Armstrong and Catlin terminate programme

micron

My response was to Timoid's wish for Armstrong to just go away and got shunted down a few responses.

The fact is, none of those cyclists attract anything like the attention Armstrong does as you well know.

As for Kimmage, he asked a tough question and was blasted with a torrent of semi messianic drivel that wilfully missed the point of the comparison Kimmage had made - typical politician behaviour. He's here so I don't have to suffer from cancer - well, hey, I'll just bow down and wash your feet now, shall I - perhaps with some of the millions of gallons of water you waste monthly?

I agree with Kimmage, for me he is a blight on the sport and should have stayed away. What positivity has he brought to the sport since his return? Every time his name is mentioned it's linked to cancer. We've had the will he won't he dance of the 7 veils over the Catlin testing that, surprise, surprise, isn't happening. We've had meetings between Armstrong and ASO to assure the comeback goes smoothly by placing a gagging order on journalists in return for Armstrong not buying out the race (and this from a man who pocketed a million at the TDU and can afford the TdF but can't afford an advanced testing regime). We've had support for Landis (who has publicly accused Armstrong of doping) and denigration of Millar (who chooses to ride for a team that makes great play of being 'clean'). The list is endless. And for cancer awareness? Well he pocketed the million from the TDU that organisers thought was going to his charity. And the outburst at Kimmage sounds like the words of a cult leader - or a politico who keeps spouting the same mistruth until we're all supposed to believe it. As for the 'fans' (and I generalise here but based on some of the comment on the Interwebs it's an easy one to make) they couldn't give two sh*ts about the sport - they simply follow and idolise one man and when he goes away so will they.

OK rant over...

Kléber

leguape wrote:

One thing I don't get with Kimmage is that one minute he's jumping up and down for joy and seemingly forgiving Allen Lim/Vaughters/Millar/Garmin their sins of omission, the next he's making standing by his ad hominem attacks on Amstrong for his.

Almost no one is whiter than white. The cleanest riders like David Moncoutie don't shout, they just ride. But I think Garmin and Millar are all about reformed riders and offering the chance to new riders to ride professional races without the pressure to dope. Other elements in cycling, of which Kimmage is not a fan, promote bullying and associate with known doping doctors.

colint

micron wrote:

I agree with Kimmage, for me he is a blight on the sport and should have stayed away. What positivity has he brought to the sport since his return? .

Increased crowds, press coverage etc to TDU ?

micron

For this year. And next year when he doesn't show?

colint

Maybe some of the people who came this year go back and watch again because they enjoyed the event, maybe they buy a bike and get involved in the sport.

Better than them never going at all surely

micron

Agreed, but those who stay with the sport will do so for reasons other than Armstrong, because he'll retire again in order to run for office.

colint

Oh totally agree, I just think he brings people in to the sport, and then hopefully they see that theres much more to it than him

micron

I hope so - we really need some new stars to be allowed to emerge