The Mail Bag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.

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Is a DNA test too ‘CSI’ for cycling?
Editor:
If the claim is that Tyler doped with someone else's blood, seems like the lab could extract the DNA of the other person from the blood samples and prove it conclusively.

Then again, maybe I have seen too many episodes of “CSI” on TV.

Larry Upthegrove
Antioch, California

Maybe not, Larry. Read on … — Editor

Rules are rules, but enforcement and testing need rethinking
Editor:
It seems like everyone wants to discuss how rules need to be obeyed, and how to punish offenders when they disregard the rules. I hate to be a cynic, but doesn't anyone else see the ridiculousness in the way the rules are often policed?

In the case of Phil Zajicek, I understand why doping rules are in place, and that there must be limits on everyday drugs so that they aren't abused. However, the amount of "abuse" in this case is so negligible in the physiological-pharmacological interaction sense, it's as though Phil has received a ticket for doing 30.25mph in a 30mph zone. I know people will say the limit is the limit, but these are the same people that would cry like diaper-rashed babies if they got ticketed the instant their speedometer rose above 30mph. I also know people will say that he was let off easy, but I don't see being labeled as a doper and paying a fine as easy at all. Where's the common sense and wiggle room here?

Finally, Tyler; poor Tyler. I want nothing more than to find out he's innocent. However, I don't think it should be up to Tyler to pay to determine whether there are flaws in a test used by the UCI, IOC, and WADA.

As a Ph.D. student in molecular biology, I've read and understand Nelson, et. al.'s paper describing the flow cytometry methods being used in the test. I've discussed the paper with immunological faculty here at my university. While we see the inherent common sense in the testing method, and have been ineffective at proposing a definitive explanation for Tyler's proposed false-positive result, shouldn't the policing organizations be spending the time and money to confirm their test before they potentially ruin the careers and reputations of the very people they are supposed to be protecting?

A simple test of DNA from a random tissue sample should be able to clear up whether Tyler has the "foreign" antigen in his genetic make-up. Or, how about definitively proving that their "foreign" antigen marker has no cross-reactivity with other cell markers? There are a number of things they could do, and I'm sure Tyler's people are on it, but how much sense does it make for an indirect test to be used and considered flawless without a simple backup test in place for disputes?

I guess what I'm really asking here is, who polices the police?

Jeff Maycock
San Antonio, Texas

Kudos to Zajicek and UCI
Editor:
The article concerning Phil Zajicek and his recent unintentional positive for pseudoephedrine was enlightening because it is not every day that we see an athlete who is willing to be honest and upfront about testing positive for doping as well as reaffirming his stance against doping. I was very impressed with his maturity and his willingness to be forthcoming with what had occurred.

I was equally impressed with how the UCI handled the situation, since they could have handed down a severe ban for his doping positive but instead recognized the rule of proportionality. Kudos to everyone involved, and I look forward to following the rest of Phil Zajicek's rising career in Europe when that day comes. See you on the road, Phil!

Thomas Davis
Tucson, Arizona

Letter hints Tyler is fall guy for Lance
Editor:
It seems to me that Caitlin Hawke (see Wednesday’s mailbag: “How serious do we want to get?”) is inferring that since Tyler is "accused" of doping that he is guilty; a fall guy of sorts. Come on!

Yes, there are a lot of people who would love to find Lance guilty of doping. The authors of “LA Confidential,” the insurance company that is withholding his $5 million bonus, the Jan Ullrich fans who would love to feel their perpetual bridesmaid was only beaten by someone who doped rather than by a man who rides his bike on Christmas Day, in the rain, New Year's Day, and when everyone else is taking "time off."

Lance is the most tested athlete in sport, and he has never failed a test. Like he says, extraordinary accusations call for extraordinary proof. Lance works hard, and the world simply needs to accept the fact that work ethic still means something to many people and that you can win without cheating!

Todd Dunn
West Chester, Pennsylvania

Enough, already — let’s discipline teams, too
Editor:
I have had enough, talk about Tyler this and Tyler that, doping this and doping that. Cycling magazines have turned into Scientific American or the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Pro cycling treats its riders as the PGA does — as independent contractors that can be sanctioned or fired with no direct impact on sponsors or teams. It is easy for a pro cycling team to reap the benefits of a rider’s success while quickly disassociating itself from that same rider’s failures.

If the teams, sponsors and fans want this culture of doping to change, then any rider who is caught should have his or her team disciplined as well. Stiff team fines, and taking the lifeblood of pro sports — money — will solve the problem.

Steven J Wagner
Snoqualmie, Washington

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The Mail Bag is a regular feature on VeloNews.com. If you have a comment, an opinion or observation regarding anything you have seen in cycling, in VeloNews magazine or on VeloNews.com, write to WebLetters@InsideInc.com. Please include your full name and home town. Letters may be edited for length and clarity.