So many things happening in the world of sports doping stories over the last few days. I thought I’d give a run-down on my thoughts about some of the items in the news.
Marion Jones Gets 6 Months for Perjury
It seems that these days, when federal prosecutors can’t get someone on other charges, making a perjury case is their “Plan B.” And on Friday Marion Jones, who admitted to lying to federal investigators, was sentenced for committing perjury in relation to a check-fraud scheme masterminded or perpetrated by her former boyfriend (and fellow Balco alum) Tim Montgomery. IThey got her for lying about whether she had ever used performance-enhancing drugs and whether she was involved in the check scam.
Much as anti-doping authorities would like to take credit for getting Jones to come clean about her doping past, it was an IRS agent named Jeff Noviztky who managed to back Marion Jones into a corner and finally get her to admit what many suspected.
Committing perjury is a serious offense, more serious than doping to win a sporting event. Lying when one has sworn to tell the truth diminishes and subverts justice, and those who attempt to distort justice in such a way need to be shown that such behavior isn’t tolerated. Jones faced a maximum of five years in prison, but because of a plea agreement with prosecutors, they recommended a maximum of six months jail time.
U.S. District Judge Kenneth Karas gave Jones six months for lying about her involvement in the Balco scandal, two months for lying about her part in the check-fraud case, plus two years of probation where she must perform 400 hours of community service each year. Judge Karas noted during the sentencing that Jones could serve the two prison sentences concurrently, so she would be in prison for a total of six months (unless she is released early). And the judge is making sure that some positive comes from Jones experience, by requiring that her community service. As an Associated Press story published at ESPN.com reports:
The judge said he stayed within the six-month maximum suggested by prosecutors because of Jones’ sons, her eventual acceptance of responsibility and the good she “can do to debunk the worldwide lie” perpetrated by performance-enhancing drugs.
He said 400 hours of community service in each of the two years following her release would “take advantage of Ms. Jones-Thompson’s eloquence, strength and her ability to work with kids.” He suggested she teach children that “it’s wrong to cheat and to lie about the cheating.”
If she can have the influence that the judge hopes for, then much good can come from Marion Jones’ fall from grace. Let’s hope that the young people who will hear her speak in the future will take the lesson that it’s wrong to cheat and to lie about cheating to heart. There’s a few older, more established athletes, coaches and team officials in the sporting world who would do well to learn from Jones’ example.
Both Sides Appeal Sinkewitz Penalty
In an unusual move, both Patrick Sinkewitz and the Bund Deutsche Radfahrer (Germany’s cycling federation) are appealing the penalty imposed on the German cyclist for his positive anti-doping test result at a training camp in June 2007. Sinkewitz was given a one-year suspension and a 40,000 euro fine, after helping cycling authorities with other cases. The one-year suspension seems in line with WADA’s statements in the past that a penalty could be cut to half the normal penalty for assistance in prosecuting other doping cases. Sinkewitz has been singing like a canary for the last half-year, so that’s certainly worth something. He’ll be eligible to compete again in July — assuming a team hires him for the remainder of the 2008 season.
One interesting tidbit that CyclingNews.com reports is this:
Both sides had applauded the sentence when it was handed down. Since then, however, both Lehner and Sinkewitz have given interviews critical of the BDR, and that, together with the unpaid fine, is suspected to be the basis for the BDR’s action.
Also of note, CyclingNews.com reports that the BDR’s presidium will be reviewing Sinkewitz’s sentence on January 21. Exactly why they will be reviewing the rider’s punishment wasn’t mentioned, however.
Kessler Appeals Suspension
Looks like Mattias Kessler, who is represented by the same lawyer as Patrik Sinkewitz, will be appealing the two-year suspension handed down by the Swiss Olympic Committee on Friday. Kessler, you may recall, was the first of several Astana riders to suffer positive anti-doping tests during the course of the 2007 season. In Kessler’s case, it was for testosterone usage. His teammates Alexander Vinokourov and Andrey Kasheschkin tested positive for homologous blood doping.
In Kessler’s case, the rider was reputed to have an 85:1 testosterone to epitestosterone (T/E) ratio. The cyclist’s result is the highest value ever measured according to attorney Michael Lehner, who represents Kessler. But Kessler and Lehner contend that the result was due to an illness (though the CyclingNews article doesn’t say what). If, as Lehner states, the ratio is due to a low T and a very low E then one of the questions to ask would be whether the epitestosterone level measured was below the measuring system’s limits of accuracy. In other words, could the way the test was performed actually reliably measure such a low amount of epitestosterone? If not, Kessler might have a case.
But beyond that, however, is whether or not the more sophisticated GC/IRMS test was performed and what results that test might have shown. If those tests showed clear and convincing evidence that there was artificial testosterone in Kessler’s system, he ought to save his money and wait out the suspension. If the results aren’t so convincing, he still could have a case.
What we don’t have access to, however, is any of the lab data for Kessler’s test results. So that leaves us stuck with what’s reported in the media. An 85:1 ratio sounds awfully convincing, but it’s only a ratio. The absolute numbers also tell a story, and if Kessler’s version is correct, then the story they tell may be quite different than what appears to be the case right now.
But as we’ve seen, if he pursues this to the CAS, he’s going to need some really strong evidence to buck the system. Otherwise, he’s going to be spending the next 18 months to two years trying to maintain fitness before he’s eligible to return to racing.
Floyd Landis Interviews USA Cycling’s Steve Johnson
VeloNews ran an interesting “interview” of Steve Johnson by Floyd Landis a couple of days ago. I’m not entirely sure what to make of Johnson’s responses. He was very careful not to make any inflammatory statements, to be sure. Dick Pound, he’s not. That’s a good thing, in my view. But he did say something very interesting. The folks at USADA and WADA ought to sit up and take notice. In the article, Johnson answers a question about the standards that drug-testing labs should be held to by saying:
FL: Should strict liability be applied to the athletes and not the labs?
SJ: I think the labs have every obligation to manage these cases at the highest level. I think it’s fair to challenge the labs’ procedures and handling of samples. They should be able to produce documentation that they have followed their own rules in managing and testing doping samples. Frankly that gets right back to this balancing act between protecting the rights of the athletes and catching cheaters. You have to do it correctly, and the labs should be held to the highest of international standards.
A little further on in the dialog, Landis puts the question another way, and this was part of Johnson’s response:
I absolutely believe drug-testing labs should be held to the highest possible international standards. In that sense, I think a “strict adherence” policy for anti-doping labs – one that could be considered analogous to the “strict liability” policy athletes are held to – is something that should be considered.
Exactly right. If the system holds athletes to strict liability for whatever might be in their systems, then the labs must be held to equally high standards. When someone’s job is on the line, those who hold the power to take that job away (including the labs whose test results are used in the decision-making) must be held to the same standards as those who would be punished for an infraction.
Unfortunately, in disciplinary proceedings (which is what anti-doping prosecutions really are), the rules are more lax than in a court of law. If it were my job on the line, I’d want to know that I have a fair opportunity to make my case. For athletes accused of doping, one of the only real avenues is to argue lab error. In the cases where labs do make such errors, there should be consequences. And yet, most labs that lose their WADA accreditation (and few ever do) do so not for errors such as those in the Landis case, but for something quite different — the failure to perform the mandated number of tests throughout the year.
Sure, it’s important for labs to be performing the anti-doping tests on a regular basis to maintain proficiency (which is the reasoning behind requiring labs to perform a certain number of tests), but that’s not a guarantee that tests are being performed correctly — just that they are being performed. It’s in everyone’s interest that lab work be done properly, as that helps maintain the integrity of the anti-doping system. And if labs aren’t living up to the highest standards, they need to be held to account.
We can’t afford to have a system based on questionable lab work. Ultimately, holding labs to the highest standards is good for everyone. And contrary to what some in the establishment think, allowing athletes to challenge the evidence against them — and the science behind the evidence — is good for all, too. When the science can withstand court challenges and when labs can withstand the challenges presented by athlete’s lawyers, then we will know that the testing system is solid. If it can’t, then we should be suspicious of the claims made about the results.
Getting back to the VeloNews article, Neal Rogers says in introducing the Landis/Johnson interview that he will be publishing an interview of Floyd in the near future. That will be another interesting read, to be sure.
Johnson was Don Myrah’s coach in 1996, and he coached some other mountain bikers, IIRC. He is qualified to make the statement about the labs, because he worked in the ex. Phys dept. at U of U… He should be pressed on this issue, even to the point of lawsuits. It’s really hurting USAC, and as the head of it, he’s responsible. Wouldn’t it be great if USAC or the IOC actually SUED USADA/WADA for failure to meet ISL standards?
Rant,
You know, Ms. Jones took a fall. She asked for leniency and everybody is fixated on making sure she gets “what’s coming to her.” But I for one, think the whole situation STINKS! Ms. Jones is/was an “athlete” for goodness sake! — Why the righteous wrath from “everybody?” I think that I am slowly coming to the point where I am truly fed up with the “politicizing of law.”
“Scooter” Libby — the honcho for VP Chaney — HE outed an “active” American espionage agent! You going to tell me this guy “didn’t lie to the Grand Jury? And to Congress?” Every “asset” that the X-CIA spy had on her “books” is as good as dead, if not already! WHAT DOES HE GET for lying? For being RESPONSIBLE for those “outed assets?” — He gets let off! — BY EVERYBODY! On Both sides of the “aisle!”
Marion Jones was an ATHLETE — the only thing her “actions” did was destroy herself! Okay, punish her — but lets keep it in perspective — She didn’t kill anybody, her crime was against rules that are in SPORTS! Yeah — I know — they didn’t bump her for that — they bumped her for “lying to the grand jury:”
So explain to me — how balanced it is to be making her an “example?” What about “old Scooter?” — I guess, being a honcho for our VP is NOT as significant as some sportswoman who has had to eat dirt in PUBLIC — lose EVERYTHING that she had earned — basically lose her every social status – – – Oh yeah, I forget — it’s a “mortal sin to cheat in sports” — but it but it ain’t if you’re the assistant to the vice president of the United States! Where the hell is the “perspective?”
R Wharton —“Wouldn’t it be great if USAC or the IOC actually SUED USADA/WADA for failure to meet ISL standards?” — Don’t hold your breath, that’s like a dog gnawing it’s own leg off. It seldom, if ever, it happens!
Morgan,
I agree with you about Scooter Libby. He should be serving much more time than Marion Jones will. As you note, he shares responsibility with whoever put him up to outing her, in terms of those “assets” who are no longer among the living. Making Jones an example, and not Libby makes aspects of our vaunted judicial system look like a farce. It’s shameful that Libby isn’t in a jail cell right now.
What Libby’s situation shows is that we have, at best, a dual justice system here. One for the common folks, and one for the politically connected. I wouldn’t be surprised in a year’s time to see Libby get a Presidential Medal of Freedom. (Which would further prove just how corrupt politics in Washington can be.)
What, me cynical?
Morgan,
One correction to your post.
It was Richard Armitage who “outed” Valarie Pflame. The Special Prosecutor KNEW this on his first day on the job, yet he sent journalist(s) to jail and created a crime where no crime existed at the time of his appointment
Regards,
R Wharton,
You know what – I think I would actually “pay” to see the IOC and the USAC chew their own “leg off.” Sorry man – the sarcasm is not directed at you – I’m just venting.
Rant,
Believe it or not – I am not into any politics. At one time in my “heyday” I majored in Poli-Sci and a few other things But Poli-Sci got me so mad I think I have developed a powerful dislike for the whole business. Still – I find that our system eventually can work through the “mire” and get somethings evened out.
You are right – it is very easy to be cynical – but I try to fight against this in myself. Our “Bill of Rights” and our Constitution – even though written by mere mortals – by chance, if not direct intent, still allows us to eventually get a balance. That is exactly why I have such strong feelings about unfair behavior and imbalance in justice. Sometime in their life – people should take a few moments and actually “read” them – If one does – one cannot but feel a certain pride to belong to the tribe of people that had put those words to pen and paper.
The most “moral” oriented among us would hide their faces in shame – if they ever read those two pieces of declarations. But what do I know? I’m just an old roadie – with the miles way behind me – maybe I’ve ridden all of my grey cells under my silks. But dang it! there is no JUSTIFICATION to crucifying athletes to merly serve the “political aspirations of the few!
We cannot allow ourselves to be “lowered” to the most “common denominator!” On that road – all we are going to wind up with is a bunch of fools sprouting dogma and nobody will have the ability to put into words that it is SIMPLY WRONG.
Sorry every one – I did not mean to preach at you all – But you know what? It is so easy to “Google” we do it for the lamest things – check out what the forefathers of our land actually aimed for. It just might help you remember what you can be very proud of.
the Dragon,
Thanks for pointing it out –
I guess now that the x-CIA operative is “out” – what could it hurt that we just keep mentioning her name? right? The “outing” was nothing but pure politics – the RESULTS were pure human deaths.
Not to mention that we seemed to have lost any perspective about “treason” – but I suppose it is much easier to call it an “outing.” And argue what came first – the chicken or the egg. An “active operative – was outed by her own people!” THAT IS THE ONLY THING THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED. I may be wrong about this – but I do not think so – people have been shot for this offense.
What about carbon doping??
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/olympics/athletics/7141302.stm
Idunno – I just think Johnson needs to take better care of his clientele, USAC cardholders…
Dragon,
Good catch.
Morgan,
There was a time when I was much younger that I considered a career in politics. But I then decided I didn’t really want to play the game the way it’s been played for the last 30-some odd years.
bitch slap me back!
I’d try it – Does it have a half-life – and how long before it is undetectable?
Rant & all,
I really am not political – in fact if I’m anything – I am against politics, especially in its present form – I did not mean to “go-off” on any one – If my comments came across this way – forgive me.
If it seemes strange to anyone that I say I am – nonpolitical – It is merely because I do not think that “politics” should be allowed to define the thinking of people – sadly, I think it does now days. Actual thinking should “define” people if anything.
Rant, I am not certain that there is ever a “time” when politics was not self-centered. So whether it is a question of “doping” or “cheating” or “politics” to gain advantage – Like you Rant, everyone has to come to make a certain stand on what lines we will not cross. As you know – this is not as easy or simple at the time when it is happening – but it happens to every person, almost every minute of every day. We just don’t “experience it that way.” Mostly.
It just bothers me no end at the level of viciousness that some people exhibit when they feel “justified” and “superior” to those “accused of wrong doing.” In my understanding – we make LAWS to balance this tendency in ourselves. This is why we must not allow individuals and groups to get away with perverting a very needful and sensible concept – fair rules and laws.
Now – I promise I shall say not one word more…(:-))) – some may wish – lol….
A old reading…
http://www.miaminewtimes.com/2006-07-27/news/tour-de-dope/full
Morgan,
Since this is not a political forum, I will only state the facts as I know them (live in DC area and had to read/listen to this adnauseum).
This all came about in the heated Iraq debate. Ms. Pflame’s husband was sent on a fact finding mission to Nigeria I believe, by the CIA. Contrary to general procedure he returned and not give a written report. Later in the context of heated political fervor and a Presidential Campaign if I remember correctly, he stated publicly on a number of occasions that he had been sent on this mission at either the request of the VP or at his personal direction. Later it was found that, in fact, his wife worked at the CIA and was the person who recommended he be sent on the mission. Also, the law regarding “outing” covert agents, has time requirements (within 5 years of being abroad in a covert status) which in this case were not met, so may have been bad form, yet there could no crime because the facts could not support that a crime was committed thus no outing.
Morgan, I try to hold people to the standards that they seek to hold others to. Even if it was a crime, and I was on the jury, I would vote “Not Guilty” due to the fact that her husband falsely stated the facts in an attempt to change/win a critical Public Policy debate.
Regards,
Rant, you lament the way politics have been played for the last 30 years.
When you have nothing better to do, take some time to look into the politics and politicing in the 19th Century. I submit that even in the current political climate of both sides attempting to make political disagreements criminal, modern times and politics are child’s play compared to the politics of the 19th Century.
Regards,
Dragon, Thanks for the comments on the Wilson/Phlame/Armitage/Libby situation. Unfortunatly, when faced with information problematic to ones presuppositional base, most humans cannot be bothered to sift through the details and search for truth. The presupposition will remain, augmented by a liberal dose moral certitude, regardless of whether it is WADA chasing a suspected athlete or the Special Prosecutor chasing Libby and by extension Cheney.
Dragon,
I stand corrected – my facts came from what I have available from limited media sources – I have tried to apologize for getting “on a political” jazz – none the less – If you may notice, I did say that the situation was a fault of “both sides of the isle.” I appreciate your getting the story straight. My reaction was to the situation of the “outing”. What ever the real reasons, or who did what – or when – the agent was outed for political reasons.
Farmer,
Sorry that you think it is merely my “presumptions” that I am foisting on you. Glad that you are so absolutely certain of your stance and perceptions. None the less, I still hold that “perspective” is lost when issues are turned into political plays. I would say that I am more of an idealist then a liberal, and I do not feel the need to defend it merely because it is perhaps not popular, or fear that someone may label me a liberal.
Hey Morgan,
I wasn’t getting on you.
It is more a casualty of the current form of the political debate.
I sometimes wonder if WW2 would have turned far different if the non-confrontationalists (then mostly Republican) had denyed a problem, fought tooth and nail against any US involvement. Remember Roosevelt used some very questionable tactics to get the US involved.
History, soo interesting.
Regards
Dragon,
I’m a bit of a politics and history junkie, myself. True enough, politics in the nineteenth century makes the modern players look like boy scouts. It’s always been a dirty business, more dirty at some times than others.
Political “debate” these days has gotten pretty toxic at times. At times it seems less like real debate/discussion and more like hurling muck and insults back and forth.
Farmer,
Good point that we all can get blinded by our beliefs at times.
Morgan,
I think Farmer was pointing out something more general, actually.
Dragon:
I suspect that if the US had not gotten into WWII, Jean C would be now posting as Johann C.
Jean,
Interesting article about Matt DeCanio. To say he’s a character would be an understatement. I’ve seen some of his writing, and other articles about him, but somehow missed that one. Thanks.
Morgan- My world view (presuppositional in its initiation) prompts me to believe that truth exists. With my imperfect reasoning, I may never be able to find what is true and probably no one would care if I were to find it, but objective reality, never the less, must exist- conversation would otherwise be pointless. My point was not to apply a label to you and I apologize.( I should have used the word generous instead of liberal and I meant my comment as generality directed toward all including myself.) What stuck me as I looked at the posts was how difficult it is for anyone (again myself most definitely included )to transcend their starting point as they look at an issue. I think I should go feed sheep now and refrain from further posts.
Rant- I have enjoyed your writing and the TBV site as well.
Farmer,
Thanks for the compliment, most appreciated. Don’t stop making comments and posts here, however. We all benefit from differing perspectives. Your comment was a good reminder that our own biases can color how we view the world. I hope you’ll add the occasional post here in the future.
Wow,
I go away for a couple of days and then I find out that WADA is somehow Valerie Plame and Dick Chaney’s fault. Or did I follow this wrong?
Seriously, I guess the Plame case does teach us something about the abuse of power by people who by all outward appearances were well meaning. Is there anyone in the Plame case who doesn’t shoulder some blame? Maybe Scooter (who would be playing the Landis part in that – not proven guilty of any crime except getting stuck in the middle of the process) who’s the only one who was actually punished for all the deplorable behavior by all those involved (not least of whom is the prosecutor).
You know, Michael, I always suspected if we dug deep enough we’d find Jon Stewart doing his impression of Dick Cheney laughing. 😉
Farmer,
If I got “hoity-toity” on you — Then may I apologize also? I don’t know where you are but I’m in Austria and it was getting late and simply, I was tired. I do sincerely apologize.
I believe that “truth” does exist — but it exists the same way that “reality” exists. When discussions occur the problems I see facing us is that we “perceive” truth “subjectively” as we perceive our realities also, both being led by the nose of our subjective perceptions.
Never stop searching for truth Farmer and whether anyone would care if you were to find it is definitely not true. You would care. And all actions and speech that stems from such awareness matters to EVERY human being on earth. I can tell you one thing I have learned and you make with it what you will — “Words are like signs that tell us the directions, they are not the place itself.”
Sometimes, conversation IS quite pointless — but “attentiveness in stillness” is never a waste of time. Conversation is also the way we try to communicate — it is not good to give that up — naturally, since you have something to communicate — please, do so — don’t let the “crabby” response from an old goat ever stop you.
There is an old saying, “There is a key to heaven but it also opens the gate to Hell.” — One has to be brave to walk the path. PLEASE — do not take my words as preaching to you — I really am just trying to bridge the gap.
Dragon,
I still appreciate what you pointed out – I was wrong in letting my frustrations guide my reason – no excuses – but I am just human and as I have stated before, not very intelligent – merely trying. So all help is very much appreciated.
Hey Michael,
As they say — you snooze you lose”¦and why didn’t you take the laptop to stay in touch? You won’t believe what’ll turn up tomorrow! (:-))
Rant,
As always you are a cool breeze and always appreciated..
William,
I’d say a hearty Jahwohl! – to that.
Sorry,
The truth finally exist maybe we are close of it for Chicken: Rasmussen seems to be “a consumer” of the austrian blood clinic!
http://www.spiegel.de/sport/sonst/0,1518,528735,00.html (German)
http://www.pr-inside.com/german-report-links-several-riders-to-r387611.htm (english)
Other riders are cited and other sports too
(
William
I suspect that if the US had not gotten into WWII, Jean C would be now posting as Johann C.
IF… probably NY, “filled of Jews”, would have been destroyed by the first balistic atomic weapon… and US would never been on moon… but that’s just IF!
As we say with IF we can put Paris in a boottle!
)
JeanC,
That’s a very interesting piece re. Decanio. I remember stumbling upon Stolen Underground years ago (a strange site design with bad music and confusing organization, but very strident and poignant accusations) when I was still pretty naive about cycling and thinking—wow, this dude is pretty angry. But these days I see no reason to doubt he’s been speaking the truth all along. His story shows part of the human tragedy behind the doping culture–for some people the price of living dishonestly plays out in thier personal lives. Ultimately, DeCanio would have been better off leaving cycling–if he can’t live with the necessary deception then how do u make a living at it?
I’m also amazed at the revelation that he and Clinger were smoking tons of reefer but were still able to win bike races. Funny stuff.
Re. Austrian Blood Lab,
Oh dear, if these allegations are true than Rabobank seems to have had a relatively organized program. Or, at a minimum, the primary GC players were all using the same doctor.
Holczer is arguably the biggest hypocrite in cycling today–he’s ‘shocked, shocked’ to hear that one of his riders might have been doping. Apparently, he was unaware one needs more preparation to beat Fuentes clients Ulle and Jaksche on the Rettenbachferner than a glass of Gerolsteiner water.
In the end nobody is going to talk straight until they are given the incentive to talk straight.
Jean:
Interesting link about the Austrian lab. I see there is mention of cross-country skiers and biathletes also involved. One common perception of the doping problem in cycling is that big money is involved. But here in the US at least, x-c skiing and biathlon are not big money sports. Is this different in Europe? Can these winter athletes make big money? Or is just “the thrill of victory” enough to tempt athletes to the dark side?
William I realize you asked Jean – but I can shed some light on the matter.
Think about this like what models for cosmetics get – they become “spokepersons” for the various products. Skiing of anykind around here is BIG – The Jumpers” are real rockstar status – I do not know if they make BIG money – but I am certain that they make a heck of lot more then being “just working stiffs.”
So it may be safely assumed that if some one has such a deal going with the ski producers, the clothing line, helmet makers, gloves and glasses,etc – there is good money at stake.
The winners and first through 3rd place are celebrated – they may make commercials for banks, car dealerships. So yes,there is the “money angle.”
But – there is also a kind of schizo – outlook too. Many have the attitude that – doping is more of a way of enhancing what they already have – like “supplements.”
It has been a great “shock” to the athletes that there is such a “moral” movement against what they first accepted as “part of the job” and now they are getting totally shafted by the movement.
As you know – this “preparing” the athlete is supposed to do to “ready himself” for a race was considered normal. So the Anti-doping Idea in the “publics mind” is very supportive in a negative way – the public just turns on the athlete – no acceptance or understanding whatso ever – very black and white.
But the Athletes – are sort of still in shock – on one hand they see it as “ridiculous” – since it has nothing to do with the “public” – they haven’t wrapped their heads around the fact that – no doping means no doping.”
Now – understand – my saying these things are no more then observations from what has been stated in papers and other media. The whole thing is really heavily compounded because for instance – there is great “national pride” exerted on every athlete.
The commentators always note first the country from which the athlete comes – the country is then given the kudos and is compared to other “countries” in the field. So you have 3 Germans riding for AG2R with 15 other riders from different countries, in Austria and Germany, the spotlighted riders are the Germans, even if they are not anything special.
So remember that when the Germans are busted and along with the Austrians, it is not merely the athletes that find themselves pariahs – there is national shame involved – for being found to be “cheaters.”
William,
Biathlon is a major sport for German, every races are broadcasted on national TV. I think biathlon is one of the most wonderful sport for TV: rebouncing at all shooting,… German athletes are the most numerous on world cup events and have the better results.
Between 5 to 10 of them are part of advertising for cars, insurances,… Probably the German top five earns around 1 million € by year each one. So there is temptation like money and fame to dope either to be in German team or to win,
I regularly watch biathlon and I have more doubt on Russian biathletes than a lot of Germans. You can see it when they are shooting , how they are breathing…ski times are too linked to waxing.
Thanks for the explanations, Morgan and Jean.
Thanks for your thanks ;D
I just want to add : as Fuentes, Ferrari,… who have earned a lot of money by their doping services, that could attract them to vend potential consumers! Especially when it’s free of tax and “legal” as it seems to be in Austria.