Astana Ban Letters

Here’s a sampling of them in all their glory (with names removed)

This one was also posted on Velonews (but mine has a picture):

Are you a circus clown like Ball from Rock Racing or are you just plain an idiot? So you want to be “……. on par with the greatest race organizers in the world”. What, like those chicken $hit French at the AMO who have done more to ruin cycling and still line their pockets with the big money? Hell, why don’t you see if you can get the clean and pearly white OJ to be your spokesman while you are at it?

All you pompous promoters looking out for your cut of the pie are ruining the sport and you will drive many supporters away. This indeed is a sorry day for cycling in the U.S.

WHAT A BUNCH OF ASO WANNABE’S-”why would anyone want to be like ASO is beyond me. What does their decision have to do with something the Oregon-of the United States-Condemning new Astana for sins of the old?You guy’s are losers. Seriously, why would you want to associate yourself with that ASO dorkwagon?

When informed of the date on the calendar:

are you freakin serious-yep April 1st

And another:

Your decision to ban Astana for all 2008 OBRA events has convinced me to no longer support any OBRA events for the entirety of their existence.

The rational of “falling in line with ASO and RCS” and “One of my first directives is to build OBRA into an organizing committee on par with the greatest race organizers in the world” is a very disappointing.

If this is your first directive, I feel the board of directors should reset your priorities and start with trying to be on par with the greatest race organizers in the United States (Tour of California and the Tour de Georgia, both have invited Astana in 2008).

Whoops:

XXXXX let me in on the joke. I have since changed my stance and now looking forward to getting my 2008 OBRA license.

Another:

I must protest in the strongest terms your not allowing Astana cycling team to compete in your events. This team has some of the best cyclists in the world with Alberto Contador and Levi Leipheimer. I want to remind you that this is the United States of America where one is innocent until proven guilty. No one on the current squad has ever tested positive. To follow the ASO is disgraceful and discriminatory. Their logic is not sound. Other European teams have had repeated positive drug tests and still are allowed to ride in ASO events. I suggest you reconsider and make a decision that is based in integrity and dignity.

Hoping you come to your senses

Response:

Oh Dear! Thank you for setting me straight! I am just sooooo frustrated by the ASO’ position and not being able to watch my favorite riders in the Tour. Sorry!

Here’s a good one:

Your decision to not allow Astana to race in your events shows that your leadership will only result in the OBRA showing that it truly is a slipshod organization that can’t think for itself. The current Astana team is made up of elite athletes that could only enhance the profile of your events. I am sure you will manage to take the OBRA down a road that it will take years to recover from.

O Rly?

My apologies for taking it seriously if it is not true. I have been very careful today but obviously this one got me. I am redfaced but trying to smile.

Boy oh boy….

I just read a comment attributed to you that Astana would not be racing in Oregon in ‘08 because you felt that OBRA should fall in line with ASO…….well, does that mean you are out of line with UCI and therefore you are running a non-sanctioned event? I didn’t know Astana was serving a suspension, nor is Levi, Chris, or Alberto.

I imagine Rock Racing will be next on your hit list because of the outspoken Mr. Ball and his association with O.J. Simpson. So I assume that in an atmosphere of fair-play you will disallow teams who have ever had riders test positive in say the past 3 years, even though those riders are no longer with the teams? Also, will you disallow riders who have served past suspensions? I would assume you would do this because having been found guilty and served a suspension would ensure that permanent sense of guilt that will forever dog the cheaters and besmirch the sport of cycling. Hmm, that would mean Rock Racing is out. Shall we start our new “McCarthy” list according to you?

Very strange decision. So just to make myself clear, I have travelled from Canada to watch the Cascade Classic for at least 12 years, and this year I was planning on registering for the Mt. Hood Benefit Ride. I guess I better reconsider these plans for ‘08 and see what kind of political games OBRA has planned against individual riders for ‘09. I’m not sure what latest fad OBRA is getting in line with so will wait for silly season to end. I suppose guilt by past associations is enough. I cannot fathom this logic except to assume that you have an anti-UCI grudge such as Mr. Prudhomme and that riders do not have any rights under any international rules or organizations. I hope that riders develop a backbone, speak up against the ASO/UCI feud and insist upon organizing themselves into a riders union.

Ouchie ouch.

I want to know how many cyclists on the Astana team have failed to pass a doping test or have been investigated for doping. None is the answer. This type of punitive action is very damaging to cycling. As a long time fan of cycling, I find these these backward types of actions damaging to honest cyclists. It is ridiculous and makes me not go watch any professional cycling event. Why are you engaged in vindictive conduct harmful to honest cyclists–in fact the best ones in the world. Boy, were you a great replacement!

Follow up:

Apologies. I’ve seen so much nonsense coming out of ASO, WADA, Dick Pound and others that I would believe a cycling organization would do just about anything.

I think some folks have it out for the French.

Can you not think for yourselves rather than having the French do your thinking? World class organizations lead whereas second class ones follow the lead of others. The tours of California and Georgia are world class tours; I am afraid OBRA will never make the grade. Perhaps you ought to read the book “Built to Last” in an attempt to right the course of your organization.

Yep, it’s April Fools

My apologies; I got fooled.

One of my favorites:

Are you French or something?

I have been attending OBRA sanctioned races (I am not physically capable of racing, but I love the sport) for over ten years and I can’t believe what I just read. Your excluding a Pro Tour team with a Oregonian from Oregon’s biggest race!

Based on what? Sins of the past by riders who aren’t on the team? Look at Johan Bruyneel’s track record with USPS and Discovery…did he have riders testing positive for drugs…NO!

I was really looking forward to the Cascade Classic this year, the biggest names since Lance in 1998 would be riding in it. Instead you choose to side with those poor loser ASO Frenchies over in Europe. This is AMERICA!!! Innocent until proven guilty!!!

Do OBRA a favor and move to France with your ASO buddies and get out of OREGON! We don’t need your NAZI persecution tactics in this state (or country for that matter). I didn’t see the Tour of California exclude Astana…nor do I see the Tour of Georgia excluding them.

Your an idiot and you should be FIRED!

Follow up:

OK…looks like I’m the fool

The whole Astana “issue” has really started to get under my skin so I didn’t find the joke to be in good taste.

hope putting my foot in my mouth made your day

Hey… even Candi got fooled.

The quote does not make much sense. Cascade is a USAC event. Nothing OBRA does would affect Astana’s entry in the event.

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

(Note: K-Man was not involved with this joke at all)