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Here's your chance to get more involved with Cyclingnews. Comments and criticism on current stories, races, coverage and anything cycling related are welcomed, even pictures if you wish. Letters should be brief (less than 300 words), with the sender clearly identified. They may be edited for space and clarity; please stick to one topic per letter. We will normally include your name and place of residence, but not your email address unless you specify in the message.

Each week's best letter gets our 'letter of the week' award. We look for for letters that contain strong, well-presented opinions; humour; useful information or unusual levels of sheer helpfulness.

Please email your correspondence to letters@cyclingnews.com.

Recent letters

Chris Horner & US Olympic Trial
The French affair
Cadel Evans
The battle for the commentary podium
Tour contenders
Will stage four decide the Tour
A thank you letter for USCF, USADA, AAA/CAS
Museeuw doored - his fault?
Beloki's allergy medication
Discovery Channel kit
Green jersey dog fight
Iban Mayo's uphill TT bike
LA Confidential
Tour-Giro double
Why thank Lance?
Searching for Bill Clawson

Chris Horner & US Olympic Trial #1

After reading Chris Horner's comments about his being the best man out there during the Men's Elite Olympic Selection Road Race(in spite of the outcome), the problem was immediately obvious to me. It would appear that it is his own fault he wasn't selected as an Olympian. If he had the simple courtesy to just inform the judges beforehand , that he was the best rider in the field, I'm certain they would've just cancelled the race and he would have been selected ,as we all now know he should've been. I think I'm going to use this strategy at the next race I attend. That way neither myself nor anyone else will have to work quite so hard attempting to prove otherwise. sincerely

Gordon Gross
Raleigh NC
Monday, June 21, 2004

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Chris Horner & US Olympic Trial #2

I just reread the comments Chris Horner made following the US Olympic trials race, and I finally have to admit to being disappointed. I would have hoped for a classier response, rather than hearing him blame it on luck, uncooperative teams, and only being at 90%. Seems in racing bad things do happen, and you don't always win, but you still hold your head high and give the winner his due. Perhaps it was the magnitude of the event and the heat of the moment timing, but his comments were belittling and not what I would have hoped to hear from one of the best riders this season. Based on Horner's response to Jason McCartney's win I would much rather have Jason represent the US at the Olympics.

L.E. Carter
Atlanta, GA, U.S.A
Monday, June 21, 2004

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Chris Horner & US Olympic Trial #3

Curiosity has gotten the best of me regarding the outcome of the US Olympic road race results and Chris Horner's lack of sportsmanship thereafter. How many races in the past century have a break away of X number of riders off the front? Countless attacks ensue in the closing kilometers and an effort made stays away for the win. Roll the dice and help create the outcome or sit there and watch the outcome, basic probability. Every rider dream, from what I've ever heard, is to stay away towards the end and solo in for the win. How many times does a rider say, "I wasn't at 100%, the race was negative, I was marked, it was luck he stayed away." Woulda, shoulda, coulda! From a sponsor perspective does a company want a whiner or a class act saying something to the effect of, "Today's winner took a chance and stayed away, I missed my opportunity and hope for a better day tomorrow."

Bart
Iowa City IA, USA
Monday, June 21, 2004

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The French affair

While it is monumentally disappointing to read the deluge of reports and comments concerning Mark French's actions, confessions ... and denials, what is more disappointing is to read - and hear - the multitude of comment in the media that suggests that no one is surprised.

Every professional cyclist is tarnished by this, and every Australian cyclist in particular. The fact that French has never tested positive is obviously no guarantee of "cleanliness" - it simply shows that the cheaters are obviously well ahead of the testers. So anyone who has "never tested positive" - from Lance to Marco! - has only obviously never been caught. Nothing else can be safely assumed. Even the claim "I have never taken a banned substance," drips with its implications: anything I HAVE taken wasn't actually banned when I took it ... either because they didn't KNOW about it, or hadn't developed a test yet. The result? It's certainly looking like a sport which - while I love it - I'd not want any of my kids to take up.

David Baxter
Australia
Thursday, June 24, 2004

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Cadel Evans #1

The more I think about Cadel Evans' exclusion from T-Mobile's nine-man squad for the Grand Boucle the more I think it comes down to some sort of political nonsense or a dispute between rider and management, which would be a great pity.

If not, what on earth are Mario Kummer and Walter Godefroot thinking in leaving out this sensational talent? He just won the Tour of Austria, is working into sparkling touch after blitzing the Tour of Austria and would prove the perfect lieutenant to Ullrich on the climbs especially now that Vinokourov is out. If Godefroot and Kummer really believe Evans' lack of experience will run him into problems, well excuse me, but how else is the guy going to get experience? He can't help it that he has broken his collarbone countless times and missed the tour in the past.

I need only quote US Postal Directeur Johan Bruyneel, who said this week he had picked young Spaniard Benjamin Noval in his Tour squad "for fitness over experience. This will be his first Tour but he has raced in three Tours of Spain. He is very professional and very dedicated and will do his job. He may be nervous in the beginning but that's the risk you have to take. You have to be in shape and he was in good enough shape to be selected.'

I sincerely hope there has not been an internal wrangle that has excluded one of the peloton's best talents from riding in the tour but it would be just as disappointing if T-Mobile really did believe Evans was not "ready" to ride in it.

Nick Raman
Glenalta, SA, Australia
Thursday, June 24, 2004

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Cadel Evans #2

I was very surprised that Evans was left out of T Mobile's starting line up.

He is a great talent who has been dogged by injury in the last couple of years and we are yet to see what he can really achieve. This year was to be the springboard for his career and he is clearly in good form winning the recent Tour of Austria in style. Is T Mobile concerned about Evans not riding for Ullrich? Even with his lack of Tour experience, surely he would be better assistance to Jan than inferior riders in the starting line up.

T Mobile has so much money, too many big names and lacks the clear direction of, say, US Postal or CSC. Given the resources at his disposal, Godefroot's results in recent have been modest compared to less star studded teams, to say the least. And there are riders such as Bobby Julich, now very happy at CSC, who have ended up very disillusioned after their time at T Mobile. Godefroot knows how to spend money, but there are many other teams mangers who are able to get better value for their sponsor's investment.

Evans would be better off at another team and it would be disappointing if he stays at T Mobile.

Simon Quirk
London
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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The battle for the commentary podium

For a moment, forget doping allegations, forget Armstrong vs. Ullrich vs. Mayo vs. unborn millions. An event that will shatter the cycling world is due within the next ten years, and except for a few hints here and there, nobody is concerned.

I'm talking about the next great champions of the microphone and television. Phil Liggett and Paul Sherwen aren't going to be around forever. Despite the potential for the Cunego's and Mayo's of the world to ride forth into the record books, or for unknown teenagers in Malaysia and Kentucky and Yugoslavia to show up at the 2014 Tour de France and win every stage, the largest upheaval to the broadcast peloton will occur when these two fine gentlemen choose to ride into the sunset. Naysayers and non-enthusiasts are drawn to the coverage of the international peloton by P & P's witty banter and exciting analysis that never misses. The coverage of this year's USPRO race was punctuated by insightful commentary by Phil, but constantly interrupted by John Eustice's "WOOOO! He's got a gap!" Is this the future of cycling? Who will step into the spittle-encrusted commentary booth when Phil and Paul are gone? Roll? Eustice? (Nooooo!) Kirsten Gum? (Worse!) Marcel Wust? Richard Fries? Sheryl Crow?

I hope I have inspired someone, somewhere, to take that microphone in hand and start training. Beautiful declarations like "He's going through seven kinds of hell, turning himself inside out on this climb" is not something that will be easily repeated

Sean Horita
USA
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Tour contenders #1

Yes, finally the Grandest Tour is here. So many of us have voiced our speculation that one tends to forget what is important. It is the result that counts. Not who was in the best condition . Not who could have won if only he would have attacked. I am guilty of it myself. There is more than just picking the winner though.

Lance is still the favorite. His task will be to save his energy until the last week.

Too early and even Lance and Postal may find it difficult to wear yellow for long. His weakness could be the media frenzy that engulfs him daily. He may win the Tour without a single stage victory.

Jan is who so many identify with, always second best yet so very close. The diesel engine will always lose just a few seconds in the mountains. His weaknesses include marking Lance too closely. (This is a great idea if only Jan could take a minute out of Lance in the final TT). Jan will also be without Vino. This puts him at a great disadvantage for early mountain attacks.

Tyler too needs to understand, he must have a solid lead in the mountains to survive a 62 km TT. Tyler has the best sidekick in Sevilla. He is ready for Huez. Does he have the confidence he can beat everyone?

Iban can attack at will in the hills. His weakness may be over-training. But also, I fear he will put too much energy into winning the Alp TT that he will be left behind afterwards. Remember, a stage win means little in the overall GC.

Roberto has made lots of improvement. But in the long run, this is the Tour not the Vuelta. The question is how will he react to towing Lance up the mountains now?

Basso? Can he get the support from Sastre in the mountains? or will Sastre race for his own place in the GC, leaving Basso behind to fend for himself?

As for Moreau and Chavas S. the great French hopes. I would like to see them make the top ten. Moreau because this is his last year of opportunity. Chavas because he can improve to a podium man in the near future.

It is so sad for Vino. We could have started a two man team competition if he was healthy. As for Azevedo, Sevilla, Zubeldia... if they are in the top ten on the last day of the Tour, have they really worked hard enough for their Captain?

May they all stay healthy and upright for 3 weeks. (I don't want to hear 49 weeks of 'He would have, could have, should have won.)

Timothy Shame
USA
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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Tour contenders #2

It's so simple.

I love watching and reading about le Tour contenders--tracking Jan, Iban, Tyler, and Lance is a great break from work and school. But for every letter posted about Jan's superiority, there's one touting the ability of Lance, Tyler, and Iban as well. I think many people would agree that this year the top Tour contenders are in the closest physical shape and are supported by the most dedicated teams in history.

Why then, will Lance Armstrong win? For the same reason he always wins: he's the only GC contender going into the race that exudes absolute confidence in himself and his team. Other riders go in dreaming of attacking the man, but his sheer will to win year after year will prevail again.

Just like so many teachers, parents, and coaches tell their young pupils every day, the adage 'mind over matter' will prove true in this year's Tour.

Geoff Cook
Manchester, CT
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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Tour contenders #3

While all the attention is on Armstrong and Ullrich I agree with Matt that they are not the only two who can win.

I think Mayo is coming into good form and will be a factor for the podium, although maybe not the top spot ...yet. I think he needs another year or two and he could do it.

I believe Tyler to have the momentum and drive to equal Lance's determination and barring a fall, crash, mishap, which we all know has surrounded Tyler in the past years (cracked/broken collar bone last year) I believe him the person to unseat Lance this year. Tyler has momentum and a hand picked Phonak team (I am happy to see a Swiss team included in the Tour - I'm Swiss/ American so yes I'm cheerleading here!)

Even with all the experience Lance has I believe odds are not on his side to win this year. That's not to say I don't want him to win, and go down in the record books. It's just if any one is going to unseat Lance I believe it will be Tyler.

Lance always says he fears Ullrich the most, I wonder if this is some mental tactic to pump up Ullrich to overestimate his own ability/form, and downplay Tyler's? Who knows?

Tyler, Lance, Mayo, 1, 2, 3. That's my prediction for Paris

Nick Hanni
San Francisco Ca.
Monday, June 21, 2004

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Will stage four decide the Tour? #1

I read with interest the letters regarding the team time trial at this year's Tour de France -- and the time loss limits. I agree that the strong riders on weaker teams are indeed compromised in this event by their team, and therefore in terms of placing for the overall. I agree that cycling is a team sport, especially in the grand tours, though we seem to recognize ony the individual in many ways. It is interesting to think that a decision may be made to provide the team with a balance slanted more to the mountains and less to riding tempo on flat stages and the TTT (accepting a loss of artificially limited amount in the TTT as a compromise for a stronger team in the mountains). While I agree that strong riders on weaker teams are indeed compromised on GC by the TTT, I think they had the TTT back in 1989, didn't they? when Greg LeMond was making HIS comeback from adversity and won the Tour despite a weak team? What was his TTT time loss that year? Would we have had the great finish with the closest tour margin ever if his TTT loss was limited? (I hope now that I have said all that, I am not wrong! they did have the TTT that year, didn't they?)

In any case, I agree that since the stages are proposed well ahead, and the rules ARE known, the savvy D.S. will be at work deciding the best way to solve this problem. The key will be to lie as high overall as possible prior to that TTT stage so as to be one of the last (preferably THE last) team to start. Then you will have to know the relative importance of the time gaps you wish to achieve relative to each rival team. Then on the fly, during the race, you will make the decisions as regards how much effort to put in at each point (e.g., whether to have Lance, et. al., skip some pulls, etc.) For instance, if you have maximized your 2:30 advantage on Mayo's team on the road by the midway point, do you ease off and simply maintain that? Obviously that also depends upon the gaps relative to Phonak and T-Mobile, etc. If cycling is "chess on wheels" (and I have always maintained that "backgammon on wheels" is a better analogy), this is simply another piece in the puzzle that may make this year's Tour the most intriguing ever!

By the way, how 'bout Iowa homeboy Jason McCartney --Olympics!

Rick Bose
Cedar Falls, Iowa, USA
Sunday, June 20, 2004

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Will stage four decide the Tour? #2

The organizers want to limit the losses by the weaker teams in the TTT. Under the current rules a team of climbers can virtually take the day off and just ride to beat the time cut. My suggestion is keep the same format except that once teams are more the 2:30 behind they start losing additional time but only at half rate (ie a team that finishes 3:30 down on the winning team one loses 3:00, 2:30 plus half of the additional minute). This would help minimize major time losses but prevent teams from just cruising in.

Tom Scanlon
Boston, MA USA
Thursday, June 24, 2004

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Will stage four decide the Tour? #3

Regarding Mr. Bertolini's letter on the subject of the TTT in this years Tour.

The point that nobody seems to be making is that this rule changes the dynamic of the race much more than whether or not Mayo gets a rest day during the TTT stage. If Euskaltel decides that they are going to lose 2:30 no matter what, then why even bother to bring TTT guys at all. Why not bring a team full of climbers? On the other hand USPS, T-Mobile, etc. are in a sense forced to bring a compromise team because they need to do well in the TTT, but will then find themselves at a disadvantage numerically in the mountains. Euskaltel on the other hand gets the best of both worlds due to the new rule.

Granted, Armstrong will still have a good group of climbers around him, but with this rule Euskaltel really is going to get an advantage beyond the fact that their losses are limited. Mayo may have a full complement of super climbers to work the field over in the mountains.

If you're going to have a TTT, then forget the silly rules to limit losses. If you want to limit the losses, then just make the TTT shorter.

Kevin Metcalfe
Pleasant Hill, CA

Friday, June 18, 2004

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A thank you letter for USCF, USADA, AAA/CAS #1

While I share Anne's opinion in terms of light sentence for missing a doping test, I think its important to clarify that the USADA handed down the sentence, not USA Cycling (USCF is simply the road association within the overall Federation). Removing decisions and penalties from National Governing Bodies is a key issue for consistency and fairness with WADA and USADA.

Genevieve's punishment does not equal those given routinely for people who have just blown off tests. Having dealt with the USADA and other countries' anti-doping institutions I am sure there is some disappointment in the sentence handed down. Surely Dick Pound should have commented on this decision not only as a Canadian and world leader in the fight against anti-doping instead of his ill timed sweeping remarks inclusive of the world's pelotons.

Randy Shafer
Colorado Springs, CO USA
Thursday, June 24, 2004

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A thank you letter for USCF, USADA, AAA/CAS #2

It is interesting to compare this with the treatment of the English footballer Rio Ferdinand who, for a similar "mistake", was suspended from all matches for six months and fined heavily. The suspension meant that he was unable to play in Euro 2004. Who says cycling is the bellwether for drug control?

Christopher Whiley
UK
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Museeuw doored - his fault?

I wonder who precisely trains "vehicular cyclists" (what the hell is that anyway?) to "not ride in the door zone"? Maybe it's something that happens wherever Serge Issakov lives, but it's certainly not the case anywhere I have lived or ridden - to coin (and badly use) a phrase, I believe most of us learn to ride on the streets! Yes, there are courses such as the bikeleague.org Road I and Road II (if you happen to live in America ) which at best give you a few tools to use, which may or may not be practical and/or applicable in the area where you live.

Maybe Serge lives somewhere where he has the luxury to be able to ride as a fully vehicular cyclist and use a whole lane, and more power to him. To the rest of us who have to share the roads with traffic, or sometimes ride in the bike lanes (which incidentally are usually right in the so-called "door zone"), we can identify with what happened to Johan as it's happened or nearly happened to plenty of us. We don't like it, and can take steps to reduce the chance, but the simple fact of the matter is that accidents can (and will) happen, and any amount of Road I or Road II courses is not going to change that. The lesson to be learnt is exactly what was said - it can happen to any of us, and the solution is much more than simply "get out of the door zone". It's very often not an option.

Simon van der Aa
Tasmania, Australia
Sunday, June 20, 2004

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Beloki's allergy medication

On the June 18 letters page, Kevin McAuliffe wondered if Joseba Beloki's allergy medication enhanced his performance. Well, I use the same brand for my allergies and it certainly hasn't made me a better cyclist.

Patrick Uphill
Wisconsin, USA
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Discovery Channel kit

Moose is good for Barry. Ever see a moose run? They haul. Eki would have a bear. Russian, and kinda symbolizes his longevity and consistency.

Colin Williams
Victoria, BC, Canada
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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Green jersey dog fight

Can't agree with Mr. Graham's prediction that the Tour's green jersey will be hotly contested. Right now, somebody has to prove to me that they can come close to Petacchi. I haven't seen it. McEwen? Come on, he had a number of perfect chances to beat A.P. in the Giro and he wasn't even close.

Raymond F. Martin
USA
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Iban Mayo's uphill TT bike #1

The issue of rotating weight is an interesting one and scientifically valid. However, it is interesting to note that Euskaltel's Orbeas are equipped with relatively standard components in general. Mayo's bike at the TDF last year was a Starship with Dura Ace and Ksyriums - it seemed to work well enough on the l'Alpe Duez.

In defence of the 'heavy' Ksyriums it is also worth noting that Simoni won last year's Giro on them, Cunego this year's Giro and I think Lance has used them to good effect before going carbon. Maybe there is an issue here concerning rigidity of the wheel's construction vs weight? Without sophisticated testing equipment I can't answer whether a carbon wheel at four times the cost or more of a Ksyrium would be any better or not even if lighter? One can only therefore conclude two possibilities - 1) Ksyriums are simply excellent wheels or 2) the riders who have shown great results using them just happen to be really rather good. I suspect a bit of both. I hope it gives a message to amateur riders that you don't need to buy extortionate carbon wheels to win races. Mind that pothole!

Mark Hill
Canterbury, UK
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Iban Mayo's uphill TT bike #2

Mr. Friend asks a good question: why not super light wheels for the climb? Well, does anyone remember how many times we've seen guys busting up their custom $3000 wheels in the big stage races. I've had lots of very expensive carbon wheelsets, but take my Ksyriums to the Alps for one reason: they are stiff enough to transmit all my power and to handle like nobody's business. Also, can you say "machined aluminum braking surface"? Carbon braking surfaces in the rain on a big downhill are no fun - I don't care what high zoot brakes pads you have.

Saving weight at the expense of function isn't good engineering. saving it at the expense of durability may be sensible for the big shots who don't pay for their gear, but there is a point where function itself is compromised. Yes, rotating weight can be shown to effect aspects of performance. What is not show on the lab bench is the loss of power transfer if the wheels have been made too light and are therefore too weak. Mavic's reputation for making great wheels is not to be trifled: they don't spend anywhere as much time in finding the lightest solutions, but their stuff works and lasts.

Raymond F. Martin
USA
Friday, June 18, 2004

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LA Confidential

To all those who recognise the disgrace that is "LA Confidential", may I suggest an e-mail to The Times in London expressing your dissatisfaction. I am deeply ashamed that one of the UK's leading and respectable newspapers not only employ the sensationalist David Walsh but also ran a full page "article" in a recent Sunday sports supplement which acted as no more than an advertisement for this collection of hearsay and rumour.

Lance Armstrong is truly an inspirational human being. He is a testimony to hard work and self-belief, achieving success not only in sport, but in the fight against cancer that afflicted him and others. To try to destroy this individual for the sake of book sales is sickening.

In this country we are presented on a daily basis with 'role models' in the shape of drunken, loutish sexually immoral footballers. I have suggested to Mr Walsh that he should write a book on them instead. He would certainly not be short of the evidence needed to back his claims in this case.

David Crowley
Port Talbot, United Kingdom
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Tour-Giro double

I for one believe that the Tour-Giro double is still possible. And if not right now then in a few years when Lance has retired. I think a young strong tour rider like Damiano Cunego could do it. It was just 1998 when last accomplished by Marco Pantani. I know that many say that 1998 was a non typical year but I don't agree. A few of the favourites either crashed out or dropped out or were kicked out, but that can happen in any year including future years.

I believe that the secret to doing the double is to simply try it seriously. No one wants to try it anymore. The two races are either too far apart or too close together they say. A truly great champion should try to race both races at full bore. Nothing against Lance, but he is part of the problem. He has made it acceptable to race primarily with only the Tour as a goal. If he had tried to do the double a few times maybe he would not be trying for number six this year but maybe he would also have won both races one of his years from 1999 - 2003. Fewer Tour wins might diminish his accomplishments to some, but I for one would think him the greater champion to have won both in the same year. Even to try would have made him a greater champion in my book.

Racing that many weeks at high intensity is incredibly hard, no one would argue that, but trying and winning both races would make you a god! Just look at the popularity of Marco Pantani. It was his go for broke style that is his greatest lasting legacy to our sport. I think Lance has done a great disservice to his legacy by focusing only on the Tour. We tend to remember those of the past that raced more and won a greater variety of races. Look at the really greats; Merckx, Bartali, Coppi, Hinault. These men raced all year and won many single day and stage races. They are more than legends, they are cycling gods. Will Lance be remembered as a god when he retires? I for one don't think so (maybe if he wins six or seven Tours). He will be fondly remembered by his US fans always, but world cycling fans will longer remember the likes of Merckx.

Lance is still great, don't get me wrong, but for the future of our sport, please let someone try the double again (It is like winning the triple crown in horse racing, those few that can do it become legend). Are you listening Damiano?

Scott Wilcox
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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Why thank Lance?

Wes certainly makes a strong point that all the other cyclist have begun to catch up to the super high standard set by Lance, as opposed to Lance slowing down. However, he then contradicts the argument by referring to the super high standard of Eddy Merckx as being impossible to match. Apparently Eddy never slowed down. He's probably so far up the road that he's "out of sight, out of mind" and no one is trying to catch him.

John Spevacek
White Bear Lake MN USA
Friday, June 18, 2004

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Searching for Bill Clawson

I have been web-searching for an old friend, Bill Clawson, a cyclist & adventurer from San Francisco/Bay Area in the late '70s- early '80s. He had possibly competed in Olympics at some earlier point in his life... I believe.

Can you recommend a bulletin board where I might get some Sherlock help from other cyclists etc?

Amber
Wednesday, June 23, 2004

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If anyone can put Amber in touch with Bill, please send us his details and we'll pass them along.