So why do you watch? I really don't get the crowd that follows every development in doping news, then whines that they can't enjoy their sport because of all the dopers. If I did that, I'd simply stop training, competing, reading books on the sport, etc. I know plenty of people who bike, swim, and/or run pretty much every day and don't follow the top end of the sports at all. They couldn't tell you who failed a drug test or who won last year's Kona Ironman, or who won triathlon or cycling medals at the Rio Olympics. For that matter, I know a fair number of people who race seriously who don't read the magazines past the race calendar, or check the websites daily for news headlines. So it can be done. And, from my limited observation, they're a lot happier with endurance sports than the serious types who follow every news of every drug test.

I really don't get it. I don't condone doping, but I don't define athletes I've never met by whether or not they failed a drug test. I would assume there are quite a few "dopers" out there who are otherwise good people. I'm fairly sure I've had a few friends and training partners who at least thought about getting on something and maybe did it, but.... I dunno. I never asked, and generally don't look at people trying to spot signs. If they are on something, they didn't ask my opinion on it and it doesn't affect me or our relationships, so it really isn't any of my business.

I enjoy endurance sports. The TdF is probably my favorite sporting event (followed by Super Bowl, NCAA basketball tournament, and Boston Marathon). I read a lot, mostly biographies of endurance athletes. I collect race footage. I've met and/or interviewed a fair number of athletes. I love watching races and reading books. I really enjoy being at races big enough to have a pro field. I honestly don't remember if I've ever watched a race and thought to myself "Eh. Can't root for that guy. He may be on something." Actually, since I'm not naive, I assume at least a few of my favorite endurance pros were on something at some point. Shrug.

I'm just completely mystified by the multiple topics and hand-wringing over who is doing PED's and who isn't - particularly in the age-group ranks. I feel like a lot of people need to go lay in the grass, forget about triathlon for awhile, and watch for clouds shaped like fluffy bunnies.

Seriously, what does all of this hand-wringing get anyone? I'm not trolling. I genuinely would like for someone to explain to me what "amateur policing" does for them or the sport.

(For the record, I did read this thread. Not sure why. I generally skim over most drug talk. I didn't clink the link, so I dunno what family of dopers we're talking about.)