time. Just like the mining industry on these shores, you’ll take all you can and when nothing is left you’ll walk away leaving a shadow of a former scene. I have to say though, in your defence, I’m impressed with Chain Reactions aggressive move into the United States. To sell there cheaper than the shops can access product from their own country is a brave move. It could just be the impetus the BMX industry as a whole needs to realise the way you do business is leeching the life blood from our scene. And I hope this move is the beginning of not just local distributors and shops in every country that has a small industry being unable to compete against you, but those in the US. The birthplace and core of BMX. As it will be they who make the noise that brings your way of business into the limelight and sees the BMX companies take note. With any luck stopping supply to those that sell beyond geographical boundaries. Your business model in no way supports or grows a brand locally. It’s that simple. While you may have decimated much of the MTB and road distribution chains and shops here in Australia, the BMX industry here on these shores will go head to head with you. Win or lose it’s a fight both I and the 20inch industry here is willing to take on, and at present there is no choice, we’re in the corner. And I can only hope the world’s BMX industry takes our lead. Lastly, this and all communications between you and I will be printed online, in print and cc’d to all those that need to know as part of a bigger piece and movement that speaks out against the likes of your employer. Cheers. Matt Holmes 2020bmxmagazine www.2020bmxmag.com.au

All the info here ... http://www.emba.org.za/

If you are going to ride in the cane (Shongweni or North Durban) make sure you follow EMBA routes and get an EMBA board ... there are ongoing issues with landowners. Holla in Ballito is great for longer rides (training), but having said that there is some incredible single track and superb riding. Giba in Pinetown is (IMO) better for fun MTB (or if you want to do some hill work). It is in a valley so you have to climb a bit before coming down their awesome trails. Both have their strengths and both are very good. Virginia Trails is in Eston and the limited riding I have done there was very good. If you are driving down from Gauteng, stop off in Hilton on the way down or (and) up and spend a day riding the trails of Hilton, Cascades, Karkloof or Howick -- surely one one of the best areas in the country for mountain biking with incredible trails withing a relatively compact area.

SAIDS has already said they will be prepared to discuss leniency if DG helps with other investigations -- a la Hamilton, Landis and co. I do not have too much of a problem with that (obviously depending on how lenient they are). I would prefer they catch as many cheats and their suppliers as they can and clean up the sport -- small price for DG to get a few months off his sentence. I also believe in SA he will struggle to find a sponsor now so tend to think his cycling career as a pro is over.

I also wondered that, but surely he only earned the prizemoney because DG took EPo. So, could he sue for income lost because DG cheated, when the income was only earned because DG cheated?

There is 100% proof that he doped on August 29. As I understand things, the weekend before (SA Champs) he was 2nd at SA champs (dropped by Max Knox) so that result stands as there was no proof at that time he used dope. The next weekend (Trans Cedardburg I think) he dropped the bunch and rode for 75km by himself to hold off a group of chasers (albeit, barring Kevin Evans, not the strongest field but still good riders). The effects of EPO last a lot longer than the 6-12 hours you can still be tested positive (it is not a short-term stimulant that gives you a quick fix). According the the rules, if you test positive you immediately suspended from the date of positive test. He has admitted guilt so I presume will get a two-year suspension from August 29. So, according to the rules, his SA champs result should stand unless fiorther prood is offered that he was doping before August 29. But as for Trans Cedarburg, Hill 2 Hill, Pioneer Trek and any other races after August 29 his results will be taken out of that. It has nothing to do with "the actual lack of proof, that he was guilty at the time of racing" -- he cheated on August 29 so is deemed to be suspended from that date. All of the above is my understanding of the situation, but if anybody has better info... As for Kevin E being so quiet ... silence is not a proof of guilt and in his case I am certain he has been told not to say anything by sponsors / advisors. I personally cannot understand how he would suspected something was up, but does anybody have any proof that he knew. While him and DG were close and sharing rooms at races, they did live in different cities and you do not have to take EPO the night before a race, so it is very possible that DG took the stuff only while at home when KE was not there.

There was (is)a positive at Epic, but it is not DG -- that person's hearing was due to be held last week but has been postponed. The person who tested positive was not one of the top guys (not in the top 50) and could be a case of legitimate medical exemption. As far as I understand things DG cannot be stripped of anything from before August 29 (the date he was tested) so Epic results should stand, but he can be sanctioned for races after that. So the guy who was hoping to move up to postion 327 at Sani is still in position 328 and WAS beaten by DG and KE, but if you finished 134th at Cape Pioneer you are now 133rd ... and if you were second on Stage 2 of Cape Pioneer you may just have earned yourself a R100 000 bonus ! And, presuming KE is innocent (and we have no reason to say anything different, although I am sure that will not stop the speculation), think how that will affect him. He has probably just lost his share of R125 000 for Pioneer, plus he will forever be tainted and his credibility has taken a huge blow ... and if Nedbank do pull out he has lost his sponsor. Wonder who KE will ride Epic with? Max Knox may be a good teammate?

Nedbank have not pulled the plug ... They have suspended their sponsorship, presumably to allow the process to run its course so have done the correct thing as far as I can see -- Trek have also announced they are out (not sure if suspended or permanent -- via Twitter) CSA has commented He tested positive for EPO.

He has much more at stake than that ... he managed to win a court case worth 19 million dollars over SCA regarding bonuses for his Tour wins when they accused him of taking drugs and they are now likely to claim that back, plus his whole business is built on his reputation as a Tour de France winner so he has a lot more to lose than anybody else involved in this case. I think, even if he wanted to confess, he has too much to lose ... and of course there is the little thing about in his own mind he may not believe he has done anything wrong.

Weather looking good ... rain Friday and bit on Saturday but none on Sunday.

So you think that once they realised they were wrong to dope they should have stayed quiet? Why? To protect Lance? Or to protect themselves? Or to live a lie? I think it is ridiculous to shoot the messenger. Bottom line is that Lance cheated. Having said that, he has also done a lot of good for a lot of people via Livestrong but that is not the issue with his doping. The basic premise of sport is to win by fair means, he did not ... even though lots of other people also did not, it still does not make what he did better in any way. He is a cheat and I don't believe there needs to be any debate in that.

yeah, but when you own teammates and management are making life difficult and you are not getting the support you deserve then it is time to move to a sport where your legs can do the talking without the help of teammates and selectors who refuse to do the right thing ...

It is so sad that such a good road rider has decided to concentrate on mountain biking mostly because of politics and immoral selections -- good for MTB though.

Does have auto stop (or auto pause) as Top said .. you can also download the manual from Garmin which is a big help because the documentation they give you is virtually useless.

1) As far as I know, testosterone is sued to help recovery .. if you are referring to Hamilton taking it for the first time, he took it a couple of days before he competed again so it helped his recovery before the next event -- not overnight (but would it not help overnight ?) 2) EPO was "sanctioned" by team management and in some cases supplied by the teams so why not hand some over to a teammate? I think it adjusts your hematocrit levels very quickly and in the early years of Hamilton's doping that was the key figure that indicated performance (UCI was only testing to make sure hematocrit was 50 or lower, so they aimed to race at 48 or 49 to be at their best without being caught for doping). In later years Ferrari had riders microdosing EPO to adjust hematocrit on almost a daily basis -- same with testosterone gel patches -- microdosing so they were under the testing levels..

Only have hard copy ... but it might be available on the SAIDS website ??? All South Africans -- from rugby (rugby, athletics (including Comrades winner), cricket, lots of powerlifting and bodybuilding, football, wrestling, hockey, wheelchair basketball and golf (both pro golfers not named because of agreement with PGA and SAIDS) ) ... so, it sems there are cheats in every sport, not just cycling. Minors were from rugby (4) and athletics (2). Range of substances is from steroids (including one using vet steroids) masking agents, cannabis, stimulants. There were 2 348 urine tests from April 2011 to March 2012 with 59 blood and 68 EPO. Most tested sports were (in order) rugby, athletics, football, cycling, cricket and swimming (if you combine cycling and MTB cycling would be third most tested) Sancions ranged from warnings, to to suspensions from 3 months to 2 years with a lot of hearings to take place this month.

And it seems somebody tested positive at the Epic as well ... still to have his hearing though.

What is just as scary is a survey that was done in SA last year among schoolkids. I think the figure was far above 50% who did not believe taking steroids was wrong -- this was not just among sportsmen and women and a lot would take steroids for body image reasons. With that kind of peer pressure it is easy to see why school sportsmen would take steroids without too much thought. I have the latest release of sports people who have tested positive for illegal substances: five out of the 60-odd were minors. Of those 60, four were cyclists including (which I find a bit odd) one fairly well-known veteran mountain biker who tested positive at the Epic even though he was not even one of the top contenders in the masters category.

Check out Sunday Independent (Jhb), Sunday Tribune (Durban) and Weekend Argus this weekend for more on Hamilton and book ... couple of the papers are using full pages. I interviewed Tyler and Coyle and it was interesting ... Coyle is 100% confident he has double checked all of Tyler claims and has not put anything in the book that he could not verify (he says there was loads more than he left out because he could not verify independently). Both do not believe Armstrong will ever come out and admit it, but the evidence in the book leaves no doubt about guilt of Armstrong (and I say that as a former Armstrong fan boy -- until I read the book). They both are very cynical about UCI ever getting cycling clean.

Read the book! Edit: Sorry, that has already been posted

I have an interview set up for Tyler Hamilton and Dan Coyle, the co-authors on the book "The Secret Race". I am preparing a list of questions for them, but thought the cycling experts on The Hub (are there any?) may have something which I have not thought of. So this is your chance ... let me know what would interests you about Hamilton and you may see the answers in newspapers -- more details later !!!! For those that do not know, the book details Hamilton's life as a pro and goes into detail about the doping, including teammate Lance Armstrong and others -- in my mind he effectively buries the seven-time tour winner and leaves no doubt about the scale of the doping problem (a must-read). Hamilton is also one of the key witnesses in the USADA case against Armstrong.