Chad, Barkley way out of line

Please, Mr. Chad, keep your obvious Franco-phobia out of your sports column. France had every right not to fall lockstep behind Bush’s “Crusade.”

Also, your complete lack of understanding of the athleticism involved in the most prestigious bicycle race in the world is pathetic. It is NOT the bicycle! And not just anybody can ride a bike skillfully! Most American bicycle riders (95 percent plus) do not. There is a great deal of correct technique, not to mention tactics, strategy and sound judgment at critical points! Not to mention experience! Charles Barkley’s comments also show a complete lack of understanding and appreciation of bicycle racing. It takes many years of intense training, focus, determination, effort and skill to rise to the level of Armstrong and his level may not be equaled by any other American (or other country’s riders) for many years.

I am a former amateur bicycle racer, although not even close to Armstrong’s skill and dominance of the sport. However, back to “anyone can ride a bike.” When I was an active racer for 7 years, I consistently outrode competitors possessing lower mastery of techniques/skills, tactics and strategy even when they were physically stronger and had higher-quality bikes. Only someone totally unqualified to write about bicycle racing could make the comments that Chad and Barkley did.

What is the real reason for your obvious contempt/hatred of Armstrong, Mr. Chad? The Japanese Samurai of the 15th-17th Centuries had a term: “the lower (man) bringing down (or attempting to do so) the higher (man).”

Kenneth J. Cryderman

Spokane Valley