Hello????
how on earth can she be allowed to start a world cup after
missing a drug test? Yes, Yes, due process, etc... but did
she miss it or not? and was the requirement for her number
called also properly posted? those are the only two
pertinent questions. If both are yes, then she should
receive a ban. period.
As an elite level athlete... it is the responsiblity of
the RIDER (obviously, with the help and guidance of
their manager..but it is ULTIMATELY the RIDER's
RESPONSIBILITY to take the necessary steps to ensure
compliance with the rules.
GJ should receive the maximum ban available for this
oversight. Only when the govenrning bodies (usa, canada, and
all of the rest of the sporting world) takes an agressive
stance.. then will people stop using drugs.
I am in no way insinuating that she may have been doping or
that she might have missed a test on purpose, but at every
UCI event - a list is posted by the commisaires that
indicates which rider number has been called for testing.
When I helped at a UCI event (several years ago) one of the
items that every single rider on the team was responsible to
do after the event was to check and see if their number had
been pulled. THey (the officials/commisaires) even discussed
the names and numbers over race radio during the event - so
every manager knew, but it still remained the RESPONSIBILITY
of the RIDER to double check the POSTED list of drug
tests.!!!!!
It is a simple process and anyone who has competed in more
then one UCI event has the full and complete understanding
of where the drug tent/trailer/buidling (I believe it must
be within 1k of the finish???) is located and should be
aware of the procedures to ensure compliance. For someone
who has been to many many many UCI level events (and also
has a cloud hanging over her head already!@!!!) she should
have been even more vigilant to comply. the fact that she
'missed' a drug test should be treated with the harshest
reality that is available to the UCI (and vis a vis, the usa
cycling management as she has a USA license - but also re;
the Canadians for her participation in other UCI/national
team events).
She SHOULD NOT NOT NOT be allowed to start the MOntreal WC.
It is a FARCE of the RULES and makes drug testing a
laughable proposition!
just my 2 cents..