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Hineaut being Hineaut (but I like it!)
Last Post 07/01/2018 12:01 PM by Cosmic Kid. 10 Replies.
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79pmooney

Posts:3178

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06/20/2018 09:27 PM
http://www.velonews.com/2018/06/news/road/hinault-calls-rider-strike-protest-froome-tour_470087

He's asking the peloton to strike the first stage of the TdF.  I like it.  Sky/Froome have decided not to take the approach that would considered clean.  UCI claims its hands are tied.  But the riders?  Each gets to choose if he wants to ride the stage.  (Yes, UCI could "properly" disqualify every rider who doesn't finish but disqualifying 168 riders and leaving the Sky team to fight for winnings and podium spots would leave a lasting sour taste in the mouths of many.)

Even without full no-ride strike, a nice slow rolling strike would be a real slap in the face for UCI.  (Do a rolling strike each day until Froome is gone, then race on?  That would put UCI'Sky on the spot.)

Won't happen.  Hineault is no longer the boss.  Too bad.

Ben
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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06/21/2018 05:00 PM
Sky is coming back saying “His comments are irresponsible and ill-informed. Chris has not had a positive test, rather an adverse analytical finding for a prescribed asthma medication."

I disagree. Yes, it is not a positive test for a banned substance, but it is indeed a positive test. It rang the bell (and not gently).

Next sentence in the Sky quote "As an ex-rider himself, Bernard will appreciate the need for fairness for each and every athlete. And at the current time, Chris is entitled to race." And we are expected to believe that if the rider had been say an Astana rider, he would have been allowed to race the Worlds, all spring and be lining up for the Tour with this still unresolved?

Ben
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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06/21/2018 05:30 PM
At the end of the day, Froome is doing what he is allowed to do. I don't fault him for racing....the rules allow him too. It is not his responsibility to rehabilitate cycling's image.

So from that perspective, Hinault (or Hineaut, if you prefer ) was off in his statement. And you know for damn sure that, given his ego and reputation, that he would be doing the exact same thing as Froome if it was him.

The fault lies entirely with WADA and the UCI, IMO. There need to have an enforceable timeline for athletes to challenge either a positive or adverse analytical test. Can't mount a defense in 30 / 60 / 90 etc days? Too bad....we'll see you after your suspension ends.

Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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06/22/2018 05:12 AM
Adding to the confusion is Froome's positive was for a drug he's allowed to use. Equating urine levels with blood levels or dose taken is just plain inaccurate. I think he has a good case.
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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06/22/2018 10:31 AM
LDS - yes lots of question marks around the test. Like you suggested in the other thread, there are better ways (methabolic products), there's actually a research paper on WADA site about this, although it still doesn't sound straightforward.

Bottom line for Froome though, despite the questions around current test, it is what it is and it's been around for awhile. Froome failed it. If they let him successfully challenge it, it would put a whole lot of cases (and not just in cycling) where convictions were made in question. So this becomes a political question as much as one of good science because there is a lot riding on this for WADA.

As to the strike, seems stupid. Froome/Sky are following the legal rules. Ethics of him starting is something else of course but the rules are what they are. Besides, doesn't Hinault still work for ASO ceremonial duties? Is he really calling to boycott a race he is part of?
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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06/22/2018 11:36 AM
OC, on that last part, Hinault is French, even very French! And he is defending the reputation of France's biggest event. Yes, there is come conflict of interest, but I'm guessing some understanding at ASO. (And I suspect they aren't really very worried this strike will actually happen.)

Ben
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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06/22/2018 01:50 PM
Hinault is no longer associated with ASO....hasn't been for awhile (not certain how long, though)
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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06/22/2018 02:17 PM
Forgot to add to 2nd paragraph in post above, because so much is riding on this for WADA (credibility of their testing, liability on past convictions etc.), Froome will be found guilty. There's no question in my mind about this. Good testing or science be damned.
longslowdistance

Posts:2881

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06/22/2018 08:00 PM
And later acquitted by CAS😉
79pmooney

Posts:3178

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07/01/2018 11:56 AM
ASO seems to have stepped up to make this more interesting.

http://www.velonews.com/2018/07/tour-de-france/aso-attempt-block-chris-froome-racing-tour-de-france_471156

Froome/SKY had a choice when the leak came out last fall. They could have said "We know Froome is innocent of any wrongdoing but we did misjudge the effects of the heat and conditions as that would pertain to the urine analysis after the race. Out of respect for UCI, WADA and the sport of bicycle racing, we will sit Froome for as long as is ruled appropriate. We will also fight to make sure future testing is in line with the the permitted use of needed medications." (And get a backdated 6 month suspension. Free and clear in April.)

Instead, every time another word came out, SKY made it known they were adding another brick to their legal defense. I'd love to see SKY have to sleep in the bed they have made.

Ben
Cosmic Kid

Posts:4209

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07/01/2018 12:01 PM
I don’t fault Froome or SKY for continuing racing. It is their right under the rules, and if you believe you are innocent, then you should race. The fault lies with WADA and the UCI.

That said, I am glad to see ASO is at least standing up and saying “nuh-uh, not in OUR race.” Under their rules, they are allowed to bar riders that they don’t want in their race.

Live by the sword and all that....

I imagine ASO waited this long to make an announcement in order to minimize the chances of any appeals being heard / resolved before the race starts. It will be interesting to see how this plays out...
Just say "NO!" to WCP!!!!
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