Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!!

Katie Compton cleans up at CX Nats!

Katie Compton throws down at CX Nats!

The last few seconds of this vid are a great view of what a true CX race feels like...

Visit cyclingdirt.org for more Videos

Great video courtesy of cyclingdirt.org

Winter bike

Oh man... we've only had one snowfall, and I'm already wanting to race my bike again.

It's gonna be a long winter.

Race Day from ergon on Vimeo.

I guess it's time to bundle up a bit

Cyclocross the rebirth of American cycling?

Abso-fricken-lutely! Much like mountain bike racing was in the 90's and the Lance-era was for road biking in the 2000's I firmly believe that cyclocross is the Next Great Frontier in American Cycling.

It's a discipline that is fun, challenging, fast, and, best of all, spectator friendly! The problem is, it's still not a huge hit in the US. But that's changing...

Mention a mountain bike to your average citizen, and they have a pretty good idea of what you're talking about. Bring up Lance or the Tour in a conversation, and, yup. They've heard of it.

Mention a US 'cross star like Trebon, Wicks, Page, Johnson, Wells, and you get a blank stare. Bring up Euro superstars like Nys, Albert, Wellens, et al and the reaction is something like, "What's a Nys? Cyclocross? What are you talking about?"

But, if the local events I've attended recently, and the fantastic growth in national events, have anything to say about it, that will all change soon.

What makes me so sure? Easy. It's not the number of competitors, although the steady increase is very telling. It's not the number of events, but, again, the more the better! Rather, it's the number of spectators. They keep coming! And there's more and more of them!

In Europe a cyclocross race is a true EVENT. Fans line the entire course 4-5 people deep, straining to catch a glimpse of their favorite star, and reveling in the atmosphere. In Europe, they tailgate, they drink beer and eat greasy food (friets sound great...), they dress up in crazy costumes, they wager, they they cheer, they jeer, they party! Sounds familiar, right? Kind of like a football game? Sounds like something 'Merican's could really get into, right?

I sure hope so. In fact, it looks like it's becoming a reality... take a look at this video from yesterday's CX Elite Nationals in Bend Oregon. 100+ of the nation's best 'crossers, and thousands of fans!

Visit cyclingdirt.org for more Videos

True, North American cyclo-cross (or cycling in general for that matter) will never be as popular as it is in Europe. It just isn't in our culture... Much like soccer; the true football; cycling has been an integral part of European life for decades, and will continue to be for time unknown. But, again, much like soccer, American's seem to really be catching on. I, for one, am glad to see it!

How Long?

How long really is long enough when it comes to doping bans in pro cycling? If the continued abuse of doping is any indication, the current term of 2 years, while certainly daunting, really doesn't seem to have a huge effect.

McQuaid is pushing for 4 years. Is that enough? Some say yes, others no. I've spoken to several people that think individual bans will NEVER be long enough. Rather, it needs to be a combination of individual AND team bans/fines. I see the logic here (teams will be more likely to self-police their riders if they have more at stake) but frankly, I'm not sure if it will really make the desired impact, especially if the team is already involved as has been claimed in many cases.

What about lifetime bans? Seems pretty harsh, right? I bet it would cut WAY back on offenses though, especially when guys like Contador threaten to retire anyway!

In the end, I always come back to one thing. Doping (i.e. cheating) is inevitable. No matter how harsh the fine or consequences there will be those that are willing to take the risk.

I bet, before long, California will lobby to legalize it. :)

Transitions

So. Today I begin a new job!

I've hung up my retail/management hat and am officially stepping into the "bike manufacturer" realm. Today is my first day working for Felt Bicycles!

I know this will be a bit of a shock for many people in the sport, especially here in Buffalo, as we kept the move fairly quiet in respect to Tri Spot.

To all of you that have been long time supporters and customers I would like to thank you from the bottom of my heart. I've had a blast working with all of you and appreciate all you've done for me! Don't worry, though, I'm not going far! I am happy to continue helping and supporting you!

Keep checking here for updates, as well as tidbits from life "inside" the "inside" of the bike industry!

Did he do it?

It's an image we've seen all too often in pro cycling lately. A remorseful champion, a shamed domestique, an unknown neo-pro whose only limelight comes from controversy.

They all have reasons, excuses, stories, etc...

So. Did he do it?

Riis believes him. His brother is supporting him (although his level of support may have gone as far as blood transfusions...) Even the lab that performed the tests admit that the level of Clenbuterol in Contador's system was 180 times less than what has been proven to actually effect performance in humans. The "contaminated" beef theory sounds pretty far-fetched, but is plausible due to Clenbuterol's occasional use in cattle.

Frankly, I'm not convinced that Contador is guilty of using Clenbuterol as a doping agent. There just isn't enough compelling evidence. In fact, had WADA's usual lab been performing the blood control tests such a minute amount (50 picograms) wouldn't have even been detected!

From the UCI's press release:

“The concentration found by the laboratory was estimated at 50 picograms (or 0,000 000 000 05 grams per ml) which is 400 time less than what the antidoping laboratories accredited by WADA must be able to detect.”

However.

This is not to say that I believe Contador is innocent of blood doping. I actually think he IS guilty. Just not of intentionally using Clenbuterol.

It's a classic case of "wrong place, wrong time." Due to the presence of Clenbuterol Contador's samples are now being closely tested and scrutinized. And, guess what?! MORE evidence of doping!!

Now we're getting to the real stuff... Blood transfusions. Dr. Segura of an IOC accredited lab in Barcelona has developed a new test to detect plasticizers in blood samples which are only found in blood transfusion bags. Contador's B sample reportedly tested positive.

Uh oh!

Sorry Contador, but I think you got busted.

I think it's interesting that none of his sponsors (namely Specialized) and very few of his contemporaries have really come forward in his support in the Clenbuterol case. Even Landis had an army of supporters! Is it because they think he's guilty? Or are they just cautiously awaiting the outcome like the rest of us, unwilling to offer support after being burned by so many others?

Look, the reality is that MOST (not all) of the pro cyclists out there are using some sort of doping. Some not as much as others. Some have access to the latest greatest dope that is difficult to detect. Some use tried and true methods. Some actually try to race clean. Too bad for them... they don't have much chance! In any event, doping in pro cycling has become a given. I'm no longer surprised when news like this surfaces, just surprised it's taken so long to surface.

Today's Very Important Tip for cyclists out there...

Blue Bottle=Hair Gel

Black Bottle=Chamois Creme

DO NOT confuse the two...

Just sayin'

So, I've decided to go "techno retro" and start a blog. I know, how 2005.

Given my long background in the cycling world, especially here in Buffalo, what better topic to blog about? I will give completely partial and biased reviews, opinions, and thoughts on all things cycling, from racing to community activism and plenty of good old dry wit mixed in along the way. Hold on to your hats!