Originally posted by Bokkie
When Pantani won the tdf was he 'clean' at that time, or had he escaped detection? I'd like to remember him as the greatest hill climber, but I'd like to think he once achieved that because of talent alone.
I like Pantani a lot, and enjoyed watching him in 98, although he beat a struggling Ullrich. I too like to think that he was clean back then, and wish that he would get his act together for one good season so that he could leave on a good note.
There's a lot of great riders out there that have gone the way of doping and been unable to shake the stigma that goes with it. Watching Virenque at this years tour was great, and I hope he can continue to make a comeback.