Riccardo Chiarini tested positive for EPO

[Tumbleweed]

 

From the epic....it seems so...no more.

 

He can ride the tour bus, mix the drinks...make bacon and eggs perhaps....but ride, don't think so

 

Thought he wasn't allowed there in any capacity.

[rouxtjie]

 

 

Thought he wasn't allowed there in any capacity.

Even better tumbles....

['Dale]

Good!

Cheaters are caught.

 

This will go on for a while more

Poor cycling - beaten black 'n blue already

[NOFX]

Yawn.........

[GLuvsMtb]

Were Torpado not instrumental in Topeak Ergon's effort to win the Epic? I seem to recall that they assisted on one of the stages which may have changed the dynamics of the event. It is one more reason to disallow any form of technical support (from riders and tech zones) in the event. Imagine Topeak lost another 7 or 8 minutes with that technical. We may have been robbed of some serious racing over the last few stages.

It never is as simple as striking a team from the time sheets.

[rouxtjie]

Were Torpado not instrumental in Topeak Ergon's effort to win the Epic? I seem to recall that they assisted on one of the stages which may have changed the dynamics of the event. It is one more reason to disallow any form of technical support (from riders and tech zones) in the event. Imagine Topeak lost another 7 or 8 minutes with that technical. We may have been robbed of some serious racing over the last few stages.

It never is as simple as striking a team from the time sheets.

Good point...yea torpado gave topeak a wheel...if it wasn't for that wheel it would have been bye bye GC for sure if I remember correctly....

[Tumbleweed]

Were Torpado not instrumental in Topeak Ergon's effort to win the Epic? I seem to recall that they assisted on one of the stages which may have changed the dynamics of the event. It is one more reason to disallow any form of technical support (from riders and tech zones) in the event. Imagine Topeak lost another 7 or 8 minutes with that technical. We may have been robbed of some serious racing over the last few stages.

It never is as simple as striking a team from the time sheets.

 

Nope.

 

The rule is thus:

 

 

9.4 Any rider may receive physical assistance from his/her team partner or from a fellow competitor. For purposes hereof, “physical assistance” shall mean the sharing of water and nutrition, sharing of bike parts and accessories (including the swopping of bike frames), assistance with maintenance and repair, and pushing/towing by physical contact only.

[GLuvsMtb]

 

Nope.

 

The rule is thus:

 

 

9.4 Any rider may receive physical assistance from his/her team partner or from a fellow competitor. For purposes hereof, “physical assistance” shall mean the sharing of water and nutrition, sharing of bike parts and accessories (including the swopping of bike frames), assistance with maintenance and repair, and pushing/towing by physical contact only.

 

So if Bulls 2 and 3 were to load up with dopers to get Bulls 1 over the line in 1st place its all good? Surely the rules need a review.

[rouxtjie]

So if Bulls 2 and 3 were to load up with dopers to get Bulls 1 over the line in 1st place its all good? Surely the rules need a review.

I hear you....its is however a bit of a slippery slope if you want to rewrite the history books.

[Tumbleweed]

So if Bulls 2 and 3 were to load up with dopers to get Bulls 1 over the line in 1st place its all good? Surely the rules need a review.

 

You're assuming that all teams will do this.

[GLuvsMtb]

 

You're assuming that all teams will do this.

I've learnt that if you assume that they are all cheats you are less disappointed when they get caught. It also liberates you to enjoy the spectacle rather than wonder whether it is with or without 'help' that these athletes perform on super-human levels for 8 days.

[GLuvsMtb]

I hear you....its is however a bit of a slippery slope if you want to rewrite the history books.

Not at all, but when you spot a trend it would be in the sport's best interest to be pro active about it. It would also level the playing field somewhat if there are not 4x backup spares horses to swap parts from opposed to the smaller teams where riders have to be more cautious.

[Tumbleweed]

I've learnt that if you assume that they are all cheats you are less disappointed when they get caught. It also liberates you to enjoy the spectacle rather than wonder whether it is with or without 'help' that these athletes perform on super-human levels for 8 days.

 

Fair enough. But I kinda like the idea that there are pacts, tactics, etc playing out on the course.

[rouxtjie]

Not at all, but when you spot a trend it would be in the sport's best interest to be pro active about it. It would also level the playing field somewhat if there are not 4x backup spares horses to swap parts from opposed to the smaller teams where riders have to be more cautious.

Again...I hear you...its perhaps not the best two man team that takes the win, but the best team outfit. They are however just playing the cards they are dealt, since the rules allow this.

 

PS my best epic result would have to be nico and gawie two years ago I think....when they slummed it in the tents. No backups, no personal mech's, nothing fancy....

Edited June 13, 2014 by rouxtjie

[GLuvsMtb]

Fair enough. But I kinda like the idea that there are pacts, tactics, etc playing out on the course.

I appreciate the balance between light weight equipment, vs more robust equipment and the fine balance that has to be sought to ensure that your equipment go all the way. Much like the gearbox and engine rule in F1. Having a B or C team bringing up the rear with no intention to win dilutes this with the big name teams and means that the smaller teams cannot take the same risks.

[Tumbleweed]

I appreciate the balance between light weight equipment, vs more robust equipment and the fine balance that has to be sought to ensure that your equipment go all the way. Much like the gearbox and engine rule in F1. Having a B or C team bringing up the rear with no intention to win dilutes this with the big name teams and means that the smaller teams cannot take the same risks.

 

Would a compromise of limiting all elite teams to an A and B work for you?