Any guesses about how many idiots there really are? (Page 2)

I caught that also. I don't know if "hypocrit" is the right word, but it does reek of irony that of all the riders, a former admitted user would make such a comment.

Millar is one who has become soooo outspoken on any positive results given his paast...

I would rather see him saying something like... 'Ive been a young cyclist who has been in that situation and I understand some of the circumstances etc that will see you make a mistake."

I think if a 24 y.o makes that mistake it should be looked on as a chance to educate and reform... like you would a youth offender I guess

He will still be a phenomenal cyclist clean... that would not change

I would really like to see all cycling teams required to match the internal systems of CSC, Columbia and Garmin Chipotle...

What strikes me as most interesting is that unlike the previous two instances in the TDF the whole team immediately pulled out... in the context of this year (rather than last years event) Im not sure what signals it sends...

To be honest, I don't think that doping is more prevalent in cycling than in other sports.  The big difference I see, is that doping is cycling is caught and punished IMMEDIATELY instead of 6 months after the big game or play-offs or whatever.

Doping has been an issue in the Olympics, as well as professional sports for a long, long time.

Is it going to continue?  Yes.  As long as there are athletes who wants to win over every other consideration, and thinks they can get away with it - it's going to continue.

I actually think it's pretty cool that the TDF is so vocal against it, and throwing people out as soon as they find out.  Cheaters are stupid - they think they can pull it off and fool everyone - eventually they get caught. 

I do agree though, it's sad to be cheering someone on, and then the next day - poof. 

From this article http://tdf.sbs.com.au/tdf2008/news/article/a/1999/h/-Evans-takes-a-swipe-at- 

"Evans was quick to add his voice to a growing list which believes that Ricco's test is proof the battle to beat the cheats is slowly being won.

But the Aussie says it's now time for other sports, who may not be so stringent in their approach to anti-doping, to start following cycling's path.

"I'm happy the cheats are being caught, that our sport is really being cleaned up in a transparent way, which is a lot more than I can say for a lot of other professions in the world," said Evans.

"What frustrates me most is the way people focus on the negative issues surrounding the federations, the UCI (International Cycling Union) and (the Tour's parent company) ASO.

"They're trying to do the right thing and they're being criticised for it."

Evans added: "I think it's very unfair. Our sport is trying to do the right thing and we're being crucified.

"What are they supposed to do? Let it all turn into a free-for-all like some sports who don't have any testing at all? Are we going to be complimented for that?"

Ok two quotes in a row... but I like this one from Cavendish:

"I think in any aspect of life you're going to get people who think they are more clever than the system, whether it's cycling or any other sport or even in business," said Cavendish.

"I'm in this sport because it's one I love and feel passionate about. I put in a lot of hard work and want to get the best out of that hard work. I don't want to tarnish the sport that I love.

"Cycling's not just a job, it's a passion. Maybe the people who resort to doping don't have the passion that myself and a lot of other people have."

The question that I have is "Where do all these drugs come from?" I mean why are there 'new' drugs appearing? Are they used in medicine for ligitimate medical purposes or are they being developed specifically to aid athletes? If, in fact, it is the latter then there is a much bigger issue to resolve...

Viva Le Tour!

The short answer is yes they are used for legitimate medical purposes. EPO or erythropoietin is a hormone that induces the production or red blood cells in diseases like anemia and to combat fatigue in cancer treatments. I don't know if the newer drugs are being modified specifically for doping purposes but would it surprise you really. People take drugs everyday for a variety of reasons. When there is so much cash on the line the temptation to cheat must be enormous. Add to that the everyone in sports does it attitude that many have, can you really not see how these young men make such idiotic choices?

I thought itwas interesting about how on cycling news they are talking about the fact the type of EPO found is a drug that they were working WITH the drug company to create a test for detection before it was even released on the market (for legitamate purposes)

If they can get that relationship going with drug companies then you would have to be a chemist or have an inside source to get ahead of the testing... this is all positive

Ricco allegedly got caught using CERA which is a 3rd generation EPO developed by Swiss drug giant Roche.  No legitimate drug company is going to spend millions of dollars, or risk their reputations to develop new drugs just to help pro cyclists, or other athletes, cheat.  These are legitimate drugs, that in EOP's case are very beneficial in the treatment of cancer patients, including Lance Armstrong when he was sick.   Unfortunately some of their effects can also help to improve the performance of healthy athletes.

My issue is that there is still a supply chain out there getting this stuff in the hands of the guys who are getting caught.  There has to be somebody who is determing the dosages that they think will go undetected.  No disrespect to pro cyclists, but very few of them have medical or pharmacy degrees where they could figure this stuff out on their own.  It's not like Ricco walked into the corner CVS and picked up some CERA over the counter.

I think we are at the point where mere suspensions are not enough.  Maybe the threat of some time behind bars would help.

Mark

Actually because of the strict policies in France Ricco and Duenas are right now in custody in France and facing up to 5 years imprisonment with an almost 4000 Euro fine.

Not sure if this has been posted already but I thought this was really interesting esp the last line about how he would not even be allowed to start the tour.

http://www.cyclingnews.com/road/2008/tour08/?id=/features/2008/tour08_micera_st12