Clara Hughes reveals 1994 doping infraction

[fmk_RoI]

Re: Re:

So maybe it wasn't so much kept quiet as received a shrug of the shoulders.

In the early 1990s, in the early days of the recently appointed Hein Verbruggen's reign, the UCI changed its approach to dealing with positives. Where, before, they used to annouce them, a new policy was introduced: there were to be no announcements. With most bans at the time being three months - and a lot of them being given out inthe off season - most people wouldn't even notice a rider taking a couple of month's gardening leave. In David Walsh's book from the 1993 Tour, Inside the Tour de France, a prominent Belgian or Dutch journalist is quoted criticising the policy, noting that the only way you could tell if someone had been quietly sanctioned was to compared their FICP points months to month: a fall would indicate they'd been stripped of points.

In those days, where doping was concerned, for the UCI it really was a case of hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Hughes wasn't being given special treatement when she was told to keep quiet about her ban. That was official UCI policy on the matter.

 

[frenchfry]

Re: Some Digging to do.

I have known Clara in Ontario and Alberta and although she has tremendous exemplary qualities, and is a fellow Canadian...

Things for you to look up.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mazurcoachingcom/110326979027943?fref=photo
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mirek_Mazur (interesting facts Re: his son...)

Team Saturn with Dede, Dede and Mike Barry
- http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/interviews/mike-dede-part-2-the-pez-interview/
- http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=4417 (MB leaves for clean USP)
- don't forget Danielson and Horner on Saturn...oops and there is Mr. Clean- Robbie Ventura

- 2000 Saturn Cycling Team Roster
Women:
Lyne Bessette (Canada)
Dede Demet (Boulder, CO)
Julie Hanson (Boulder, CO)
Clara Hughes (Canada)
Susy Pryde (New Zealand)
Nicole Reinhart (Toppend, PA)
Emily Robbins (Littleton, CO)
Petra Rossner (Germany)
Anna Wilson (Australia)

Men:
Michael Barry (Canada)
Bart Bowen (Albuquerque, NM)
Antonio Cruz (Long Beach, CA)
Harm Jansen (Holland)
Trent Klasna (USA)
Frank McCormack (Leicester, MA)
Mark McCormack (North Easton, MA)
Seth Pelusi (DeSoto, Texas)
Robbie Ventura (Gurnee, IL)
Brian Walton, (Canada)
Chris Wherry (Boulder, CO)

There's more just dig.

Lyne Bessette is another one I always hoped was clean. Great cyclist.

On the facebook page linked there is a highlite video of the 1996 womens road race. Won by Jeannie Longo, who was the reference for doping at the time and for the next 20 years.

 

[D-Queued]

Re: Re:

DQ:
Please forgive me for this dumb question, but wasn't the test conducted by an outside agency?
If so, why weren't the results reported to anyone other than Cycling Canada?

September 7/15 9:05 am - Cycling Canada Reacts to Clara Hughes Revelation of an Anti-Doping Rule Violation

Cycling Canada was contacted by Clara Hughes on August 27, 2015 and told that she would be releasing a biography on September 8, 2015 containing a revelation of a previously non-disclosed anti-doping rule violation.

Clara Hughes provided Cycling Canada with a copy of the manuscript excerpt which reveals that she had tested positive for the banned substance ephedrine in 1994 and further indicates that she was notified of this by the then National Team Director who had received the notice of a three month sanction from the UCI (the International Cycling Union). The description of this matter in the biography says that it was intentionally kept quiet among Clara and the three people specifically named by her.

While the practices in relation to the disclosure of anti-doping rule violations are substantially different today compared to 1994 when neither WADA (World Anti-doping Agency) nor CCES (Canadian Centre for Ethics in Sport – Canada’s National Anti-doping Organization) existed, Cycling Canada cannot condone how this matter was handled at the time by any of those involved. Regardless of the practices of the day, Cycling Canada believes in full, fair and open disclosure of all doping related offences. We remain fully committed to the principles of fair play and rigid compliance with the WADA Code. Cycling Canada is proud of its current role as a leader in the anti-doping movement and remains committed to learning from the mistakes of the past so we don’t make them again.

Source: http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dail...s-revelation-of-an-anti-doping-rule-violation

Thanks for that. Obviously hadn't seen it myself.

Like the strong words in there.

Dave.

 

[Freddythefrog]

"Cycling Canada is proud of its current role as leader" .... when did that happen ? Jeanson went over 50% at Hamilton and they did nothing, she carried on riding. Then her doctor - around 2005 - got done in a medical case for falsification of medical records relating to the prescription of PEDs to Jeanson and other athletes and Cycling Canada did nothing stating that what evidence was used to successfully prosecute the doctor could not be used against Jeanson. Clutching at straws to justify inaction, knowing that they had built quite a centre of attraction around the greatness that was Jeanson. Lately isn't there some Axel Merckx program to develop young cyclists for Canada ?. What a great example that is to youngsters. Didn't they see the French senate results - "Axel Merckx - doper or clean - doper" And of course dad introduced Lance to his good doctor. Way to go kids, follow those guys - only one rule - just don't get caught.

So if in 2005 they were at the extreme end of the rubbish scale, when did they become "leaders" ?

This is like Cookson saying he is anti-doping and then taking a selfie with Eddy and introducing him to youngsters as an example. Only a complete cretin could think that was not hypocrisy of the highest order.

PS there wa

 

[Neworld]

Re:

..."Axel Merckx - doper or clean - doper" And of course dad introduced Lance to his good doctor. Way to go kids, follow those guys - only one rule - just don't get caught. So if in 2005 they were at the extreme end of the rubbish scale, when did they become "leaders" ?

Thank you for raising the sordid state in cycling in B.C./Canada as they continue to allow Axel Merckx to exposure his tarnished doped views on athletes. Allowing Axel M to train future Canadians is complete hypocrisy! http://amydf.org/about-the-amydf/amydf-kelowna

Or maybe its all about B.C. Beer and making money...what else right. Check out the BOD for AM Youth Development...and, Axel's wife

Board of Directors
The Axel Merckx Youth Development Foundation is proud to have several outstanding members of the business, cultural and sports community on its Board. These members include:
Axel Merckx – Former professional cyclist, Belgian National Champion, and Olympic medalist.
Jodi Merckx – Former Canadian national team triathlete and co-owner of the Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan.
Ron Hayman – Two-time Olympian and former professional cyclist. Manages sales, marketing and product research for Hayman Sport.
Ross Langford – Lawyer and youth cycling advocate, Ross is a partner with the law firm of Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP. Actively involved in the community and is currently the Chair of UBC-O’s Founding Capital Campaign and a director of the Central Okanagan Foundation.
Tod Melnyk – President and owner of Tree Brewing Company. In addition to being an age-group triathlete and active supporter of community initiatives, Tod is the Chair of the B.C. Craft Brewers Guild and Director of the B.C. Beverage Alcohol Container Management Council.

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

B.C. cycling should be ashamed of their selves. Where does John Tolkamp site wrt Clara and Axel?
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=26730

 

[Anaconda]

Re: Re:

So maybe it wasn't so much kept quiet as received a shrug of the shoulders.

In the early 1990s, in the early days of the recently appointed Hein Verbruggen's reign, the UCI changed its approach to dealing with positives. Where, before, they used to annouce them, a new policy was introduced: there were to be no announcements. With most bans at the time being three months - and a lot of them being given out inthe off season - most people wouldn't even notice a rider taking a couple of month's gardening leave. In David Walsh's book from the 1993 Tour, Inside the Tour de France, a prominent Belgian or Dutch journalist is quoted criticising the policy, noting that the only way you could tell if someone had been quietly sanctioned was to compared their FICP points months to month: a fall would indicate they'd been stripped of points.

In those days, where doping was concerned, for the UCI it really was a case of hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil.

Hughes wasn't being given special treatement when she was told to keep quiet about her ban. That was official UCI policy on the matter.

So how was results management handled back in the mid 90's. Looked up the wikipedia page for 1994 World Championships TT and Clara still listed in 4th pl?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1994_UCI_Road_World_Championships_–_Women's_time_trial

 

[blackcat]

Clara is one of the most honest people I know. The cynics in the Clinic will crucify her but that's all they know how to do!

21 years later... Yeah, sounds like you don't know many honest people.

Robbie is dyslexic.

see how his surname anagram, mixed a few too many letters, deletes one.

but Tom Cruise was dyslexic, so thats ok.

 

[Benotti69]

Clara is one of the most honest people I know. The cynics in the Clinic will crucify her but that's all they know how to do!

21 years later... Yeah, sounds like you don't know many honest people.

Robbie is dyslexic.

see how his surname anagram, mixed a few too many letters, deletes one.

but Tom Cruise was dyslexic, so thats ok.

Poor Robbie, all these years reading the clinic and when it came to home grown roses he couldn't see the manure....

 

[D-Queued]

Ok, this thread has apparently run out of steam rather quickly.

Is that because being the most medalled combined Summer/Winter Olympics athlete isn't noteworthy?

* Or, that just 'cuz she was around more noteworthy dopers like GJ isn't enough to make her exciting enough?
* Or, that one fanboy isn't enough to carry a thread?
* Or, that her strident support of a Postie didn't align closely with larger doping issues and more notable and egregious doping cases?
* Or..., or...

So, being cynical, did she reveal this tidbit to help sell her book out of some concern that she might not be controversial enough to sell copy?

Or, did she really do it because she is a nice person who simply wanted to finally come cleans?

Yup, just stirring the pot.

Dave.

 

[the delgados]

DQ:

I'd venture to guess (a total guess) that it's a combination of the two scenarios you presented, both of which have been previously addressed.
I haven't read the book, but the second scenario doesn't seem too plausible, unless she opens up about the state of cycling and sports in general. I don't buy for a second that she was so naive that she had no clue what was going on around her in cycling and speed skating.
What do you think?

 

[Anaconda]

Re:

Ok, this thread has apparently run out of steam rather quickly.

Is that because being the most medalled combined Summer/Winter Olympics athlete isn't noteworthy?

* Or, that just 'cuz she was around more noteworthy dopers like GJ isn't enough to make her exciting enough?
* Or, that one fanboy isn't enough to carry a thread?
* Or, that her strident support of a Postie didn't align closely with larger doping issues and more notable and egregious doping cases?
* Or..., or...

So, being cynical, did she reveal this tidbit to help sell her book out of some concern that she might not be controversial enough to sell copy?

Or, did she really do it because she is a nice person who simply wanted to finally come cleans?

Yup, just stirring the pot.

Dave.

Hey Dave I think the answer is as Clara told us that womens cycling is all cleans. No money no dope, it's really as simple as that. Obviously all have moved along as there is nothing to see here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XDhvB44E2SQ

Lucky for the Nations Sweetheart that nobody has even the tiniest bit of courage (or time to do any google research) to ask any embarrassing questions about any of her past interviews on the subject or defense of MB.

Nonetheless weird admission looks like more mining for a headline worthy controversy than anything.

 

[HelmutRoole]

Re: Re:

..."Axel Merckx - doper or clean - doper" And of course dad introduced Lance to his good doctor. Way to go kids, follow those guys - only one rule - just don't get caught. So if in 2005 they were at the extreme end of the rubbish scale, when did they become "leaders" ?

Thank you for raising the sordid state in cycling in B.C./Canada...

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

Isn't Roland Green available?

Oh, that's right...

Nevermind.

 

[Anaconda]

Re: Re:

..."Axel Merckx - doper or clean - doper" And of course dad introduced Lance to his good doctor. Way to go kids, follow those guys - only one rule - just don't get caught. So if in 2005 they were at the extreme end of the rubbish scale, when did they become "leaders" ?

Thank you for raising the sordid state in cycling in B.C./Canada...

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

Isn't Roland Green available?

Oh, that's right...

Nevermind.

No worries, all of these various small errors in judgement were short lived and took place a long long time ago (10-21 years ago, take your pick, but for sure outside the SOL)

A new racecleans generation is in the making and they be seen walking/riding to school everyday down "Ryder Hesjedal Way"

Just cannot make this stuff up.

http://www.colwood.ca/news-events/n...-way-designed-encourage-active-transportation

 

[oldcrank]

Re: Re:

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

I recalled that a Canadian triathlete was sent home in disgrace
from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. I googled a
bit to find his name (Kelly Guest) and was (not) surprised to
see he seems to be the B.C. provincial coach for elite junior
triathletes according to one website, but I didn't make any
further effort to verify that.

 

[momotaro]

Re: Re:

I can't speak to the Axel M. involvement in the sport, but I can tell you that I have A LOT more faith in the direction of CCA under Tolkamp than I ever did under previous administration. The sport is FAR better supported now than it had been in the past, and this includes youth and women. Granted that some of the additional money has come though the general increase in the sport's popularity. Regardless, both governmental and nongovernemental organization aroudn the sport is leaps and bound better than what it was 15-20 years ago.

Also, there are many Canadian Road cyclists at the WT and Pro-Conti level that can help lead clean sport. Yes, there will always be doping in cycling, but I think we can at least get to the point where it is not "an accepted consequence" of attempting to compete at a higher level.

..."Axel Merckx - doper or clean - doper" And of course dad introduced Lance to his good doctor. Way to go kids, follow those guys - only one rule - just don't get caught. So if in 2005 they were at the extreme end of the rubbish scale, when did they become "leaders" ?

Thank you for raising the sordid state in cycling in B.C./Canada as they continue to allow Axel Merckx to exposure his tarnished doped views on athletes. Allowing Axel M to train future Canadians is complete hypocrisy! http://amydf.org/about-the-amydf/amydf-kelowna

Or maybe its all about B.C. Beer and making money...what else right. Check out the BOD for AM Youth Development...and, Axel's wife

Board of Directors
The Axel Merckx Youth Development Foundation is proud to have several outstanding members of the business, cultural and sports community on its Board. These members include:
Axel Merckx – Former professional cyclist, Belgian National Champion, and Olympic medalist.
Jodi Merckx – Former Canadian national team triathlete and co-owner of the Valley First Granfondo Axel Merckx Okanagan.
Ron Hayman – Two-time Olympian and former professional cyclist. Manages sales, marketing and product research for Hayman Sport.
Ross Langford – Lawyer and youth cycling advocate, Ross is a partner with the law firm of Farris, Vaughan, Wills & Murphy LLP. Actively involved in the community and is currently the Chair of UBC-O’s Founding Capital Campaign and a director of the Central Okanagan Foundation.
Tod Melnyk – President and owner of Tree Brewing Company. In addition to being an age-group triathlete and active supporter of community initiatives, Tod is the Chair of the B.C. Craft Brewers Guild and Director of the B.C. Beverage Alcohol Container Management Council.

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

B.C. cycling should be ashamed of their selves. Where does John Tolkamp site wrt Clara and Axel?
http://www.canadiancyclist.com/dailynews.php?id=26730

 

[Anaconda]

Just read this old article which is cut and pasted in its entirety here

http://www.cyclingforums.com/topic/178699-clara-hughes-on-the-issue/

"In cycling, it started around 1995," she said. "The speed of the races
changed, the way the athletes looked changed. All of a sudden you'd see
someone who looked totally different and had turned into a different racer
in a couple of months, and you know that's just not possible. I changed my
goals and decided that it might only be possible to win the one-day races.
"I saw what doping can do to your body and your brain. I saw people
destroyed by that. For me that was the eye-opener. To see what I saw was
just horrifying, shattering. You'd see someone with five per cent body fat
and then in the off-season they were bloated because they went off the
drugs.
"That led to depression and all these psychological side effects. One day
you're suddenly amazing and then nothing and everyone else, all those people
around you who were urging you to cheat, they've moved on and you're left to
deal with the repercussions. It's really sad."
Hughes insists she was never tempted to cheat."

So Clara says in this interview that she knew all about the doping in cycling back in 1995. I'm confused now with Clara on the record a bit all over the map. Knew everything, and when it came to defending Michael Barry naive and knew nothing. Always interesting to read some of these old articles. Sounds hopeful in 2005, but oh boy what was yet to come.

 

[Freddythefrog]

Great find - Just goes to show how confusing it can all get without having a decent bunch of facts like marginal gains or badzilla to prove that donkey to racehorse is entirely credible.

Remind me again - what is the current Cound version of when Froome was first diagnosed with Badzilla and how many people are claiming to be the one who diagnosed it ? I know our "earliest diagnosis" to "end of cure" makes the medical profession look pretty incompetent.

 

[Freddythefrog]

Re: Re:

Raising awareness, and/or coaching, wft road cycling for Canadian youngsters clearly should not involve Axel, Michael Barry, Ryder H, Shamus M, and now Clara... Are there no other retired Canadian cyclists that can lead B.C. cyclists into a clean and competitive future?

I recalled that a Canadian triathlete was sent home in disgrace
from the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games. I googled a
bit to find his name (Kelly Guest) and was (not) surprised to
see he seems to be the B.C. provincial coach for elite junior
triathletes according to one website, but I didn't make any
further effort to verify that.

Yes, Guest was one handled just on the fringe of the bottom of radar detection. Good job there is nobody like that in the British Coaching Team

Now just imagine if that new found cycling nation, who kicked the backside out of two track Olympic games were found to have a National Coach who not only was kicked off a race for a doping infringement but by the connivance of the officials, it was kept out of the records, now there would be a story wouldn't it. But of course none of that is true is it, because the official records don't lie do they. I wonder what the job advert was like that the National Coach applied for when he first joined British Cycling? Oh, I remember now, there wasn't one. He just appeared there. [Haven't you ever had that to you ? One day you are working in one job, next day,somebody rings you up and offers you a job and you start later that day somewhere completely different. I know loads of people who have that happen all the time, just don't know how the week is going to end!] Sir Dave thought it would be good to have him on board.

Now remind me. Just who was Sir David's boss at the time, overseeing this appointment ? I am trying to remember that guy, whatisname the one in the selfie he took with Eddy, who drools out a twitter on Eddy's birthday "best picture ever" (- doper beats clean riders - Eddy - I luv you). Oldcrank - can you help me out a little here. What is that guy's name ? Is he still connected with cycling now ?

 

[Benotti69]

Just read this old article which is cut and pasted in its entirety here

http://www.cyclingforums.com/topic/178699-clara-hughes-on-the-issue/

"In cycling, it started around 1995," she said. "The speed of the races
changed, the way the athletes looked changed. All of a sudden you'd see
someone who looked totally different and had turned into a different racer
in a couple of months, and you know that's just not possible. I changed my
goals and decided that it might only be possible to win the one-day races.
"I saw what doping can do to your body and your brain. I saw people
destroyed by that. For me that was the eye-opener. To see what I saw was
just horrifying, shattering. You'd see someone with five per cent body fat
and then in the off-season they were bloated because they went off the
drugs.
"That led to depression and all these psychological side effects. One day
you're suddenly amazing and then nothing and everyone else, all those people
around you who were urging you to cheat, they've moved on and you're left to
deal with the repercussions. It's really sad."
Hughes insists she was never tempted to cheat."

So Clara says in this interview that she knew all about the doping in cycling back in 1995. I'm confused now with Clara on the record a bit all over the map. Knew everything, and when it came to defending Michael Barry naive and knew nothing. Always interesting to read some of these old articles. Sounds hopeful in 2005, but oh boy what was yet to come.

......the way the athletes looked changed. All of a sudden you'd see
someone who looked totally different and had turned into a different racer
in a couple of months, and you know that's just not possible.......

Wiggins and Froome spring to mind. Armstrong after his cancer.

Riders know when a rider has changed. I bet they spend a lot of time looking at their competitors trying to see the small changes or in Wiggo/Froome the massive changes........

Clara Hughes is the standard revisionist athlete who wants to admit to doping( they were all doping) but only the once (see Millar, Stueymate, Zabel et al) it gives them more cred and also they are trying to present themselves as honest.

It works. Millar is doing well. Zabel is too and no doubt in a few years Stueymate will be on some WT team as a DS.

 

[Neworld]

IF you're interested.

http://www.cbc.ca/radio/thenextchapter/clara-hughes-roy-macgregor-and-guy-vanderhaeghe-1.3288475/clara-hughes-on-her-memoir-open-heart-open-mind-1.3288997

 

[clydesdale]

The more likely Clara Hughes scenario in my mind.

Clara was always against doping but not against supplements. Clara took a supplement and wasn't careful to check the ingredients. Supplement contained ephedrine.

In 2015 Clara fudges the details - or has a legitimately faulty memory. I find the tainted water bottle defense silly.

 

[D-Queued]

The more likely Clara Hughes scenario in my mind.

Clara was always against doping but not against supplements. Clara took a supplement and wasn't careful to check the ingredients. Supplement contained ephedrine.

In 2015 Clara fudges the details - or has a legitimately faulty memory. I find the tainted water bottle defense silly.

Hmm...

Wasn't ephedra used in 'dietary' supplements as a weight loss gimmick?

From WebMD:

"...Ephedra is used for weight loss and obesity and to enhance athletic performance...."

Was Clara obese?

Didn't she have an eating disorder?

Are you suggesting that she took a weight loss supplement on top of her eating disorder/

Would an athlete like Clara Hughes need to lose weight that couldn't or wouldn't be simply shed through exercise?

Thus, which supplement are you alleging?

Moreover, how much ephedrine is in the alleged supplement?

Would the alleged ephedrine in the alleged supplement be of type that would create a positive?

How much of the alleged supplement would be required to test positive?

Within what timeframe would the alleged amount of the alleged supplement have had to have been consumed in order to trigger a positive for the alleged ephedrine in the alleged supplement?

Would it be normal practice to take any supplement for weight loss during a time trial?

As for her 'tainted water bottle' excuse, didn't she also claim that "something might have happened in the lab"?

My bottle was on my bike when I went to the porta-john and I remembered going and leaving my bike there. Whether someone did something to my bottle, I will never know. Or whether something [happened] in the lab, I don't know.

Why would anyone maliciously spike an athlete's bottle with a performance enhancer? Isn't there is always the risk that the person goes faster and doesn't test positive?



Applying the timeworn supplement excuse/explanation sounds like more grasping at straws.

Dave.

 

[Jacques de Molay]

Wasn't ephedra used in 'dietary' supplements as a weight loss gimmick?

Interesting addendum to all of that.

http://www.businessinsider.com/thes...ntain-a-potentially-dangerous-chemical-2015-4

More than two years after U.S. health regulators discovered an amphetamine-like stimulant in dietary supplements containing Acacia rigidula, products containing the substance remain on the market, a study has found.

In December Canadian health regulators ordered the recall of a bodybuilding product called Jetfuel Superburn because it contained amphetamine-like substances, including BMPEA.

 

[Anaconda]

"In Barry's case, the Canadian team manager (Denis Roux) rattled off a list of medicines he should take,"

http://www.podiumcafe.com/book-corner/2014/4/28/5660720/shadows-on-the-road-by-michael-barry

"Both Hutsebaut and national team coach Denis Roux were certain Hughes hadn’t taken a banned substance."

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/ar...opens-book-on-doping-nightmare-327519141.html

Personally I do not think Clara was knowingly doping in 1994 (or ever). But the connection with Denis Roux is rather interesting. Wonder how many other Canadian National Team athletes learned of "medicines" for fast cycling from Roux?