I think everyone in our sport knows a local talent. A young guy or girl who is the regional hero. Determined and respected for their hard work in training and stylish ability in racing. Lets just call them John. John has won all there is at junior level, made the transition to the senior ranks, avoided the outside temptations and remained focused on his racing. John has performed well on regional teams and shows great prospects for the future. World wide there are thousands of Johns, all looking for an opportunity to grow and race at the top level. John is the future of our sport. A bright future from a black past. Everyone thinks it is a pity John cant get a chance to show himself the top level racing.
This morning I read in Ciclismoweb that Davide Rebellin who dishonored the Olympic podium by using CERA, is pitching his return to professional racing next season. Rebellin is 39 and with his history of cheating you would think no would be interested in seeing him back in the peloton.
Then I read on and my heart sinks for John’s prospects. De Rosa-Flaminia Ceramica and Astana think he would be a positive addition to their ranks. Flaminia Ceramica the Italian team who signed Ricco with still 13 months left on its suspension have ignored the thousands of young Italian Johns out there .
Astana are one of the top teams in the world and it is sad to think, the future of our sport lies in the past.
So without him due to return to racing until Late April 2011, there is still time to email and make your voice heard. Please Email Astana. Mark it for the attention of Guido Bontempi communication@cis.mc and see if you cant recommend a John you know. Or tell Massimo Podenzana at admin@nrjmanagement.com, the DS of Flaminia Ceramica that the fans want riders who they can trust and it is time, for the sake of his sponsors and to start encouraging his riders to race with natural conviction.
Comments
macB 15.10.2010 at 12:53pm
action! just emailed both-
Dave Lloyd 15.10.2010 at 08:11am
It just comes down to the simple, simple fact that these guys HAVE to be banned for life when they are found positive... JOB DONE.. It's so simple, why isn't it done a s amatter of course. I just don't get it.. Or am I being naive again ?
Oscar Byhlinder 14.10.2010 at 01:55pm
That is some sad news for sure! I can't understand who anyone even can consider a cheater to be a "positive addition" to their team (unless they weren't talking about the outcome of his tests..). One can only hope that this team loses a lot of fans if they allow a cheater in their team.. Even if he "has served his suspension". Ones a cheater, always a cheater!
Gert Van Dertan 14.10.2010 at 01:45pm
Jobs for the boys. Bonntempi and Rebellin are old mates. Move on!
Sean McNicholl 14.10.2010 at 01:06pm
Matthew Brennan of ballymena Road Club is the up and coming talent from N.Ireland.he has won several club road races this year and is currently the Ulster Junior road race champion.A friendly un assuming young man with talent to burn.Please include him in your list.
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