Why is Bjarne Riis gone?

Triathlon Forum
1

I read in the paper a few days back that Riis would not be running the CSC ship at this year’s TDF. Paper reported “he didn’t have the energy.” I guess there’s also the spectre of his confirmed doping. Are these the real reasons for him bowing out? I’m my naive world, I thought Riis was a class act and his leadership approach was admirable. Any speculation on his future in cycling?

2

I think what you read was accurate - he doesn’t have the energy to answer questions about his doping from all of the journalist. He probably also feels it would be a major distraction for the team. I have no doubt that he is watching the race live and in constant communication with the CSC DS that are there.

3

He doesn’t want to be a distraction to the riders, true. But he’s there, just not where you will see him.

clm

4

I really wish people would celebrate honesty about drug use in sports. It would encourage more people to come clean. I’m pretty much agnostic on whether or not athletes use drugs or not, I just want them to be HONEST. I absolutely LOATHE that they are not honest about it. I often wonder if decriminalizing steroids would encourage more people to come clean. Its terrible as a kid to look up to heroes and have them telling you they are doing something one way, when the reality is very different.

And this applies to more than just steroids and epo. I also hate it when pro athletes will endorse stupid equipment or training methods that didn’t have anything to do with getting them where they are too.

5

The reason why he is not at the Tour is because of this:

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/jul07/jul01news

http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=features/2007/jorg_jaksche_jul07

Bjarne does not want to be a distraction to his Team because of all the doping allegations that have continued since he admitted using EPO …

6

He is there, but I think that he is doing more work with sponsors etc. Norwegian papers had pictures of him on the CSC bus today!

7

I prefer athletes be clean instead of honest. All those claiming to be honest now, are saying that because they were caught or because they were about to be caught. Riis is honest now, but lied for 10 years, end of story.