I’m torn. I dont really care about cycling problem, nor NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL…all sports entertainment to me. But when this cheating comes to my start lines I think we should be taking a stand and rid ourselves of pre-meditated, clearly “Tier 1” doping with life bans. By tier 1 I refer to blood boosting, HGH etc. clear intended PEDs. Especially in these, I will call more educated times in sport. Ie: post Barry Bonds, Lance etc where public far more aware of the cheating.
Challenge posted on FB there is nothing they could do as race governed by ITU and Austrian tri federation sent her to race. I suppose Challenge could not put on ITU races. They don’t have bargaining power to tell ITU their own governance rules etc as ITU is member of IOC.
Curious of STs thoughts now she has a racing crown to her mantle.
The only reason Challenge gave it a second thought is because they got slammed on social media and then they just put the blame on ITU/ETU and the Austrian federation. Sad. So much for their ethics. They could simply refuse to host races for ITU/ETU if it really went against their ethics but that will never happen.
That’s a big part of the problem.
A bigger part of the problem is that federations continue to support these athletes because they come back, still stronger, and compete which in turn benefits the federation. You can bet the Austrian federation is celebrating “rehabilitating” “retraining” and “restoring” an athlete to becoming European Champion. If punishment extended beyond the athlete into the federations (funding cuts) then the federations might actually care a little more about what their athletes are doing. Heck they might even start testing them
The only reason Challenge gave it a second thought is because they got slammed on social media and then they just put the blame on ITU/ETU and the Austrian federation. Sad. So much for their ethics. They could simply refuse to host races for ITU/ETU if it really went against their ethics but that will never happen.
That’s a big part of the problem.
A bigger part of the problem is that federations continue to support these athletes because they come back, still stronger, and compete which in turn benefits the federation. You can bet the Austrian federation is celebrating “rehabilitating” “retraining” and “restoring” an athlete to becoming European Champion. If punishment extended beyond the athlete into the federations (funding cuts) then the federations might actually care a little more about what their athletes are doing. Heck they might even start testing them
That is a bit unfair. Challenge has always maintained a strong anti-doper stance at their races.
They have told athletes that have served doping suspensions they are not welcome.
When the ETU champs were awarded to the Challenge race (likely 12-18 months in advance), do you think they knew Lisa was racing? Not a chance.
This might dissuade Challenge from hosting further ITU events though.
I’m torn. I dont really care about cycling problem, nor NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL…all sports entertainment to me. But when this cheating comes to my start lines I think we should be taking a stand and rid ourselves of pre-meditated, clearly “Tier 1” doping with life bans. By tier 1 I refer to blood boosting, HGH etc. clear intended PEDs. Especially in these, I will call more educated times in sport. Ie: post Barry Bonds, Lance etc where public far more aware of the cheating.
You either care about clean sport or you don’t.
I have a poem for you:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Prime example of “I don’t give a damn about anything until it affects me” attitude.
They may not know who is showing up but they know a different set of rules apply to former dopers and can say no thanks. They’ll turn away a doper or two to one of their races when it does nothing to the bottom line.
Maybe this will change based on the feedback they got, but in reality another race organizer will simply step up to the task.
I think it is fine. She did the crime and served the time.
I want them to let Lance back in triathlon too!
Agree 1000%.
But I’m someone who will never see a podium. If I was competing to win, may disagree. As a fan, Lance+Tri=win. More coverage, more sponsors, better coverage. Think WTC would have had live feed at 70.3 WC’s if LA was racing???
They may not know who is showing up but they know a different set of rules apply to former dopers and can say no thanks. They’ll turn away a doper or two to one of their races when it does nothing to the bottom line.
Maybe this will change based on the feedback they got, but in reality another race organizer will simply step up to the task.
No, they turn dopers away when they are not bound by ITU rules, regardless of the bottom line.
As much as I hate dopers, Lisa served her time and is allowed to race. However, Lisa is not welcome at non-ITU Challenge events.
No, turning away 1-2 dopers does nothing to the bottom line of a race. Turning away the ITU/ETU does. They went for the money the rules over their ethics.
No, turning away 1-2 dopers does nothing to the bottom line of a race. Turning away the ITU/ETU does. They went for the money the rules over their ethics.
Fixed.
What would you have them do? Cancel the race?
It’s not like the ITU swoops in and forces the hand of the RD. The ITU doesn’t force you to host their races, in fact you have to bid on them. They went for the money, knowing full well what the rules are and that they are in conflict with “their ethics”.
Again, I don’t blame them, another RD would have gladly taken the money.
It’s not like the ITU swoops in and forces the hand of the RD. The ITU doesn’t force you to host their races, in fact you have to bid on them. They went for the money, knowing full well what the rules are and that they are in conflict with “their ethics”.
Again, I don’t blame them, another RD would have gladly taken the money.
Once again, they could not have known when bidding for the race that someone like Lisa would show up. It was a possibility but not a certainty.
There was no ethical conflict when the bid was done.
I’m torn. I dont really care about cycling problem, nor NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL…all sports entertainment to me. But when this cheating comes to my start lines I think we should be taking a stand and rid ourselves of pre-meditated, clearly “Tier 1” doping with life bans. By tier 1 I refer to blood boosting, HGH etc. clear intended PEDs. Especially in these, I will call more educated times in sport. Ie: post Barry Bonds, Lance etc where public far more aware of the cheating.
You either care about clean sport or you don’t.
I have a poem for you:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Prime example of “I don’t give a damn about anything until it affects me” attitude.
JohnThat’s probably the one of the grossest things I’ve seen on here.
