6 hours of hard racing would induce hypoxia, which would increase EPO production.... Guess what happens when EPO production is increased? More retics. And actually, I was originally referring to hypoxia from the day before and the TT. What you don't get is that it's not marketing spiel, it's that I do not know. I know that his retic count is very stable and a small increase from morning to afternoon is nothing unusual. That's why I've asked you to go test yourself.

I don't tell my team not to dope. I spend over $500,000 annually to make sure they don't. I set up a truth and reward policy to make sure there is clarity as to what is going on AND I allow any journalist any access they desire.

In addition Ive worked actively with WADA and USADA since 2004 to help improve their testing methods and execution and volunteered my team to try new testing methods.

The 1000 calorie thing is a genuine screw up. I went to Bermuda to go fishing, as I've done for many years. I did Tedx as a favor for my friend and I prepared a slide show. The 1000 calorie thing was just me doing the 15 watts over 6 hours math in my head wrong. I'm admitting I did it wrong. Is there something else?

there is no bump in Ryder's Hb. It falls as the 3 weeks progress. Is it linear? No. I have never witnessed a perfectly linear fall in Hb over 3 weeks. Ever.
Millar shows no plasma increase. the decrease in his performance is the best evidence of his failure to adapt to the stresses. I don't make these judgements in a test tube. they are made in context, judging performance and blood values.

What you're failing to see, is that this is not an area of science that has been exhaustively researched. It is, as Aschenden will tell you, more art than science. It's recognizing patterns from experience.

the statistically worst blood profile I have ever seen was from a rider that this forum constantly refers to as "clean"... Did he dope at the time of his profile blip? No, I doubt it, as his performance was sub par, not suspiciously over par. Context.

End of the day, I cannot convince you. So, I need to give up. There is nothing I can say, show or do that will alter your opinion. Since this is true, can we just not debate and come to the conclusion that our opinions will never be the same?

What you fundamentally underestimate is my earning power outside the world of cycling. It's not marketing spiel because I don't care enough about my position in cycling to be compromised by that crap. When I was a rider, yes, I allowed it to compromise me. That was a BIG mistake. But as one of my closest friends said to me "The biggest financial mistake you ever made in your life was being involved with cycling, as a rider or a manager"

evidence of me not caring? please see my quotes re UCI, re USADA, and actions over the last year. Not the actions of someone covering their ****. Maybe the actions of someone trying to get booted out of the sport!!

That is my best and final argument.

JV

Yes, indeed like the one he is in currently..

It would be great if he would come onto VR, as he really does clear up a lot of issues which otherwise posters spend many years mulling over.. and coming to false conclusions.

On that note also an interesting thing he said about Ashenden:

Well he better flipping clear the air up now. His press release implicitly stated that Lowe was blackmailing and cyclingnews ran the story (oh but he's JV), and now the apology. So, where does this leave Slipstream?

The main reason I signed up to ride for Slipstream Sports in the beginning was their position against anti-doping, and how this could support my career in my personal quest for clean cycling.  It was very disappointing when team management sent me to such a questionable doctor for unknown means of preparation, less than 18 months into my time with the team. As soon as I understood what was going on here I could not distance myself enough, for my personal benefit and that of the team. We both know the falling out I had with Whitey over this, and we both know that I have never doped.

I have kept my end of the deal and kept this stuff quiet and out of the public eye. I would expect that you keep your end of the deal here and pay my salary and bonuses. I would be happy to speak with you directly, lets sort this out. Please send me your contact phone number if you wish to speak.

What's not a waste of energy is making sure we don't enter another period where the doping methods outstrip large differences in talent. That is when the whole thing goes sideways.

Also, I'm not going to lie and say "dammit, it's all dirty!! Especially those evil feckers at Sky!!".... I don't believe that. Why would I say it? Just to feel good about myself?

As for Walsh, I talk to David quite a bit, and I think he is of the same opinion. At least in our discussions he seems fairly convince by the data. But then, it's his job to always be a bit on guard. And I'm sure you can find some sound byte that shows he's suspect. But sound bytes you get to read in the press don't equal knowing someone for a decade and speaking with them regularly.

That's the thing, you guys try to place me at odds with Kimmage and Walsh or whatever. These people have stayed in my guest room and had BBQ ribs at my dinner table. And we debate this stuff, but all in good humor. I listen to them, they listen to me. It's constructive. Which is something you could aim for.


I first had dinner with David in 2003. And admitted my whole story to him around that time as well. He kept it private, which was nice of him... But anyway, just saying', I was hang in with Walsh before it was what all the cool kids wanted to do.

I know I'm really annoying you with that last paragraph. It's intentional.

If it can be achieved by a clean, talented rider, and it can win the race, then if I find a clean, talented rider, my team can win the race.

I can't find any clean riders doing 6.5w/kg. Nor are there any winning races doing that much these days. So, you are correct to think a less than talented guy could boost himself to 5.9 w/kg illegally. He might get caught, he might not. Risky. But my clean guy still stands a chance to win. So, my team is still in the game! Meaning: I'm happy. Sponsors are happy.

In my career, the clean guy at 5.9 wasn't even in the game.

So, now my job is picking incredibly talented riders. Not running an illegal medical program. Much more fun. Not much margin for error, though! So, I better be good.

I'm a little offended.

I can explain it to you, but I can't comprehend it for you.

My opinion: I make my point just fine, but I can't convince those who've already made up their mind.

I like it.  Its what I have said before, and will again

The teams need to fund directly an anti-doping organization, and leave the UCI to go back to promoting and managing the sport.   You cannot have the 1 body doing both. It simply does not work