i don't like this

[mainemike]

UPDATED Andy Schleck, O'Grady Removed From Vuelta | Cyclingnews.com

[gearguywb]

That sucks. I understand the need for rules...wonder how much leaving the team at the end of the year plays into it. Andy would have been a big help for Frank as the tour continued, and needless to say, O'Grady is an animal.

[Chance Legstrong]

Bjarne: 1
Defectors: 0

[Mr.President]

Bjarne: 1
Defectors: 0

agreed, total bs about a drink. They didn't respect him and broke team rules, they are out to a new team, Bjarne has had enough of em. amicable my arse.

Bush league move on rider's part. Both know better and should have thought of Frank and the team.

[victoryfactory]

Yup;
It sounds like "If you don't need us, we don't need you"

[Dave Kirk]

To me it has the same ring to it as when politicians say "I want to spend more time with my family". I think the rule breaking sited was a red herring and that other rules were broken - ones that would get the team is real trouble.

who knows.

Dave

[54ny77]

yeah, riis's credibility is about as virtuous as lindsay lohan in a bar at 4 a.m..

[velobran]

Wasn't it the Lotto riders that would drink 3-4 beers before having bottles of wine for dinner DURING a grand tour? That was a few years ago when McEwen was on the team. I remember reading an interview with a rider saying: "yes, we drink a lot, but its not like the alcohol problems that pro football (soccer) teams have with player taking the field drunk". (this isn't an exact quote, but what I remember).

I also recall the interview with Cancellara after last year's TdF TT in Annecy when he was drinking a beer in the hotel complaining about losing to AC. Riis didn't kick him out of the TdF did he?

[toomanybikes]

Wasn't it the Lotto riders that would drink 3-4 beers before having bottles of wine for dinner DURING a grand tour? That was a few years ago when McEwen was on the team. I remember reading an interview with a rider saying: "yes, we drink a lot, but its not like the alcohol problems that pro football (soccer) teams have with player taking the field drunk". (this isn't an exact quote, but what I remember).

I also recall the interview with Cancellara after last year's TdF TT in Annecy when he was drinking a beer in the hotel complaining about losing to AC. Riis didn't kick him out of the TdF did he?

Do you see any difference at all between those situations and the current one with O'Grady and Schleck the Younger?

Any at all?

[shoney]

Wasn't it the Lotto riders that would drink 3-4 beers before having bottles of wine for dinner DURING a grand tour? That was a few years ago when McEwen was on the team. I remember reading an interview with a rider saying: "yes, we drink a lot, but its not like the alcohol problems that pro football (soccer) teams have with player taking the field drunk". (this isn't an exact quote, but what I remember).

I also recall the interview with Cancellara after last year's TdF TT in Annecy when he was drinking a beer in the hotel complaining about losing to AC. Riis didn't kick him out of the TdF did he?

Alcohol isn't against the rules, outright. A lot of teams have a glass of wine with dinner during grand tours. Saxo must have a rule about drinking outside of the confines of the team, i.e., going out to a bar

[GSmith]

This is petty BS from both sides. It seems that most people going through break-ups/divorces lose all reason and in some cases, humanity. Sucks for the event, the riders involved, along with those that aren't (F. Schleck especially), and the sponsors.

[Saab2000]

1. This is a coverup of something else
2. If not, it's stupid and petty if it is what's alleged. Or it was something much worse, but not a real coverup of a bigger story.
3. Both sides ought to be careful not to burn bridges which might need to be crossed again later.

[dcpdpayne]

Sounds like sour grapes to me.

[Mr.President]

Bone head move on the riders part, but seems a bit much if they could have helped Frank. I suppose rules are rules, but fishy none the less.

Riis Explains Schleck And O'Grady Expulsion | Cyclingnews.com

[hupomone]

Floyd went and had a some drinks during the tour and look what happened to him! best to be sure. didnt AS just lose 14 min?

[Chance Legstrong]

Frank was not going to win the Vuleta. Help him to a top 20? maybe.
2 team leaders out 'til 5am? Just because they are all comfy with new teams next year. they still are professionals and need to act as such to the younger riders and respect the team.
maybe the punishment should've been installing chain watchers on everyone's bikes?
Bjarne was in the right.

[caleb]

To me it has the same ring to it as when politicians say "I want to spend more time with my family". I think the rule breaking sited was a red herring and that other rules were broken - ones that would get the team is real trouble.

who knows.

Dave

And boom goes the dynamite.

[gregl]

Seems to me the best punishment would have been to dock them pay AND make them race on a few hours sleep and a hangover. Lots of suffering, no bad press...

[GSmith]

Hadn't heard the "out til 5AM" bit. If true, good on Bjarne and shame on the riders.

Whole thing is a joke, and once again shows what wussies pro cyclists are. If this was the NFL, it would have been strippers and Escalade drive-by's at 5AM.

Frank was not going to win the Vuleta. Help him to a top 20? maybe.
2 team leaders out 'til 5am? Just because they are all comfy with new teams next year. they still are professionals and need to act as such to the younger riders and respect the team.
maybe the punishment should've been installing chain watchers on everyone's bikes?
Bjarne was in the right.

[Chance Legstrong]

Hadn't heard the "out til 5AM" bit. If true, good on Bjarne and shame on the riders.

Whole thing is a joke, and once again shows what wussies pro cyclists are. If this was the NFL, it would have been strippers and Escalade drive-by's at 5AM.

Saxo Bank duo stayed out until 5 a.m. ahead of stage - Cyclingnews