FanPost

Theo Bos: "This is really making me sick"

On his blog at rabosport.nl, Theo Bos (NED) writes in Dutch about the aftermath of his crash in the Tour of Turkey where he also took down race leader Daryl Impey (RSA). My translation on the flip.

This is really making me sick

Theo Bos, 20 Apr 2009 (transl.: tedvdw)

The reactions to the crash in the Tour of Turkey are no laughing matter. On Youtube you can see how I seem to intentionally cause a crash. Even Lance Armstrong makes it known that I should be suspended for a long time. A reaction which I fully understand after seeing the images and hearing the accompanying commentary.

Of course I also watched them myself, over and over. It is difficult to see in the view from above, it seems as though I pull him off his bike. However, I am completely boxed in there while being pushed into the barriers on the left and, as a reflex, the one thing I do is to make an ultimate attempt trying to keep him away from me. At that moment the only option, precisely to prevent the crash. I think I then hit a barrier foot with my front wheel and go crashing down immediately, together with Impey.

Anyone who knows me well, knows that I would never intentionally take the risk to cause a crash this way. Why should I: I take myself out as well. For years I have been a track sprinter at the highest level. Keirin is notorious for its pushing and pulling, the taking of risks. But do note: in those circles I am not known as a sprinter who takes extreme risks. In Japan this even earned me my nickname. It is not in my character. This is really making me sick.

For my transition from the track to the road I deliberately chose Rabobank's continental team. To learn the trade out of the limelight. I am not looking forward to being known for this. Naturally, I also told my story to Barloworld. I really feel sorry for Impey and have indicated to the team that I would like to discuss it with him, to tell my side of things. I have no reason to walk away from him but understand that he is angry.

I feel like shit for having become headline news in this way. As a sportsman, I want to show that I am a different man. This is bugging me. I hope that there is more footage. Perhaps those videos can be viewed side by side and analysed frame by frame. I would give everything to prove that this was not my fault. It was never my intention. Not even in the heat of the battle. I will have to convince everyone that I win my sprints differently. I love this sport. Sport is on the cutting edge. Fair play is part of that in every way. It is never worth going beyond that!