Lance still in hot water over TDF final stage jersey incident

[dekindy]

Citing the delay caused by wearing the black #28 jerseys and the the inconvenience to sponsors and live television, cycling officials are going to fine the team, riders, and leadership. Apparently Bruyneel made a derogatory remark in an internet post bashing the officials and their decision and will be called on the carpet by the governing body. From theofficail respones it appears that they may have been receptive to the promotion if contacted in advance and it could have been structured in a way that would have not caused such disruption. All penalties will be donated to cancer research so why not let it lie. I guess the UCI feels they need to control their race. What a novel concept!

[firerescuefin]

Due to a combination of incredible arrogance, inability to ride for a teammate in a race that matters (to him), and a fan base that borders on cultlike in their defense of him (regarding anything from tactics to doping)...I have slowly developed a dislike for Mr. Armstrong.

Livestrong...great cause.

It just seemed a little bit like LA was trying to take the focus away from where it should have been....the 4 jerseys riding onto the Champs..especially the yellow one, but that's just me.

[Louis]

The soap opera continues...

[johnnymossville]

It created the stir exactly as planned. Pro Bike racing is only here as a rolling billboard anyway so all is good. The UCI says the fine will go to charity, (Cancer Research)

[bobswire]

Originally Posted by johnnymossville

It created the stir exactly as planned. Pro Bike racing is only here as a rolling billboard anyway so all is good. The UCI says the fine will go to charity, (Cancer Research)

Touche!

[SoCalSteve]

Originally Posted by johnnymossville

It created the stir exactly as planned. Pro Bike racing is only here as a rolling billboard anyway so all is good. The UCI says the fine will go to charity, (Cancer Research)

Oh, the irony...

[TMB]

You do realize that the TdF is not the UCI's race???

And to suggest that the UCI are going to do anything to "penalize" Armstrong is a joke.

[rwsaunders]

[QUOTE=toomanybikes]You do realize that the TdF is not the UCI's race???

From the UCI website.

Press release - Team RadioShack to appear before UCI Disciplinary Commission

26.07.2010

The International Cycling Union (UCI) wishes to announce that disciplinary proceedings will be opened against Team RadioShack, for breaching the regulations governing riders’ clothing.

The UCI regrets that an initiative for a cause as worthy as the fight against cancer was not coordinated beforehand with the Commissaires and organisers of the event. This could have been done whilst remaining within the rules.

Team RadioShack’s incorrect behaviour led to a 20-minute delay to the start of the final stage, which could have disrupted the televised coverage of the race, placing the Commissaires under the obligation to impose a fine on each rider and the team managers.

Team RadioShack subsequently breached the regulations by wearing an incorrect uniform on the podium for the protocol ceremony having been instructed not to.

The UCI also deplores the declarations made by Mr Johan Bruyneel who gravely offended all the Commissaires working in cycling. His remarks are utterly unacceptable, and Mr Bruyneel will be called upon to answer for his comments before the UCI Disciplinary Commission.

As the action of Team RadioShack was inspired by the desire to raise public awareness of the breadth of the global fight against cancer, the UCI has decided that any fines levied as a result of this matter would be donated to the Ligue suisse contre le cancer.

[jlwdm]

They always fine in these situations and the companies being fined have no problem with that. Look at the kits and bikes Mario used to ride. Always fined and always great publicity.

Jeff

[Gothard]

So, UCI wants to flex its quads (I'd say biceps, but in this sport...)?

The same UCI that has been averting their eyes since, hmmm... Forever... on the doping debacle?

Yeah right. The pot and the kettle. That is a worthy fight.

[texbike]

Blah, Blah, FN Blah....

You know, I'm glad that Lance is stepping out of the sport. This whole Love Lance/Hate Lance thing is getting really old.

Can we PLEASE get back to talking about something more interesting like leather handlebar tape, helmet mirrors, Rapha T-backs, or colour-coordinating our tires with our cable housing?

Texbike

[ckamp]

Originally Posted by texbike

Blah, Blah, FN Blah....

You know, I'm glad that Lance is stepping out of the sport. This whole Love Lance/Hate Lance thing is getting really old.

Can we PLEASE get back to talking about something more interesting like leather handlebar tape, helmet mirrors, Rapha T-backs, or colour-coordinating our tires with our cable housing?

Texbike

+1!

So, do my new white tires go with white cable housing?

[mikki]

I watched part of a special on Thomas Jefferson tonight that highlighted the hypocracy between Jefferson's lofty goals, his achievements and how he lived his life. ( ie: Jefferson was one of the largest slave owers though he wrote a document that is the foundation of America that states the rights of freedom for all). What they were saying reminded me of Lance.

Don't get me wrong...I don't put Lance on par with Jefferson but the program points out that often there are immensely great things done by those who are flawed or who have aspects of their personality that aren't socially or politically acceptable.

As far as the jersey episode, I think the publicity they have and will get from it will hopefully further the exposure to the LAF and cancer survivors. The directors or whomever the governing board is... do have the right to fine R for not presenting the jersey for approval. Bad Lance. I wonder if it's going to wind up being MORE publicity to have it gone down this way than if they'd gone through the proper channels? Does the end ever justify the means?

[rustychisel]

Originally Posted by mikki

Does the end ever justify the means?

Pretty big question for a mere bike rider.

[Jack Brunk]

As a cancer surviver I say yes it does justify the means.