Professional Cycling - Is ANY of it real?

Is any of the TDF real? Are any of the riders not on something? Not on blood changes, or anything like that? Is that even a possiblity?

Or is it all fake? A rider can't really be as bad a Vino was, then be miraclulous the next day?

It's never been "real" if by real you mean without Performance enhancing drugs.

However, it used to at least be level. In the EPO era, before an effective test was available, its almost a certainty that almost all of them were using, and no one had a substantial advantage.


Now, you don't know how level it is; i.e. have the clean up efforts had an effect, so while there's still obviously wide abuse, the majority are clean, but at a competitive disadvantage, or do the vast majority still use.

And if they all still use, but only a few get popped, then you have the unfairness of the Lottery effect.

I would hope the Lanterne Rouge isn't doping, otherwise we're truly borked.

Is any of the TDF real? Are any of the riders not on something? Not on blood changes, or anything like that? Is that even a possiblity?

Or is it all fake? A rider can't really be as bad a Vino was, then be miraclulous the next day?

Right, because if a rider takes something, it automatically means he's not doing any work at all on the bike.

Eff it all. I want dope too.

Seriously.

Somehow, I think being a fat, long-haired hick on roids getting body slammed is bit easier work than hauling your ass up Col d'Aubisque with 16 pounds of equipment, no matter what and how much drugs you take.

EPO only gives 10% power, not time. And you're suffering all the same.

Caffeine, anithistamines, ventolin, lorazeapam, ambien, zoloft, ibuprofen, lipitor, and the glucose added to our honey-nut cereal...
We're a society of dopers just trying to get through a workday.
What are we asking of these men anyway???
Vino: a blood transfusion? "Oh yes, I'd really like to be able to breathe tomorrow, thank-you, before I have to peuwk my colon out in the Time Trial..." (Don't forget, he was fighting off infection (blood borne) from three serious wound sites).
"Granted, kid. Knock yerself out!"
If I rode like he does I'd need a Public Access Defibrilator...

Rassmussen: A Morals Issue; Lying about your whereabouts. Three strikes and you're FIRED!
No, change of plans; TWO strikes and you're FIRED and OUT OF THE TOUR!!
Where were you on the nights of June 4th and 11th, 2007?
Now, don't be wrong.
Or LIE.

Next up: Cristian Moreni.