True Nuggets from Phil

by Drew on Dec 6, 2006 1:34 PM EST in News

"WADA and the UCI have both handled the doping scandals without any sensitivity or diplomacy and that the Press has taken the wrong stand in becoming judge and jury. The UCI's threat to reduce the Grand Tours is the single biggest threat our sport has faced in years and if they do it, it will be the nail in the coffin of a sport that was born out of the ashes of long-distance suffering. In short, the very thing that makes our sport so popular will be destroyed. Who cares after one year who has won the Tour of Germany or the Tour of Britain? Everyone cares who has struggled over three weeks to win the Vuelta, Giro or Tour and they must remain untouchable. If the UCI really believes that shortening the Grand Tours will reduce doping, then they are living a dream. The UCI has already weakened our track sport at Olympic level by taking away the kilometer and 500 metres races. What else is the new breed at the top capable of?"

How can you not love him? This is stolen from Pez btw.

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Tell 'em Phil.

Reducing the length of any of the Grand Tours is a grave mistake.

by mobilegoat on Dec 6, 2006 1:44 PM EST reply actions

Huge

I also like the way he smacks the Tour of Britain along with the Tour of Germany, just in case anyone accuses him of national preference.

The Grand Tours are grand for a reason. Every other stage race is on the lower rungs and they'd better realize it.

by Drew on Dec 6, 2006 2:01 PM EST reply actions

Is there any sport

With commentators that come close to the class of Phil and Paul?

-K-

by KevinK on Dec 6, 2006 3:15 PM EST reply actions

There's the

East Asian Badminton League but you have to understand Thai to appreciate it. Otherwise Phil and Paul rule.

by Drew on Dec 6, 2006 3:45 PM EST reply actions

I commented a while back about how Indy car

racing was "reorganized" by the owner of the Indianapolis 500. They started a new series and change the rules. At the beginning it seemed a folly but because they had the number one product, the only race average Joes knew about they succeeded. The old heirarchy became irrelevant. Something of this nature might have to happen with cycling, how many people know what the Pro Tour is anyways ? It wouldn't matter so much who wasn't racing in the Tour because people would still be watching it and it would generate income and it would still be a great race.

The UCI and WADA wouldn't need to be involved at all. They could still meddle with Olympics and any other group that chose to be members. But why couldn't cycling create a professional league with their own rules like american football and baseball do. I think it would shake things up for a while but they'd probably settle back into a familiar version of what we see today with the benefit of their not being too many outside organizations messing around with them.

Just a thought.

Phil rocks!

by flying dog on Dec 6, 2006 4:36 PM EST reply actions

People say Phil's past his prime...

I say he's just getting started. Way to kick ass.

by TCWriter on Dec 6, 2006 8:10 PM EST reply actions

This is great ...

Everyone should read the entire article. I especially like this comment:

"Those in power are so anxious to prove the "kill" that they have forgotten to adopt the correct procedures. What other sport suspends its riders without a single case being proved beyond reasonable doubt?

In 2007 we all have to take stock and decide whose side we are all on and work together for a common result - one of honesty."

Phil for President!

by notaero on Dec 7, 2006 2:51 PM EST reply actions