Well, the break is over. Your waiting has come to an end. We apologise for the considerable delay. We have had several technical issues on our part. Well, your questions have been answered, now it is our turn to take the stage. We haven't just brought you here to tell you how pleased we are. No, there is another reason we brought you all here tonight
I tensed in anticipation. I already knew what it was of course, but that didn't detract from the current feeling. I was desperate to see everyone's reactions. I was also excited for my readers (if any), the audience, and all of Indonesia.
The door cracked open. 5 police officers stormed into the room. Some of them were armed. "Mr Hobbit, you are under arrest." Uh oh...
@Shonak: I think I had other things on my mind at the time
Do not read this spoiler because it actually is a massive spoiler. I sort of feel I should tell you guys, but some people might not want to know, so don't post here.
Mind you, it's a bit of a Pandora's box situation. Feel free to PM me.
Spoiler
This story is coming to an end. I have accidently ruined the .cdb I was editing another career, massive overhaul, transfers, teams, etc. I uhh... Accidently edited this one instead. So I will continue to end this installment of Walter's story, but it will return. Sorry
Today influential Indonesian businessman and cycling enthusiast Mr Hobbit has been arrested. Originally the police were unwilling to answer questions. However we came to understand that the crimes committed are part of his cycling team, Astra International. Recently spokespeople have been more open with us and we have understood more.
Mr Hobbit faces many charges, and will go on trial tomorrow. It is alleged that he has a strong legal team, but all details on his part are strictly private. His charges include:: Bribery, Corruption, Blackmail and Manipulation. All are related to his team and not his business empire.
It seems that all of his amazing successes, such as the Tour of Indonesia and an Indonesian Cycling Federation, could all be made void. It is unclear what this could mean for the few remaining Indonesian cyclists, or in fact the entire nation. We will have to wait and see.
Since the arrest of Mr Hobbit, all of Indonesian Cycling has come under intense scrutiny. It is thought that Mr Hobbit lied and bribed his way to the top, and has used similar measure while he was there. As such the UCI has had aid in its investigations, which now encompass all of the countries activities in the sport.
The Tour of Indonesia has been scrapped. After the arrest of its chief founder, the organisers and UCI made a mutual decision to end it on a permanent basis. Plans of an Indonesian WC team have also been scrapped by the UCI
The major talking point of this inquisition has been Astra International Cycling Team. The Indonesian outfit have had their licence revoked. As such the team will take part in no more races, and, to all intents and purposes, no longer exists. The foreign riders have been given a special pass to find a new team before June. However, all the Indonesian riders are now included under the investigation and are suspended at least till next year.
This decision has split the opinions of everyone even remotely involved. Many people regard it as an outrage, others as a necessary precaution. No riders have commented so far, but we expect to hear their opinions shortly. It remains to be seen if this was the right decision, but until then, we'll keep you posted.
@Sutty: Yeah, cycling hasn't been too kind to Walter, or any of the guys.
@Ollfardh and Luis Leon Sanchez: They still have a chance (be it a slim one) to find a new team and live on, so don't count them out yet.
