Welcome back, Tom.
The USADA announced yesterday that it was lifting Tom Zirbel’s ban effective 21 Mar 2011. As you’ll recall, Zirbel tested positive for DHEA and was subsequently banned for 2 years. Zirbel always maintained his innocence and proposed that he had unknowingly ingested DHEA through a tainted supplement. While he could have pursued that case, he realized he faced a costly and lengthy battle. He opted instead to accept his ban, to his chagrin.
Zirbel went through a couple stages after his ban, from anger to considering walking away from the sport he loved, to getting back on the bike and participating in an unsanctioned TT in Texas where he broke one Lance Armstrong’s previous course record. Homeboy still knows how to ride his bike…fast.
I am speculating here, but I think the biggest slap in the face to Zirbel had to be the Contador case. To see him get popped for clenbuterol, offer up a defense of tainted steak from Spain, and to be acquitted for accidentally/unknowingly ingesting the banned substance (with a zero tolerance limit, mind you) must have been a gut punch to Zirbel. But that just goes to show you what star power, money, and political backing can do for you. Of course, Contador isn’t out of the water yet.
Zirbel is now cleared to race, thanks to his participation in a pair of doping cases. He explains:
“I have been allowed to race the rest of the 2011 season and beyond, though I do not currently belong to a team,” said Zirbel. “Well, my ‘substantial assistance’ amounted to me putting USADA in touch with a person who had incriminating knowledge about an athlete who USADA was building a case against. And I actually did this in two separate cases that USADA was or is pursuing.”
I don’t know Tom Zirbel, and he doesn’t know me; but I like him. I honestly believe in his innocence, and I’m happy to see him returning (early) to racing. I think the general consensus in the domestic peloton is that Zirbel is both well liked and well respected. I believe he’ll be welcomed back when he takes to the line again this season, and fully expect him to get a pro ride for 2012.
Welcome back Tom, and good luck this year.
How can Zirbel be clean? Yet know enough about two doping cases to get himself off.
“Birds of a feather flock together”…
i’ve never smoked dope officer. trust me. that’s not my joint you found on me. however, i do know 2 guys that do smoke and what do you say i give you some info on them and you just hit me with a small fine instead and you go after them?
i’m not buying it.
Trust me, that was the first thing I said when I heard the news — if he’s innocent then how did he have info on two doping cases?
I don’t know, I guess on Zirbel can explain that.
And where is Delilahdriver? I expect a comment.
I’m with spice and 420 on this one.
Maybe he always was innocent but to then give info on others who were doping to lessen his sentence doesn’t sit right with me. Either he cares about the sport and wants to help clean it up, then he should have given up the info regardless if he was popped, or he should have accepted his punishment and left it at that.
Thankfully I am too old and slow to ever be a pro and will never have to worry about this personally.
According to the article, he went to them right away with the info. Were his hopes to get a reduced ban? Maybe. Probably. You know what, maybe he’s the David Millar of the domestic peloton.
I’ll tell you one thing: I’d rather have Tom Zirbel as an anti-doping/clean sport advocate than Joe Papp.
Hello eightplustwo, it’s been awhile–too long. You covered everything quite well–Zirbel was sanctioned for a positive DHEA–he has maintained his innocence from day one. Teammates and associates have come forward to support and testify to his honesty. Now, in lifting his sanction, USADA has come as close as they EVER will in admitting that his was an accidental positive. I believe Zirbel came forward at once on both occaisions when he learned of doping. The first time was–Tom learned someone he knew had info connecting a teammate of his, Kirk O’Bee to doping (AGAIN!) O’Bee was fired from team Bisselland later given a lifetime ban. Since then, Tom has helped USADA again by convincing someone with more doping knowledge to come forward and speak to USADA–this case is ongoing.
You can’t have an athlete sign a pro cycling contract which demands that they train, ride and race clean, and then expect the guys that comply with those rules to ride alongside doping cheaters–it won’t work–and if we’re all lucky, when it does happen, the clean cyclist will do the right thing for the sport. You either want a clean sport, or you’re making some kind of excuse for dopers. Zirbel left no doubts where he stands. Thank you kindly, Delilahdriver
Hello again eightplustwo, Rumor has it that TZ raced in and won a crit in Louisville Colorado on Saturday. My source tells me he pulled away solo on the last lap.I guess he hasn’t lost it all.
Delilahdriver – welcome back! I was beginning to think you’d forgotten about me. Good to hear from you, and as I said I’m happy to see TZ back in the peloton. Kind of figured one of the cases was O’Bee; and I’ve got a guess as to the second but that’s not important.
Thanks for update, too. Nice work TZ.