Road Bike Racing - This guy deserved to be fired.

http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/?pg=fullstory&id=5583&status=True

for helping out a guy in a ditch?

Ha, I know John. He's a good guy.

The combination of helping Indurain and not grabbing the extra bike, plus his apparent pride in the stories, makes me slap my forehead in amazement.

Then again, I've never been a pro mechanic so my comments have no ground upon which to stand.

I don't think it's that unusual for them to help riders from other teams, particularly if the other guys team cars aren't around and their own riders are already taken care of. It comes back when their riders are in trouble and their own team car isn't around. Technically I think it's even a rules violation- riders can share food (and I think even small tools) amongst each other, but can't take feed or support from other team's cars.

Being slow to figure out what was wrong with Hampsten's bike is a much bigger deal than helping Indurain.

The 2-3 times I've met John he always struck me as an excellent guy. From my impression of him, it doesn't surprise me in the least that in a tough race situation, his first thought was "how can I help the race and racers" and not "what's the most cut-throat thing to do?"

Like I said, my comment really should be taken with a mound of salt. My surprise was mainly at the pride with which he appears to tell these anecdotal stories.

Like I said, my comment really should be taken with a mound of salt. My surprise was mainly at the pride with which he appears to tell these anecdotal stories.

I consider it a sign of character when a person can make fun of their past mistakes.

I consider it a sign of character when a person can make fun of their past mistakes.

word

I consider it a sign of character when a person can make fun of their past mistakes.

True

As I'm sure the author himself would say; the delay with getting Hampsten back on the road again was alot more serious than helping out Indurain especially if none of his riders were in the pile-up.

Making mistakes and being able to laugh about them later just means you've been around awhile and got your priorities straight.

:beer:

I'd have a sense of pride about being a part of those races as a mechanic, and honestly, I'm glad to read stories and anecdotes like these from someone who was actually there.

I understand everyone's points, my initial reaction was just that - reactionary. Everyone needs to be able to learn from their mistakes and laugh at them.

So you realize this post was a mistake right? :p

J/K.

If we all got fired for stupid mistakes, then we'd all be jobless.*



*Except for you white-collar cubicle guys. Can you screw up?

I consider it a sign of character when a person can make fun of their past mistakes.


Nope. Its weak.

Never apologise. Never explain. :rolleyes: