Ah geez....here we go again (Tour thread)

[Eden]

Now I've heard apparently all 3 people who've tested positive were caught for the new form of EPO (rEPO). The fact that there was a test for it was kept rather mum, so they probably all expected to get away with it.

[tygab]

good for them (the testers) - it's nice to see the sides are more even. I agree w/others that the team pulled out to keep other riders out of the fray somehow.

But that is what this is about isn't it? Something that's embedded itself so deeply at the team level is going to take time to eliminate as part of cycling accepted practices. That's why I've felt TGC was so out ahead on this one, that they went the other way to be transparent and non-secretive, not only about their anti-doping practices but about the actual performance of the riders and care practices they DO use. It's been very cool to not only get the updates via Twitter, though we often know the results before we sit down to watch the recorded coverage, but to also see the HR and garmin data from the stages.

I haven't read the whole thread so if it's mentioned earlier, sorry - but I think the "space legs" article from Dr. Lim was really interesting. How at first the team riders were like, ehhhh, whatever. And now they love using them...

[SouthernBelle]

I just read an interesting article by David Millar. Interesting views on doping (from one who admits to doing himself) and on ricco (who they all apparently dislike strongly).

http://www.slipstreamsports.com/2008...you-to-believe

[beccaB]

Maybe It's because I'm relatively new at this, but that was some amazing honesty in that article by David Millar

[Kalidurga]

That is a terrific blog by Millar. After what happened with Floyd I'm leery of referring to any of these guys as my "heroes", but VDV could change that. He, Millar, and all of the Chipotle team are just so refreshing. Go Argyle!

Somewhat jaded caveat, though: If I were ever to hear that any of the Chipotle guys had managed to cheat through all of that testing, that could be the one thing to make me go apocalyptic and give up on cycling...

[BikeMomma]

Good stage today, eh? Cavendish looks tired...

Ricco is apparently not so "suave." lol To call him a dumbass would be a compliment. Team Saunier D. pulling out is both disheartening and encouraging. Disheartening because on one hand it looks suspicious, i.e. pull out before the inevitable lightning struck twice, and encouraging because it appears that they may have considered how staying in might create turmoil and speculation throughout the rest of the Tour. Now they can all just get back to racing. Hopefully.

~BikeMomma

[KnottedYet]

Good stage today, eh? Cavendish looks tired...

I'm finding myself *wanting* my riders to look tired. If they are doing superhuman feats, I start to get suspicious. If they have a crappy day, or are tired and draggy after a huge effort, then I believe in them a little bit more.