Controversy Rages on Eve of Marin-Roubaix

While perhaps the casual fan would have expected the mid-series classic Marin-Roubaix to be held in slightly lower esteem and therefore garner less attention from the riders participating, long time followers of the series and the monument Ronde von SanRaflaanderran are sagely nodding their collective heads this day as a maelstrom of prodigious proportions descended upon the race scarcely 24 hours before the first pedal has been turned in anger.  

Overnight accusations have been leveled at series leader and winner of the GP Ken Hushvod, Jonas Lodewick by local folk hero Ken Hushvod regarding an alleged missed, out of competition drug test.  While PHRO has issued a press release confirming that a test was missed, no statement has been made by the governing body regarding possible sanctions that may or may not be assessed to Lodewick.

This lack of timely and decisive action has further enraged many supporters of Hushvod, with many calling for Lodewick to be scratched for the start of the Marin-Roubaix.  Some are even going a step further, alleging that Lodewick's sometime cozy relationship with PHRO Chairman, Joos Litvalk is the sole reason that no punishment has been issued.  Litvalk, though not speaking in an official capacity, supports Lodewick's claim that while, indeed he missed the test, that the results would not have revealed lower than required BAC levels.

"I can vouch unequivocally for Jonas' adherence to the THC/BAC policy," stated Litvalk when pressed.  "He consumes more than his share of scotch, favoring in particular single barrel, single malts from the Scottish Highlands.  Just because his isn't out flaunting his public visage like Hushvod doesn't mean he isn't keeping up.  Not everyone enjoys attending origami festivals."

The Italian, Dario Federiccio meanwhile is also supporting Hushvod's claims.  While certainly calmer than when he first learned of the charges, seemingly gone was Federiccio's trademark Zen-like calm when he was further questioned by reporters later in the day.  "All I want to know is the results of an actual test.  I do not like convicting anyone without proof, but a missed test is a missed test.  If you have nothing to hid, why would you skip it?"  Federiccio went on to say, "This will truly be a litmus test for Lodewick.  If he races clean in Whole Athlete blue on Tuesday, then we will know that is was all a misunderstanding.  However, if he shows up on the start line in that red and black s**t again it's over!"

Lodewick was unreachable so far with his whereabouts unknown.  This situation is not without precedence however as Lodewick feels that it is a necessity for him to be unreachable to cut down on, what he believes, would be a horde of autograph seekers and nubile young groupies.  

As we went to press however, there was an unconfirmed report that Lodewick was sighted at a party on Sunday at Jimmy Robinski's 

palatial mansion in the San Rafael hills.  Witnesses at the party have stated that they saw Lodewick consume at least 3 beers in addition to several bratwurst.  Robinski, shown here in his traditional state of drunken torpor, was unavailable for comment as his vow of abstinence until he achieves victory in Marin-Roubaix has resulted in a non-stop party binge.  

This sighting would seem to invalidate Hushvod's claims but we will have the details of this breaking story as they become available.