Team Ineos (Formerly the Sky thread)

[MatParker117]

Sky Italia wanted the team to sign Pellizotti after he was cleared of Bio Passport irregularities in late 2010. Yates was enthusiastic, the rest of the team management were not. As it was, he wasn't signed and shortly afterwards was banned anyway.

Makes sense Sky Italia own 30% of the team.

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

So I'll just say innocent until proven guilty, because I am painfully aware I don't have all the facts, just a fraction of them, and must rely on officials lacking accountability and trust to make that call. And since I can't rely on that I have to wait and hope, and afford the riders the benefit of the doubt until I can be certain. There are others more certain than me, but I can't fault that, so its just an opinion.

I'll give you credit for being the guy who couldn't figure out that Lance was a dope cheat until the Oprah interview.

 

[sittingbison]

I'll give you credit for being the guy who couldn't figure out that Lance was a dope cheat until the Oprah interview.

to be fair, most of the world didn't think Lance was a dope cheat until #Doprah. And I'm pretty sure jimmy did think that. As he likes to point out, there was plenty of actual ammunition if you bothered to look for it (saddlesore creme, actovegin, Mike A, retests etc etc etc). There is not for the current "clean" riders like Sir Wiggo, Evans etc. Its all circumstantial and empirical.

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

to be fair, most of the world didn't think Lance was a dope cheat until #Doprah. And I'm pretty sure jimmy did think that. As he likes to point out, there was plenty of actual ammunition if you bothered to look for it (saddlesore creme, actovegin, Mike A, retests etc etc etc). There is not for the current "clean" riders like Sir Wiggo, Evans etc. Its all circumstantial and empirical.

If that's the case, I'm going to have another season-long sabatical from the Clinic, although the ire and arguments are awfully familiar...

Seriously? MOST of the world? I admit I may be a bit sheltered, but that really gives me no faith in fans...

 

[sittingbison]

jeepers JM, remember the reaction you would get from normal people with only a passing interest in cycling (watching some Tour highlights) when you suggested Lance was a dope cheat? Or that the cancer recovery story was BS?

Tarred and feathered worse than a climate sceptic

 

[JMBeaushrimp]

jeepers JM, remember the reaction you would get from normal people with only a passing interest in cycling (watching some Tour highlights) when you suggested Lance was a dope cheat? Or that the cancer recovery story was BS?

Tarred and feathered worse than a climate sceptic

I kinda got that in the States, but was spending a lot of time in EU at the time. Different story there. That's a population of fans that have watched every year since they could pay attention.

Extraterreste was a common statement...

With the North Americans? Different altogether. I didn't gain any gravitas until I told people that "I will actually bet my life that Armstrong's dirty". Even then, a lot thought I was just insane and a bitter ex rouleur...

 

[sittingbison]

ahhhhh I see the problem....should have used the old "I swear on my mothers grave" routine

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

In the States, people would look at you as though you insulted them if you said you thought Armstrong was dirty.

Nearly everyone thought the French were just bitter because Lance was just better than everyone. Having an ignorant dolt like Bob Roll in the Versus commentating booth didn't help.

 

[FoxxyBrown1111]

It seems a myth to me (that Sky performs well above their talent level into the super suspiciuos level)...

They lost the Vuelta, "dominated"* the TdF, were no shows at the Giro last year. BTW, they didn´t win P-N this year...

* we shall remember they had T-20 riders (performed with other teams than Sky) in the line up en mass; Porte, Wiggins, Knees, Rogers. Plus they had EBH and a still young Froome.

Like in any other sports, the good teams beat the bad. And when AC came back, the "domination" of Sky was gone.

I know this should belong in the Sky thread (where i´ll copy it into too), and i say it again: Sky isn´t dirtier than any other pro team.

And Froome is a good rider. When he "exploded" (in 2011) he was still young. Unlike the Armstrongs, Zülles, Romingers and Rijs of this world.

Porte and Froome are no more suspicious than any other top riders (especially those liars and ignorants from spain).

EDIT: I am stopping short of saying that Sky is clean. But i look forward a good season, and i hope the basterds from spain (especially the big liars and Pharmstrong defenders AC, Valv-Piti, SS) get their as.s.es kicked by Sky.

 

[mattghg]

Armstrong was allowed to take a 20m shower prior to an unannounced (read: inconvenient) test. The entire Astana team in the 2009 TdF was allowed to chill, grab coffees and donuts, prior to an unannounced test. source

It mainly depends on the thickness of the brown envelopes and the amount of anti-doping machines you contribute on a voluntary basis.

Right; I should have said 'According to the rules, if you're called for a doping control then you have to do it immediately'. Of course, the rules haven't always been very well enforced (going for some kind of understatement award there...).

 

[horsinabout]

It seems a myth to me (that Sky performs well above their talent level into the super suspiciuos level)...

They lost the Vuelta, "dominated"* the TdF, were no shows at the Giro last year. BTW, they didn´t win P-N this year...

* we shall remember they had T-20 riders (performed with other teams than Sky) in the line up en mass; Porte, Wiggins, Knees, Rogers. Plus they had EBH and a still young Froome.

Like in any other sports, the good teams beat the bad. And when AC came back, the "domination" of Sky was gone.

I know this should belong in the Sky thread (where i´ll copy it into too), and i say it again: Sky isn´t dirtier than any other pro team.

And Froome is a good rider. When he "exploded" (in 2011) he was still young. Unlike the Armstrongs, Zülles, Romingers and Rijs of this world.

Porte and Froome are no more suspicious than any other top riders (especially those liars and ignorants from spain).

EDIT: I am stopping short of saying that Sky is clean. But i look forward a good season, and i hope the basterds from spain (especially the big liars and Pharmstrong defenders AC, Valv-Piti, SS) get their as.s.es kicked by Sky.

The very problem with the TDF is it is about controlling who wins the race. It is money and politics on a bike...

You appear to be in favour, with a hint of jingoism.

 

[Dear Wiggo]

Right; I should have said 'According to the rules, if you're called for a doping control then you have to do it immediately'. Of course, the rules haven't always been very well enforced (going for some kind of understatement award there...).

My understanding is if you're up, as soon as the chaperone finds you, you are not allowed to leave their sight.

Urine samples can be taken immediately.

BP samples are taken 2 hours after competition to allow biological parameters to reset.

 

[Fearless Greg Lemond]

And Froome is a good rider. When he "exploded" (in 2011) he was still young. Unlike the Armstrongs, Zülles, Romingers and Rijs of this world.

Zulle liked his share of the Edgar Allen Poe but you are a bit silly with this.

But thanks for the idea, I stumbled on results of Zulle and this one looked like a nice comparison to team SKY:

Paris - Nice 1993
14-03-1993
8º stage part b
Distance: 12.5 km
Road – Climb Time Trial
Departure: Nice, France
Arrival: Col d'Eze, France

1. Alex Zulle (Sui) en 23'05"
2. Laurent Bezault (Fra) à 9"
3. Jean-François Bernard (Fra) à 24"
4. Pascal Lance (Fra) à 35"
5. Andrew Hampsten (Usa) à 40"

Now, compare that to Ritchie Porte's time:
9,6 km

1 Richie Porte AUS in 19m 16.820s

2.9 kilometres shorter, 4 minutes faster. Given the fact col d'Eze is 9,6/10 k long

the 2.9 kilometres extra were flat. So, it is fair to say EPO - Alex was slower than Porte at that time.

The pelotoon has really slowed down.

 

[lemoogle]

In the States, people would look at you as though you insulted them if you said you thought Armstrong was dirty.

Nearly everyone thought the French were just bitter because Lance was just better than everyone. Having an ignorant dolt like Bob Roll in the Versus commentating booth didn't help.

Bitterness is clearly the reason we're doubting Sky, duh. There hasn't been a French winner since before I was born but some British guy wins the Tour and suddenly I just can't accept that anymore! I don't really get that British feeling of importance ( not talking for brits in general here but for the skybots that are just calling people jealous ).
If nationality was my motive I would be happy, French riders have been winning more stages than usual. But maybe some of us actually care about the SPORT.

What scares me is that I see top rated comments on Lance videos saying stuff like " You Americans are all just bitter that now we have the first clean winner of the tour Bradley Wiggins", what's it been less than a year? how long did it take for Lance to get caught? I just find it ridiculous.

Rule should be, don't call your rider clean until 14 years have passed. haha

 

[happychappy]

https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/311778133504307200

Has Ricky Gervais been to "The Clinic" ?

 

[SundayRider]

It seems a myth to me (that Sky performs well above their talent level into the super suspiciuos level)...

They lost the Vuelta, "dominated"* the TdF, were no shows at the Giro last year. BTW, they didn´t win P-N this year...

* we shall remember they had T-20 riders (performed with other teams than Sky) in the line up en mass; Porte, Wiggins, Knees, Rogers. Plus they had EBH and a still young Froome.

Like in any other sports, the good teams beat the bad. And when AC came back, the "domination" of Sky was gone.

I know this should belong in the Sky thread (where i´ll copy it into too), and i say it again: Sky isn´t dirtier than any other pro team.

And Froome is a good rider. When he "exploded" (in 2011) he was still young. Unlike the Armstrongs, Zülles, Romingers and Rijs of this world.

Porte and Froome are no more suspicious than any other top riders (especially those liars and ignorants from spain).

EDIT: I am stopping short of saying that Sky is clean. But i look forward a good season, and i hope the basterds from spain (especially the big liars and Pharmstrong defenders AC, Valv-Piti, SS) get their as.s.es kicked by Sky.

Armstrong was 27 when he won the tour Froome was 26 at 2011 vuelta, Armstrong was 26/27 at the 98 Vuelta. Hardly a difference really.

 

[The Hitch]

What scares me is that I see top rated comments on Lance videos saying stuff like " You Americans are all just bitter that now we have the first clean winner of the tour Bradley Wiggins", what's it been less than a year? how long did it take for Lance to get caught? I just find it ridiculous. a

First clean winner of the tour.Lol. that's probably Joachim.

 

[Ferminal]

https://twitter.com/rickygervais/status/311778133504307200

Has Ricky Gervais been to "The Clinic" ?

So many haters of excellence.

 

[Lanark]

Armstrong was 27 when he won the tour Froome was 26 at 2011 vuelta, Armstrong was 26/27 at the 98 Vuelta. Hardly a difference really.

That comparison is unfair to Armstrong, who at least was a very good rider before he became a GC-specialist out of nowhere. Froome was pack fodder.

 

[mattghg]

Rule should be, don't call your rider clean until 14 years have passed. haha

Where would the clinic be then?

 

[Moose McKnuckles]

Brailsford now has his panties in a wad because fans are laughing at the fraud that is Team Sky. I wonder if he had to pay Bruyneel royalties for using the same lines that joker used a decade ago.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/brailsford-hits-back-at-accusations-and-criticism-of-team-sky

 

[Parrulo]

"If people want the entertainment value of riders attacking each other, stopping, attacking each other again and again, then go back to 'old cycling', which will give you the capability to do that," he said.

"If you want clean sport and clean cycling, then it's going to be different. You can't have it both ways. There's an element of reality about what were doing."

again with this bull****. . . .

 

[Franklin]

again with this bull****. . . .

Isn't this guy amazing?

Once again he puts down a blatant lie. Because he has been around a bit and has seen Lancypoo/Hoggy in action... which is the master of his slave-copy tactics. So he knows that his clean team is actually using the schedule of the dirtiest team. It has nothing to do with clean cycling.

This guy is a blight on this sport. He.has.got.to.go.

 

[sniper]

again with this bull****. . . .

indeed.
it's not as if Contador isn't attacking. But his attacks are fruitless against the Sky train.

 

[doperhopper]

looks like the endgame is coming, McQuack announces "no changes", little Richie proudly states they are THE "trend-setters" and Brailsford's comes with this final absolute unrefutable proof - they are less marginal now than before

"So we were doping in the Olympics too? If I'm a doper, if I'm a liar, I'm a liar in my personality through and through. So why didn't I dope the Olympic team for the last 15 years? Have I just decided I'm going to do it with this team? I'm not going to do it over there but I'll cheat here? Full gas. But we've dominated the Olympic games for 15 years. Explain that to me. We didn’t just win at the Olympic games, we dominated them, we smashed it out of the park. More than anyone else has ever done. That level of performance is monumental."