I have just been re-reading Jesus Manzano's allegations about the practices within Kelme and performance enhancing drugs.
In my opinion, the man appears to be telling the truth.
Several of his Kelme colleagues have come out in support of Manzano.
I've also watched the reaction of Jean Marie LeBlanc and how he quickly informed Kelme that they were not being invited to the
2004 TDF (the longest sponsors of cycling in the peleton).
Compare and contrast this treatment to Cofidis.
The French police uncover a drug trafficking operation - arrests
are made - charges are pending.
The reaction of LeBlanc ?
Cofidis have not been banned (as yet) from the 2004 TDF.
Remember, the level of evidence against Cofidis is pretty high.
A French judge gave the authorities warrants to uncover the
evidence.
This level of evidence is far higher than the hearsay evidence of Manzano.
Yet, LeBlanc acts swiftly on the basis of hearsay to ban Kelme and chooses (as of now) to ignore the Cofidis evidence.
I have long argued that the double standards in the pro scene
is just unacceptable.
This latest episode is surely further proof of how inept, unprofessional and downright ethically challenged this sport of ours has become.
LeBlanc and Verbruggen need to be removed (and indeed the UCI).
Have you any thoughts ?