Levi Leipheimer

[frenchfry]

Looks like an overly dramatized account of some rather humdrum racing. In the Vimeo trailer, his mechanic is trying to create tension ("...I hope all the bolts are on tight"..."he wants to win three stages"...). I could barely stand it. It looks like it's sanitized for the clean cycling public, so I doubt that there would be any major revelations. Instead, there will be some poignant piano music, lots of backstory on how hard Levi trains, what a nice wife and dog he has, and the heartbreak of losing the 2011 ToC.

Maybe "I hope all the bolts are on tight" is some kind of code, like "please pass me a white lunch bag" or "the Edgar has landed".

What is it about American cyclists that they feel the need to spin some kind of story about how they have done so much good for so many people. Nothing personal against Levi, but he is a doper and a boring rider as well so I don't really see the point of this exercise.

 

[robow7]

If what I'm seeing is correct, no comparison with Tyler's book. Tyler opens up and displays his flaws, where as Levi seems to try inflating his good works.

 

[Cycle Chic]

If what I'm seeing is correct, no comparison with Tyler's book. Tyler opens up and displays his flaws, where as Levi seems to try inflating his good works.

Who's comparing it to Tylers Book ??

 

[dolophonic]

Tyler's got a book !

 

[BillytheKid]

Johan's head isn't that much bigger than everyone else's .

I do wonder why they are sending their genius DS and GT leaders to a two-bit **** small race, and the second string to the Tour of Romandie. Wouldn't they get better form racing against Kreuziger and co in Switzerland?

To paraphrase Cavendish and Bruyneel, 'We might as well get **** small wins...'

The Tour of Gila finishs a week ahead of the ToC. It's parcour is tougher than that of the latter and Romandie, but what's you point? That it's suspicous to use it as prep race for ToC and not have to worry about 9-11 hour jet lag. What's the race got to do with a clinic topic?. Is it easier to dope in New Mexico?

A mod should strike you comment as competely off-topic and an insult to an otherwise less know but solid race.

 

[gearmasher]

You'd have to think the trailer is a joke, created by some kid in a HS marketing class. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.

 

[FitSsikS]

The Levi Effect.......

Let me guess, they fade over time and eventually get holes in them.

 

[Darryl Webster]

Ya just know the Levi film is utter fanboy garbage for chewing gum card collectors soon as ya see Phill Ligggets,s giving his views.

Now if Tyler,s book is ever turned into a serious movie dramatisation that's a film that might be worth watching.
Anyone else see a resemblance to young Dustin Hoffman?

 

[the big ring]

Ya just know the Levi film is utter fanboy garbage for chewing gum card collectors soon as ya see Phill Ligggets,s giving his views.

Now if Tyler,s book is ever turned into a serious movie dramatisation that's a film that might be worth watching.
Anyone else a resemblance to young Dustin Hoffman?

Your image got zapped by the host.

 

[Darryl Webster]

Your image got zapped by the host.

Fixed now?

 

[hiero2]

using dope on junior level is even more pathetic than on prolevel

It may be pathetic, but for some individuals, it is more likely. Judgement has not yet developed - they are following the parent's rule book - or rejecting it. Risk taking can be off the scale - because for those who don't recognize risk yet, well, they don't recognize it! "We will live forever!"

 

[hiero2]

I believe it is actually legal today (though I think it might be illegal in some countries?!). Not sure why it was legalized. Still, he clearly broke the rules.

In my opinion, it will pale in comparison to his involvement in other programs that may become known in the near future.

Legal today? Not. Maybe WADA-USADA legal, not USA legal, and ditto all the Euro countries so far as I can determine. "Ephedra" is still sold OTC, but it is NOT "ephedra" - it is "Mormon tea". I forget the scientific names of the two plants, but the critical ingredients that are in the Chinese herb ma huang (ephedra) are what are actually banned by law. It is against the law to sell or dispense or distribute those alkaloids. Those alkaloids are the ephedrine and psuedoephedrine that actually give you the boost. It is legal to call it "ephedra", but it ain't ephedra, if you get my drift. Mormon tea is a related plant, but it is a plant without the oooomph in the "go" from ma huang. So, they call it ephedra and sell it, and it is a big rip-off.

Because I was a long-time user of ephedra (as a tea, primarily as a decongestant), I am inclined to intellectually diminish the importance of it as a drug. However, it CAN be dangerous to health, when taken in large quantities. The real ephedra is a powerful herb. Therefore I also must recognize that just because I can use it without harm, that does not mean it is something that should be allowed.

 

[the big ring]

Fixed now?

That is an awesome find. Nice!

Given Hoffman's range (Hook -> Rainman) I reckon he'd easily play Tylers deadpan, laid back manner. The nose, and downward pointing outer eye corners (and the hair shape) all work.

Really shows you how flat TV studio lighting vs photographic studio.

 

[BillytheKid]

Legal today? Not. Maybe WADA-USADA legal, not USA legal, and ditto all the Euro countries so far as I can determine. "Ephedra" is still sold OTC, but it is NOT "ephedra" - it is "Mormon tea". I forget the scientific names of the two plants, but the critical ingredients that are in the Chinese herb ma huang (ephedra) are what are actually banned by law. It is against the law to sell or dispense or distribute those alkaloids. Those alkaloids are the ephedrine and psuedoephedrine that actually give you the boost. It is legal to call it "ephedra", but it ain't ephedra, if you get my drift. Mormon tea is a related plant, but it is a plant without the oooomph in the "go" from ma huang. So, they call it ephedra and sell it, and it is a big rip-off.

Because I was a long-time user of ephedra (as a tea, primarily as a decongestant), I am inclined to intellectually diminish the importance of it as a drug. However, it CAN be dangerous to health, when taken in large quantities. The real ephedra is a powerful herb. Therefore I also must recognize that just because I can use it without harm, that does not mean it is something that should be allowed.

I read a story in SI about NFL players eating psuedoephedrine pills like M&Ms before a game and at half time some time ago. It's all the same and definitely a strong stimulant.

 

[thehog]

http://www.levieffect.com/

"Would have been the greatest American Tour rider of all time"

Seriously? Never would have made top 10 without Edgar or BBs.

 

[perfessor]

http://www.levieffect.com/

"Would have been the greatest American Tour rider of all time"

Seriously? Never would have made top 10 without Edgar or BBs.

.

He said "...would have been the greatest American tour rider, from his era,"

Funny how quotes can have different meanings --depending on where you snip them.

 

[thehog]

.

He said "...would have been the greatest American tour rider, from his era,"

Funny how quotes can have different meanings --depending on where you snip them.

You love Levi! You've got a lover. You've got a lover. You love Levi Leipheimer! I'm telling everyone!

 

[BroDeal]

Why does every doper feel the need to set up a charity and then promote themselves with it? Can't they be satisfied with cheating their sport instead of people outside it?

 

[perfessor]

You love Levi! You've got a lover. You've got a lover. You love Levi Leipheimer! I'm telling everyone!

Never been a fan, unless he came clean giving evidence.
If your gonna use a quote to support your angle, use one people can't fact-check.

 

[blackcat]

Why does every doper feel the need to set up a charity and then promote themselves with it? Can't they be satisfied with cheating their sport instead of people outside it?

America has a different definition of charity than the ROW. No name should be attached to charity if indeed it has any basis in being charitable, and not receiving a pay off.

Oh, put my name on this public library, for this cheque

 

[Oldman]

Why does every doper feel the need to set up a charity and then promote themselves with it? Can't they be satisfied with cheating their sport instead of people outside it?

To be fair almost every pro athlete with a good financial planner has a "Foundation" and a services corporation to allow management of expenses. Foundations get income from engagements and the pro gets to write off "related" expenses. Levi may not have a G5 to fly around in but any small businessman should be thinking along similar lines.
The film, on the other hand; smacks of pre-emptive smoke screen more than a serious attempt at profit. It would be likely income would go to a charity or a foundation that will benefit him while laundering his story. I don't think in that context it's that big a deal.
The next month or so will see how much more legacy time he'll have, though.

 

[Jack Aubrey]

Is he going to fess up or not?

 

[thekiwi]

In Levi's confession I find this the most sickening!!!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444799904578048672603746526.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet

I could have come forward sooner. But would that have accomplished anything—other than to end my career? One rider coming forward and telling his story in the face of cycling's code of silence would not have fixed a problem that was institutional.

So Hamilton or Landis did just that but he kept silent and looked after No1 !

 

[BroDeal]

I can believe Hincapie stopped five years ago. I cannot say the same for Leipheimer. No way did he barely miss out on winning the Tour and the Vuelta while racing clean.

 

[Arnout]

In Levi's confession I find this the most sickening!!!
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444799904578048672603746526.html?mod=wsj_share_tweet


So Hamilton or Landis did just that but he kept silent and looked after No1 !

Well... for all the good things that Hamilton and Landis did, they also told their story only when their career was over... not under pressure from the USADA, but they are not the holy guys that stood up and sacrificed themselves and their careers either.