Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/990347
CN III VOICES W H A T Y O U A R E S A Y I N G "I do think testing is necessary but reform is in order." Empire Of Dirt: Rehashing WADA Steve Cox, thank you for your continued interest in Broc Tickle. It pisses me off also. I'm quite stoked to see that you are using your platform to help this kid, it's a really good thing to do— not just for him but for our greatest sport—and I know that thousands of MX fans (and Broc, I imagine) appreciate the work that you have already done. Since you have a big soapbox and you're connected to the world of MX journalism, is there any plan to create some kind of movement or protest by gathering a butt load of signatures? There're a couple months of nationals coming up and that could be an opportunity to get some signatures, and get them online, also. A few tens of thousands of fans might get the attention of the FIM/AMA. I'm going to guess that you are a busy person and probably can't take on a project such as this, but maybe you know some people who will be making it to all the rounds, like interns, industry-types, mechan- ics or...? WADA had a huge hand in ending Stewart's career, and as you know it had nothing to do with "spirit of the rules;" it was a total miscarriage of justice by an a-hole judge (or whatever he is called, same guy is responsible for Tickle's case, I understand) with a hugely inflated ego and way too much power. Hopefully with help from good folks like you and Cycle News and other MX rags, there is a way to save this kid's career and get the AMA to create a sensible set of rules and put a stop to this irrational BS before it ensnares the next kid. Howard Halterman One point not touched on is a four-year ban for a first offense. If I recall [correctly], James Stewart received only a one-year ban for his first positive test. Stewart's penalty seemed severe compared to other sports and Tickle's is equivalent to a lifetime ban. Base- ball issues a 50-day suspension for a first offense and the penal- ties get stiffer for subsequent positive tests, with a lifetime ban coming only after the third positive test. Seems like a month or two suspension for a first offense is a good way of giving the athletes a stern warning but not ending their career. I do think testing is necessary but reform is in order. The AMA and FIM should be deciding what substances are banned and what the penalties are. Then WADA, or other organization, can perform the tests, while the sanctioning bodies administer the penalties. Phil Dilmore Looking Back I love seeing covers I remember from when I first started reading Cycle News. Not exactly sure when that was but probably 1971 when I moved back to Toronto from South Africa and started rac- ing a 125 DT Yamaha. That was 47 years ago! Thanks for the memories (and reminding me I'm growing older, but not up). Cheers! Barry Glading Thank you, Barry! Here is a cover from 1971 for you…. Editor I just wanted to say that after all these years I still enjoy reading Cycle News every week and I love the new digital format. And I especially love taking quick trips down memory lane in your Looking Back section. Can't get enough of that. Once again, thank you, and keep up the good work. Frank Middlestone Letters to the editor can be sent to voices@cyclenews.com. Published letters do not necessarily reflect the position of Cycle News. Letters should not exceed 150 words and are subject to editing. Anonymous letters won't be considered for publication and each letter should contain the writer's name, address and daytime phone number… Editor P6