Never Lie to the Feds and Other Thoughts

This next week I have one argument before a judge, two briefs due, and all my Christmas shopping to start. So I will get an early start especially since I am on the road on Monday.

Tammy Thomas Gets Indicted

Former USA national team member Tammy Thomas, whose liftime ban was discussed by Charles Pelkey in a VeloNews editorial in 2002, was indicted by a federal grand jury this week in conjunction with the BALCO matter for perjury and obstructing justice.

In 2004, the New York Times provided an account of how far Thomas had fallen after her 2002 suspension for steroids. Supporting herself on $240 a week she earned as a personal trainer, Thomas was engaged at the time in litigation as a pro se litigant suing the drug testing facility and those involved with her suspension.

It is a very sad situation, but the moral of the story is do not lie to grand juries. Ever. You have the protection of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution. Use it. Don't think you can lie and get away with it. Moreover, if two FBI agents ever show up and start asking questions, know that lying to them is also a crime. If you have something to hide, know that they probably already know it and that they will set you up to make false statements. Tell the truth or do not say anything. Anything else is always bad.

The moral of the story: when you use steroids, everyone will know it and they will catch you.

Predictor: Not as bad as it could have been.

Predictor-Lotto (the team formerly known as Davitamon-Lotto) had its team launch earlier this week. The "salmon" jerseys for the team now sponsored by a European home pregnancy test is not as bad as it could have been or as I feared. I just cannot see Belgians running out to buy the kit though.

US Cyclocross Nationals

This weekend is US Cyclocross Nationals being held again this year in Rhode Island. Last year frigid weather and snow storms took their toll on masters and junior competitors. This year the only suspense is how much Ryan Trebon will win by. Dominant American Jonathan Page is coming off an injury that has kept him from racing this season in Europe. If Trebon wins, he will become the first American to win the national title in both Cyclocross and MTB Cross County in the same season. Trebon, however, has already been to Europe this season and has had strong results in addition to his dominant perfromance in the Crank Brothers USGP Series. Here is the link to Cyclingnews.com's main page for coverage of US Nationals.

Sunday Post Script

Trebon did win. Good job.

Mrs. Cycliste Moderne's Brush with Greatness

In looking more closely at the exhibitor registration form for the 2007 Seattle International Bike Expo we realized page four captures Mrs. Cycliste Moderne's 2006 brush with greatness as if you look at the photo on the fourth page of the pdf you will see her in line (she is next to the bald guy at the end) to get Sean Kelly's autograph on a photo we had of him during the 1985 Paris-Roubaix. So far in her career, Mrs. Cycliste Moderne has met Frankie Andreu, Dale Knapp, Bob Roll, Chris Wherry, Marla Streb, Kristin Armstrong, Davis Phinney, Maynard Hershon, Freddy Maertens, and Sean Kelly. She has also had a very personal and intimate encounter with George Hincapie and a porta-john at the 1999 race in Trenton.