The unimportant news thread

[T. D.]

In the early part of this millennium, I closely followed professional cycling.
The disgraced US doper cyclists Tyler Hamilton (see above links) and Floyd Landis (whisky drinking iirc) had incredible chutzpah. Not only did they put forth ridiculous excuses, but they mounted fund-raising campaigns so that fans could defray their legal expenses!

Hamilton later wrote a book fully admitting doping, but I don't think the book mentioned ripping off fanboy donors (I skimmed it but didn't retain much). I believe Landis wrote a book, but I'd lost interest by that time and ignored it. Landis eventually got busted for his fraudulent fund-raising.

One good consequence of those bozos' busts is that they directly led to the exposure of über-drug fraud Lance Armstrong.

[T. D.]

Here's a truly unimportant, but interesting (at least to certain boomers) item:

Don Martin, the cartoonist of Mad Magazine fame, was responsible for several bop era Prestige jazz LP covers.

https://www.discogs.com/artist/3277081-Don-Martin-7

I always liked these two, for instance, but never noticed the artist until today:
 

[LKB]

I can remember eagerly awaiting the current issue of MAD, at the age of ten while suffering from chicken pox. Don Martin certainly brought me relief.

[mabuse]

Innsbruck Paraclimbing World Cup 2021
The Paraclimbing World Cup took place from June 21 to 24 in Innsbruck (Austria).
Athletes compete in different categories according to their handicap (visual impairment, amputation ...).

There were some great athletes over there !

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=netAuUikTFs

[T. D.]

A big Tour de France story:

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/police-find-and-arrest-spectator-who-caused-mass-tour-de-france-crash/

[Pohjolas Daughter]

A big Tour de France story:

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/police-find-and-arrest-spectator-who-caused-mass-tour-de-france-crash/

I'm glad that they caught her.  I read the story the day after it happened.  What should they charge her with???    Mixed feelings there.  She's very lucky that no one was killed.  I forget who was injured and how badly.  Do you recall?  And any thoughts?

For the brave of heart, here's more about the story and video of the crash:  https://www.klfy.com/news/watch-spectator-at-tour-de-france-causes-massive-crash-after-holding-sign-in-path-of-oncoming-cyclists/

A few years ago I found out that there were people who would (using mountain bikes at key locations) attempt to jump over the riders and land successfully on the other side; I was shocked when I found out that this wasn't a one-off!

PD

[T. D.]

I'm glad that they caught her.  I read the story the day after it happened.  What should they charge her with???    Mixed feelings there.  She's very lucky that no one was killed.  I forget who was injured and how badly.  Do you recall?  And any thoughts?

For the brave of heart, here's more about the story and video of the crash:  https://www.klfy.com/news/watch-spectator-at-tour-de-france-causes-massive-crash-after-holding-sign-in-path-of-oncoming-cyclists/

A few years ago I found out that there were people of would (using mountain bikes at key locations) attempt to jump over the riders and land successfully on the other side; I was shocked when I found out that this wasn't a one-off!

PD

List of "notable injuries" (it was the "first crash"): https://cyclingtips.com/2021/06/21-riders-were-injured-on-stage-1-of-the-tour-de-france/

If you add in cost of wrecked bicycles and potential financial losses of affected teams/cyclists, monetary consequences are quite serious.

Based on the previously linked story and this one,

https://www.velonews.com/events/tour-de-france/officials-arrest-woman-who-provoked-stage-1-crash-at-tour-de-france/

the suspect appears to face a fine of $1,500 Euros with potential liability (and certainly legal expenses, which could be considerable) from lawsuits. The race organizers (ASO) have made noise about suing.

I have no idea about potential lawsuit liabilities, and won't pretend to speculate about matters of French law, so can't say anything worthwhile. In the US, intent is a major factor, but doesn't seem to have been present, so I'd expect criminal charges to come down to fleeing the scene plus whatever degrees of recklessness or negligence could be established. France could of course differ.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

List of "notable injuries" (it was the "first crash"): https://cyclingtips.com/2021/06/21-riders-were-injured-on-stage-1-of-the-tour-de-france/

If you add in cost of wrecked bicycles and potential financial losses of affected teams/cyclists, monetary consequences are quite serious.

Based on the previously linked story and this one,

https://www.velonews.com/events/tour-de-france/officials-arrest-woman-who-provoked-stage-1-crash-at-tour-de-france/

the suspect appears to face a fine of $1,500 Euros with potential liability (and certainly legal expenses, which could be considerable) from lawsuits. The race organizers (ASO) have made noise about suing.

I have no idea about potential lawsuit liabilities, and won't pretend to speculate about matters of French law, so can't say anything worthwhile. In the US, intent is a major factor, but doesn't seem to have been present, so I'd expect criminal charges to come down to fleeing the scene plus whatever degrees of recklessness or negligence could be established. France could of course differ.

Wow (re riders and injuries)!!  I had read about the 1,500 Euros fine and had also read somewhere that it sounded like the cyclist Tony Martin (who hit her sign directly) wanted to sue.  And, yes, between the bikes, medical bills and lost wages, she could be facing some serious bills.  It's sad that what was meant to be a nice gesture towards her grandparents turned into such a nightmare and tragic accident because of her acting like an idiot and not paying attention to where the cyclists were and wanting to get too close to the road...to be there in front as the camera went by.  It all could have been avoided if she had kept a respectable and safe distance from the edge of the road. 

PD

[André]

At this level cycles cost north of 15000$.

A single wheel is 2000-3000$. The frame and the transmission some 4000$ each. Dozens of cycles were scrapped or damaged. I hope she has good liability insurance...

[Pohjolas Daughter]

At this level cycles cost north of 15000$.

A single wheel is 2000-3000$. The frame and the transmission some 4000$ each. Dozens of cycles were scrapped or damaged. I hope she has good liability insurance...

I'm not sure how old she is...hard to tell by the photo (though other things...like the description of the vehicle that she was driving and her not comprehending things like where one should watch from, the speed of the riders, fixation on the camera--thinking social media here--leads me to believe that she was/is young).

She's not going to have that kind of insurance.  I suspect that 99% of the riders and teams wouldn't sue her.  My gut level feeling is that they would want to try and find a way to get the message across to the public not to do 'stuff' like this and the effects/danger to the riders.  Perhaps part of her sentence/punishment could be to work as an advocate for how to protect riders (PSAs, commercials, etc.).  Even today, I saw so many fans standing in the roads narrowing the margins that riders have to navigate through.  It's a broader issue.  I suspect that things have gotten worse due to all of the people trying to get selfies with the riders (heard stories there), etc.  How do we teach common sense?   

PD

[T. D.]

I hate to politicize the issue, but a big problem (in contrast to US pro sports, say) seems to be that Euro pro cyclists are poorly organized. There have been many horrifying injuries caused by unsafe courses and race management. Too many to list or even refer to. But the cyclists seem to exert no leverage, and the same situations periodically recur. There is a riders' union of sorts, but it's completely ineffective. And it's a damned dangerous sport even on "safe" courses.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I hate to politicize the issue, but a big problem (in contrast to US pro sports, say) seems to be that Euro pro cyclists are poorly organized. There have been many horrifying injuries caused by unsafe courses and race management. Too many to list or even refer to. But the cyclists seem to exert no leverage, and the same situations periodically recur. There is a riders' union of sorts, but it's completely ineffective. And it's a damned dangerous sport even on "safe" courses.

I did see a protest by some of the riders re safety recently...the impression that I received is that it was too short (This was during Le Tour de France) and not enough riders.  From (my little knowledge re the courses of Le Tour) there are so many areas/conditions when riders could crash....bad curves, wet conditions, dealing with cobblestones, etc.  That alone is brutal--and up for discussion....but to also have fans and some anti-fans of certain racers crowding onto the roads with much worse stuff thrown at the riders...it's horrible!

[T. D.]

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/injured-soler-considers-legal-action-against-fan-who-triggered-tour-de-france-crash/

Spanish stage racer Marc Soler (Movistar) is considering legal action against the fan who caused the first major crash on the opening day of the Tour de France, which led to his second abandon of a Grand Tour this year through injury.

Caught up in the pileup caused by the fan with the placard Soler finished stage 1 last, just ahead of the broom wagon. He then did not start on stage 2 as he had fractures to his elbows and wrist.
...
The Spaniard also strongly criticised the CPA riders association for failing to defend their interests, and the UCI for, he alleged, "only worrying about stupid measures like the bidons" – and whether they can be thrown away outside specified zones – "but failing to be interested in serious things like our safety."

"The CPA knows how to operate when it comes to holding out its hand [for money]" he told La Vanguardia, "but when it comes to actual work, it barely does the job."

"This is a business, everybody looks after their own interests, and it's us bike riders who carry the can."

[Pohjolas Daughter]

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/injured-soler-considers-legal-action-against-fan-who-triggered-tour-de-france-crash/

Spanish stage racer Marc Soler (Movistar) is considering legal action against the fan who caused the first major crash on the opening day of the Tour de France, which led to his second abandon of a Grand Tour this year through injury.

Caught up in the pileup caused by the fan with the placard Soler finished stage 1 last, just ahead of the broom wagon. He then did not start on stage 2 as he had fractures to his elbows and wrist.
...
The Spaniard also strongly criticised the CPA riders association for failing to defend their interests, and the UCI for, he alleged, "only worrying about stupid measures like the bidons" – and whether they can be thrown away outside specified zones – "but failing to be interested in serious things like our safety."

"The CPA knows how to operate when it comes to holding out its hand [for money]" he told La Vanguardia, "but when it comes to actual work, it barely does the job."

"This is a business, everybody looks after their own interests, and it's us bike riders who carry the can."

I heard on the local news this morning that the person arrested for causing the pileup could be facing up to two years in jail and a $35,000 fine.

By the way, what does CPA and UCI stand for T.D.?  As an aside, speaking of associations, tennis players are trying to get their own union/association going.  It's in its infancy and I don't believe that any of the female players have yet elected to join it.  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/professional-tennis-players-association-co-213000126.html  Their Facebook page here brings up some very interesting questions:  https://www.facebook.com/ptpaplayers/

PD

[MusicTurner]

Apparently it was just announced that the case has been abolished, since the leadership of the race doesn't want a court case to be too exaggerated or too promoted by the media etc, and because they hope that a lesson has already been learned.

I think this is an interesting move, hopefully with a healthy element of 'calm down', and appealing to common sense. Perhaps they're thinking very strategically and don't want future races disturbed by various 'sensational' court cases, political stunts etc. But I guess that riders' individual court cases are still an option somewhat.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

Apparently it was just announced that the case has been abolished, since the leadership of the race doesn't want a court case to be too exaggerated or too promoted by the media etc, and because they hope that a lesson has already been learned.

Wow!  I just checked that cycling news website and also saw that listed there though a "why" wasn't mentioned.  Where did you find your info MT?  Just curious.

PD

[MusicTurner]

I saw it on a Danish site, quoting Reuters briefly. We'll no doubt hear more, including discussions of whether the decision was good.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I saw it on a Danish site, quoting Reuters briefly. We'll no doubt hear more, including discussions of whether the decision was good.

Yep, thanks!

PD

[Pohjolas Daughter]

https://www.reuters.com/world/us/trumps-company-braces-expected-unveiling-criminal-tax-charges-thursday-2021-07-01/

Trump company's CFO surrenders ahead of expected criminal tax charges

[T. D.]

I heard on the local news this morning that the person arrested for causing the pileup could be facing up to two years in jail and a $35,000 fine.

By the way, what does CPA and UCI stand for T.D.?  As an aside, speaking of associations, tennis players are trying to get their own union/association going.  It's in its infancy and I don't believe that any of the female players have yet elected to join it.  https://finance.yahoo.com/news/professional-tennis-players-association-co-213000126.html  Their Facebook page here brings up some very interesting questions:  https://www.facebook.com/ptpaplayers/

PD

CPA = Cyclistes Professionnels Associés = Euro pro cyclists' union
UCI = Union Cycliste Internationale = world governing body of cycling

French seems to be the lingua franca of int'l sporting acronyms.