| Amgen Tour, USA Cycling, USADA team up for rigorous drug-testing ...
The 2008 Amgen Tour of California will boast the most comprehensive anti-doping protocol in competitive cycling, organizers proclaimed on Tuesday. The announcement comes one year after the premier U.S. stage race drew criticism for pursuing a relaxed testing campaign. “We believe that an aggressive approach to having a clean and fair race is essential to restore the credibility of top-tier bicycle racing," said Andrew Messick, president of AEG Sports, during a press conference at the ADT Event Center velodrome in Carson, California. Joining Messick in the announcement were Steve Johnson and Sean Petty of USA Cycling; Bob Stapleton, owner of Team High Road, Mari Holden, former world time-trial gold medalist; and Anthony Butch, director of UCLA's Olympic Analytical Laboratory.
Giving back: THAW fund-raiser
THE CAUSE: THAW is a nonprofit agency that provides low-income people with emergency energy assistance and advocates for long-term solutions to energy issues. Charity Navigator, which evaluates the nation's largest charitable organizations, has given THAW its highest rating for three years in a row. THAW's Web site says 89% of its donations go directly to help needy people. THE TACTICS: Several fund-raising efforts took place this weekend, including: On Friday, Compuware Corp. employees took turns running and walking half-hour and hour-long shifts on four treadmills or riding a stationary bicycle in the company's wellness center. Also, employees from companies located in the Renaissance Center joined the first-ever RenCen YMCA Treadmill Challenge on Friday. And the fifth annual WWJ Newsradio 950 Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW was broadcast live from the Boll Family YMCA downtown from 5 a.m.
Hoffman Will Propose Bill To Shield Counties From RAGBRAI Liability
As the Legislature gets to work, in Des Moines, RAGBRAI officials, county supervisors and bike riders will be watching to see if legislation emerges that could help shape the future of Iowa's great bicycle ride. One western Iowa lawmaker says he'll propose a bill that would provide "immunity" for counties where riders roll. "I think its important we get this immunity for counties," said Rep. Clarence Hoffman, (R) Charter Oak. Hoffman represents the corner of Crawford County where Kirk Ullrich died almost four years ago. He lost control of his bike after it hit a crack in a county road. His widow sued. And, last fall, she settled with Crawford County for $355,000 dollars. County supervisors then passed a resolution banning the annual bicycle ride from its roads. "If we have to fix our roads, and get them into the shape, so that they're gonna be good for bicycles in every situation, then the money for "Time 21" needs to be doubled," Hoffman said.
Cyclist Nabbed For Motel Hallway Ride
ROCHESTER, Minn. (AP) -- A man clad in swim trunks was arrested after riding a bicycle through a motel's hallways and hitting two men. A woman showering after using the swimming pool at Best Western Soldiers Field Tower and Suites told police she heard a door open and saw a naked man at about 3:10 p.m. Sunday.
The man ran out of the room, pulled on swim trunks, hopped on a bike and road through the hallways, police said.
Police Lt. John Edwards said the man, 38, hit another man, 76, and his son, both of whom suffered minor injuries.
The son chased the bicyclist, tackled him and waited for police to arrive, Edwards said.
Charges against the man were pending Monday, police said.
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Eunice man killed in bicycle wreck
A 60 year-old Eunice man riding a bicycle was struck and killed around 6:25 p.m. Friday, according to Louisiana State Police Troop I. Wade Bergeron of Eunice was riding his bicycle west in the center of the travel lane on La. 368 near Tepetate Road in Acadia Parish when the accident occurred. .
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