Severely Unfair
It was announced today that Filip Meirhaeghe not only tested positive for blood doping but has admitted to it. Filip has been leading the World Cup and was considered by most a sure bet for Gold in Athens. He has officially retired and will walk away from the sport in shame.
I’ve heard from a few of the riders in the racing community and as you can imagine, they are outraged. Not just at the deceitfulness of wearing the World Champion’s jersey and taking credit for win after win (and the money that comes with it) but at the lost opportunities for scores of people that filter deep into the cycling community. A lot of money, effort and support for Filip was spent in vain. Those wounds will not soon heal. Not to mention the dark cloud that is cast over the entire sport.
As the director of Off Road To Athens, I find myself (yet again) completely shocked at the turn of events. I cannot find words to type as I sit here - that can convey my feelings. I have not been turned down by Specialized as a rider looking for sponsorship, have not lost to Filip after trying with all my heart to win, have not been passed by him on the course, have not watched him take the podium time and time again… For those who have, I can only imagine sheer animosity towards the Belgian. I’ve been sitting here all morning wondering how this will be brought to light - ON TOP OF the women’s debate of Mary wins, no Sue wins, no Mary wins and Sue sue’s… What the hell am I supposed to do with all this? Like making a movie isn’t’ hard enough? Ken and I have been on the phone all morning discussing possible outcomes. None leave me happy.
Why is that?
Why do I care how each person is portrayed? Especially if they’ve just cheated the entire mountain bike industry and all its racers? If you’ve read any of these journals you know why. I’m now left to balance two sides.
One is hearing Todd Wells tell Ken about being cut from the Specialized roster to make way for Filip. Or much closer to home, how Specialized will have NOTHING to do with our movie now and we were discussing a substantial sponsorship package (ouch).
Two is having a guy help me when I was really down and be a nicer, friendlier, more helpful person that almost everyone I’ve met in 6 months of filming. Filip gave me a ride for 4 hours through the Scottish countryside to Ft. William. He took me to dinner and treated me as a friend, not as a journalist. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know him as a person, not just a bike racer. He give me positive energy and encouragement after showing him the trailer of the film when one day earlier I had just been told by another racer, “It’s got no emotion. You’re running around just filming random things. You’re so disorganized. You’re movie is going to be lame. I don’t think you’re doing a good job…(on and on and on).”
Let me tell you, when you’re away from your friends and family for weeks, putting all your own money on the line, risking your job and all the security it brings to make a movie when you’re not a movie maker but just a rider who loves the sport and only wants the world to see how great it is - to have self doubt be your only companion day in and day out - to get the positive support and encouragement that Filip showed me, was worth my respect and admiration.
Now what do I do?
I feel like the bottom just fell out.
And it makes me sick.
http://www.velonews.com/race/mtn/articles/6697.0.html
