in a round about way I see Lance complaining as helping him a bit. The authorities that have stripped him from his titles and banning him from racing do so such that the individual is punished. So when he complains, he is admitting the punishment is working. So Lance is getting punished there is no doubt in my mind.

Another analogy I can think of why he should be banned for quite a few years is as follows. I have heard some people are put in prison not only to protect society but also to protect the criminal who some in society want to have a crack at. Now that the full story is coming out, I really think it will be in Lances best interests to withdraw from endurance for a number of years, because if he doesn't I predict he will get hounded in a more negative way than he is used to. If I was a current pro I wouldn't want to line up against him chasing the same prizes/rewards.

It appears he has profited more than any of his cycling teammates during a prolonged time of drug cheating, so that is one indicator he is a kingpin. Generally speaking if things are really bad the leader eventually has to 'fall on their sword'. I just hope that the worst offending administrators also get punished.

G.

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