http://www.tylerhamilton.com/
July 18, 2006
It has been quite a long time since I have felt free to speak regarding the
accusations leveled against me. Today, against the wishes of my attorneys, I
feel that I must make a statement to address some issues.
First of all, today is a big day. It's the day I looked forward to a year
ago, expecting that my appeal would overturn the false accusations of
doping. It would have been the day that I would have attempted to join an
elite few athletes who have achieved the tremendous accomplishment of
winning a Tour de France stage at l'Alpe d'Huez. I am obviously not
participating in this year's Tour. But I feel that I can contribute
something of value anyway. I've made some telephone calls to the Discovery
Team riders to offer my support. In particular, I was happy to contact
Floyd, whom I'm quite sure will have a great day. Floyd and I share many of
the same experiences. We both supported Lance in his Tour victories. And we
both joined the Phonak team, expecting to work together. Well, things
haven't turned out as I had expected but I hope the message I left for Floyd
can substitute in a small way for my absence with the team today. Perhaps if
Floyd wins today's stage he'll find just a minute or two to return the call
to myself or my attorney.
The message I left Floyd reminded him of the good times we had together
planning our training sessions and special training methods together. That's
not to say that he would remember any conversation involving a Spanish Dr.
Fuentes. And I certainly can't comment on anything that I have no knowledge
of. Anyway, I expect Floyd or a representative of the Phonak team to
contact me soon so I can resume my place on the team as soon as possible.
P.S. It was good to see Bobby turn in his usual fine performance under
pressure. What a shame that a dangerous curb appeared in front of him
without adequate warning. I agree with him that it's not true that he
always quits and whines like a disgusting weasel when he gets cold or falls
down on the ground.
Thanks for reading.