JAN 16
JAN 16
Richard Cunningham
NORBA and UCI owe downhillers an apologies
January 16, 2004
It’s not good for anyone to be accused of using illegal substances. NORBA and UCI owe Gary Houseman an apology. After winning the Grouse Mountain World Cup Downhill, Gary was tested positive for THC, the active ingredient, which cost him the medal and a one year suspension. Gary did not use marijuana to improve his performance nor race while under the influence. Houseman did not cheat to win. Houseman did not cheat to win. NORBA and UCI can’t explain how or if THC improves an athlete’s performance. Therefore, the presence of THC on the banned substances list could be a moral law that discourages athletes from trying illegal drugs.
If true and Houseman is not in violation of the ban, the governing bodies have no choice but to uphold the rule. Houseman will be subject to severe penalties. Houseman wasn’t caught intoxicated or bonging while he was climbing the chairlift. Houseman was not accused of being drunk during the event. The UCI convicted Gary of having traces the substance in his system. Houseman’s case was not investigated by any criminal court in the country.
Gary should have been referred by his mother to the USDA for sanctioning. Gary’s punishment is not appropriate for the crime. His medal and standing should not be returned to Gary unless NORBA or UCI can prove that he used THC to cheat his competitors.
A Rule is a Right?
There are two sides to every World Cup stripped victory. Houseman was aware that THC was a banned drug before it accidentally or purposely found its way into him. The UCI has a rule. If an athlete tests positive for THC and loses his place, it is enough to make a governing body mad. Houseman should have known (or should have known!) that marijuana was against the rules. Many US companies have similar rules. If you test positive, you will be fired immediately. Gary Houseman should not be allowed to have his rules broken by NORBA and the UCI.
A rule is only a rule if it applies equally to all participants. Only downhill racers are exempted from the UCI’s prohibition on THC. Cross-country competitors are able to party hardy because marijuana isn’t a banned substance. When UCI and NORBA officials were asked why cross-country racers don’t meet the same standards as Downhill racers, they did not respond. Do TCH only improve the performance of downhill riders on heavy mountain bikes? Cross-country riders are more likely to be affected by THC than downhillers. Cross-country pros with a history of using steroids and blood-boosting drugs are unlikely to be trusted to avoid recreational drug use. However, NORBA, the UCI and others seem to believe otherwise.
GIVE IT ACKNOWLEDGE!
Restore Gary Houseman’s World Cup win, return his points, and pay him back his money. NORBA and UCI should be punished for unfairly imposing a draconian rule on a portion of its members while allowing the rest to freely break it. NORBA and UCI should be ordered to pay any fines and restore any points and prizes that were taken from downhillers.
Housemans victory can be retaken. NORBA or the UCI can then apologize to Gary and the downhill community by answering these questions.
1. Explain scientifically, how TCH can be a performance-enhancing substance for downhill athletes and not for cross-country athletes.
2. Explain why TCH is banned for downhill competitors
3. Explain Houseman’s harsh penalties. Houseman was suspended for one year and fined a significant amount for failing to test positive for a substance that had no effect on his performance.
4. Explain the connection between Houseman’s crime and Houseman’s punishment. Are UCI or NORBA officials aware that Gary ingested THC during the race? What is the point of such a humiliating punishment for an offence that would cost less than a parking fine in most Western countries?
5. Is there any other arbitrary substance on the UCI banned-substances list that has not been scientifically proven to improve athletic performance?
UCI and NORBA drug enforcers don’t need to go after pot smokers in order to justify their existence. Team doctors and blind-eyed Federations are where the real cheaters hide. You are responsible for your own affairs. Focus on the racers who use steroids, EPO and other speed drugs in order to win over legitimate athletes. Get out of the morality game and clean up your house. Call the police if you suspect that one of your athletes is using marijuana.
Official Press Release
