Readers weigh in on Evans’ win, Evans’ losses, and more

Do you want to contribute to Mailbag, a regular feature of VeloNews.com? Here’s how:

Give Evans his due!

Editor,

Isn’t it time to give Evans his due respect? Congratulations Cadel!!

I can’t seem to understand why VeloNews (in the headline of an AFP article) would suggest he had the “audacity” to have stolen something from the Italians or the Spaniards.

The Spaniards tried for victory and they came up third. Worse yet, the Italians, who have been whining all season about tactics of other teams (especially the American riders through most of the Giro) completely missed the podium. In fact, the Italians only got their country’s season best performance of finishing second in the Giro by cheating.

Hopefully, that’s going to be corrected out of the record books.

What I can’t find any justification for is the Italian coach. He admits to having four guys in a break and says all four failed because of one guy from a different country; WHAT?

Cancellara had nothing to prove, he already has a world championship title for this season.

Finally, I’m just not sure why Ballerini or VeloNews would suggest the Italian
riders are so gifted that they deserve to be given one of the most coveted titles in all of bicycling.

After an entire season of nothing but lack-luster and stolen performances, they seldom got onto the really important podiums and always had an excuse. If the Italians deserve any World Championship title for this season, it’s for being World Champion Whiners!

J.T. Fahy,
Johnsonville, New York

Webster’s New World College Dictionary defines “audacious” as “bold or daring; fearless.” — Editor

Congrats to Cadel

Editor,

Congratulations to Cadel Evans for finally silencing his critics. His courageous and powerful attack was not only well timed, but put his talent on full display for all to see. 

And as far as the victory salute? He looked like a man who had been there before, calmly confident and not full of self aggrandizement. Loved it.
 
Scott Chambers,
Baltimore, Marlyaldn

What a worlds!

Editor,

What a time trial! What a road race! We all figured Cancellara would win the time trial, but his domination was a real thrill to watch.

Like many others, I rooted for Cadel Evans to win the road race. His gutsy attack validated a fragile, nearly career-ending season; an entire summer’s worth of frustration, suffering and bitterness powered the pedals of a man who — this day — would not be denied. Congratulations Cadel. You earned it.

Lauren Dundon
Denver, Colorado

September Fools

Editor,

Editor,

Is it April Fools already?

UCI to ban radios. What the heck, bring back steel bikes and Italian “hair nets.”

“True Champion or Cheat?” video will rid cycling of doping scandals. Good luck with that. Cut to Vino, “I saw the movie, now can I have my team back?”

Cadel wins worlds. (Speaks for itself.)

Michael Munro,
Lansing, Kansas

Fashion request

Editor,

An open letter to the teams:

Forget doping for the moment; for the love of God, please return to the days of mandatory black shorts!  

Back when I was a kid (and, in fact, I’m about the same age as many of your riders) a professional cyclist on a bike actually looked kind of cool. A photograph of a pro cyclist was even something you’d tack up on your wall.

But there’s no way in hell that any of your baby-blue or banana-yellow or linen-white crotch lumps (not to mention that vile Cervelo “widow’s peak”) will ever grace my walls so long as there’s a chance of civilized company stopping by.  

You all look like big fat babies in pajamas. Just something your sponsors might like to know in these days of budget crunches …

Sebastian Lecourt,
Angwin, California

Inadequate Vuelta trophy

Editor,

How sad is the winner’s trophy for La Vuelta? 

It looks like something you might win at a well-funded regional race, not a grand tour. 

It definitely lacks the panache of the Giro trophy, which has to be the coolest, or the history and class of the Tour vase. Great, you win a prestigious three-week tour and receive an ugly piece of plexiglas. 

It is time to commission the Spanish artisans to produce a great piece of metal work that is worthy of display. Congratulations Valverde … and my condolences. 
 
Fr. Justin Brady,
Idaho

Where’s the outrage?

Editor,

Is it just me or does anyone else find it outrageous how Valverde and the Spanish Sport Ministry are making a complete mockery of cycling’s attempt to re-invent itself as a clean sport?

Basso, Vinokourov, and other Vuelta competitors served their time. Why do they sit by silently while Valverde gets special treatment? Why do his sponsors allow their names to be associated with this facade?

If all goes according to script, he will steal the glory of a podium spot and enjoy the moment. Then after the dust settles and no one cares any more, he will be retroactively punished. The UCI might think they will have the “last laugh”, but unfortunately no one will be listening any more.

Mariano Garcia,
Ithaca, New York

Evans is a whiner

Editor,

I generally root for Aussie cyclists, but I’ve grown tired of Cadel’s antics and pouting. His latest statement “I don’t deserve this …” when he suffered a puncture on the Sierra Nevada demonstrates his immaturity (again).

I don’t remember Big George whining after his steerer broke and cost him a chance at the Roubaix podium. How about Chris Horner’s luck this season? Like to trade places with him, Cadel?

It’s cycling, get a grip. You have to “do everything right” and have a bit of luck. Everyone else seems to have that figured out except Cadel, who seems to think he’s owed something because he became a contender in one Tour.

Maybe Stuart O’Grady needs to slap Cadel upside the head and tell him to HTFU.

Jay Anderson,
Cupertino, California

FILED UNDER: Mailbag