The new improved Lance Armstrong discussion thread.*

[ufkacbln]

There have still been quite a few deaths out of competition and in their sleep thanks to organised doping even with medical supervision.

Hence rarer and safer

Not rare and safe

 

[Red Light]

I suspect that's just because they haven't clarified the legal position, rather than they have a preference either way.

Interesting nevertheless as WADA comes under the IOC and WADA have made their views quite clear that the USADA ruling stands.

 

[thom]

An interesting management development at Rabobank. Apparently Bjarne Riis is taking a lot of flak in Denmark in light of Tyler Hamilton's book too.

 

[yello]

I suspect that's just because they haven't clarified the legal position, rather than they have a preference either way.

I'm hopeful that that's the interpretation! It kind of seems to me, well, an obvious statement to take (that is, 'either we will or we won't let him keep the medal') - hence me being intrigued as to context.

 

[thom]

I'm hopeful that that's the interpretation! It kind of seems to me, well, an obvious statement to take (that is, 'either we will or we won't let him keep the medal') - hence me being intrigued as to context.

It's complicated because WADA's code was only adopted by the IOC in 2004 for Athens, so the retrospective application of sanctions to LA's bronze in 2000 is just different to the TdF ongoing conspiracy argument. You can imagine an IOC lawyer being asked by a journo and just giving a dead bat reply.

 

[Red Light]

I'm hopeful that that's the interpretation! It kind of seems to me, well, an obvious statement to take (that is, 'either we will or we won't let him keep the medal') - hence me being intrigued as to context.

The Washington Post has an interesting interview with an IOC legal expert that sheds some light.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/sport...06ac52-f925-11e1-a93b-7185e3f88849_story.html

What is also interesting is that neither the UCI or WADA have notified the IOC of USADA's decision.

 

[Red Light]

An interesting management development at Rabobank. Apparently Bjarne Riis is taking a lot of flak in Denmark in light of Tyler Hamilton's book too.

So who will be the last men standing?

 

[Flying_Monkey]

McQuaid is now considering the prospect of a doping amnesty... however what WADA has suggested 'truth and reconciliation' which while it may involve an amnesty is also rather more than that.

 

[yello]

It's complicated because WADA's code was only adopted by the IOC in 2004 for Athens, so the retrospective application of sanctions to LA's bronze in 2000 is just different to the TdF ongoing conspiracy argument.

Yes, good point. It could be a nuanced decision then for the IOC, depending on what evidence they consider is relevant to them and to LA's Olympic performance. It could send a confusing message should they decide not to strip the medal.

I have to admit though I didn't think USADA would strip LA's titles pre their being in charge of results management. It seems it's exactly that issue that the IOC lawyer addresses....

“Is there reasoning to say it didn’t exist when the violation was committed and therefore we are not bound?” Oswald suggested, freeing the IOC to strip the medal.

It's going to be something to look out for either way, albeit though perhaps a minor sideshow.

 

[yello]

I'm suspicious of McQuaid (understatement!) so I wonder what his motivation is for this suggested amnesty. There's an element of trying to showing who's boss, I'm sure, but I feel he's trying to put the USADA sanction into some kind of 'doping era' context. Personally, I think the horse has bolted and he's in damage limitation mode.

 

[asterix]

The playing field is never level in this sport or in others unless the teams are all given the same budget, bikes etc. We have done so well in the Olympics and Paralympics because of a big budget and investment in good facilities and research. Our cyclists have spent hours in expensive wind tunnels for example perfecting equipment and positioning on the bike to give them an edge. Which is why they are dominating other nations at the moment. Swim suit material and design made a big difference to swimming when it was first introduced giving those who had access to it an advantage.

and so on..

You have missed my point entirely. This could be deliberately or through simple lack of comprehensive ability or maybe both. Given my past experiences of your debating style I believe it is both.

 

[Smokin Joe]

I blame the Beatles.

 

[yello]

I blame the Beatles.

The Rolling Stones surely?

I'll have nothing ill said about that lovely Paul McCartney. He's a magnificent song writer and a saint.

 

[thom]

A blog entry, Neil Browne, media omertà.

 

[rich p]

This thread becomes a model of sensible discussion with the use of the ignore button with Yello and Thom offering sensible and reasoned argument. I do heartily recommend it so we can get this thing back on track.