Yes, I got suckered back into watching the TdF this year, even though I figured it was pretty likely to have another meltdown. Least credible: le Tour or Alberto Gonzalez? It's a toss-up.
Vino getting kicked out for doping .. that's just pathetic. I really wanted to root for his incredible roller-coaster comeback. Now his great rides are completely nullified.
But Rasmussen getting fired for missing a few drug tests (and lying about it). Come on! The guy has tested clean all tour .. at least let him finish the race instead of pulling him out immediately after his victory at the Col-d'old-beast.
Cycling is the most tested sport, more people are being caught, and if they lie about there whereabouts to get out of being tested out of competition (as it is believed The Chicken did) one can only assume they're trying to cheat the system. In 1998 riders were protesting against the introduction of drugs testing. 2007 they're protesting against the cheats. We're seeing a purge, not a meltdown.
Andrew,
That is true.. the pessimist in me thinks the sport is in a downward spiral while the optimist wants to believe that this is a "good thing" and that, as they continue to crack down, the sport will be rid of the cheaters. One can hope.
1Re: La Mort du Tour
Matt Perry, 2007-07-26T16:46:23Z