Cycling... aka the Tom Boonen topic ;-)

[Lieutenant Norgård]

Good!

But a shame that Hushovd couldn't beat him in the tour...

[Ronald]

oh well... it's his own fault. Sad really. He should have known better.

[Dutchman]

Good!

But a shame that Hushovd couldn't beat him in the tour...

the Norvegian Thor Hushhovd, the actual leader in the Dauphiné Expresss, said yesterday in the press: "I am very sad for cycling. I prefer that all my opponents be at the start of the Tour. I like to sprint against Boonen et the others."

The banning of Tom Boonen is really very bad news for all those who like cycling. But rules are rules.

[Ronald]

Rules are rules? Boonen did not take any perfomance enhancing drugs. He used coke in his private life and he got busted after they tested a sample of him. he admitted his mistake. It's not that it is written in the rules he should not compete in the Tour because of the use of cocaine in his private life.
then you have to ask yourself the question, why can stefan schumacher join the Tour then? Was it not he who drove drunk after last years worldchampionship and had amphetamines in his blood?

[Linda]

Gosh Ronald, never expected YOU would take up defense for Boonen...but as said there's no written rule to apply here.

It's common knowledge the Tour de France organizers do whatever they like, wonder if they would treat a Frenchman the same way...probably not!

Do notice I don't approve of what Tom did...I'm against drugs in any possible way, therefor I also have no problem with Tom being banned from to the Tour this year...he must realize the consequences of his wrong step!
As we say in Flemish: wie zijn gat verbrandt moet op de blaren zitten (who burns his butt must sit on the blisters )

[Ronald]

Gosh Ronald, never expected YOU would take up defense for Boonen...but as said there's no written rule to apply here.)

I'm full of surprises but I still think he's a pompus arse but hey... I don't agree with him being cast out.

[Dutchman]

Gosh Ronald, never expected YOU would take up defense for Boonen...but as said there's no written rule to apply here.)

I'm full of surprises but I still think he's a pompus arse but hey... I don't agree with him being cast out.

May be there are no written rules for use of cocaïne in private, but the Tour directors have decided that a champion should have an exemplary conduct and be an example for the young cyclists, not alone in the Tour de France, but also in his private life.
And I can agree with that. Tom Boonen has also been banned from the Tour of Switzerland, that will begin shortly.
His non participation for the fourth time in the Tour de France will be felt as a serious loss for the Quick Step cycling team.
When will Tom Boonen, aged 27 years today, become an adult with sense ??
All this affaire is "much smoke about almost nothing". Adieu to his Green Jersey for this year and a "farewell to arms"

[Dutchman]

There is more in the cycling world than Tom Boonen.

cycling race DAUPHINE LIBRE

Ag2R rider Cyril Dessel headed a trio of Frenchmen across the line in the fourth stage of the Dauphine Libre in the 193 kms mountainous stage from Vienne to Annemasse, although the Spaniard Alejandro Valverde takes over the yellow jersey from the Norvegian Thor Hushhovd. I feel sorry for your you Lieutenant Andreas Norgard.

Read it all on next link:

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/12062008/ ... leads.html



Winner of stage 4: Ag2R rider Cyril Dessel (picture copyright British Eurosport 2008).