'Cyclysm' Returns

Versus was formally know as OLN (Outdoor Living Network). Outdoor Living Network was the network the covered the Tour de France but did not make much coverage of other cycling events. Since cycling is a growing sport in the United States of America, the newly named Network decided to cover more cycling events to please fans. "Cycling is a cornerstone of the network's programming and VERSUS will provide in-depth coverage of the Spring Classics leading up to, and including, the Tour de France," said Gavin Harvey, President of VERSUS. "It's a wide open competition among fierce competitors and VERSUS will be there to chronicle all the excitement of these landmark races."


The network started this year by showing the coverage of the Tour of California. During this coverage the American Levi Leipheimer rode into victory with more fans watching. ”In addition to television coverage, VERSUS.com will be a key component of the network's cycling coverage this season. On VERSUS.com viewers will find: video highlights, photos, information about each race and features and reports from VERSUS analysts and experts. And, with VERSUS on Demand, viewers will have access to race highlight packages shortly after the network premiere.” The fan population is growing in the United States because of public relations like this.


This is an example of public relations because the article is letting fans know that Verses is covering cycling events. Cycling fans are now given the opertunity to watch the sport they love. The network Versus as made it on Cycling Andrew's "Honest Cyclist List."


http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-3-10-15793-1,00.html

Millar's New Career Off To A Flying Start

The thirty year old British known doping cyclist, David Millar, just won the prologue to the 2007 Paris-Nice. David Millar is recanted doping sandals and admits that he has doped in the past. This British cyclist now knows that doping is dangerous and gives an unfair advantage against competitors. Before his admitting of doping the performance-enhancing drug EPO was found in his home. The evidence led to a two year suspension from cycling. This gave David Millar the time he needed to understand that he made errors in his past and how can clear his name. Now David Millar is one of the leading members in the fight against doping. Actions speak louder than words and David Millar recognized this. He wanted to show the world that a cyclist does not need to be doping in order to win. David Millar worked hard so he could win the prologue of the 2007 Paris-Nice, the clean way.

Winning the prologue is not the only way David Millar’s actions are speaking for him. He also is openly talking about his past doping experiments and is teaching the young cyclist the harm in doping. "In that area I think I can be a great deal of help, especially with the youth, explaining honestly what happened to me and hopefully helping them avoid making the same mistakes."

This is an example of public relations because the article is letting people know that David Millar is trying to clear his name. Newer fans might not know who David Millar is because of his two year suspension from cycling because of his doping charges. This public relation article is not only a good thing for the fight against doping but it is also good PR for the former doping cyclist in clearing his name. David Millar admits his past doping history and the public accepts him back into the sport of cycling as a hero, others might follow in his footsteps. This bad guy gone good has made it to Cycling Andrew's "Honest Cyclist List."

http://thisjustin.bicycling.com/2007/03/millars_new_car.html

UCI 100% Against Doping

On March 9, 2007 the International Cycling Union (UCI) presented its new anti-doping program called the “100% Against Doping.” This plan was first activated in Paris. Their objective is clear: “to give cycling the best anti-doping program in the world. Only clean riders should win; those who cheat should be caught; those considering trying to cheat should be discouraged. Together we can eliminate doping from our sport,” claimed Pat McQuaid, President of the International Cycling Union. The program summary includes:

“Unannounced out-of-competition tests for 100 % of riders
100 % of riders will be subject to unannounced out-of-competition tests. Out-of-competition tests will be targeted to eliminate cheats. Riders not subject to such tests in their own countries will be particularly targeted.
Blood tests for 100 % of riders
100 % of riders will be subject to blood tests before the Major Tours. 100 % of teams will undergo pre-race blood tests at least four times per year. Blood tests will be targeted to eliminate cheats. Unannounced (no-notice) tests will be organised during training sessions.
Creation of an individual profile for 100 % of riders
A haematological profile (blood) will be created for 100 % of riders. A steroid profile (urine) will be created for selected riders. An international database will be set up, in cooperation with the World Anti-DopingAgency and national anti-doping agencies.
Development of new tests in cooperation with 100 % of riders
100 % of riders will take part in an anti-doping research programme. Each year, the most relevant research will be selected for rider’s participation.
Agreement to provide DNA by 100 % of riders
100 % of riders will commit to provide a sample of their DNA if necessary, in the respect of laws and ethical rules. Samples will be used for identification purposes in the event of the discovery of suspect matter (organic matter or doping substances). Clean riders will then be able to demonstrate their commitment against doping.
The same code of conduct for 100 % of teams
100 % of riders will commit to a standard code of conduct. 100 % of riders will be subject to the code.”


This is an example of public relations because the article explains how the International Cycling Union is fighting against cheaters. Doping has become a huge problem in many sports and it has become time for the officiating bodies to put a stop to it. The problem that arose from the past Tour de France with Floyd Landis started arguments between different teams and countries. The International Cycling Union is trying to reunite the teams and countries through public relations articles.


The fight against doping and cheaters in the sport of cycling has become a spear head for all sports to follow. The leadership shown by the International Cycling Union (UCI) has made it to Cycling Andrew's “Honest Cyclist List.”

http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=10564