Originally Posted by miyata man

This mirrors my feelings about the US scene exactly, but the on the ground situation in Europe is far removed. The level of corruption in the lower echelons of the amateur cycling are legendary. Which ultimately led to the fondo circuit being turned into a semi-pro feeder league for UCI level teams with less outward appearance of illegitimacy. Drugs and drug related suspensions are rampant due to the lack of sophistication and fierce competition to get a good starting position. Same story as all the rest; I'd rather stand on the podium in front of the 3499 other people who lost and test positive than finish second clean.

Footnote; I can assure you those defending GF's would turn tail if they knew where the money and power needed to thrust them onto the world stage came from.