The Keisse saga continues

Iljo Keisse won the six days of Gent and put in a good showing in Zuerich. But when he went to Manchester to compete, he was sent home, apparently by UCI. That happened even though the Belgian courts had imposed a EUR100,000 fine to anyone who would step in Iljo's way.

Clearly someone does not mind paying 100,000 euros to get Keisse. Someone is out to get Iljo come hell or high water. Someone does not just want him out of the sport they want to wreck his career, maybe even burn him at the stake to save his soul?

If this does not smell like cruel and unusual punishment or vengeful behavior to you then I don't know what will. It is clear that this is no longer about sport or fair competition. This is punishing people for transgressing holy laws. Stoning for adultery? Does that sound excessive to you? Maybe you should think again.

This is taboo in the Old Hawaiian sense, but this time with no place of refuge.

Anyone who thinks this is acceptable behavior should ask themselves a simple question. Is there any other form of cheating that would result in this type of prosecution? And then bear in mind that Iljo did not show any evidence of forbidden fruits. Only masking agents were found in his sample. But hey, it's the thought that counts right?