So I arrive early for the group ride, first guy at our normal meeting place. I’m loading my bike out of the back of my mini-van and notice this older retired gentleman walking his dog towards me. I knod my head. He knods back and says, " I see they caught a few more of you guys".
I look at him with a blank look and he continues “over there in France. Busted another guy. Apperently he had a bunch of not his own blood in his system”.
I then get the jist. I’m standing there in my roadie cycling uniform with my bike and he thinks of me as being one of “those guys”.
In one sense I should be flattered as a middle aged poser out for my local group ride being associated with the TDF pros, but then I realize what a horrible reputation cycling is developing with the general public with the sh*t that is going on during the last few days.
too bad the average person thinks other pro sports are cleaner. they just have better unions which would have shit fit if they had their players tested as often as cyclists are tested. Much better unions.
…he continues “over there in France. Busted another guy. Apparently he had a bunch of not his own blood in his system”.
To which I would have retorted, “Yeah, he was CAUGHT. And yet, Barry Bonds is still swinging away…”
This scandal sucks. But I also think that it should fuel a complete re-vamp of WADA. For these high profile International events, there should be a “U.N.” Anti-Doping Team to oversee the event, ensure lab protocols, machine calibrations, and team compliance. The UCI alone should be allowed to make media announcements.
I bet these guys are clean. They’ve never been busted. In fact, though I haven’t followed the sport in over 8 years, I’ve NEVER heard of a bodybuilder get busted. They must all be clean.
Pro cycling is a world away, but racing against them is only a season away for me. I really hope that racing in the US is cleaner at the elite level than it is in Europe.
