mtb Dad said:
Steve's always been clean that I've heard, but he also maintains relations with others in the business, like Lance. I imagine he'd have to be 'diplomatic' on his feelings about doping to do that. He's commented before on Pound's comments, and it sounded kind of weak, like Pound should go after Nor am pro sports before cycling.
I think a sign of the tipping point will be when he feels he can criticize the UCI's gaffs on anti-doping or Lance without losing his business. But that will mean he hasn't been part of getting to the tipping point. Still, running a clean team is a powerful statement by itself.
As much as I would applaud it, it would be foolish to suggest that Steve, alone, try and take on the UCI. Steve, however, is a very big name in the cycling world even if he is Canadian. He is a very credible voice.
But, Cdns can do a lot more pro-actively about doping in cycling than we have. In fact, rather than Steve worrying about this, what about the CCA? What are they doing to try and affect change within the UCI? Canada, after all, is the home of WADA HQ.
Some of those associated with the CCA, as well as some of the Cdn cycling establishment, I regard as personal friends.
With my few statements already posted on this thread, I have raised the attention and concern of at least one person -- who has already contacted me for clarification.
However, there appears to be little if no action being taken. Fellow Canadians like Lister Farrar have been persuasively vocal with little resonance or traction at the CCA.
When Cdn mtb'er Chris 'Shep' Sheppard tested positive for EPO in 2005 I contacted the CCA brass & Cdn team coach and encouraged him/CCA to take a public, pro-active stance on doping with zero tolerance holding team accountable for actions of its riders. The writing, I observed, was on the wall. Doping in cycling was about to give the sport a severe road rash.
To Sheppard's credit, he did
publicly admit that he had doped (even if it was 'only the first time, and just tried it the day before the testers showed up'). Then again he announced the end of his career, but is back at it. Hopefully he is clean (Sorry Chris, but welcome to cycling).
The CCA et al passed on that opportunity to see the writing on the wall and get out ahead of the doping mushroom cloud that was all but set to go off. Meanwhile, other Cdn cycling notables made public statements about 'Shep' somehow being a lightning rod for doping vitriole.
Hardly. Oh, and by the way, nice guy or not, podium finisher or not, he doped.
About the same time as Shep's positive, GJ had her EPO positive. 2005 was a banner year for doping in Cda.
Later in 2005 (Aug 23) and then in 2006, we had the triple atomic explosions of the L'Equipe article (Aug 2005), then the OP scandal (May 2006) followed by Landis' positive (July 2006). A banner year for doping in Canada was followed by a banner year for the sport at the highest international levels.
Thus, on the one hand, I applaud Steve's commitment to anti-doping.
It is long overdue.
On the other hand, it is necessary to be realistic about the sport. There are dopers in our midst. Moreover, is it too much to ask for a positive message rather than the parroting of a McQuaidism?
Is it too much to ask for a bit more? Can we take the extra step?
I hope we can.
Dave.