Friday, May 25, 2007

Changing Tunes

"I feel really bad about this case. Basso is the worst that could happen to me - it has ruined my image. I need to fix that and right now it's a tough job."
Bjarne Riis, August, 2006

"I have taken doping. I have taken EPO. I have made errors and I would like to apologize....My jersey is at home in a cardboard box. They are welcome to come and get it. I have my memories for myself."
Bjarne Riis, May, 2007

Thursday, May 10, 2007

Dale Earnhardt, Jr. leaves DEI

This has been rumored for quite some time, but here is Dale, Junior, in his own words, announcing that he will be leaving the company his father built at the end of this race season.

What will happen next? We can only wait and see. There are a lot of theories and I'm sure there is more planned than he's letting on. From the marketing/PR side of things, he's smart to do this announcement today, which, to some people, will be a negative announcement. Then, a week or month down the line announce his future plans when it can be a pure celebratory announcement.

What do you think? Will he race for himself through JR Motorsports? Will he go with Richard Childress, like his dad did (3 car or not)? Where else might he end up?

And...will DEI relinquish the 8 number and give it to Dale to race with wherever he goes next? Race teams 'own' the numbers, but that was his grandfather's number....and so much associated with Dale. I can't picture that it would be a popular decision to put someone else in the 8 car for DEI. Then again, they may just hold it like RCR is holding the 3 number for the future.

Wherever he goes and whatever he chooses to do next, I hope it is a great adventure for him. We know the fans will follow no matter where he goes.

So, what do you think?

Just a speedy tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Tyler Hamilton in IMAX

Some of you may remember back in 2003 that there was an IMAX movie, "Brain Power" being filmed during the Tour DAY France. It was to feature Tyler Hamilton and focus on the pain a body goes through during an event like that. The film makers couldn't have known that they picked the perfect rider to focus on. This was the year that Tyler broke his collarbone early on in Le Tour and continued on every single day of Le Tour - even winning a stage. I have a poster on my wall of him winning the stage, by the way.

After the drug accusations, the film folks decided to re-film and cut out Tyler. From a PR perspective, I get it. From a film perspective, I don't. He was still the perfect, perfect specimen for pain in an event - broken collarbone on a bike...in the mountains...being more than competetive. I'll bet they have great footage. Up until now, we didn't get to see too much of it.

But, that has all changed now that my friend and fellow Spokesmen, Carlton Reid, has posted a clip on YouTube and will be posting even more on Quickrelease.tv.

Check it out. It's spectacular footage. Forget about all the drug hoopla going on and just enjoy the views in this piece.

Just a little tidbit for today. Thanks for stopping by.

Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Ivan Basso

When I turned on my computer and saw the news about Ivan Basso I admit I was so sad. I look forward to hearing what he has to say today.

It's a sad day in cycling. Not because Basso wanted to be honest, but because he felt he had to do it in the first place.

More and more, I'm thinking it is time for all of us who love cycling to concentrate on every day riding. Personally, the pros are just disappointing and frustrating to me.

Just a tiny tidbit this morning. Thanks for stopping by.