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Did Lance Cheat
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Whenever Lance Armstrong is mentioned in a conversation the elephant in the room is always performance enhancing drugs. He could be on OLN, or the Jay Leno Show, or on CNN, but I always have this feeling that people are wondering if he was clean when he won the tour a record 7 times.

I’m not sure it really matters. Does it matter to you? It is all just so much water under the bridge now that he has retired. Sure there are lots of people out there who want to knock him of his thrown by proving that he cheated. And I must admit that there is a certain part of me that wants to know the truth. But at the end of the day I really loved watching Lance kick some European Cycling ass…and I’m European.

I suppose that if you really pressed me on the Lance question, I’d say that in my opinion Lance probably did cheat and he used some sort of performance enhancing drugs. Why? I have four reasons. None of my reasons are scientific, and most are from my gut, so take them with a grain of salt.

Reason # 1
I believe that the sport of professional biking is one of the dirtiest (when it comes to performance enhancing drugs) sports in the world. I have this feeling that we are only seeing the tip of the iceberg. The news is filled with this pro cyclist and that pro getting busted for doping or using some sort of banned substance. Funny thing is they all say the same thing when they are caught with their hand in the steroid jar, “It wasn’t my fault, I must have somehow eaten a tainted food supplement or somehow gotten a bad blood transfusion.”

So it was very refreshing to see the 2004 women’s Ironman winner Nina “the Machina” Kraft say, “Yup…you got me. I sure did use EPO. I screwed up” after she tested positive for EPO.

Reason # 2
I have little or no confidence in the ability of the sanctioning body to police the sport. I recall a surprise police raid on a hotel a few years ago hosing one of the elite cycling teams during one of the big European races. It quickly turned into a sort of Marx Brothers movie with mysterious bags of pills and syringes being thrown out windows and flushed down toilets. This does not speak well for the sanctioning body’s ability to police the problem.

The entire Balco drug scandal that changed the face of American baseball and track and field is a case and point. The only reason we even know about the designer steroid used by many of the top athletes implicated in the scandal is that a used syringe (full of the steroid) was anonymously sent to a testing lab. Until that syringe arrived in the mail, none of the watchdogs even knew that the designer steroid existed. Once again, this speaks volumes about the sanctioning body’s ability to police the sport.

This also brings up an interesting problem. Lance has passed every drug given to him, but how do they test for a drug they don't even know exists? We can only take Lance at his word.

Reason #3
Did you know that statistically the incident of testicular cancer in the general young male population is extremely low? Yet the incident of testicular cancer in professional young male athletes is extremely high…at least when compared to the general population of young men. Have you ever wondered why this is? Could it have to do with testosterone use or overuse? I’m certainly not a doctor but somebody should look into this smoking gun.

Reason #4
Very successful people tend to be very driven to succeed…no matter what the cost. Just image that you have spent your entire life pursuing one goal. You have worked for this chance to grab the victory, the fame, the money and the success, not to mention the admiration of millions. You find out that the playing field is not all that level. So as you see it, you really only have two choices. You can play by the official rules and most likely lose, or you can play by the rules that everybody else is using and win. Which do you choose? I suspect that most of us would choose winning over losing, riches over rags, and fame over the life of the domestique.

And that’s why I don’t think that it really matters what Lance did or did not do. The fact is that he won 7 times in one of the hardest sporting events on the earth. I believe that he won by playing by the unofficial rules of the game. Are these the rules that everyone uses, I certainly hope so because a large part of me likes to see Lance kick some serious European Cycling ass.

At the same time, it could be that I have been blinded by Lance’s great accomplishments over years. I feel like I owe him so much for the long hours of great OLN entertainment he provided. It was magnificent watching a small-town-boy from Texas conquer the Alps and stamp his authority on the tour year after year.

I loved seeing him dance on his bike as he climbed, while leaving all the others in his dust. It was so terrific to see him crash, get back on his bike, and still win the tour. I had shivers running down my spine when this kid brought up by a struggling single mom took the old school mountain bike way through the field, on that harrowing descent, where others crashed. I had tears in my eyes as he drank the champagne on the last day, of his last tour.

These are some of the greatest sports memories of my generation. So does it really matter if he really cheated? I want to believe that it does not matter…that everything is now just so much water under the bridge. But I can’t help but feeling that the elephant in the room will just not go away.

Read More on my website at www.everymantri.com

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
Last edited by: Iron Dumpling: Jan 19, 06 8:44
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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He is sinless.

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Wolfwood] [ In reply to ]
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THANK YOU!
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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So it was very refreshing to see the 2004 women’s Ironman winner Nina “the Machina” Kraft say, “Yup…you got me. I sure did use EPO. I screwed up” after she tested positive for EPO.

Not sure how refreshing that is. I would say it is more refreshing to find out that they don't cheat at all. Not that when they get caught they admit. There is nothing admirable about cheating and does not deserve a positive spin at all.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Wolfwood] [ In reply to ]
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Class!
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Wolfwood] [ In reply to ]
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Wolfwood, I get the "Don't beat a dead horse" image but why is the dude doing the beating wearing headphones?

BTW: I completely disagree with you. This won't die so you better photo shop some more images. Just take a look at Pete Rose.

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
I suppose that if you really pressed me on the Lance question,
Nobody pressed you; you posted this tired retread without any provocation. Stop shilling your site. This is worse than the frigging rules you made up a couple weeks ago.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [one_lap] [ In reply to ]
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You mean like the time you were shilling Doug Sterns swim clinic:

http://forum.slowtwitch.com/...earch_string;#655300

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
Last edited by: Iron Dumpling: Jan 19, 06 9:54
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Children! Lance is retired and the swim clinic is over. Why don't we focus on his woman's shitty ass music? Have you heard he cover of Sweet Child Of Mine?

customerjon @gmail.com is where information happens.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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[reply]You mean like the time you were shilling Doug Sterns swim clinic:

[url "http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=655300;sea
rch_string=search_string;#655300"]http://forum.slowtwitch.com/gforum.cgi?post=655300;search_string=search_string;#655300[/url][/reply]

That looked to me like more of review of the clinic and then he recommended the clinic. First hand experience is quite welcome in my book.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Everyone on Slowtwitch thinks Lance is a cheater.

__________________________________________________

You sir, are my new hero! - Trifan 11/13/2008

Casey, you are a wise man - blueraider_mike 11/13/2008

Casey, This is an astute observation. - Slowbern 11/17/2008
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Mr. Tibbs] [ In reply to ]
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I'm with you on this one Tibbs,

I almost saw more of Cheryl on the last tour on OLN than Lance. She has way overstayed her 15 minutes. ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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My favorite question is if cycling is considered a"dirty" professional sport? Is it worse or better than say MLB, NFL, Pro Football(soccer), Basketball?. At least cycling is doing a little better testing than the American Major sports, their crime and punishment is pretty sorry. Do they even test Golf, Tennis, or Bowling?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
Wolfwood, I get the "Don't beat a dead horse" image but why is the dude doing the beating wearing headphones?
Exactly. Can't we debate the biking (or beating dead horses) while wearing headphones and without helmet some more! LOL!



----------
"...it should be swim, bike, run, cage fight." - el fuser
"I noticed that I am in your sig line! Wow! That's s first for me. Thanks." - Fleck
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Someone needs to find you a flame suit

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What if the Hokey Pokey is what it is all about?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Record10Carbon] [ In reply to ]
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Someone needs to find you a flame suit



Do the fat guy sizes cost more? If so that can be the subject of his next story.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [beatnic_tx] [ In reply to ]
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[reply]Someone needs to find you a flame suit



Do the fat guy sizes cost more? If so that can be the subject of his next story.[/reply]

OUCH!!
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
Wolfwood, I get the "Don't beat a dead horse" image but why is the dude doing the beating wearing headphones?

BTW: I completely disagree with you. This won't die so you better photo shop some more images. Just take a look at Pete Rose.
She is clearly listening to the rap song that is rising in the charts "Beat That Horse You F%cken Ugly Bastard". I am surprised you could not figure that one out - come on, get with the times!

________________
Adrian in Vancouver
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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We finally get an endurance athlete to the forefront of the sporting world and everyone thinks he is cheating. Why? Can't an American be the best cyclist in the world or must he be some wafy person from some European country?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]
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Tom, great points.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [u2] [ In reply to ]
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Tom, that was really great. Thanks for sharing!

ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Tom Demerly] [ In reply to ]
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Well said, the effect on me, my family and my training is none.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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In Reply To:
You mean like the time you were shilling Doug Sterns swim clinic:
No, nothing at all like that. Offering up a review on a product that I purchased, especially one that's mostly critical, is hardly a shill. I suggest www.m-w.com, a wonderful resource! Feel free to keep internet stalking me, see what else I've had to say.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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Could you PROVE you have never taken PEDs?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [jhendric] [ In reply to ]
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J, sure you could prove you're clean. They do it in bodybuilding. There are now two divisions

1) The Mr. Universe types who wink at the rules (Kinda like many US pro sports)

2) The Natural Bodybuilder (These guys look like the old Tarzan did when competing) They voluntarily sign on to a very strict code of ethics that states openly what drugs and substances are prohibited. They are all tested before every competition as well as randomly. If they test positive there is no slap on the wrist (like many pro sports) but a one way ticket out of the sport.

If Lance wanted, he could get out in front of the issue just like this, by pushing for strict set of rules instead of just going along with the current rules (which I don't believe work) I spoke with Frank Shorter recently:
http://www.everymantri.com/...ast_radio/index.html


and that's what he's been pushing for in the track and field world.

So Yes, I think that Lance can and could have taken a big step toward proving he was clean.

ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
Last edited by: Iron Dumpling: Jan 19, 06 12:57
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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So you're saying that you can prove NOW in the year 2006 that you NEVER used PEDs in the 1990's or beyond?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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I believe Lance has worked for improved drug testing...fyi.

Also, your argument is weakened every time you refer us to your website...



Portside Athletics Blog
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [SwBkRn44] [ In reply to ]
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Sw, Sorry about the link to my web site but I could not figure out how to put the code to the Shorter interview into this post. I know it comes across as self serving. But as you may know Frank Shorter has worked long and hard to try to clean up track and field. One of the points he makes is that clean athletes have just as much to lose. If you recall, he lost out on a second Olympic Gold medal to an unknown East German runner. And yes, I have read Lances books and heard countless interviews with him, but I have not heard him seriously call for tougher standards. If I'm wrong, I aplogize. ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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You're missing my point. Regardless of what Lance or anybody else does - pushed new rules, signs a code of ethics, whatever - it's impossible to PROVE that you are clean. We must always accept the INABILITY to DISPROVE that someone is dirty as the closest thing.

Do you not think there's a very exact list of substances that are prohibited in cycling? Do you not think that most, if not all, riders sign a code of conduct/ethics as part of their acceptance of an offer to ride for a given professional team? Do you not think that Lance has pushed for tighter controls, more testing, and provided funding for such?

Funny how your criteria is good enough for everyone else, but not for Lance.

And by the way, you didn't answer my question. Could you PROVE that you've never taken PEDs?

The answer is no, you can't. Just like nobody else can, either.
Last edited by: jhendric: Jan 19, 06 13:57
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [jhendric] [ In reply to ]
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J, I'm not sure what your question means.

Can you prove you've never taken aspirin?

Can you prove you've never smoked pot?

Can you prove you've never had a drink?

I could go on and on but your question doesn't prove or disprove anything.

ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [Iron Dumpling] [ In reply to ]
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No, you're understanding my question perfectly. My question wasn't meant to prove or disprove anything, only to demonstrate that it's impossible to prove that one has never taken PEDs, which, it seems, is precisely what we want from our athletes since we disregard any evidence of their cleanliness as suspect.

Does that mean that there aren't dirty athletes that have yet to be caught? Of course not. But I think that the benefit of the doubt should be given to those whom have never failed a properly conducted drug test.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [u2] [ In reply to ]
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You know, it is just possible that though he is a 'cheater', he's still the best.

What if all those 'wafy Europeans' (??) are cheating, too. Does that diminish his accomplishment?

I think he is the best cyclist in the world, one of the best ever. But for a long, long time cycling has been plagued by drug scandals. Just because someone you admire has got to the top of that tree does not somehow make the tree clean, if you get my drift.

Wanting something to be true, and it actually being true, are two different things.


kiwipat

per ardua ad astra
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [jhendric] [ In reply to ]
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J, Good Point and BTW nice web site.

ID

Roman "Iron Dumpling" Mica
http://www.everymantriathlon.com
If Not Now, When?
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [jhendric] [ In reply to ]
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Can you not perform tests that will prove/disprove substance use/abuse spanning a person's lifetime? I thought there were tests available that utilized a hair follicle sample that would detect marijuana use at any time in that person's life. Seems to me that same technology could be applied for the many PEDs that exist today.

I am not offering this as a position in the Lance did/did not cheat. With each report/article/expose/thread I lose more and more interest in whether or not he did. Just offering my $.02 on the ability to detect a particular substances' usage over a lifetime - I think it can be done.



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Formally azclydesdale, back in Northeast Ohio.
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Re: Did Lance Cheat [azclydesdale] [ In reply to ]
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As with urine tests, there are ways to fool hari follicle tests. Shaving is one way. It doesn't matter how many tests Lance or anybody else passes. If the public wants to believe they're dirty, they will allow no evidence to the contrary to change their minds.
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