Gert Steegmans

[gregod]

They have it in the contract so they can appear to be "tough on doping".

You are right. And that is a problem in pro cycling. If the UCI was doing its job or if they had done their job properly in the past, clubs might not have the need to make such gestures.

 

[Dr. Maserati]

They have it in the contract so they can appear to be "tough on doping".

Actually the big problem with Katusha was that they had already a positive within the team and the sponsors were making it clear that further positives could make them leave.
Then Colom was caught - while a 5 times salary is a huge fine with the risk of losing the biggest sponsor in the sport - 15million - desperate times call for desperate measures.

Also of note - Colom was never hit with the 5 times wages fine - as he was one of the riders not to have signed when he was caught.

 

[gregod]

Actually the big problem with Katusha was that they had already a positive within the team and the sponsors were making it clear that further positives could make them leave.
Then Colom was caught - while a 5 times salary is a huge fine with the risk of losing the biggest sponsor in the sport - 15million - desperate times call for desperate measures.

Also of note - Colom was never hit with the 5 times wages fine - as he was one of the riders not to have signed when he was caught.

No doubt that they were doing it for the right reasons: to protect the sponsors and the team. It is appalling that they have to resort to this, though. If the UCI and WADA were doing their jobs, it shouldn't come to this.