We had a real nice ride this morning. The air was cool at 8:30 when I left for Meramec CC, not a cloud in the sky. I felt okay but the legs were not fresh. Still feeling the effects of the trainer work just over 12 hrs earlier. Not helping the matter was a strong wind out of the west. A wind that would be into out face most of the way out to High Ridge.
Steve Martin was a surprise attendee, Mark and Patrick showed as well. Jose apparently could not find the keys he had lost the day before in the park and did not make the ride.
True to my word, I did not leave my small chainring all day. It would have been easy to slip into the big ring though when we began our return on the constantly winding Rock Creek. A very fun road especially with a tailwind pushing you along. An eager dog added to the fun with a short chase.
When we got to Old 141 it looked as though the road construction that had been going on was complete. But once we reached the top, the road was closed causing us to take a detour down Corisande Hills.
I was gone for almost 4 hrs but actual ride time was more like 3 1/2 including the ride to and from home.
Tomorrow is round 3 of the Bubba Memorial. This round is in Creve Coeur Park. From the description, it sounds like the same area where we had a crit about 10 years ago. It was a big circle. Half of it down, the second half uphill. Based on that I expect some climbing tomorrow. I also think the possibility exists of a lot of leaves on the course. The last couple weeks have not had many trees on the course. I remember this part of the park having many trees though. And the trees having been dropping leaves rapidly this week. It could make for some slippy conditions in the turns.
News Item of the Day: According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Phonak's Santiago Perez has tested postive for blood transfusion in a doping control, said to have been carried out just before or during the Vuelta a España, where the 27 year old rider finished second overall. Marca claimed that a counter-analysis has already been performed, and also showed evidence of blood transfusion.
Marca also published that the alleged doping offence was the reason for Perez' non-participation at the 2004 World Championships in Verona, which he skipped because of gastroenteritis according to his management. The newspaper attributed the rider's difficulties renewing his contract with the Swiss Phonak team to the positive doping control. The reason why the UCI or the Spanish cycling federation haven't issued an official statement yet is said to be due to a technical mistake, as neither the rider nor a representative of the team were present at the analysis of the B sample.
If these allegations prove to be true, Santiago Perez will be the second rider in history to have tested positive for a blood transfusion, after his teammate Tyler Hamilton.
Viewpoint: Another day, another positive doping test. Worse yet that its another positive for Phonak. They did seem to come from relative obscurity this year and turn into one of the top teams in the World Starting with Hamilton winning the Tour of Romandie for the second time, then in June(?) they really made their presence known with a second place at the Tour de Suisse and very strong rides at the Dauphine only to be beaten by Mayo. Their Tour even started very well with a great TTT although it collapsed when Tyler pulled out with his crash injuries.
I was willing to excuse their quick rise to the front of the peloton because they did go out and hire some big names like Hamilton, Sevilla and I think Perez was new as well. Not it looks like their may be more than just hired talent for their improvement. Sadly, I think Perez's positive casts even more doubt on Hamilton assertions that he is innocent. I want him to be innocent but now I think there is a problem of team doping.
Steve Martin was a surprise attendee, Mark and Patrick showed as well. Jose apparently could not find the keys he had lost the day before in the park and did not make the ride.
True to my word, I did not leave my small chainring all day. It would have been easy to slip into the big ring though when we began our return on the constantly winding Rock Creek. A very fun road especially with a tailwind pushing you along. An eager dog added to the fun with a short chase.
When we got to Old 141 it looked as though the road construction that had been going on was complete. But once we reached the top, the road was closed causing us to take a detour down Corisande Hills.
I was gone for almost 4 hrs but actual ride time was more like 3 1/2 including the ride to and from home.
Tomorrow is round 3 of the Bubba Memorial. This round is in Creve Coeur Park. From the description, it sounds like the same area where we had a crit about 10 years ago. It was a big circle. Half of it down, the second half uphill. Based on that I expect some climbing tomorrow. I also think the possibility exists of a lot of leaves on the course. The last couple weeks have not had many trees on the course. I remember this part of the park having many trees though. And the trees having been dropping leaves rapidly this week. It could make for some slippy conditions in the turns.
News Item of the Day: According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Phonak's Santiago Perez has tested postive for blood transfusion in a doping control, said to have been carried out just before or during the Vuelta a España, where the 27 year old rider finished second overall. Marca claimed that a counter-analysis has already been performed, and also showed evidence of blood transfusion.
Marca also published that the alleged doping offence was the reason for Perez' non-participation at the 2004 World Championships in Verona, which he skipped because of gastroenteritis according to his management. The newspaper attributed the rider's difficulties renewing his contract with the Swiss Phonak team to the positive doping control. The reason why the UCI or the Spanish cycling federation haven't issued an official statement yet is said to be due to a technical mistake, as neither the rider nor a representative of the team were present at the analysis of the B sample.
If these allegations prove to be true, Santiago Perez will be the second rider in history to have tested positive for a blood transfusion, after his teammate Tyler Hamilton.
Viewpoint: Another day, another positive doping test. Worse yet that its another positive for Phonak. They did seem to come from relative obscurity this year and turn into one of the top teams in the World Starting with Hamilton winning the Tour of Romandie for the second time, then in June(?) they really made their presence known with a second place at the Tour de Suisse and very strong rides at the Dauphine only to be beaten by Mayo. Their Tour even started very well with a great TTT although it collapsed when Tyler pulled out with his crash injuries.
I was willing to excuse their quick rise to the front of the peloton because they did go out and hire some big names like Hamilton, Sevilla and I think Perez was new as well. Not it looks like their may be more than just hired talent for their improvement. Sadly, I think Perez's positive casts even more doubt on Hamilton assertions that he is innocent. I want him to be innocent but now I think there is a problem of team doping.
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