NationStates Jolt Archive

Doping scandal...
http://www.breitbart.com/article.php?id=070726105639.nxvtnti0&show_article=1

The Tour de France was to begin its 17th stage Thursday without the famed yellow jersey of the race leader after he was ejected on suspicion of doping, as many questioned how the world's biggest cycling race and indeed the sport could recover.

Denmark's Michael Rasmussen, the winner of two stages who had been wearing the yellow jersey for over a week, became the latest victim of the race's ongoing search for transparency when he was kicked out by his Dutch team Rabobank late on Wednesday.

Race organisers declared themselves delighted that Rasmussen was no longer in the race and said that the fight against drugs cheats would continue.

One rider after another, one team after another.

Are they all cheating now? WTF?

Maybe they should just legalize the drugs, and then the playing field will be level.

Or do you think that the race is now so compromised (we have no idea how many are still doping, and still in the race) that it should just end now?

I'm beginning to think now, that you can win, and the tests during the race won't catch you (until after you win, like Landis). For those who think doping is bad, this makes the race essentially a farce.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to have a restriction on doping and would like to see it continue. A game of drug yourself till you almost die is not something that any sport needs sanctioned.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to have a restriction on doping and would like to see it continue. A game of drug yourself till you almost die is not something that any sport needs sanctioned.

Looks to me like they all are probably doping. Apparently, in 1998, the riders didn't want the drug tests (they were all definitely doping then). Although the article claims that riders now protest against cheats, I feel they doth protest too much...

They've been doping all along. It's just getting easier to catch them. *nod*

This is old news and has been going on for awhile. And no. Not all racers are on drugs.

I wonder if there will be anyone left to make it to Paris the way things are developing.

I read the book "Game of Shadows," the book from the two SF Chronicle writers about BALCO, Bonds, and steroids. While a large portion was of course devoted to the Giants' slugger, even more was probably devoted to how steroids had infiltrated the highest level of track & field competition. The authorities really were many steps behind the dopers, its nice to see that they're at least getting a little farther, as evidenced by the news from the Tour. If you don't think steroids are everywhere in professional athletics, though, you're naieve.

For those who think doping is bad, this makes the race essentially a farce.

I think it makes the entire sport a farce. Looks at Landis as you said, or Barry Bonds in baseball, Ben Johnson in Athletics.

What rolemodels for our young sporting stars of the future.

I say the same thing after the news announces the start of the Tour de France as I do after it announces the Olympics - "....and may the best Chemist win."

I think it makes the entire sport a farce. Looks at Landis as you said, or Barry Bonds in baseball, Ben Johnson in Athletics.

What rolemodels for our young sporting stars of the future.


It does taint everything. Bonds is about to reach a milestone and unfortunately,he'll be remebered for it as much as Hank Aaron.

Its disgraceful.

I have absolutely no sympathy with any of the riders who doped themselves, or missed drug testings.

Eejits to a man.

Hopefully the race will continue with honest riders.

Doping has always been a part of the race...

sad but true.

Doping has always been a part of the race...

sad but true.
And now, thankfully, those cheats are being brought to book.

They've been doping all along. It's just getting easier to catch them. *nod*

Give it time--the dopers will be back out front before too long. Not that I have a problem with it. I figure that if enough people are doing it, the field is as even as it was when no one was doing it (which was likely never).

or missed drug testings..Michael Rasmussen wasn't kicked for that though, he was kicked because he went against team policy. He lied about his whereabouts during his training, and Rabobank kicked him for that reason. The thing I can't fathom is why they let him race in the first place when he has avoided 4 random doping tests. Up until now I thought you had to take the test or you were out....

Give it time--the dopers will be back out front before too long. Not that I have a problem with it. I figure that if enough people are doing it, the field is as even as it was when no one was doing it (which was likely never).Can't disagree with that.