VDB Admits Doping; Sun Rises in East

In an auto-biography to be published next month, Frank Vandenbroucke, the Whitney Houston of Belgian cycling, admits to having used EPO in the past.

According to the publisher, Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, he is quoted as saying "EPO? Everyone did it. Me too."

It is not certain yet whether Judith Regan had a hand in the deal, nor if had VDB killed Nicole Simpson, would he have done so while on EPO.

Vandenbrouke is perhaps best remembered for his dramatic 1999 Liege-Bastogne-Liege win as much as for his announcement on television prior to the race where and when he would attack. Well, that, and for having had an affair with Miss Belgium. Oh, and pulling a gun on his wife. Right, and don't forget his riding for eight teams in seven years: Cofidis, Lampre, Domo-Farm Frites, QuickStep-Davitamon, Fassa Bortolo, MrBookmaker.com, Unibet, and his current squad Aqua Sapone. He also cuts a dashing figure in crisp, white over-socks.

UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE! UPDATE!
An eagle eyed reader (and unfortunate speller- ed.) on 'another' site has brought it to our attention that VDB's publisher is now refuting the story shown above. They are quoted as saying that it was a misunderstanding and that VDB never admitted to doping. He held on to his dog's stash at one point, but did not, under any circumstances, ever admit to doping. Not in the book anyhow; only in the promotional materials for the book.

NFL Players say "no" to Dick

Dick Pounder and his WADA goons, that is. NFL Players' Union executive director Gene Upshaw questions WADA's reliability:

"I have no confidence in WADA or their kits," Upshaw told the Observer in an e-mail. "I have my doubts about WADA and their history. I am not willing to accept them as an authority on this."

It's shocking that a players' union would try to block a doping test. Next thing you know, baseball players won't want steroid tests and 40%+ of cyclist will want therapeutic use exemptions. On the other hand, WADA's credibility being challenged is a Good Thing(TM). I'm with Gene; I have no confidence in WADA, unless of course by confidence you mean belief in the ability to ruin lives.

Mysterious Birrillo Found!

The picture at left, snapped yesterday in Verona by intrepid Cycopaths photographer El Queco, may be of Operation Puerto stalwart Birillo. He was seen leaving the famous Bugiardo Hotel early in the morning.

"He emerged after dawn with one of his handlers. I'd been waiting all night and was amazed by his nonchalance. He walked to the corner, pooped on Clinton's face, and as simple as that, turned and went back into the hotel," said a stunned Queco.

Birillo first came to our attention last summer when Spanish magazine 'Interview' leaked pages of the Operation Puerto Dossier. In it, Birillo is listed as having received $70,000 of doping products. At first it was thought that Birillo was a codename for Ivan Basso, who subsequently was dropped by his CSC team from their Tour de France roster. After a thorough investigation by Spanish Authorities it was revealed that Birillo was Basso's dog, clearly vindicating the Italian rider. This freed a relieved Basso to sign for team Discovery Channel, a team with much more private and sophisticated 'training' regimen. It is not yet known why a chihuahua needs seventy grand in doping supplies, but many believe (nobody really- ed.)Birillo has therapeutic exemptions for many of them.

More as this story develops.

This Week In Beef

OldDirtySprinter, Cycopaths' Italian correspondent, reports that Damiano Cunego and Gilberto Simoni still despise each other.

Valverde Makes More Money

Despite rumours that sent shock waves through the world of greedy, over-zealous sports agents, Alejandro Valverde has decided to say T-Nobile to T-Mobile. He extended his existing contract with Spanish squad Caisse d'Epargne until 2010 and will thus not have his citizenship revoked by the Spanish authorities.

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