SKINS supports the doping conference
The New Pathways for Pro Cycling conference hosted by Deakin University in Geelong, Australia has received additional sponsorships from SKINS, an Australian manufacturer of compression garments, after the organizing committee of the
UCI Road World Champions has withdrawn their support in response to the inclusion of controversial cyclist Floyd Landis in a panel discussion.
"The conference aligns with SKINS' ethos of 'fuelling the true spirit of competition'," said Jaimie Fuller, CEO of SKINS International. "SKINS salutes all those who leave their sport better than when they started and respects those who handle themselves
with honesty, integrity and class at all times."
The World Championships will begin in Geelong on September 29, while the conference is being held over September 27 and 28. While the organizers of the competition have been publicly critical of Landis’ involvement in the conference,
Deakin University has been firm in their commitment to continue as planned.
"There can be no tolerance for doping or attempts to dope in sport," said SKINS Sports Director Benjamin Fitzmaurice. "A big part of the process to eliminate such behaviour is to create an environment for open discussion and transparency, along with good
education for all developing cyclists. The New Pathways Conference is a step in the right direction."
The list of speakers for the conference includes cycling competitors and administrators as well as scientists and academics to discuss the future of the sport and the options available to take doping out of the equation.
Landis was originally caught doping in 2006 when he won the Tour de France, though he only confessed to using banned substances in the spring of this year. In the same confession he implicated the former US Postal Service team, including
Lance Armstrong and Johan Bruyneel, in the long-standing culture of doping of which he was a part. Riders and administrators alike have objected to his presence in Geelong before the Worlds, with cyclist Simon Gerrans going so far as to suggest that he not
be allowed in the country.
“The behavior and comments of the persons and organizations that seek to shut down the conference as a consequence of my participation,” said Landis, “demonstrate that they are interested only in selfishly perpetuating their own positions
and purported authority at the expense of progressive reform and in total disregard of the sport’s long-term interests, including those of the riders and fans, which they are charged to protect."
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