SB Nation User Blog: Fred Marx

If they do Coke, is it simply recreational?

Fred Marx — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 03:18:21 -0000

Italian anti-doping expert Sandro Donati has challenged the notion that there is no direct correlation between recreational cocaine use and the abuse of performance enhancing drugs, saying this week that the two are often linked.

Interesting view of things to say the least. The quote is from a Cyclingnews.com (will open a new window). It seems to imply, without pointing a finger at anyone specifically, that there is a causal link between recreational coke use and PED's. It would be interesting to see the/any supporting data, but there is nothing specifically mentioned. The comments were apparently made at he Coventry meet up that brought the Lemond comments that have brewed up such controversy. Donati makes the claim that coke is used to help with withdrawal symptoms from PED's. His claims would appear to be based on his experience as an aid to doping prosecutors, and as a coach.

steephill.tv

Fred Marx — Mon, 11 May 2009 03:16:58 -0000

steephill.tv

Steephill appears to be down. HAs anyone been able to get in tis weekend?

... so it’s a positive test. Well, life is going to take a turn, a big one. Peace, see ya, no r...

Fred Marx — Sun, 03 May 2009 02:16:18 -0000

... so it’s a positive test. Well, life is going to take a turn, a big one. Peace, see ya, no reason to fight the system and be "that guy" that nobody believes anyway ...

Velonews, Fresh Korn: Certified Mail

"We are pleased to announce that Chris Baldwin and Caesar Grajales will remain part of the Rock...

Fred Marx — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:09:35 -0000

"We are pleased to announce that Chris Baldwin and Caesar Grajales will remain part of the Rock Racing family and continue to race for the team in 2009," Ball said. "We arrived at a mutually beneficial agreement and look forward to their continued contributions through the second half of the season."
Mssr. Ball on resigning Grajales and Baldwin. No word whether or not Creed got his ride back yet.

Cyclingnews.com

Decline in Registered Pro Riders?

Fred Marx — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 02:06:17 -0000

Todays Velonews has an interesting little blurb. It indicates an approximate 40% drop in registered pro riders over last two years. What would explain this trend? Could it be the slow disappearance of organizations willing and able to sponsor pro outfits?? Fewer spot available on pro rosters? The upturn on doping enforcement? The increased cost involved in the entire realm of professional cycling? Perhaps it's a decline of grass roots opportunities. Maybe it's the X-Box, fast-food, instant gratification environment the youth of today seem to inhabit. What ever the root cause this does not seem to be a positive trend in our favorite pastime.

Stuey "HtFU" O'Grady will miss the rest of the spring

Fred Marx — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 06:46:36 -0000

Stuey O, everyones favorite hardman, has been told that he is done for the classics season. His crash 29 KM into Milan San Remo has cost him dearly. The early diagnosis of bruises has been updated to a fractured rib [edit], collar bone and an edema between the lung and ribs, which required surgery. The surgery appears successful, but further invasive work may be required. Although the injuries are being down played, the earliest the Aussie speedster might be able to return is 30 days. Full details here at Cyclingnews.com and here at Team Saxo Bank.

Gomez Marchante out with broken arm

Fred Marx — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 04:08:07 -0000

Stage 2 of Paris Nice has claimed one rider and a couple of busted wheels for two favorites. Jose Angel Gomez Marchante broke is arm during the stage. Alberto Contador and Frank Schleck both sent wheels to the mechanics for repair. Details here ( the usual locale..) The stage was won by Heinrich Haussler, after a long day in the cross winds. Haussler gambled against a head wind and went from 350 meters. The gamble paid off. The Cervelo Test Team rider indicated that one stage was in the plans, but warned that he might not be content with just one.

Valverde to focus completely on Le Tour

Fred Marx — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 19:12:03 -0000

In a sidebar in the current Pro Cycling, Eusebio Unzue has revealed that Alejandro Valverde will focus completely on winning this years Tour de France. His preparation, or lack of it, will include no more than 20 days racing. None of these days will be raced to win. The plan is acknowledged as "risky", but is recognition of Velverde's ability to be competitive with "very little training." Alas we may have seen a reversion to the thrilling days of yesteryear, when a certain American rider prepped for his monomaniacal domination of the event in much the same way. How will this approach fit in with the current CONI inquiry? How many race sponsors (ASO, RCS) will be happy to see one of the top talents in the peloton show up at their event simply to use it as a training ride?

Results: Montepaschi Strade Bianche - Eroica Toscana - 1.1

Fred Marx — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 20:25:44 -0000

1 Thomas Lövkvist (Swe) Team Columbia - Highroad                           
2 Fabian Wegmann (Ger) Team Milram                                        
3 Martin Elmiger (Swi) AG2R La Mondiale                                       
4 Edvald Boasson Hagen (Nor) Team Columbia - Highroad                         
5 Linus Gerdemann (Ger) Team Milram

Run today under threatening skies the 3rd episode of Italy's answer to Paris Roubaix was handled well by Team Columbia Highroad and Milram. Both teams placed two of the top 5 finishers. Alesandro Ballan and Gerald Cioleck failed to make the start. Noticable DNF's include Servais Knaven, Mick Rogers and about 30 others. Of note Fillipo Pozzato finished up 4:30 down, while Svein Tuft wandered in 6 minutes down. An early break went at KM 28 and held out until the peloton, with Columbia driving, caught them at the base of the final climb. Full story here and here for those with the proper linguistic skills. There was a moment of silence to observe the passing of Candido Cannavo a respected Italian journalist.

Juice Plus goes by the wayside

Fred Marx — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:49:56 -0000

No found it odd that Laura Van Gilder raced the Amgen woman's crit Sugar CRM colors this past weekend. Todays Velonews has the reason. The 44 year old has lost her ride with Juice Plus. The team has emailed it's riders to inform them that they are unemployed. The demise of Juice Plus, managed by Bill Short, also puts Rebecca Larson out on the pavement. Juice Plus blames the poor economy for the action.