see here:

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5jBEE5qxtgSW-cFlYi5Y0tvJf3yqA

note: title is misleading. Bettini has not left the UCI. His decision leaves the UCI in a tough position.

The man has a valid point: the UCI's request for a DNA sample in a way treads upon the right of professional cyclists to privacy. It's also an implication, in a way, that the UCI looks upon all cyclists as dopers; an evil to be routed out of the peloton, regardless of those cyclists' rights.

BUT, with all the shitty news about doping in cycling, one's refusal to provide a DNA sample smells suspect – it's the whole "if you've got nothing to hide..." scenario. Bettini could be clean as a whistle or a gas station crapper, but right now, it looks like that, in his attempt to make a point, he's casting himself in a negative light.

Totally agree. WADA & UCI need to get their acts together, especially with regard to anonymity in the testing process and stopping leaks. They're like a Keystone Cops act.

It's BS to make riders sign an accountability form when none of the folks working for any of the testing or sanctioning agencies need to.

Moreni's arrest at the end of stage 16 in Le Tour was WAY, WAY over the top. And as far as I understand the protocol, the A sample positive shouldn't have even been made public when that occurred!!

The leaks and flouting of proper protocols would make me leary of signing the document. It'd be nice to know what the thinking in the peloton really is. Maybe they're just glad the cheats are getting caught.


The man has a valid point: the UCI's request for a DNA sample in a way treads upon the right of professional cyclists to privacy. It's also an implication, in a way, that the UCI looks upon all cyclists as dopers; an evil to be routed out of the peloton, regardless of those cyclists' rights.

BUT, with all the shitty news about doping in cycling, one's refusal to provide a DNA sample smells suspect – it's the whole "if you've got nothing to hide..." scenario. Bettini could be clean as a whistle or a gas station crapper, but right now, it looks like that, in his attempt to make a point, he's casting himself in a negative light.

I'm liking the cricket more and more all the time.

IMO riders have been treated so bad by all involved it is about time they started standing up for themselves. They need a real union.

Per CN it appears he aggreed to the DNA part, but not the salary part.

"Quick.Step - Innergetic Press Officer Alessandro Tegner explained to Cyclingnews that the Italian, who did not take part in the Tour, had signed a DNA agreement document on July fifth. "He agreed with all the ethical parts of the UCI charter; he agreed with the DNA testing," said Tegner this morning. The issue was in regards to the legal aspects of the UCI's charter, such as asking for a rider's salary if he was found positive. Bettini believed that many factors could play into a rider's positive result, and that the rider should not be automatically be stripped of his wages. "

CN News - http://www.cyclingnews.com/news.php?id=news/2007/sep07/sep26news2

I agree with the thought on a stronger riders union. At present they are pawns in a game.

Dave

But then, another rumor pops out: Bettini one of Sinkewitz dope supplier? (http://www.velonews.com/race/int/articles/13389.0.html)

I love Bettini and all, but who would be surprised if that was true? Surely Mapei of that era was as dirty as they come.