State of the Peloton 2025

[Red Rick]

Nah I don't believe Ewan retiring is Clinic related. I think he's been on the edge of retiring for a long time.

 

[yaco]

We also need to acknowledge that Ewan is on a good wicket. His partner is the duaghter or a very Rich Irishman.

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

So, Caleb Ewan pulls the plug and stops his career with immediate effect. That's after winning a stage last month in Itzulia and his transfer to Ineos.

Clinic related? Yes or no?

It's open to speculation IMO.

My first thought was that he got busted for something (motor or dope), and was given the choice of quitting now, or being exposed.

I hope not, but my skepticism regarding the sport is always first.

 

[Ripper]

I think it's most likely he doesn't need the sport or the money anymore.

If there is any doping issue related, I think it's more likely he's sick of seeing the doping!

 

[pastronef]

My first thought was that he got busted for something (motor or dope), and was given the choice of quitting now, or being exposed.

I hope not, but my skepticism regarding the sport is always first.

the UCI tweeted and said well done for his career and next chapter. I feel there's a hidden morbid pleasure in some fans (mostly in the twitter asylum) to immediately link everything that happens to doping. people like NeilWooldridge and his antidoping gang friends, live for news like this so that they can shout at doping and omertà

 

[Gratemans]

I've never been a fan, and I'm also convinced there's doping in the peloton, but in this case everything points towards him having had enough of the lifestile / pressure. Combine that with that he doesn't have to worry about money, and that he just won one last race and it makes perfect sense for him to stop at this particular moment.

 

[Rackham]

I've never been a fan, and I'm also convinced there's doping in the peloton, but in this case everything points towards him having had enough of the lifestile / pressure. Combine that with that he doesn't have to worry about money, and that he just won one last race and it makes perfect sense for him to stop at this particular moment.

I mean you can make an argument in favor of him stopping but I believe saying it makes "perfect sense" is a bit of a stretch considering he only just joined Ineos and he started winning again.

It doesn't exactly read like a textbook case of rider quitting at the right time does it?

the UCI tweeted and said well done for his career and next chapter. I feel there's a hidden morbid pleasure in some fans (mostly in the twitter asylum) to immediately link everything that happens to doping. people like NeilWooldridge and his antidoping gang friends, live for news like this so that they can shout at doping and omertà

None of these people (UCI included) have earned the right to a "benefit of the doubt". It's easy to gauge because a lot of people really don't give them the benefit of the doubt (certainly judging by various remarks online) and there's nothing teams and riders can do to stop people from questioning news like this.

 

[pastronef]

None of these people (UCI included) have earned the right to a "benefit of the doubt". It's easy to gauge because a lot of people really don't give them the benefit of the doubt (certainly judging by various remarks online) and there's nothing teams and riders can do to stop people from questioning news like this.

Caleb Ewan hasn't done anything for me to doubt him. I can even agree with you about the benefit of the doubt. but go figure, there are always the same 12 twitter accounts just waiting for any occasion to bash this or that rider, this or that team. these people don't even enjoy the sport, they are there to blame and point the finger, for their own ego. news like Ewan's retirement (or Matt White leaving GreenEdge today) are like candy for them, it allows them to keep spitting on people/athletes just for the sake of it

 

[ChewbaccaDefense]

the UCI tweeted and said well done for his career and next chapter. I feel there's a hidden morbid pleasure in some fans (mostly in the twitter asylum) to immediately link everything that happens to doping. people like NeilWooldridge and his antidoping gang friends, live for news like this so that they can shout at doping and omertà

The UCI has a history of covering things up, so you'll have to excuse my reluctance to see that tweet as 100% proof of anything. Your second sentence is a well-worn trope of doping apologists. I remember the refrain raining down from Armstrong fanboys, on the reg. SSDD as one doper once said.

 

[pastronef]

The UCI has a history of covering things up, so you'll have to excuse my reluctance to see that tweet as 100% proof of anything. Your second sentence is a well-worn trope of doping apologists. I remember the refrain raining down from Armstrong fanboys, on the reg. SSDD as one doper once said.

I'll be ready to bash Ewan the moment UCI issues a suspension or info about wrongdoing. I DO NOT BASH EWAN gratuitously to boost my ego and wait for anything to happen to say "I told ya". I hate that. it drives me mad as fck. I hate those 12 twitter accounts not even following races but just waiting to bash riders for their own pleasure.

 

[Unchained]

Nah I don't believe Ewan retiring is Clinic related. I think he's been on the edge of retiring for a long time.

Maybe if Caleb had used some meditation, mood moderating drugs he would still be racing,, many Ewan tales are of moods and outside team thinking. Complaining about previous teams, , Instead of Ewan being included in clinic discussion maybe he fits better in something about Shedeur Sanders, dancing to his own beat. Ewan had lots of talent, lots of injuries and lots management challenges. Guy is a great racer, already got results this year and his instant flame out is a disappointment.

 

[AttaqueDeRolland]

After a small break, SaUAEnier-Duval is back to its best. Watch them do 1-2 in the GC at the Giro with Ayuso and Del Toro.

 

[zlev11]

 

[noob]

Ayuso acne seems to vary with his results? :O But granted I haven't watched all his races, it was just something I noticed.

 

[Mayomaniac]

Ayuso acne seems to vary with his results? :O But granted I haven't watched all his races, it was just something I noticed.

His impure skin was already a thing as a first year u23 rider, but tbf he was already coached by San Millan back then.

 

[noob]

His impure skin was already a thing as a first year u23 rider, but tbf he was already coached by San Millan back then.

Yes I remember that too. And then last year it looked better when I saw him. (Which probably was Tdf as I don't remember watching any other race with him in and he wasn't as good there )

I'm just curious about the variations since they seem stark

 

[Mayomaniac]

Yes I remember that too. And then last year it looked better when I saw him. (Which probably was Tdf as I don't remember watching any other race with him in and he wasn't as good there )

I'm just curious about the variations since they seem stark

I mean, his skin could react strongly to certain compounds, but some people also only have to look at the wrong stuff to get acne.

 

[Red Rick]

Relating acne to peds just means the state of the forum is peak still

 

[Mayomaniac]

Relating acne to peds just means the state of the forum is peak still

Tbf, acne on the back of roided boxers and other combat sports athletes is a thing.

 

[Ilmaestro99]

Ajuso is rdsiing for Martin and gianetti. Dopper. Doesn't matter his exfoliating routine

 

[Samu Cuenca]

Ajuso is rdsiing for Martin and gianetti. Dopper. Doesn't matter his exfoliating routine

His dog is probably a real Doppermann, too.

 

[topcat]

Carbs, ketones, Motors, co huffing, acne, sportswashing. If ever the forum needed a big bust, the time is now.

 

[noob]

Relating acne to peds just means the state of the forum is peak still

I joined the forum for the clinic after all

Tbf, acne on the back of roided boxers and other combat sports athletes is a thing.

Let's hope Ayuso won't be as into naked pics as Roglic

Ajuso is rdsiing for Martin and gianetti. Dopper. Doesn't matter his exfoliating routine

Exfoliating routine probably won't go well with his job. Exfoliation and sun exposure doesn't go well together least sun damage is your goal

I was painfully aware of my noobness when I just watched cycling highlights and they suggested the worst winners of giro ever was among others Hindley and worst ever was Geoghegan Hart. So during my 4 years as a cycling fan I have managed to watch 2 historically horrible giros and I have merely watched 4 so far. (of course boycotted 2024) And on top of that I have managed to catch both Cav and Pog chasing Merx.

I mean I probably could've just as well never stopped watching 2007 when Rasmussen was sent home and my gullible self believed he was innocent

We all only talk with our past selves after all

 

[noob]

Carbs, ketones, Motors, co huffing, acne, sportswashing. If ever the forum needed a big bust, the time is now.

What is a big bust? I duckduckgoed and it told me it had to do with decolletage

 

[Mayomaniac]

So according to Strava the whole gc group did a VAM of just over 1700 on the penultimate climb today (a bit higher for Poole and Storer) for 36min 20sec (gc group), for an 8.2% climb that's a high number for such a large group!
Source: https://www.strava.com/segments/39003858?filter=overall