Quote:
Originally Posted by habernac
Yes, it does matter where he was. Part of being a pro cyclist is letting the UCI and your team know where you are at all times.
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Trust me, I fully understand the rules, you're missing the point I'm making, which goes beyond them.
He came back from AWOL and claimed to have been in Mexico. He was then tested and was found clean. Once again: In what way does it matter where he was? It does not change the fact that he did what he did, and was not caught using illegal material. Maybe he did do naughty things in the Alps; that still doesn't change 2 facts: 1. He was never caught with illegal substances in his possesion or in his bloodstream. 2. He already recieved the mandatory punishment, just like every other cyclist that had done the same thing (AWOL during some period of his training) which happens to be alomst the have of the peleton.
It's a clear case of circumstantial evidence costing him his career; or as the Theo de Rooij (Rabobank team director) puts it: "A violation of internal rules" (you're not allowed to lie, mmmkaaaaaah?) which is absolutely ridiculous, because.... once again.... so many cyclists have done the exact same thing and only recieved the mandatory punishment.
So, how is that 'fair'?
Quote:
Originally Posted by habernac
If he was in Italy, why did he tell everyone he was in Mexico? Probably because he has something to hide.
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Probably eh... so off with his head?
Quote:
Originally Posted by habernac
Rabobank were stupid to let him start in the first place. The race has been cloaked in scandal and could not afford another
one.
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No they weren't, because only like 40 participants would've started the Tour if everyone with a warning was not allowed to race. Montador, the curent #1? Recieved a warning. Why is he still in the race? Or as you put it, why was he allowed to start?
Quote:
Originally Posted by habernac
Rasmussen's own country dropped him from their team for the World Championships this year because he missed two tests.
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I don't see the relevance of this, especially as he was only let go by the national team
after he acquired the mallot jaune.