'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

Jan Ullrich Announces His Retirement

Jan Ullrich has announced his retirement as a professional cyclist. At a press conference in Hamburg, Ullrich told journalists that he would be joining Austrian cycling team, Volksbank, as an advisor. Ullrich last year was charged with blood doping during the2006 Tour De France. He has always clamed his innocence the entire time. During the past seven Tour De Fances Ullrich has been on the podium with Lance Armstrong, but has never beaten the Americans. I feel that he wanted to show that he could even if that included cheating. Now he is getting too old for racing and will never have that chance.

Jan Ullrich, is he changing is ways or will he start helping his new team dope in hopes that they will beat the Americans?

This is an example of public relations because the article is letting people know that Ullrich is retiring. Fans of Ullrich can now follow him to his new team and continue to support him. Many cyclist retire and then become cpokesmen or coaches for other cycling team. I feel that many of the cyclist love the sport and cannot bring themselves to leave it. Time will tell if Ullrich will end up on Cycling Andrew's "Honest Cyclist List" or "Cycling Andrew's "Crime Cyclist List."

http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=10509

Landis, McQuaid trade barbs in press

Cycling's top official, president Pat McQuaid, has been subjected to a trial by media as he prepares for an arbitration hearing before the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency against the 2006 Tour de France winner Floyd Landis. “Every athlete who tests positive blames the system and somebody else,” said McQuaid. “Floyd's no different. Floyd has very expensive lawyers and PR people. He's doing an epic number. The public needs to understand they are hearing one side of the story.” Landis is complaining about “the lack of leadership” and his rights are not being met because they are not protecting his livelihood. "At crushing personal expense, building a team of professionals to support me is the only way I have to fight against an unfair system and unsubstantiated allegations," Landis said. "Mr. McQuaid started my trial by media when he made his leading comments about a 'worst-case scenario' adverse analytical finding on July 26. His organization continued to subject me to a public show trial when I had no information with which to defend myself by leaking test results to The New York Times, announcing the results of ‘A' samples before ‘B' confirmations, and refusing to inform me of the results of my ‘B' sample before they announced it in a press release.”

Floyd Landis has created the Floyd Fairness Fund website to get support from local cyclist enthusiast.

This is an example of public relations because the article is trying to get support for the Floyd Fairness Fund. Landis is also trying to make the United States Anti-Doping Agency look like the “bad guy.” The public relations article is trying to persuade the cycling community that Floyd Landis is not guilty of doping and the charges against him should be dropped. Floyd is trying to dig himself out of the deep hole he has put himself in.

The trial by media is starting to get out of control. Both parties are starting to plead their cases. However, Floyd Landis has no facts to back his case up. The Anti-Doping Agency informed the media to began with because the wanted the concerned citizens to know that something was being done about the doping charges. Floyd Landis doped and was caught. Now he is trying to use the media against the Anti-Doping Agency and this made it to Cycling Andrew's “Crime Cyclist List.” Mr. McQuaird, president of the agency has made it to Cycling Andrew’s “Honest Cyclist List,” because he is not backing down after this trial was brought to the media.

http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/11691.0.html

Landis blasts USADA over sample re-test bid

Floyd Landis blasted the United States Anti-Doping Agency on Friday because of doping samples from last year’s Tour they want to re-test the samples from the race as well as the sample from August. After winning the 17th stage in July, Floyd tested positive for high levels of testosterone. Floyd is upset with Travis Tygart for the tests. "They got it wrong the first time and they're trying to get it wrong again," Landis said in the statement. "My message to USADA and the LNDD is this testing should have been done right the first time." Landis has agreed not to race in France this season, giving him no chance to defend the Tour crown that could be stripped from him if the positive dope test stands. The catch is that Floyd is not able to race in this years Tour because of the surgery he underwent on his knees.

"I have not taken testosterone or any other performance enhancing substance," said Floyd.

This is an example of public relations because the article explains Floyd Landis doping charges and how the United States Anti-Doping Agency is handling this problem. The insightful public relations article is trying to inform the cycling community that cheaters will be caught. I know that the doping cyclist will start to worry if the USADA will discover their dirty little secrets. The French have been upset about the United States not taking any actions about American cyclist that dope, they do not have to be upset anymore. Many fans looked the other way when Floyd Landis won the Tour as a doper, but times have changed for good. With the actions of the United States Anti-Doping Agency and other like agencies the Tour this year should be doping and drug free. A drug free Tour will be more exciting to watch as true athletes will be competing.

I want to know what Floyd Landis is thinking. He is digging himself a hole that he will not be able to get out of. Also I have to wonder if the Cycling Federation will allow him to race in the future if the doping charges stay. Floyd Landis doped and was caught. We have to ask ourselves this question, should we allow him to stay in the sport if he does not recant. Floyd Landis has made it to Cycling Andrew's “Crime Cyclist List.”

http://www.bicycling.com/article/1,6610,s1-3-343-15701-1,00.html

Travis Tygart, USADA's General Counsel - Interview

Travis Tygart, General Counsel for United States Anti-Doping Agency, putting pressure on all sports, including cycling, to become clean sports. The USADA is best known for the doping charges against Floyd Landis this past year during the Tour De France. Travis Tygart said, "... I would like to see better cooperation between all entities and individuals interested in clean sport. If there is one thing we should all be able to agree on, it is that cheating through doping has no place in sports. The only way we are going to achieve the goal of clean sport is if ADAs, sport organizations, clean athletes and everyone else interested in the integrity of athletic competition work together in a concerted, constructive and efficient effort."

This is an example of public relations because the article was a press release that explained the United States Anti –Doping Agency is one of the good guys. Travis Tygart said, “I find that those individuals who claim anti-doping agencies (“ADAs”) are more interested in winning cases that finding the truth, are usually either defense attorneys who have a profit motive to make such claims or reporters looking to create a story and sell newspapers. Those claims are simply detached from reality. People with a true understanding of what USADA does, knows better.” The insightful public relations article is trying to help the cycling fans after the recent case with Floyd Landis understand that they are not here to make money, they are here to make the sport of cycling a safer, better sport. The cycling community is a hard community to infiltrate but infiltration is needed. People need to know that cheating does not make the races any better. Athletes need to know that the cycling community will not support cheaters once the facts of doping come out. Cyclists that have been caught doing illegal enhancements should be thrown out of the sport forever. Many cyclists tend to look the other way as the cheaters win. The United States Anti-Doping Agency will not be backing off and will make the sport of cycling a clean sport with the leadership of Travis Tygart.


This makes me proud and excited that others care about the sport of cycling and want to see it a clean sport again. Doping or enhancing drugs is cheating even if the person is not getting caught in the act. The United States Anti-Doping Agency is helping the sport of cycling catch the cheaters and this makes it to Cycling Andrew's “Honest Cyclist List.”


http://www.dailypeloton.com/displayarticle.asp?pk=10343