Bike Pure recruits more, heading to 'cross worlds

By Shane Stokes

The Bikepure.org anti-doping movement is travelling to the cyclo-cross worlds in Hoogerheide next weekend to begin its campaign for the 2009 season. The primary goal is to speak to some of the competing riders and try to add more names to its list of those pushing for a cleaner sport. The not-for-profit movement was started last year in order to promote the drug-free message in cycling.

Recent additions include Olivier Kaisen (Silence-Lotto), Burry Stander (Specialized) and GB talent Lizzie Armitstead (100%ME), while those who have already joined include world MTB champion Christoph Sauser (Specialized), Baden Cooke (Vancansoleil), Dan Martin (Garmin-Slipstream), Nicolas Roche (AG2R La Mondiale), Willow Koerber (Subaru-Gary Fisher), Rebecca Rusch (Specialized MTB), Bert Roesems (Cinelli-OPD), Dan Fleeman and Dan Lloyd (both Team Cervélo),

"It's building very quickly," said Andy Layhe of Bike Pure. "It's a subject myself and Myles [McCorry] are very passionate about. We've had enough of the cheating and deceit making the headlines and wish to promote the clean riders and rebuild the trust with the fan base.

"The Konica-Minolta team in South Africa will carry the Bike Pure logo on their jerseys for 2009, which is excellent," he continued. "Each and every one of their team has signed the honour code. Jelly Belly has also joined and will ride the Tour of California soon. We're hoping that Dan Fleeman and Dan Lloyd will also compete there as part of the Cervélo squad."

Layhe said that he welcomes more teams, riders and the public to join the campaign, which can be done via the Bikepure.org website. "We wish to become an umbrella group for everyone in cyclesport, riders, teams and the cycle trade to protect the sports image and future."

Donations can also be given there, with all contributing receiving a blue Bike Pure-marked headset spacer and wristband. "These symbols will be the mark of a real rider and true performance," he said.

"We are looking for affiliates to help support our fight against doping. Hopefully Bike Pure will build to become synonymous with anti-doping efforts and cleaner cycling. We don't claim to be a complete solution to cycling's doping problem, but wish to give a voice to the clean riders that have up to now been drowned out by the dopers. Fans worldwide need cycling heroes they can believe in for our sport to survive."

Sauser is one of those who feel the same way. "To me it is very important to bring the Bike Pure message to the youngsters, to tell them that it is absolutely possible to win any mountain bike race clean and pure," he stated.

For more information go to www.bikepure.org.