Saunier Duval's David Millar has hit out at Tour de France leader Michael Rasmussen (http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12889.0.html), claiming in Monday's edition of L'Equipe that he had ruined the race.
Scotland's time trial specialist, who came 20th in Saturday's race against the clock, said Rasmussen's failure to give notice to cycling authorities of his whereabouts for out-of-competition testing had spoiled things for the whole peloton.
During the last week it emerged that the Danish Cycling Union (DCU) decided in June not to select Rasmussen for September's world cycling championships and the Olympic Games in 2008 because he missed out-of-competition tests.
Millar was quoted in L'Equipe as saying: "It is unacceptable that Rasmussen did not manage to give notice of his whereabouts. It is understandable he had problems communicating his address from Mexico, but it is up to him to make sure his federation receives notification.
"He started the race knowing what would happen but did nothing to rectify the situation and now we are all screwed, and the Tour is in the ****. He took no notice of warnings from the UCI (cycling's world governing body) though he deserved to be punished.
"He has either been unprofessional or has used the system."
Millar was banned for two years in August 2004 for using blood-booster EPO and was rectroactively stripped of his 2003 world time-trial victory. Millar has since been vocal and active in anti-doping efforts. Thoughts?
It appears that others agree with Millar's thoughts (http://www.velonews.com/tour2007/news/articles/12882.0.html).
timmhaan
07-23-07, 11:26 AM
i gotta laugh when ex-doper millar stands on his soapbox and lectures others.
Randomus
07-23-07, 11:28 AM
i gotta laugh when ex-doper millar stands on his soapbox and lectures others. But isn't that why he is so outspoken now?
I respect that he was man enough to admit that he used banned drugs, and he took his punishment like an adult.
VanceMac
07-23-07, 11:32 AM
Ah, sweet irony. It's like Barry Bonds complaining that Mark McGwire juiced. You would think they would learn not to throw stones in the glass house where they all live.
timmhaan
07-23-07, 11:34 AM
But isn't that why he is so outspoken now?
I respect that he was man enough to admit that he used banned drugs, and he took his punishment like an adult.
yeah, but he only admited to it after his house was raided and they found the evidence. he later confessed that he had used EPO before...despite previously lying that he never took drugs.
that doesn't really strike me as a noble act.
MattE30
07-23-07, 11:40 AM
He (Ras) hasn't "ruined the tour", but he definatly knew what he was doing during the off season. Ignorance is never an excuse.
richard_dupp
07-23-07, 11:40 AM
Seems to be sour grapes more than anything. Rasmussen isn't accused of doping, just not submitting his diary on time. Seems to be a bit of overreacting to me.
tcs
07-23-07, 11:42 AM
"It is understandable he had problems communicating his address from Mexico..."
BS. It's called a telephone. Yeah, they got 'em in Mexico, too.
TCS
USAZorro
07-23-07, 11:44 AM
Maybe he wants Dick Pound's job, or Pat McQuaid's :p :D
Maybe Rasmussen will call him up to ask for advice, and allegedly confess something to him.
tcs
07-23-07, 11:46 AM
Rasmussen isn't accused of doping, just not submitting his diary on time.
Except when the riders sign up to race professionally, the rules are explained and one of them is making sure the dope control folks know where you are at all times. Don't like the rule? Don't play the game.
TCS
richard_dupp
07-23-07, 11:51 AM
Except when the riders sign up to race professionally, the rules are explained and one of them is making sure the dope control folks know where you are at all times. Don't like the rule? Don't play the game.
TCS
Agreed, didn't say it was OK, just that it was not in the same category as a doping allegation. Kind of silly to screw yourself with a dumb mistake like that one.
timmhaan
07-23-07, 11:56 AM
Agreed, didn't say it was OK, just that it was not in the same category as a doping allegation. Kind of silly to screw yourself with a dumb mistake like that one.
actaully, i think it's the same as a 'non-negative' test.
i really don't think ras just made a dumb mistake. he would have known full well what the rules were. my guess is that faced between a positive dope test and an administrative "blunder" the second choice is better (for him).
rollin
07-23-07, 01:01 PM
Millar is right to bring this further into the public domain and question Rasmussen
songfta
07-23-07, 01:13 PM
The analogy to Bonds is bollocks. Millar fessed up to doping, served his time, and now is saying "don't do what I did." Bonds admits to nothing, even though almost all evidence points to his involvement with BALCO.
So Millar has every right to say what he does - and he has a more unique perspective than many pro riders can admit to having.
These days, if you're a UCI Pro Tour rider there's an expectation to play by the rules: report your whereabouts, play clean. Rasmussen may be an introvert, but that's no excuse for not calling the Danish Cycling Federation and reporting his Mexican vacation. He's a Pro Tour rider, and he's not above the rules.
Namenda
07-23-07, 01:17 PM
Just what does Millar mean when he says "now we are all screwed"? The only one to ever screw Millar was himself. Cycling didn't come to a screeching halt while he was suspended, and it won't happen now that Rasmussen missed a couple of dope tests, either.
harlond
07-23-07, 01:36 PM
As I understand the situation, he has not missed enough OOC tests to be subject to discipline under the rules. So the complaint here seems to be that, there being no disciplinary violation, he is permitted to ride under the rules. God forbid.
vik
07-23-07, 01:52 PM
Agreed, didn't say it was OK, just that it was not in the same category as a doping allegation. Kind of silly to screw yourself with a dumb mistake like that one.
Actually 3 missed doping checks is considered a doping violation by the UCI. Ras has 2 from the UCI and 2 from the DCU. The DCU warnings can be converted to UCI warnings under UCI rules. So I'd say Ras is very close to getting charged with doping.
If he doesn't get charged he'll definitely have to avoid "missing" his doping checks prior to the 2008 tour which means his preparations will have to be different than the last few years.
It will be interesting to see what his performance is like next year now that the uCI and the DCU will be on him 24/7.
godspiral
07-23-07, 02:08 PM
Velonews is definitely turning rocks and interviewing whatever is underneath on Rasmussen's presumed doping.
Lithuania
07-23-07, 02:19 PM
i think millar ruins the tour more by making comments like this during the race. millar is just mad that rasmussen beat him in the first TT. :p ;)
Vinokurtov
07-23-07, 02:27 PM
Millar fessed up to doping
"Let's see...so you got a warrant based on other evidence that I was doping, searched my house, found a hidden syringe with traces of EPO in it and my DNA on the needle from injecting...you know what? I want to confess now".
The Bonds thing is a bad analogy though. Bonds still says he's innocent. I think David Walsh asked the question and got the answer that puts Millar in context now.
"What is the reason, after you lied and cheated, that we should believe you now or take you seriously?"
DM: "None".
I take what Kimmage, Vaughters, Manzano, Andreu and others have to say much more seriously. They didn't have to get caught to come clean. Though all of them waited till their careers were over to come out.
Helmet Head
07-23-07, 03:41 PM
Ah, sweet irony. It's like Barry Bonds complaining that Mark McGwire juiced. You would think they would learn not to throw stones in the glass house where they all live.
:rolleyes:
No, it's like a reformed burglar helping police and insurance companies catch current burglars.
ovoleg
07-23-07, 04:37 PM
Chicken makes the TDF look bad cause now everyone will think we are anorexic self inflicting wackos
At least Lance and Greg Lemond looked normal...
aham23
07-23-07, 08:49 PM
But isn't that why he is so outspoken now?
I respect that he was man enough to admit that he used banned drugs, and he took his punishment like an adult.
these "being a man" or "man enough" statements are crap. i mean what does it mean? the guy was busted for doping and then admits to it. big deal. this doesnt earn him a pass or his "being a man" card in my book. he should shut up and race. later.
VT Biker
07-23-07, 09:22 PM
Lets move beyond this stupid little argument about who should speak and who should not.
Here is the fact: Many of the current sponsors are not exactly thrilled with the current state of cycling, and some (like T-Mobile) are considering leaving after remaining sponsors for years. And imagine if current sponsors are questioning staying in the sport, how many other potential sponsors will steer clear from this sport? Astana is a different beast, in part because that sponsorship is more akin to a National Team, so they are not nearly as sensitive to doping accusations or news of doping.
Here is fact number 2: Rasmussan either is a complete idiot (do you really think someone in his position fails to contact the authorities on accident if he is clean) or wanted to evade the authorities.
Here is Fact No. 3: In yet another TdF, we have a rider who is now under the suspicion (beyond the general suspicion) of doping. It is now one of the main story lines in all the major newspapers and other media outlets covering the Tour.
So when Millar says he is ruining it, regardless if he was a former doper or not, his statement hold water. Those of you attacking Millar are attacking the messenger rather than providing any arguments against his assertion. Wanna see the future of Road Cyling? Think Mountain Biking. The only potenital sponsors remaining who will even consider sponsoring these guys will be companies directly involved in cycling or athletics in general. Know what that mean......less money for future riders. Ask a mountain biker how much a year they get for riding. Team Clif Bar, Team Trek etc... will be all that is left.
The one bright spot in this entire affair: Rasmussan may get the Yellow, but any financial benefits from being a Danish hero and potential sponsorship monies are gone. Who would touch this guy? Even the Danes do not want him.
vic32amg
07-23-07, 09:33 PM
But isn't that why he is so outspoken now?
I respect that he was man enough to admit that he used banned drugs, and he took his punishment like an adult.
Yeah he admitted once they found his dope stashed inside a cut out book, like something out of shawshank redemption. This guy is a clown and simply trying to get in the spotlight because he has done nothing in the tour to deserve any attention (well he did an amazing pull for a lackluster mayo.)
I guess we could move on from this thread but is is specifically about Millar on Ras.
I really don't see how anyone can care about Ras admitting to doping 5 yrs ago? I mean the controls and monitoring are much better now. Also he hasn't been accused of a positive drug test.
No body said anything last year when he was killing the climbs.
Now if Thor Hushov or Boonen were leading the tour in the mountain's then yes it might be suspect. This guy is a specialist. He's done nothing good other than Climb. It's not like he's won sprint finishes and destroyed everyone else in the ITT. also keep in mind Contador was implicated in Operation Puerto. Yeah he was cleared but so was Basso (sort of) and so were others that only now are turning up dirty.
tete.
Jesse Smith
07-23-07, 09:40 PM
Who cares what David Millar says. He's as big of a whiner as Cadel. He's the one who climbed off his bike and refused to finish a stage meters from the finish of the Vuelta. He thought the rain and steepness of the climb were unfair, too hard. By paying the price he earned the right to ride as a pro again, but he hasn't earned the right to speak for anyone but himself. If it wasn't Chicken, it would be the fans, the course, the weather, or some other inconvenience that would ruin the Tour for Millar.
I'm disappointed Velonews choose to use more resources chasing around every rumor and unsubstantiated charge out there. Look at their website and the news items. They're acting exactly like the French journalists did in Lance's era, formulating a headhunting party against Chicken. Here's some headlines-
"Pressure building on Rasmussen... on and off the bike"
"Millar says Rasmussen has ruined Tour."
"Rasmussen not exactly winning hearts and minds among his colleagues"
"Rasmussen might have been barred from the Tour had missing tests been reported"
"Ex cyclists levels doping charges against Rasmussen"
Why didn't Velonews and other media publish reports on stories existing before the Tour, BEFORE the Tour? Why do they indulge stories preplanned to appear during the Tour as a distraction?
vic32amg
07-23-07, 09:49 PM
Who cares what David Millar says. He's as big of a whiner as Cadel. He's the one who climbed off his bike and refused to finish a stage meters from the finish of the Vuelta. He thought the rain and steepness of the climb were unfair, too hard. By paying the price he earned the right to ride as a pro again, but he hasn't earned the right to speak for anyone but himself. If it wasn't Chicken, it would be the fans, the course, the weather, or some other inconvenience that would ruin the Tour for Millar.
I'm disappointed Velonews choose to use more resources chasing around every rumor and unsubstantiated charge out there. Look at their website and the news items. They're acting exactly like the French journalists did in Lance's era, formulating a headhunting party against Chicken. Here's some headlines-
"Pressure building on Rasmussen... on and off the bike"
"Millar says Rasmussen has ruined Tour."
"Rasmussen not exactly winning hearts and minds among his colleagues"
"Rasmussen might have been barred from the Tour had missing tests been reported"
"Ex cyclists levels doping charges against Rasmussen"
Why didn't Velonews and other media publish reports on stories existing before the Tour, BEFORE the Tour? Why do they indulge stories preplanned to appear during the Tour as a distraction?
I have never seen a post on these forums that I could agree with more. Well spoken. Velonews is rubbish to me. That is why now you will not see MR on velonews post race interview as well. I liked the site till I noticed how they started bashing and copyrighted the story as well. bad move Velo.
wabbit
07-23-07, 10:02 PM
you know, it's funny...this is kind of off topic. But on the local newscast, the sportscaster (who is one of those tubby, mustachioed types who probably knows nothing about cycling except the tour de france) said about the tour,'you wonder why they even have this event...' referring to the rasmussen scandal, and with all the doping, why bother.
In the same newscast, they mentioned the dogfighting scandal and the referee NBA scandal. But of course, he never says, "Gee, i wonder why they even bother having NFL football or NBA basketball, with all the scandals." Not to mention, Rae Carruth, Jayson williams, Jose Canseco, etc etc...
Michigan
07-23-07, 11:37 PM
I don't take Millar seriously at all.
The contrast in body language between him and Rasmussen is worth noting. Millar fusses and avoids eye contact with interviewers every time I've seen him. Rasmussen on the other hand stands shoulder square, makes constant eye contact and gives clear and prompt answers. He's either honest or a very polished liar. In the absence of anyting intelligent to accuse him of..duh.. I'm happy to see him in yellow.
VT Biker
07-24-07, 12:04 AM
Who cares what David Millar says. He's as big of a whiner as Cadel. He's the one who climbed off his bike and refused to finish a stage meters from the finish of the Vuelta. He thought the rain and steepness of the climb were unfair, too hard. By paying the price he earned the right to ride as a pro again, but he hasn't earned the right to speak for anyone but himself. If it wasn't Chicken, it would be the fans, the course, the weather, or some other inconvenience that would ruin the Tour for Millar.
I'm disappointed Velonews choose to use more resources chasing around every rumor and unsubstantiated charge out there. Look at their website and the news items. They're acting exactly like the French journalists did in Lance's era, formulating a headhunting party against Chicken. Here's some headlines-
"Pressure building on Rasmussen... on and off the bike"
"Millar says Rasmussen has ruined Tour."
"Rasmussen not exactly winning hearts and minds among his colleagues"
"Rasmussen might have been barred from the Tour had missing tests been reported"
"Ex cyclists levels doping charges against Rasmussen"
Why didn't Velonews and other media publish reports on stories existing before the Tour, BEFORE the Tour? Why do they indulge stories preplanned to appear during the Tour as a distraction?
The timing may be questionable, but you cannot ignore the facts. Unless you live by the motto: Ignorance is Bliss", I cannot see why you would rather Velonews or any other news organization sit on this information. And you could argue that Millar adds nothing but pot-shots at Rasmussan. But to do so would be missing the point.
Why ARE they upset at Rassmussan? Jealousy. I am sure there is some of it. But these guys realize that their sport is in crisis. They realize that the future sponsorship money may start to dry up due to the doping scandals. Agree or disagree on the anger over doping, but you cannot ignore the reality of what the sponsors are doing.
When German TV stops covering the sport, you have a problem. Yes, another station took it on, but the message was made clear.
that link really cleared everything up once I took that fluency in Danish in 15 seconds course.
vic32amg
07-24-07, 01:13 AM
The timing may be questionable, but you cannot ignore the facts. Unless you live by the motto: Ignorance is Bliss", I cannot see why you would rather Velonews or any other news organization sit on this information. And you could argue that Millar adds nothing but pot-shots at Rasmussan. But to do so would be missing the point.
Why ARE they upset at Rassmussan? Jealousy. I am sure there is some of it. But these guys realize that their sport is in crisis. They realize that the future sponsorship money may start to dry up due to the doping scandals. Agree or disagree on the anger over doping, but you cannot ignore the reality of what the sponsors are doing.
When German TV stops covering the sport, you have a problem. Yes, another station took it on, but the message was made clear.
Well first of all it is 5 years old.. going on six!
thats like saying the US should attack Iran because the Iron Sheek Beat hulk hogan in the 80's. - It's not relevant today. If he is doping and we have certain proof of it that is one thing. Hear say and time and lack of evidence. Also then why let Zabel race? We know he doped 10 yrs ago.. HE'S A DOPER!!ARRGHH!.. Perhaps he did dope in 2002, what is the relevance today? he hasn't been wearing the jersey since then. Also keep in mind that doping has been a disciplne practiced by what seems to be the majority of any top cyclist in the armstrong era. now that is changing and it is making it difficult to compete. Now a good climber is not the Best ITT'er. THe Time trial specialist, can't climb like a goat, the Sprinters are not climbing and time trialing. Now it seems the pro's must be the best at what ever it is they specialize in, and hope to be decent at the rest. Yeah there are a few " talents " that can be decent at all of them but not often.
Second: he has not be guilty of doping: or has had a non-negative result
JMHO
ovoleg
07-24-07, 01:14 AM
This guy makes cyclist look like holocaust victims/anorexic maniacs. I hope he doesnt win, bad image for the rest of us.
gcl8a
07-24-07, 01:38 AM
Thanks,
that link really cleared everything up once I took that fluency in Danish in 15 seconds course.
Sorry. I thought that since you understand the Danes so well that you must understand Danish.
Go figure.
classic1
07-24-07, 01:39 AM
Well first of all it is 5 years old.. going on six!
thats like saying the US should attack Iran because the Iron Sheek Beat hulk hogan in the 80's. - It's not relevant today.
I wouldn't know about that. For Dubbya its probably just the excuse he's looking for:p
meb
07-24-07, 01:48 AM
Lets move beyond this stupid little argument about who should speak and who should not.
Here is the fact: Many of the current sponsors are not exactly thrilled with the current state of cycling, and some (like T-Mobile) are considering leaving after remaining sponsors for years. And imagine if current sponsors are questioning staying in the sport, how many other potential sponsors will steer clear from this sport? Astana is a different beast, in part because that sponsorship is more akin to a National Team, so they are not nearly as sensitive to doping accusations or news of doping.
Here is fact number 2: Rasmussan either is a complete idiot (do you really think someone in his position fails to contact the authorities on accident if he is clean) or wanted to evade the authorities.
Here is Fact No. 3: In yet another TdF, we have a rider who is now under the suspicion (beyond the general suspicion) of doping. It is now one of the main story lines in all the major newspapers and other media outlets covering the Tour.
So when Millar says he is ruining it, regardless if he was a former doper or not, his statement hold water. Those of you attacking Millar are attacking the messenger rather than providing any arguments against his assertion. Wanna see the future of Road Cyling? Think Mountain Biking. The only potenital sponsors remaining who will even consider sponsoring these guys will be companies directly involved in cycling or athletics in general. Know what that mean......less money for future riders. Ask a mountain biker how much a year they get for riding. Team Clif Bar, Team Trek etc... will be all that is left.
The one bright spot in this entire affair: Rasmussan may get the Yellow, but any financial benefits from being a Danish hero and potential sponsorship monies are gone. Who would touch this guy? Even the Danes do not want him.
Before you raised you're assertion that his not notifying the Danish Cycling federation till June 29 that he'd be in the Tour de France during July, it never occuured to me he was intentionally attempting to hide during July from the testers by giving the testers insufficient lead time to make travel plans to France to schedule their unannounced out of competition tests. Any reports on whether he succeeded in averting the testers these last couple of weeks with that late paperwork?
gcl8a
07-24-07, 02:22 AM
Before you raised you're assertion that his not notifying the Danish Cycling federation till June 29 that he'd be in the Tour de France during July, it never occuured to me he was intentionally attempting to hide during July from the testers by giving the testers insufficient lead time to make travel plans to France to schedule their unannounced out of competition tests. Any reports on whether he succeeded in averting the testers these last couple of weeks with that late paperwork?
The Danish media has the following timeline (translated here for VT's feeding frenzy):
June 4: Rasmussen heads to Mexico.
June 11: Anti-Doping Danmark receives notice that he'll be in Mexico from June 4 - 12.
June 12: Rasmussen decides to extend his visit in Mexico until June 26.
June 26: Rasmussen returns.
June 29: ADD receives notice of aforementioned extension.
Can you say "Plausible deniability"?
Oddly, only the English media says that he missed an actual test. The Danish media only mentions that he didn't submit the paperwork. But my Danish isn't all that good, so I'm probably missing something (after all, how would they know he wasn't where he was supposed to be if they weren't looking for him?).
urodacus
07-24-07, 02:32 AM
you should take the 'Fluent Danish in 15 seconds' course. it only takes 15 seconds.
DM is just jealous of the Chicken, but the Chicken didn't make his own case terribly well by 'hiding' in Mexico. Still, the rules are that missing three tests is the same as a positive reading, so it will be interesting to see if three tours in a row are ruined by doping allegations surrounding the maillot jaune. I hope not: ie i hope Ras does not win.
Go Cadel!
(and you'd better not be doping either)
gcl8a
07-24-07, 02:42 AM
you should take the 'Fluent Danish in 15 seconds' course. it only takes 15 seconds.
Heh. And to think I stupidly took the 15 month, "Why do you speak Danish to me when I speak English so well?" course.
meb
07-24-07, 03:00 AM
The Danish media has the following timeline (translated here for VT's feeding frenzy):
June 4: Rasmussen heads to Mexico.
June 11: Anti-Doping Danmark receives notice that he'll be in Mexico from June 4 - 12.
June 12: Rasmussen decides to extend his visit in Mexico until June 26.
June 26: Rasmussen returns.
June 29: ADD receives notice of aforementioned extension.
Can you say "Plausible deniability"?
Oddly, only the English media says that he missed an actual test. The Danish media only mentions that he didn't submit the paperwork. But my Danish isn't all that good, so I'm probably missing something (after all, how would they know he wasn't where he was supposed to be if they weren't looking for him?).
Is ths emphasis in Denmark on the 6/12-26 or July locations?
BTW: I noticed the winner of Denmark's road cycling national championship was Alex Rasmussen-is that a relative of the Michael Rasmussen?
gcl8a
07-24-07, 03:24 AM
Is ths emphasis in Denmark on the 6/12-26 or July locations?
BTW: I noticed the winner of Denmark's road cycling national championship was Alex Rasmussen-is that a relative of the Michael Rasmussen?
July? I have not heard anything about July.
No relation. According to the web, there are 65,701 Rasmussens in Denmark (listed in the phone book).
Michael comes from a small town near Copenhagen.
Alex hails from Odense, my current locale, and was a World Champion track cyclist (scratch race).
yeah, but he only admited to it after his house was raided and they found the evidence. he later confessed that he had used EPO before...despite previously lying that he never took drugs.
that doesn't really strike me as a noble act.
Thank you. Spot on.
roadwarrior
07-24-07, 05:09 AM
Lets move beyond this stupid little argument about who should speak and who should not.
Here is the fact: Many of the current sponsors are not exactly thrilled with the current state of cycling, and some (like T-Mobile) are considering leaving after remaining sponsors for years. And imagine if current sponsors are questioning staying in the sport, how many other potential sponsors will steer clear from this sport?
The fact is that T-Mobile, due to their not having a good financial year was reviewing all expenditures, not because of anything going on specific with cycling (although that, as I recall, is their largest ledger item in sponsorships...and they have two teams although the women appear to have not delved into the EPO world much). And the fact is that a while ago, they decided to re-up and will remain the title sponsor for that team for another three years.
Sheesh...
A little help... (http://www.cyclingheroes.info/id251.html)
Who should speak? Goodness...
silver bullet
07-24-07, 05:17 AM
The timing may be questionable, but you cannot ignore the facts.
So what are the facts?
Rasmussen possibly missed two out of competition UCI doping tests. Under UCI rules, missing 2 tests gets you a warning but no suspension. UCI have known this for some time, but have not changed their rules, nor put pressure on Rasmussen, the Rabo team or the tour organization to discourage Rasmussen from starting the tour.
Those are the only relevant facts. The rest is hear say and speculation.
ElJamoquio
07-24-07, 05:39 AM
"It is understandable he had problems communicating his address from Mexico..."
BS. It's called a telephone. Yeah, they got 'em in Mexico, too.
TCS
From what I understand, the 'communication' had to go through Italian mail.
ElJamoquio
07-24-07, 05:44 AM
Heh. And to think I stupidly took the 15 month, "Why do you speak Danish to me when I speak English so well?" course.
Now *that* is funny. I'll have to remember to use that the next time I'm in Quebec.
...'Why are you speaking French to me when I speak English?'...
Blaireau
07-24-07, 06:21 AM
I don't take Millar seriously at all.
The contrast in body language between him and Rasmussen is worth noting. Millar fusses and avoids eye contact with interviewers every time I've seen him. Rasmussen on the other hand stands shoulder square, makes constant eye contact and gives clear and prompt answers. He's either honest or a very polished liar. In the absence of anyting intelligent to accuse him of..duh.. I'm happy to see him in yellow.
The Lance Armstrong school of lying. Clearly one of Rasmussen's role models....
CyLowe97
07-24-07, 06:25 AM
Who the heck stays in Mexico until a week before the Tour?
I'd be afraid that Montezuma's Revenge (La Tourista) would hit late in the trip and mess up the plans to get back to France in good shape before the biggest cycling race in the world.
Rasmussen was gambling on that one!
superslomo
07-24-07, 07:17 AM
But isn't that why he is so outspoken now?
I think he's outspoken because he is a bit of a d'bag.
Who the heck stays in Mexico until a week before the Tour?
Might have to do with the fact that Denmark is flat as a pancake, and the Pyrenees are not. I can see sticking around to train and whatnot. He didn't miss the three tests, and NO ONE is talking about everyone's potential involvement in Puerto anymore, so I'm a bit bored with the "shocking" allegations.