Basso leaves Disco

[Kalidurga]

This is so sad.

The latest issue of Bicycling magazine (on newsstands now) has a great cover story about the issues involved in Floyd Landis' case. It doesn't get into "did he or didn't he" or "how". It talks entirely about how the case has been handled by USADA and WADA, and what Floyd's had to deal with.

I do believe that cheating is wrong. But I am so f@#$ing disgusted by the way L'Equipe (which I learned from the Bicycling article is owned by the same company that "owns" the Tour. Funny coincidence), UCI, WADA & USADA have dealt with both Operation Puerto and the 2006 TdF that I have trouble caring anymore what the riders may or may not have done. D-i-c-k Pound's and Pat McQuaid's words and actions make cheating cyclists look like little angels by comparison. The two of them come across as being incredibly hypocritical, duplicitous, and biased. If Basso, Landis, or any other rider ends up being validated, Pound and McQuaid both should be fired.

Until all of this is hashed out, my new team to follow is Team Slipstream. With their proactive stance on testing, they seem to be the safest team to root for.

[polliwog88]

When I knew Lance was retiring I chose a new favorite rider. That rider is Ivan Basso. I have followed his career closely for the past 3 years and I'm a big FAN. My 2 year old cat is even named after him: Basso, a cute orange tiger kitty.

I've been deeply disturbed these past weeks with news that the case has been opened up again. I came back from my ride today and read about him leaving Discovery, I was floored....

I've always gone with the innocent until proven guilty stance, we'll just have to wait and see what happens on May 2nd at his hearing.

[IFjane]

Until all of this is hashed out, my new team to follow is Team Slipstream. With their proactive stance on testing, they seem to be the safest team to root for.

And they have a really cool kit, too!