Fast TDF

Triathlon Forum
1

This was one of the fastet TDFs in history, so what gives?

Is EPO over rated, I am assuming they checked heavily on doping, and assuming there is not a undetectable wonder drug out there.

Cyclists that were kicked tout of the tour aseveral years ago were present this year and tested clean.

Unlike years past the field started racing immediately after the real start and there was no letting up untill the end.

So either Epo or doping is over rated, or there is a new unknown wonder drug out there, or personally I beleive that the teams and cyclysts are mastering rest, recovery and periodization (look at team Rabo Bank after they lost Levy and ?? all they had left were crit runners and those who are vyng for the world cup and did poorly)

Any thoughts?

Henk (= just wondering and thinking out loud)

2

How does the total elevation gain compare to other years?

3

There was no lollygagging this year. Also neither dillying nor dallying.

4

I didn’t personally see this, but heard that CNN reported that a rider from the Tour had tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug.

He asked that his name not be released until a second test was completed, so no name was given.

Any thoughts or information on this out there?

5

from www.cyclingnews.com News Flash for July 27, 2003

Edited by Jeff Jones EPO positive in Tour

Tour de France director Jean-Marie Leblanc has indicated that a rider has tested positive for EPO in the Centenary Tour de France. Leblanc made the announcement on Saturday evening, but did not disclose the name of the rider, his team, or whether he was still in the race. A full announcement will follow the completion of the final stage. It would be the only positive drug case so far in this Tour.

According to Cyclingnews sources in Italy, the rider has already left the Tour de France. He’s an Italian rider, is not a “big name” and is not a stage winner.

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