Hi All,
Kona is on Saturday, and I will have a very special look at the Top 20 contenders first thing on Friday morning (i know, Bikey FRIDAY rarely gets posted on Fridays). Anyhow, the athletes are all in Kona, doing the morning swims, the frequent trips to coffee shops, and the spins up and down the Queen K getting ready for Saturday morning.
But for all of us who aren't fortunate enough to be racing on Saturday, let's be thankful for a couple of reasons. First of all, it seems that there are dangerous snapping turtles in the Bay this year. Just check out this picture with Chrissie Wellington.
Also, despite the lack of any recent attacks, I did find out that a Kona fishing charter occasionally catches 500 pound sharks, including this great white. Good thing I'm safely at home!
Just after my post on Monday, it was revealed that the Tour's best time trialer, Stefan Schumacher, tested positive for CERA (which is the less-detectable version of EPO). This is the same drug that Ricco got caught using at the Tour. However, Ricco's positive test came from a urine test, whereas Schumacher's urine test was inconclusive, so they had to test his blood sample, which explains why it took 3 months to come back positive. Anyhow, it appears Schumacher is headed for a 2-year suspension. Surprisingly, it appears that Schumacher might not be the last shoe to drop from the Tour. 15 riders apparently had these "inconclusive" urine results and will have their blood samples re-tested. So we anxiously await more data...
Speaking of re-testing data, the IOC has decided their drug testing in Beijing was not up-to-par and thus they are re-testing all their samples. It appears they are going to be looking for evidence of CERA, and so all the athletes who thought they dodged positive tests must again wait to hear what happens. Over 5000 urine tests and 1000 blood tests will be re-tested. The authorities are anticipating more positive tests, but Bike-Y will keep you posted...
See you Friday...
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