Velochimp: Astrochimp on Cycling

FRANCK FIFE/AFP/Getty Images

With all of the stress both on and off the bike it seems like a great day to let a breakaway go for the win. Eight men moved clear of the peloton and gained a big lead that ended up with Daniele Bennati easily taking the win over the remaining three breakaway companions. Included in the break was Jens Voight who missed out on a win yet again.

The big news of the day was the lack of Yellow Jersey in the Peloton. With the sacking of Rasmussen for lies about his whereabouts during missed UCI drug tests, the Tour was missing its lead racer. Alberto Contador assumed the Yellow Jersey at the end of the stage, but he too is not squeaky clean as his name was mentioned in the Operation Puerto investigation. Contador is cleared at the moment, but his name is somewhat stained.

What is interesting is how the “Chicken” was done in. It is hard to not be noticed with such a distinctive physique. Even if you are not wearing your custom Rabobank kit, and perhaps even riding a different bike, you can still be noticed, especially if you are riding up a challenging climb. Velonews reports that Davide Cassani spotted the chicken training while he said he was in Mexico:

The indiscretion was brought to light by former pro turned TV commentator Davide Cassani, who claimed he’d spotted “Chicken” training in the Dolomites when he was supposed to be on the other side of the Atlantic.

–velonews.com

This story has an almost comical aspect. Here is Rasmussen simply lying about where he is to possibly escape the out of competition drug tests. Meanwhile he is riding in some of the most popular riding areas in Europe, probably during the Giro. He couldn’t just go to Mexico and train in the high altitudes to get a similar boost? He should have been fired just for sheer stupidity.