What's up with Simeoni ?

[LugHugger]

Simeoni would only be in for a stage win and publicity; but CF does have a strong GC candidate in Giampalo Caruso. Here are his relevant results, as copied from Mellow Velo and seconded by Escarabajo:

As a young rider, at the 2006 Giro
12 Giampaolo Caruso (Ita) Liberty Seguros-Würth Team
Just over a week ago at Trentino:-
6 Gilberto Simoni (Ita) Serramenti PVC Diquigiovanni 1.14
7 Giampaolo Caruso (Ita) Ceramica Flaminia 1.18
8 Danilo Di Luca (Ita) LPR Brakes - 1.49

Considering that this team is Italian, has the national champion, and has a young Italian rider who finished Trentino sandwiched between two former Giro winners I can only conclude that this decision is not based on merit at all.

+1

Absolutely spot on. I'm afraid that this is sporting politics at it's worst. For heaven's sake , the Giro without the Italian national champion? Any fair side-by-side comparison between some of the teams invited and CF justifies CF's inclusion. What a joke.

 

[BigBoat]

doping should have the bans passed on to the team officials. you cant do it alone.

Well if you monitored performance values, they would be so statistically unusual one would have to say the UCI officials should serve the doping bans.

 

[hfer07]

Simeoni has a right to be there. I think the Italian National Champion merits an invite to the 100th anniversary Giro by default. Then Simeoni would have three weeks and not just seven hours to settle his problems with Armstrong.

Well- I hope not to see this situation boiling up to the point that Simeoni's exclusion encourages some mad tifosis to do some payback on the road...
BTW I hope too that the same crowd have already forgotten all the bull**** that LA said in the past about the Giro and the Italians riders, so his *** won't be jeopardized by his appearance...

 

[jaylew]

A bunch of people are mentioning Galicia as the team that shouldn't be there but they were invited before Mosquera's injury. Before that he was targeting top Giro/Vuelta finishes and I would have definitely put him in the mix somewhere. I guess they could have pulled them after his injury but I don't know if that would have been right.

Of course you could still argue their inclusion even with Mosquera but I think what is more telling is that Fuji was added at the last minute instead of Ceramica. I don't have anything against Fuji but it's rather odd and a bit inconsistent that they got the invite when CSF Navigare didn't. Perhaps the fact that Sella embarrassed the Giro and Ricco and Piepoli's act was at the Tour? Actually, that doesn't make sense either unless they believe that the Saunier boys were only doped up at the Tour.

In the grand scheme of things I don't really think it's a big deal. Maybe they should be there, maybe not, but I don't think it's a huge miscarriage. Who says the Italian national jersey has to be at the Giro? I thought it was a bigger deal last year when Acqua Sapone weren't invited.

Definitely think there's something political going on there, though.

 

[arrhythmia rules]

I do wonder what planet some folk are on.
Simeoni is only excluded because he upset Armstrong and his whole team pays because Armstrong holds a grudge.
Is that a minor detail or really bad for cycling?
Its really bad for cycling and a sign for any that dont have mist coloured specs that there is at least one rotten apple in the barrel.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

What does the Milan San Remo 7 hours of reconciliation with Lance has anything to do with being snubbed of an invitation??

Why in God's name is the onus on Simeoni to 'make nice" with Lance? He testified the truth in an open hearing about being doped by Ferrari who was his physician, and was never even charged or accused of perjury in that time. It was Lance who chased him down and humiliated him based on one thing and one thing only: because Simeoni blew the whistle on that same physician whose name is more associated with doping than any other in the history of sports, a physician who Lance secretly met with several times before the press found out and reported on it. Then it's Lance who accuses the press, and accuses Simeoni of what, when they said the truth? Lance says destroying the sport. But it's the dopers and those that protect them that are destroying the sport. We need more riders like Simeoni.

This is entirely political, and nothing more. As I said before, until the UCI cleans house (and RCS and others) and wants to seriously combat doping and seriously put an end do it - as we are discussing in the McQuaid/Verbruggen thread, this isn't going to change. Riders like Simeoni are going to be shut down, while dopers who uphold the omerta will continue to be rewarded, and the fans patronized.

 

[Jacques Tati]

Simeoni's upset, he's been to see the doctor, been promised good form, spent all his euro's on 'gear' and now he's not riding.

 

[pmcg76]

Agree with Alpe d'Huez 100%. Simeoni was unknown until Lance chased him down in 2004 so it was Lance that actually raised awareness of Filippo and why newspapers, magazines became interested in Simeoni. I dont think he was going around seeking publicity before the incident with Lance. I think most people including myself had no idea what was going on.

How chasing down a unknown rider who was testifying against Ferrari was 'protecting the interests of the peloton' is beyond me. People wonder why Simeoni never made it into a ProTour team, its purely down to that incident with Lance. Like a lot of people who speak out about doping, they become blackballed by everyone.

 

[bastigon]

strange comment mhmm..

Nice put Alpe d'Huez! Really strange comment by Zomegnan.

"It is a media stunt," Zomegnan told Rai Sport. "Chances were given to Simeoni: he was invited to Tirreno-Adriatico, where he was up to 30 minutes behind and did not finish the race, while at Milano-Sanremo he had seven hours to meet Armstrong and clarify the 2004 incident. This is not the way to live together in a civilised manner."

1. How does Zomegnan know that Armstrong and Simeoni didn't speak at Milan-San Remo?

2. Why does Zomegnan even care?

3. Why does Simeoni have to "clarify" this with Armstrong according to Zomegnan?

4. How does this not implicate Armstrong's interference?

This is weird. Maybe Zomegnan is just old and confused.

 

[Mr.DNA]

by the way I think velo news was a bit harsh on CF" The prestigious tricolore jersey didn’t help him find a ride with a larger, better-funded team and Simeoni was forced to stay with bottom-rung Ceramica Flaminia during 2009"

Because that article was written by Andrew Hood, a guy who makes his living writing books about what an awesome guy Lance Armstrong is.

 

[Zoncolan]

Why in God's name is the onus on Simeoni to 'make nice" with Lance? He testified the truth in an open hearing about being doped by Ferrari who was his physician, and was never even charged or accused of perjury in that time. It was Lance who chased him down and humiliated him based on one thing and one thing only: because Simeoni blew the whistle on that same physician whose name is more associated with doping than any other in the history of sports, a physician who Lance secretly met with several times before the press found out and reported on it. Then it's Lance who accuses the press, and accuses Simeoni of what, when they said the truth? Lance says destroying the sport. But it's the dopers and those that protect them that are destroying the sport. We need more riders like Simeoni.

This is entirely political, and nothing more. As I said before, until the UCI cleans house (and RCS and others) and wants to seriously combat doping and seriously put an end do it - as we are discussing in the McQuaid/Verbruggen thread, this isn't going to change. Riders like Simeoni are going to be shut down, while dopers who uphold the omerta will continue to be rewarded, and the fans patronized.

I second that

 

[Zoncolan]

Agree with Alpe d'Huez 100%. Simeoni was unknown until Lance chased him down in 2004 so it was Lance that actually raised awareness of Filippo and why newspapers, magazines became interested in Simeoni. I dont think he was going around seeking publicity before the incident with Lance. I think most people including myself had no idea what was going on.

How chasing down a unknown rider who was testifying against Ferrari was 'protecting the interests of the peloton' is beyond me. People wonder why Simeoni never made it into a ProTour team, its purely down to that incident with Lance. Like a lot of people who speak out about doping, they become blackballed by everyone.

Actually, the guy won two stages in the Vuelta before that-'01 &'03

 

[la.margna]

couldn't agree more!

Why in God's name is the onus on Simeoni to 'make nice" with Lance? He testified the truth in an open hearing about being doped by Ferrari who was his physician, and was never even charged or accused of perjury in that time. It was Lance who chased him down and humiliated him based on one thing and one thing only: because Simeoni blew the whistle on that same physician whose name is more associated with doping than any other in the history of sports, a physician who Lance secretly met with several times before the press found out and reported on it. Then it's Lance who accuses the press, and accuses Simeoni of what, when they said the truth? Lance says destroying the sport. But it's the dopers and those that protect them that are destroying the sport. We need more riders like Simeoni.

This is entirely political, and nothing more. As I said before, until the UCI cleans house (and RCS and others) and wants to seriously combat doping and seriously put an end do it - as we are discussing in the McQuaid/Verbruggen thread, this isn't going to change. Riders like Simeoni are going to be shut down, while dopers who uphold the omerta will continue to be rewarded, and the fans patronized.

Couldn't agree more with Alpe d'Huez!

The foundation of most problems in today's world is in people not being honest, people cheating.

It makes me sick if a cheater and liar like LA fools all the people with his "noble cause" and distracts them from the sad truth behind his success. It is even more disgusting that apart from a few upright, courageous, bold guys like Simeoni, all others including federations and organizers participate and support LA’s game.

But what's even worse: LA will highly likely be the governor of Texas and maybe even president of the States one day. But maybe being a cheater and liar is a key condition to reach such powerful positions. Sorry, maybe I'm moving a bit too far away from the topic...

Clean sports (and the world) from cheaters and liars!

 

[ElChingon]

The Omerta or Mafia (according to Tyler Hamilton) is just enforcing its side of things, much to the cleanliness of the sport. The Giro would of probably had major strikes by "workers unions" had Simeoni been allowed to race, blocking the race route and pulling weird antics along the race.

I know I just wrote it but if its true its quite a shame the sport can't be cleaned up due to this issue. If false then some thing/one is messing things up for the sport.

 

[blueryder]

Get real

Sorry guys and gals at just getting on board.
I support Simeoni completely. A current national champion SHOULD ride his national grand tour. It would appear that once again politics and finances pervade and control sport. Armstrongs influence far outreaches his importance. I, like many other non-sycophants, would rather he stayed away from cycling or had the good grace to fall under a truck. I remember his behaviour at the 2004 tour, when his bullying of Simeoni brought shame on our sport. Do we forget the (retrospective) positive tests for EPO of his 1999/2000 urine samples (French conspiracy...I think not). Considering the systematic use of (at the time-undetectable) steriods etc by USA athletes at Sydney Olympics and the following Worlds do we think that USA pro cyclists were not party to this national debacle. Considering the subsequent history of USA pro cyclists drug use (Landis, Hamilton) and their current relatively poor performance on the road stage should we not view the situation as a further USA destabilising tactics. Simeoni should be included in the Giro and Armstrong should be the grateful and contrite guest. On a personal note ...I will happily drive the truck.

 

[franciep10]

Couldn't agree more with Alpe d'Huez!

The foundation of most problems in today's world is in people not being honest, people cheating.

It makes me sick if a cheater and liar like LA fools all the people with his "noble cause" and distracts them from the sad truth behind his success. It is even more disgusting that apart from a few upright, courageous, bold guys like Simeoni, all others including federations and organizers participate and support LA’s game.

But what's even worse: LA will highly likely be the governor of Texas and maybe even president of the States one day. But maybe being a cheater and liar is a key condition to reach such powerful positions. Sorry, maybe I'm moving a bit too far away from the topic...

Clean sports (and the world) from cheaters and liars!

do you know why he testified, Simeoni is a doper he was caught doping he got into cycling as a doper he didn't start out as a clean rider, he was caught doping he was going to be charged for drug possession he decided to testify against Ferrari. So it's not like he did this out of the good of his heart he didn't want to go to prison and he wanted a reduced ban. so don't make it sound like he's Greg Lemond he just as bad as Basso, LA,Jan, Pantani and the whole lot

 

[euphrades]

So, what results has Lance had this season, that merits his inclusion?

This has everything to do with Lance. Just read the CN reports.
Your logic appears to be malfunctioning.

You're right my logic is malfunctioning; Astana is a Pro Tour team, LL has one two major stages races, I don't count the Gila. Looks like a potential candidate to do well in this years Giro. The key here is that Astana is in the race not just Lance.

Thats right Simeoni isn't on a Pro Tour team.

This is all about money and Lance, Levi, and Astana draw a crowd where Simeoni doesn't when compared. I think Lemond said it right in the townhall found in another posting here, no one starts wanting to race in cycling because of Greed. I personally believe thats true, but remember Greed is money and that is what its about.

 

[2wheels]

I have to agree wholeheartedly with what several have already said: Zomegnan's comment about Simeoni's failing to grovel before LA at San Remo makes this whole matter crystal clear. So does the relative silence on this thread from all the Lance lovers-- even they must realize what's going on this time. I hope the Italian fans give him the bully's welcome he so richly deserves, and that Dr. Ferrari gets hung up in the Albuquerque airport and misses the Giro.

 

[benpounder]

What message is sent, when someone who is so outspoken on PED's gets excluded and Ricco's old boys get a last minute invite?

Now there (finally) is an argument with merit, and the central question therein is on that has me perplexed. Unfortunately, RCS has not addressed on what merits the former Saunier Duval team was included (especially given the black eye recieved by Ricco/Peipoli last year) and Ceramica Flaminia was excluded.

Haters can blame Lance Armstrong all they want, but doing so avoids the real question.

 

[BroDeal]

"It is a media stunt," Zomegnan told Rai Sport. "Chances were given to Simeoni: ...while at Milano-Sanremo he had seven hours to meet Armstrong and clarify the 2004 incident. This is not the way to live together in a civilised manner."

That says everything right there. Simeoni was excluded because of Armstrong otherwise Zomegnan would not mention this.

A pretty despicible turn of events that shoots a hole in this nonsense of the sport being cleaned up. As long as riders like Jaksche and Simeoni are punished, not only by other riders but also by race organizers, there is no way the sport can change.

Zomengan is just a guilty as Armstrong in maintaining omerta.

 

[unsheath]

There's two issues at play here. Was Flaminia's omission more of an Armstrong issue or more the fact that Xacebo-Galicia offered better under the table incentives? Unfortunately the organisers will optimise what's in their commercial interest, as their previous decisions have indicated.

Can anyone confirm if LA is indeed getting an appearance fee and if so, how much?

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Thanks for all the seconds and support guys! I feel like it's my birthday (and well, it is)!

 

[Trev_S]

do you know why he testified, Simeoni is a doper he was caught doping he got into cycling as a doper he didn't start out as a clean rider, he was caught doping he was going to be charged for drug possession he decided to testify against Ferrari. So it's not like he did this out of the good of his heart he didn't want to go to prison and he wanted a reduced ban. so don't make it sound like he's Greg Lemond he just as bad as Basso, LA,Jan, Pantani and the whole lot

Simeoni bad as Basso and co. No I don't think so.
For a start he admitted his usage took his penalty and then played ball by testifying against the Doctor at the core of the problem.
That's not as bad as all the ones who get caught red handed yet continue to deny.

 

[tifosa]

Simeoni is only excluded because he upset Armstrong and his whole team pays because Armstrong holds a grudge.

I tend to think that too. Armstrong never has been one to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. However, he is known to publicly chastise and persecute to belittle his competitors.

 

[quadsRme]

Thanks for all the seconds and support guys! I feel like it's my birthday (and well, it is)!

Happy Birthday to you!!!