Dumb TdF/Rasmussen Question

[Fredwina]

I think Rabobank's decision to hold him to a higher standard (that is, truthfulness) and not let athletics get reduced to mere medical testing will help the sport by setting a standard for folks who "push the envelope".

I'm one who believes that Integrity is Right and that in the long run, truth will always prevail. I wish everyone would hold themselves to a standard of avoiding even the appearance of impropriety!

And in case you missed it. Rabobank is in the business of.....
Banking! (we , we have Rabobanks in CA)
So I could see where have having a "artful dodger" advertising(which is what the business of bike racing is about) for your establishment would be a bit galling (Actually, I thought I read that the decision came from the Board of Rabobank instead of the cycling team) And that I think is going to be trend in pro racing, that the Corps writing the check are going to keep the "sporting" folks on a tighter leash to avoid potential embarrassment. T-mobile did this, although did they get bit by Patrik "Stinkypants"

[Grog]

And in case you missed it. Rabobank is in the business of.....
Banking! (we , we have Rabobanks in CA)
So I could see where have having a "artful dodger" advertising(which is what the business of bike racing is about) for your establishment would be a bit galling (Actually, I thought I read that the decision came from the Board of Rabobank instead of the cycling team)

Interesting! Indeed, if I was the sponsor, I would be more than a little annoyed to learn through the media, halfway through the race, that one of the guys I'm pouring dollars (or Euros...) on is not reporting to controls.

I'm curious about the project to have spots reserved for national teams on the tour next year. That would certainly reduce the role of corporate boards on the sport, among interesting side effects...

[Mr. Bloom]

And in case you missed it. Rabobank is in the business of.....
Banking!

Back in the day, it was common for banks to share credit references on businesses they had relationships with.

In the US, banks would respond simply that a business' transactions had "been handled as agreed".

Northern European Banks (like Rabobank) would reply favorably that a business was "serious and reliable".

I think there is a lot of hidden meaning in that phrase...and explains to me why RaboBank dealt with missed testing (and the potential inferences that one could draw) in the way they did.

[kelownagirl]

You don't need a passport to drive to the US from Canada (and presumably vice versa) but you do need a passport to fly into the country. Next January, we will need passports to cross the border by land as well.

[smilingcat]

Hi Spazz,

I totally understand how you feel. But there is one aspect of doping you may not be aware of. Potential sabatoge by your opponent, fans of your opponent and so forth. This is why pro riders have a clear directives not to accept a fresh water bottle from a spectator (I think you get penalized time wise too) or any non-team member for that matter. The drink and food could be spiked so that you end up testing positive. You don't realize that you been given illicit drugs. So the rider could be an innocent victim.

Has something like this ever happened? I really doubt it but it could. Look at Tanya Harding in figure skating. Her goon friends went and tried to break the knee on Nancy Kerrigan (sp).

smilingcat