Indonesian Digital News Archive

After months of speculation and waiting, the US Anti-Doping Agency released a 200+ page report outlining the case it has against Lance Armstrong yesterday. In the report, the USADA claims that not only did Armstrong use performance enhancing drugs while competing as a professional cyclist, but that he was also at the center of an extensive doping ring that permeated throughout the U.S. Postal squad and cycling in general. To back-up their claims, the report cites 26 witnesses, including 11 former Armstrong teammates.

The document released yesterday is just a synopsis of the vast amounts of evidence that the USADA claims to have on Armstrong. It references eye-witness reports, emails, lab tests and financial documents, and includes details a strict doping regimen that included PED's and blood transfusions, and even says that Armstrong's ex-wife Kristen would wrap cortisone pills in foil and hand them out to riders on his team. Travis Tygart, the head of the USADA,  called it "the most sophisticated, professionalized and successful doping program that sport has ever seen."

Perhaps the most damning evidence of all comes from the list of cyclists who have testified against Armstrong, including several riders that were close friends. That list includes George Hincapie, one of the most respected riders in the sport, Levi Leipheimer, Christian Vande Velde, Dave Zabriskie, Tyler Hamilton and others. Each of them admitted to doping and implicated Armstrong in the process.

As if that wasn't enough, the report also claims that retroactive testing of Armstrong's blood samples taken in the 1999 Tour de France test positive for EPO. Not just one sample, but six. For years Armstrong has used the defense that he never tested positive for a banned substance during his career, but what he doesn't really mention is that a test for EPO didn't come along until a few years later. He would also often dismiss those who spoke out about potential doping by discrediting them in the media, often claiming they had some grudge or axe to grind. The list of people on this list will be much harder to dismiss so lightly.

So what happens next? The UCI now has three weeks to review the report and decide how to proceed. It is that body, along with the Tour de France, that can elect to strip Armstrong of his seven titles. Because he chose to not fight these charges, Lance already faces a lifetime ban from competition, it is just a matter of whether or not his wins will continue to be considered official.

For anyone who has followed the sport of cycling or the Lance Armstrong saga, these results probably aren't much of a surprise. Considering the era in which he competed, it seems virtually impossible that he could have won all those races while competing completely clean. It's a shame that Armstrong's reputation now seems destined to go down in flames, as he has done a lot of good things outside of the sport that made him famous. He is also a tremendous athlete whether he was doping or not, but his legacy will be forever tainted by this scandal.

Did you think this year's Tour de France was a bit boring? Was Bradley Wiggin's win lacking in drama? If you, like so many others, felt that way than hold on to your hats. If rumors are to be believed Tour organizers are about to shake things up.

According to Belgian newspaper Het Laatste Nieuws, they have received numerous anonymous reports from within the Amaury Sport Organization, which plans Le Tour each year, that course planners are actually considering ending the race on the slopes of Alp d'Huez, perhaps the most well-known and legendary of all the mountains in the race. If true, it would be the first time that the race didn't end on the streets of Paris, with the rider in the Yellow Jersey essentially taking a ceremonial lap along the Champs Elysees.

The 2013 edition of the race will mark the 100th running of the Tour, so of course fans of the race expect there to be some surprises to celebrate that milestone. The course itself will be revealed in full on October 24, although we already know that the first three stages will be held in Corsica, followed by a team time trial in Nice. What else is in store for the riders remains to be seen.

Alp d'Huez is known for punishing even the best climbers the sport of cycling has to offer. It features 21 switchbacks, spread out over 13.8 km (8.5 miles) with an average grade of 7.9%. Each of those hairpin turns has been named for the riders who win the stage over the years, which only adds to the legend hat the slope brings to the Tour when ever it is included on the course.

So, is there any chance that the race could end on this massive mountaintop? I'd say there is always a chance, but personally I'd be quite surprised. The Tour is steeped in tradition and one of the most well respected of those traditions is the final ride on the Champs Elysees on the final day. Pitting the riders against one another on a final grueling climb would certainly add a new element to the competition however, as even large time gaps can be eliminated on Alp d'Huez. It would make for a very different strategy to say the least. If I were a betting man, I'd say the ride still ends in Paris, but perhaps the Saturday before the finishing stage is held on Alp d'Huez. That would still be quite impactful on the race and introduce a new level of drama.

I guess we'll find out more on October 24.

I am fortunate enough to have a lot of outdoor gear come cross my desk. Everything from the latest hiking boots, sleeping bags and tents to outdoor clothing, electronic gadgets and of course backpacks. Some of it is impressive and innovative and some of it is downright frustrating and poorly designed. On occasion I get to test a piece of gear that turns out to be quite a nice surprise. Something that I expect to be good, but it still exceeds my expectations. This happens to be the case with the new Quick Backpack from Cannondale, a bag designed for cyclists but versatile enough to be used for so much more.

The first thing that caught my attention about the Quick Backpack was just how many storage options it has. In addition to the voluminous interior pocket, complete with padded laptop sleeve, the bag has another large zippered pocket built into the lid and a smaller organizational pocket for storing pens, business cards, USB drives or any other small items that you want to carry with you. Two deep side holsters are perfect for even large water bottles and integrated helmet loops make it a snap to carry your headgear.

Constructed from very high quality nylon, this pack is durable and rugged. I am impressed with how well it handls day-to-day use without a hint of wear and tear and its water-resistant fabrics make it a perfect commuter pack for when you're meeting friends or heading to the office. The designers even had the foresight to line the bottom of the pack with a rubberized fabric that further helps to keep the interior safe and dry.



If I was impressed with the solid construction of the Quick Backpack, I was doubly so with how comfortable it is to wear. The shoulder straps and back panel feature thick padding without compromising ventilation. This helps the pack to carry a heavy load with ease, both on and off the bike, and I found myself choosing this bag not just for my regular rides but also for jetting off to the office as well.

All of my favorite gear have one thing in common and that is a level of versatility that makes them all useful in a variety of situations. The Cannondale Quick Backpack certainly fits that description. As I mentioned above, this bag is good enough to be used not just while cycling but for your daily needs or even while traveling. I love how large and easy to access the pockets are, which helps to keep all of your gear well organized and close at hand. I also love how well padded and well built it is as well, which not only helps protect the contents of the bag but ensure that you'll be using it for years to come.

If you, or the cyclist in your life, is looking for a pack that is comfortable, durable and versatile, then look no further. Cannondale has you well covered. Oh, and this pack also happens to be very affordable. Priced at just $120, the Quick Backpack is quite a bargain.

The Pinarello Dogma 2 road bike frame is the one that Bradley Wiggins rode to victory at the 2012 Tour de France earlier this year. It costs in excess of £10,000 (roughly $16,000) and is a rolling testament to how far cycling technology has come. The frame is made out of carbon fiber and weighs a mere 920 grams (2 pounds), which gives you a sense of just how light the Tour bikes actually are.

In the video below, rider Martyn Ashton take the Pinarello Dogma 2 out for a spin, putting it to the test in places and situations it was never meant to be used in. The results are a pretty entertaining video that shows off his own unique brand of cycling skills that don't resemble Wiggins much at all.

When a cyclist hits the road these days, they often have a number of small, but essential items to carry along with them. For instance, if the ride is of any decent length I'll usually bring an energy bar or two, a couple of water bottles, my keys, wallet, iPhone and more. Stuffing all of that into my jersey and keeping it organized can be a bit of a hassle, but I know each of those things can come in handy at various times and there has been more than one occasion where I'm glad I've had it all with me.

Recently I've been taking the Speedster Ride Wallet from Cannondale on my regular rides and it has quickly proven itself to be essential gear. The Speedster is one of those items that you don't know you need until you have one and then you wonder why you hadn't picked one up sooner.

The Speedster features an internal waterproof zippered pouch that is perfect for carrying cash, an ID or a credit card. The wallet also has three small neoprene lined organizational slots that are perfect for a patch kit, CO2 cartridge or other small tools, but best of all it has a large sleeve, complete with a transparent window, that is specifically designed to safely hold a smartphone. The window allows riders to interact with the touchscreen on their phone without ever having to remove it from the wallet, which is great when using it with the numerous apps designed specifically for cyclists. The Speedster's water resistant lining keeps the electronic device safe from sweat or unexpected rain storms and strong strip of velcro keeps the wallet sealed tight.

That's basically all there is to this product, but that's also all we need from it. The Speedster is simply an excellent addition to any rider's gear list and if you're a regular rider, I think you'll find it as useful as I do. It's great to throw all of the items you want to carry with you into one compact, well designed wallet, then slip it into a jersey pocket and hit the road.

With a price tag of just $20, the Speedster Ride is also very affordable. Considering the build quality of the wallet, I wouldn't have been surprised if it had cost twice that. But at such a modest cost it is difficult to justify not buying one.

Not a rider yourself? This wallet also makes a great gift or stocking stuffer for the cyclist in your life. The holidays are still a few months off, but it is never too early to start planning ahead.

Over the past couple of months I've posted two trip reports (Part 1 and Part 2) from my friends at Tour d'Afrique who were busy riding 12,000km from Shanghai to Istanbul on their Silk Route tour. They recently finished up that expedition and sent me the video below to share with readers. The short film offers video clips and photos from the ride, giving us all a sense of what it is like to cycle this ancient and epic route. It looks like a fantastic experience and I thank them for sharing some of it with those of us who weren't lucky enough to join them on the ride.

Also, big thanks to Catharina Robbertze for creating the video for us. Great stuff Catharina!

Earlier today bike manufacturer Cannondale announced that it is partnering with Brixia Sport to form a new pro-cycling team to take to the roads next year. The contract goes into effect January 1 when the newly named "Cannondale Pro Cycling Team" will be officially formed around one of the most promising young cyclists in the sport today, Peter Sagan.

The full roster for the team has yet to be determined but Sagan, who won the Green Jersey at this year's Tour de France, will form the nucleus of a young team that will also include Moreno Moser and Elia Vivani. They'll be joined by grizzled veteran Ivan Basso who will serve as a mentor of sorts to the squad.

Cannondale's relationship with the current team actually began in 2007 when they became the technical sponsor for Liquigas Pro Cycling. In 2010 the two companies became co-sponsors of the Liquigas-Cannondale Team and next year the company become the primary sponsor to the group of riders. Since coming on board back in 2007, the team has won the 2007 and 2010 Giro d'Italia, the 2010 Vuelta a Espana and two Tour de France Jerseys. In addition to Sagan's 2012 Green Jersey, the team also won a Polka Dot Jersey belonging to the King of the Mountains, awarded to Franco Pellizotti, back in 2009.

Personally, I think building a squad around Sagan is an excellent idea. That young man looks like he'll be a great rider and he seems to have the talent to be not only an impressive sprinter, but a GC contender at the Tour de France as well. It's just a matter of where he decides to focus his talents. He has a lot of upside and he's just 22 years old. Either way, it is going to be fun to watch the new Cannondale Team in the years ahead.

When we think about the most important gear that we have with us when we head out for our favorite outdoor pursuits the first equipment that generally comes to mind are things like backpacks, hiking boots or shell jackets. But often times it is the small piece of gear that we take for granted that is actually amongst our most important and useful items. Take for example a good pair of sunglasses. Usually we put them on almost as an after thought and we don't even realize how important they actually are. I was reminded of this recently while testing out a new pair of shades from Liberty Sport, whose Trailblazer sunglasses have quickly earned a spot amongst my favorite gear items.

Lightweight and durable, the Trailblazers provide plenty of coverage with an attractive wrap around design. They are form fitting, yet comfortable, and are perfectly shaped to wear under both a cycling and climbing helmet. I especially liked the large lenses which kept the bright Texas sun out of my eyes on daily runs and bike rides.

A good pair of outdoor sun glasses needs to be able to withstand plenty of abuse out in the field and the Trailblazer definitely can handle just about anything you throw at them. The frames are flexible and can absorb impacts when dropped and the performances lenses are specifically designed to be as much as five times stronger than standard polycarbonate. The result is a set of eyewear that can be used in a variety of environments and activities.



One of my favorite features of the Trailblazer sunglasses are the included eye cups that snap into place along the inside of the lenses and stay there through the innovative use of magnets. These cups help to seal off the open areas around the outside of the farm, keeping excess sand, dust or snow out of the eyes. The fact that the magnetic eye cups can be added or removed as need, gives these glasses a nice level of versatility that makes them a good option for a variety of outdoor pursuits. For instance, I keep the eye cups off while running and cycling, as the increased ventilation is much appreciated. But when hiking a dusty trail on a windy day, it is nice to have the ability to keep flying particles out of our eyes. Additionally, mountaineers and skiers will appreciate this option of using the cups to keep the snows at bay. Liberty Sport has truly created a pair of sunglasses that is versatile enough for all environments and sports.

Over the past month I've used the Trailblazers nearly every day and I've been extremely happy with their performance. These glasses keep my eyes well protected from the harsh summer sun and the large lenses are a big help in that department. Initially I was afraid that the wrap around design and thicker frames would be warmer to use, resulting in more sweat in my eyes while running. It turns out the Trailblazers were actually better at preventing that irritating sweat from running down my face, making them much more comfortable to use on the 100ºF/38ºC days.

On top of all those other great technical qualities the Trailblazers happen to look great too. While its true we all want our gear to function at a high level, it also doesn't hurt if that same gear has a level of good ascetic design as well. Sun glasses in particular should be fashionable as well as functional, and these shades can be worn out on the town just as easily as on the trail.

Outdoor athletes looking for a versatile pair of sun glasses that they can use for a variety of activities will appreciate the Trailblazer from Liberty Sport. They carry an MSRP of $175 which makes them competitive with similar frames from other eyewear companies, but considering the fact that they can be used in a wide variety of sports and environments, I think they are well worth the money. The included magnetic eye cups are a great touch as well.

Back in July I posted a wonderful trip report from cycling tour operator Tour d'Afrique's amazing Silk Route ride. For those who aren't aware of this tour, it is a 12,000km (7456 mile), 129-day journey from Shanghai, China to Istanbul, Turkey by bike. At the time of the original post, the riders were in the early stages of their adventure, but now they are nearing the end and late last week I received another update from the road. This time that report comes courtesy of Comms Director Catharina Robbertz who had this to say:

Expecting the unexpected
There’s always a certain level of risk involved when travelling and when you’re on the road for more than four months you have to be prepared for anything. This is exactly what cyclists taking part in the Silk Route, organised by Tour d’Afrique, have learnt since taking off on a 12000km journey from Shanghai in May. 

For the most part the challenges facing us could have been predicted beforehand. The excruciating heat in the Taklimakan Desert and the frigid temperatures on the Pamir Highway. The headwinds and tough climbing on unpaved passes to altitudes of 4600m. The monotony of food as we ventured into desolate areas inhabited only by a few people, donkeys, horses, marmots and Marco Polo goats. All of these were expected and could be prepared for. But sometimes something happens that cannot be predicted or prepared for and threatens to derail a beautiful journey. 

As we made our way from the highest point of our journey to the city of Khorog we were all relieved to have survived one of the toughest sections of the tour and looking forward to a much-needed rest day. The Pamir Highway had been beautiful and certainly a highlight for many of us but the promise of warmer temperatures and a clean hotel was the cause of some excitement for most of us.

 However, as we woke to the sound of gunfire on the morning we were supposed to leave it became apparent very quickly that we were stuck in a city under siege. The unexpected had happened and a seemingly insignificant act of murder two days before had turned into war. Government troops were streaming into the city while locals had set up road blocks to keep them out and in the first day of fighting 42 people were killed (according to news reports). 

The next morning a cease fire was agreed upon between the two fighting parties but there was still no way for us to get out of the city as roads were still blockaded and snipers were still lurking in the mountains. After days of uncertainty our group of cyclists as well as other foreigners were evacuated from the city by a convoy of vehicles from EU embassies based in the capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe. Riding the 600km from Khorog to Dushanbe took two days on extremely bad roads and upon arrival we were not only happy to be in safer territories but also looking forward to getting back on our bicycles and continuing our journey in the way we set out to do originally. 

Looking back adding a war-torn city to our route did not detract from our journey. In several ways it contributed to what is already a memorable adventure. We have experienced so much of what the Silk Road traders experienced in the past and being caught in a conflict further contributes to an authentic Silk Road journey. Furthermore, the attitude of the people of Central Asia and in particular Khorog, where they were just as worried about the well-being of perfect strangers in their midst as they were about their loved-ones who were in much greater danger than we were, was particularly humbling.
The stories we will be able to tell when we get back home will speak not only of beautiful scenery, interesting food and nice hotels, but of challenges overcome, expecting the unexpected and arriving at our final destination stronger than we were before. That’s what adventure is all about.

As I said in the first Silk Route report, this seems like such an amazing way to travel through these countries and a fantastic adventure to say the least. Tour dAfrique puts together some great cycling expeditions all over the planet and anyone of their journeys would be a trip of a lifetime. If you're looking for  a travel experience that is unlike anything else, I would HIGHLY recommend you give their site a look. And if you missed the Silk Route ride this year, no worries. There is plenty of time to start planning for 2013!

The Secret Race, the new book from former pro-cyclist Tyler Hamilton, was released today and in it he talks about his career and how he personally used performance enhancing drugs and other methods to help him compete. He also talks about his time riding for the legendary U.S. Postal team, led by Lance Armstrong. Hamilton alleges that Armstrong and the entire U.S. Postal squad were using EPO and other banned substance to win major events like the Tour de France.

None of this is really all that new of course. Hamilton has been discussing Armstrong and doping for some time. But the book, which I haven't read yet, supposedly goes into great detail about the system that cyclists use to stay one step ahead of the drug testers and continue to compete in the sport without getting caught. The book blows the lid off a culture that is prevalent in cycling that for a time made it okay to use PED's because it was what everyone was doing. What Hamilton and co-author Daniel Coyle detail in the book caused Outside magazine to proclaim that is now "impossible to believe Lance’s story anymore."

Earlier today, Hamilton and Coyle sat down with Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show and spoke about the book, doping and Lance Armstrong. The video of that interview is below.

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Anyone who exercises regularly knows that nutrition before, during and after your workout is extremely important. There is nothing worse than getting halfway through an tough run or ride only to hit the wall because you lack calories to see you through to the end.

Recently I've had the opportunity to try out a number of new energy bars, gels and other nutritional items and I have to say I've come away impressed. Not only have these options improved dramatically in taste and variety, they've also become far more sophisticated and effective as well. As a result, outdoor athletes now have a large variety of goodies to help power them through their workout routines. Here are a few suggestions for items that I've been using of late.

Honey Stinger
Back at Outdoor Retailer earlier this month I dropped by the Honey Stinger booth to check out the different nutritional items they had on display. The generous staff manning the booth sent me along my way with an excellent sampling of their various energy gels, chews and bars. For a few days I carried that bag around with me, almost forgetting that I had it with me. But when I got home I was delighted to re-discover it amongst all the other stuff I was lugging home from the show. A few days later I started sampling the goodies and it wasn't long before I was hooked.

As you can probably tell from the name, honey is a key component in all of the company's products. As a natural sweetener it brings a nice, but not over powering, taste to the Honey Stinger product line. I found that their energy chews in particular were tasty without being overly sweet which I appreciated before setting off on a long run. It doesn't hurt that they are also organic and don't include any GMO ingredients either. They also happened to be smaller and a bit easier to chew from some of the other chews on the market. It wasn't long before I found myself grabbing a bag here and there for a snack even when I wasn't working out.

After nearly the entire line of Honey Stinger products I found that I really liked everything in their line-up. Their organic energy shots were tasty without being too thick and their protein bars were tasty as well. Especially the Dark Chocolate Cherry Almond. But hands down my favorite treat is their Honey Stinger Waffles. These thin and tasty wafers simply must be tried by anyone looking for a new nutrition option to add to their repertoire. They're so good, they're actually addictive and they come in classic flavors like chocolate, vanilla and strawberry. You won't believe that they are actually all natural and completely organic. Definitely a must try!



Clif Bars
When it comes to energy bars, Cliff Bars have been my go-to choice for years. The company has done a good job of continuing to refine its line-up and make tastier bars in a variety of flavors. They've even created bars for specific athletes, including their famous Luna bars that are designed for women and the Z-bar for kids.

Recently the company has introduced a item to its line-up called the Builder 's bar. These bars contain 20g of protein that not only provides plenty of post-workout fuel but also helps to build muscle as well. That's all well and good of course, as there are plenty of similar bars on the market. What sets this one apart however, is that it just might be the best tasting energy bar I've ever eaten.

Some of the great flavors available include Chocolate, Crunch Peanut Butter and Cookies n' Cream. All of those are good but my favorites are S'Mores and Chocolate Mint. They taste so good you actually can't wait to have one after a workout as opposed to some bars I've had in the past which were almost a chore to eat. These were definitely a pleasant surprise the first time I tried them.

Gu Energy
Gu Energy is another company that has been making nutritional products for some time and have continued to refine their options over the years. I've used a number of their products for some time and I find that I like most of their line-up as well. For instance, I'm a fan of the Roctane energy drink mixes and their Electrolyte Brew tablets are a convenient option that I carry with me regularly as well. Of course, the Gu Energy Gel is pretty much the industry standards in terms of energy shots and they remain an excellent option.

Recently I've been enjoying the Gu Recovery Brew drink which I mix with a little milk and ice to make a fantastic smoothy. The chocolate flavored one in particular tastes more like a shake from your favore fast food joint rather than a nutritional drink designed to help facilitate recovery and build muscle after an intense workout. Each Recovery Brew includes plenty of protein, amino acids, antioxidants and carbs to help the body get stronger, but when drinking one it is hard to imagine that it actually good for you.

These are just a few of the tasty items I've been enjoying lately. If you're tired of your energy bars and gels, then you may want to consider adding one of these options to your pantry. Each of them are packed with tasty and healthy ingredients and they are also proof that just because its good for you doesn't mean that it can't taste amazing too.

American riders once again claimed the top three positions at the USA Pro Cycling Challenge which concluded yesterday with a short time trial on the streets of Denver, Colorado. The seventh, and final stage, capped a week of racing through the Rocky Mountains on a course that featured 50,000 feet of climbing and plenty of altitude.

The first place finisher was Christian Vande Velde of Team Garmin-Sharp-Baracuda. He finished 21 seconds ahead of Tejay Van Garderen of Team BMC Racing and 24 seconds in front of defending champ Levi Leipheimer of Omega-Pharma-Quickstep.

The 863-mile long race was a fast and furious one all week long with daring breakaways and tough showdowns on Colorado's mountain slopes. Throughout the week Vande Velde and Van Garderen challenged one another for the lead with virtually no difference in their times. Yesterday Vande Velde managed to finish the 9.5 mile (15.2km) time trial ahead of Van Garderen, giving him the victory on the final day.

It seems it was another successful year for the fledgling race, which got off to a great start in 2011 and was viewed as an excellent event again this year. Hopefully the future is bright for this race, which has attracted some great riders from all over the world.

Congrats to Vande Velde on a well deserved win.

Thanks to the long, hot Texas summers I often find myself running after dark. It's the best way to beat the heat although running in the dark isn't always the safest thing to do. Wearing a headlamp helps to not only illuminate where you're going but also make you more visible to cars and other pedestrians. Finding the right headlamp for such high intensity activities wasn't easy however, as it had to be the right combination of comfort and weight , while still providing plenty of useful light.

Considering all of the companies that make good headlamps these days, I was surprised to discover that one of the best lights was for runners was being made by Energizer. Yes, Energizer. The battery company. They make a headlamp called the Micro Sport that was specifically designed with runners and other outdoor athletes in mind.

The Micro Sport comes equipped with three LED lamps that are capable of cranking out quite a bit of illumination. The lamp has both high and low modes, both of which provide plenty of light for running. High mode is capable of shedding light up to 7 meters (23 feet) out, but at that level of intensity the batteries will only last about 3-4 hours. Dropping it to low mode will nearly triple that time using standard AA batteries.

In addition to the standard forward facing headlamp, the Micro Sport also comes with a rear-facing red flashing light as well. Think of it as a taillight for runners or cyclists as it certainly adds an extra level of safety when on the road after dark. While not particularly bright, this emergency flasher is still an attention grabber. Powered by a single lithium coin-cell, this additional light can last for 95 hours between battery changes.

Of course, plenty of headlamps provide this kind of performance but what sets this one apart, and puts the "micro" in its name, is its weight. This light clocks in at jut 2 ounces (45 grams) which means it's pretty much featherlight in your hand and on your head. That's fantastic for runners in particular who don't want a heavy lamp on their head while on the go. A thin and lightweight headband rounds out the package, adding comfort and stability to the Micro Sport.

This is a fantastic option for outdoor athletes who need a little illumination while partaking in their favorite activities. The flashing rear lamp adds an extra measure of safety and the over all quality of the light is solid on all fronts. Best of all, it won't break your pocket book either. The suggest retail on the headlamp is just $24.95, which makes it a great bargain.

By now I'm sure everyone has heard the news about Lance Armstrong. The seven-time Tour de France winner has decided that he no longer wants to fight the allegations that the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing against him. In a statement released on his website last night, Armstrong said "Enough is enough." He knows that this fight will probably go on for months and that even if he manages to clear his name yet again, he'll probably continue to be dogged by allegations and charges for years to come. Rather than face that ongoing battle, he has decided against taking his case to arbitration and simply accept the USADA's decision. He'll almost assuredly get a lifetime ban from competition and could potentially lose all of his Tour wins as well.

There has been a lot of hyperbole tossed around in the press over the past 12-hours or so, thanks in no small part due to statements made by Travis Tygart, the Chief Executive of the USADA. Tygart says that he can and will strip Armstrong of his seven Tour wins, despite the fact that he has no jurisdiction to do so. Only the International Cycling Union (UCI) or the Tour has the ability to do that and at this point we have no idea if or when they'll do that. The UCI has been in contention with the USADA over this investigation for some time and have spoken out against the process. They don't seem likely to want to cooperate with Tygart and his team. Officials from the Tour de France on the other hand, may see things differently.

Despite never failing a drug test throughout his career, reports indicate that the USADA has found two samples from 2009 and 2010 that indicate that there may have been efforts to mask the use of performance enhancing drugs. Lets be clear here. The samples don't show PED's in Armstrong's system, simply that there may have been steps taken to hide their use. Tygart is also said to have ten former teammates of Armstrong lined up to testify that he was doping while winning all of those races, although some believe that those other riders had little choice but to testify or face their own inquiries as well.

More than one critic of the USADA's investigation have called it a "witch hunt." Some have even hinted that there is a bit of a personal vendetta on the part of Tygart. His battles with Lance go back a number of years and his desire to catch Armstrong have continued despite the cyclists retiring. Twice. It should also be noted that the USADA moved ahead with it's investigation despite the fact that the U.S. Attorney General's Office dropped its case against Armstrong back in February. That investigation lasted for two-years and was abandoned for lack of evidence.



Some have wondered why this case is moving ahead now when Armstrong is no longer cycling competitively. While he was no longer on the international cycling circuit, Lance was competing in triathlons and doing quite well. He had planned on racing in the Ironman Championships in Hawaii this fall and by many accounts he was poised to have an impact on that sport as well. Despite the fact that he was retired from pro cycling, Armstrong was competing, just on a smaller stage. The lifetime ban from competition will ensure he doesn't take part in any sanctioned events again.

As a huge cycling fan I realize that the era in which Armstrong raced was one in which nearly everyone in the peloton was using some kind of performance enhancing drug or other method to gain an advantage. That doesn't excuse their use of course, it is just an acknowledgement that it was a different time for the sport. The UCI has taken great strides to clean up cycling and while they're not completely there yet, things have certainly improved over the past few years.

We'll have to wait and see how everything falls out with this case. The USADA will likely pass their brand of judgement very quickly. How the UCI and the Tour de France responds will be very telling. Either way, I'm sure Armstrong is looking forward to turning the page and moving forward. He still has a lot of good work to do with his Livestrong Foundation and I truly believe he is just plain tired of fighting these charges.

Whether or not he gets to keep those seven Tour wins remains to be seen. But fans of the sport and of Armstrong know who won those races out on the road. The results of this investigation won't change that.

It has been an eventful week on the roads of Colorado where the USA Pro Cycling has been a fast and furious affair thus far. After three stages, the top of the leaderboard is dominated by American riders, while 25 cyclists sit less than one minute off the lead.

The race got off to a good start on Monday with a long 126-mile leg. That stage was won by Tyler Farrar of Team Garmin-Sharp-Barracuda, who was happy to ride well following a crash-prone outing in the Tour de France last month. Tuesday's Stage 2 went to Tejay Van Garderen of BMC Racing while yesterday's win went to Tom Danielson, also of Garmin-Sharp. That means during all three days of racing, American riders have crossed the finish line in front.

The overall standings have Christian Vandevelde and Garderen in a virtual tie atop the leaderboard with Ivan Rovny of RusVelo. RusVelo is a new Russian squad that was created last year and are starting to show some promise out on the road. Defending champ Levi Leiphimer, who now rides for Omega Pharma-Quick-Step is sitting in fourth place just eight seconds off the lead.

Today's Stage 4 is a 97.2-mile ride (156.4km) ride from beautiful Aspen to Beaver Creek that includes a climb as high as 12,095 feet (3686 meters) on Independence Pass early on in the race. Over the first three days the pace has been fast, despite plenty of climbing and altitude, and today is likely to be no different. Considering how many riders are within striking distance of the lead, the race remains a wide open affair that will probably be decided in the individual time trial scheduled for Sunday in Denver.

I'm glad to see the race is living up to the legacy that was set down last year. The course is tough, but still allows riders to be aggressive and it remains very competitive as we head into the second half. I'm sure that a number of the American riders are hoping to once again take the win on home soil but we'll have to wait to see how it all plays out.

One of my favorite pieces of gear that I saw at Outdoor Retailer a few weeks back was an innovative set of eyewear from a company called Switch. They've come up with the ingenious idea of developing a pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses that can provide excellent performance in a variety of light conditions, something that adventure racers and other endurance athletes are sure to appreciate.

The designers at Switch have developed what they call the "magnetic interchange" lens system. In doing so they've incorporated strong, high-energy magnets into both the frames and lenses themselves, allowing those lenses to quickly be changed out with a different set. This allows a single pair of glasses to be used across an entire day, starting with the pink glow of morning light, continuing through the harsh brightness of the day and finishing up with the flaming skies of dusk. Swapping out the lenses is a breeze, snapping into place with a satisfying click and staying firmly locked into the frames no matter what activity is on the agenda.

I tested the Switch Avalanche frames and found them to be durable, good looking and well suited for running and cycling in particular. They are designed to stay firmly in place yet still provide plenty of ventilation when working up a sweat. I found them to be lightweight and comfortable, while providing plenty of coverage over the eyes.



Like all of Switch's offerings, the Avalanche frames come equipped with two sets of lenses – one pair of standard polarized and one pair tinted Amber that are designed for low-light conditions. The standard kit can be expanded with other lenses from the Switch line-up as well and there are plenty of alternatives available on the company's website.

The concept behind these sunglasses is so simple and elegant I couldn't help but wonder why someone hadn't thought of it before. Those who expect good performance out of their eyewear will love the versatility and flexibility that Switch lenses and frames provide. Triathletes, adventure racers and ultra-runners will particularly appreciate the fact that they can compete while carrying just a single pair of glasses for all light conditions.

Prices for frames and lenses vary depending on style. The Avalanche frames I test run $169 with two pairs of lenses. Additional lenses start at $40.

The second edition of the USA Pro Cycling Challenge will get underway today in Durango, Colorado where some of the top rider in the world will embark on what is becoming America's premiere cycling event. The race will last all week long, culminating with an individual time trial on the streets of Denver next Sunday.

After just one year, the race has already earned itself a reputation for being amongst the tougher short events on the cycling circuit. Riding in Colorado will always present challenges of course, particularly with the higher altitudes – much of the race takes place above 10,000 feet (3048 meters) – and loads of climbing. This year's course is 683 miles in length and features more than 50,000 feet of vertical gain.

The peloton features plenty of big names once again this year. 2011 Tour de France winner Cadel Evans returns once again, as does defending champ Levi Leipheimer. Evan's teammate Tejay Van Garderen, who is coming off a strong showing at last month's Tour, will also be riding, as will Vincenzo Ibali, George Hincapie, Taylor Phinney and a host of others.

Today's opening stage runs from Durango to Telluride and covers some 126 miles. The Riders will face a tough climb above 10,000 feet on Lizard Head Pass before making a screaming descent toward the finish line down the other side.

Look for regular update on the race throughout the week. It looks like it should be another great week for cycling in the U.S.

Cyclists, adventure racer and regular reader of this blog Chuck Vohsen has undertaken an interesting project that will most certainly capture the imagination of other readers as well. He has started building his own "Gravel Bike" that is specifically designed to be ridden on unpaved roads. Chuck hates pavement. Trust me! He has also been documenting his progress through his blog with three detailed "how-to" posts already online. Those posts are very informative and will be of interest to others who would be interested in building a similar bike of their own.

Alberto Contador, one of the biggest names in cycling, returned to the sport yesterday after serving a six month suspension for failing a drug test. The 29-year old Spanish rider is taking part in the Enoco Tour on Team Saxo Bank-Tinkoff Bank and had a relatively uneventful day in the race's opening stage. It was his first active competition since February.

Contador, who is a previous winner of all of cycling's grand tours, including the Tour de France, Vuelta Espana, and the Giro d'Italia, tested positive for trace amounts of of clenbuterol while riding in the 2010 TdF. The substance, which is used to improve the body's ability to take in oxygen, is on the list of banned substances. Contador has always maintained that he ingested the clenbuterol through tainted beef, but the International Cycling Union didn't buy that excuse and instituted a two-year band back dated to the failed test. Following his appeals process, the ban didn't actually begin until March of this year, although Alberto was forced to relinquish his 2010 Tour victory and all victories following that point.

The Enoco Tour is simply a way for Contador to get his legs back under him and return to the flow of the peloton. He was able to avoid several nasty crashes yesterday and navigate the flat stage without any problems. The Spaniard says he'll continue to work on his form and tune-up for his return to the big races, which will start with the Vuelta, a three week long classic that gets underway on August 18th.

Love him or hate him, it's good to see Contador back on the circuit. Sure he's cocky and arrogant but he's also a great rider who isn't afraid to attack. It would have been interesting to have had him in the Tour de France this year as he may have been able to give Wiggins a run for his money. We'll never know for sure, but his inclusion in the Peloton next season will certainly be welcome.

Now that the 2012 Tour de France is over are you going through cycling withdrawal? Do you want to relive some of the best moments from this year's race? Than this video is for you. It's a short 3 minute clip that pretty well wraps up the highlights of the event including the race for the White Jersey, tacks on the road and the emergence of young riders in the race.