Meadors, Ivan C
Samples of things not to do or of what is not considered acceptable:
http://www.bicyclesource.com/you/road/racing/road-racing-tactics.shtml
One of the most misunderstood tactics is blocking. Until the early '70s
blocking was against the rules in the US (it is unknown if this rule was
ever enforced)! This does not mean physically impeding anyone but it
does mean interrupting any paceline- like rhythm that might develop.
http://www.cyclingnews.com/results/archives/aug97/maastricht97.html
As to the race, Australian Henk Vogels (GAN) was disqualified. Vogels,
who came second in a premier sprint for 100 guilders ($A80), was
disqualified by the jury for not keeping to the right line. He rode
another 7 laps while they decided on his penalty.
http://www.paloaltobicycles.com/taylor_race_reports/report10.html
I could be wrong as my Flemish is rusty, but I was listening to some
discussions around me and the gist of what I understood was that this
race was perhaps a "betting" race. The fans seemed to already know who
would win as there was an agreement between the rider's for splitting
the money, et al. A guy named Veraggen was the guy to win, according to
the "betting dudes". I was disgusted. Mike would have to really be
strong to win this one as there were individuals riding in his group
wearing different team gear who were working together---which is
technically illegal.
Mike ended up 28th and in the dough at least. I have a new attitude
though about the kermesse racing scene. It sucks that guys cheat and
work together and then split the money later. It doesn't seem fair. But
it's how it is. Mike rode a strong race. His legs hadn't recovered from
the race on Thursday though. If his legs hadn't been tired he'd have
likely done even better. Fair and squarely. No doping (!) or illegal
team-tactics; just crafty, smart racing tactics and strong legs & power.
I'd heard talk about this part of the European cycling scene (perhaps
the American as well?), and certainly read about it, but finding out
about it first hand still came as sort of a shock. Naive perhaps. It
just surprises me that an athlete would use drugs and/or cheat. Naive
for sure I guess.
http://www.iht.com/IHT/SA/99/sa071099.html
In a tumultuous finish, Steels crossed the line first, with Cipollini
second and Zabel third. But minutes later, the Belgian was disqualified
and placed 172d because of his aggressive and dangerous tactics. After
swerving to cut off Jan Svorada, a Czech with Lampre, Steels dug his
right elbow into Cipollini a few times just before the line.
The elbows could be pardoned as a common offense, but the swerve was too
blatant a piece of interference.