DEKKERFAN

Why have the Euskaltel riders ridden so poorly in this year's tour? Do you think it is because they had been using EPO before the Tour (and maybe even during last year's Tour)? I think that there is a lot of circumstantial evidence. First of all, how can Mayo go from kicking everyone's butt on that massive climb a month ago to getting dropped like a stone over and over again in the Pirenees? Then, after he drops out, when his teammates are free to go for a stage win they can barely hang onto the back of the peloton. Even Extaberria (spelling?). Also, I've read that just before the Tour began LA personally contacted the Tour Director and informed him that some "unnamed" Spanish riders were using drugs. Did the Director then tell those who were suspect that he would have them checked even more thoroughly? Plus, one other damning piece of circumstantial evidence: David Millar openly admitted to using EPO and guess where he got it from? Yup, the Euskaltel team doctor Jesus Losa. Hmm, I wonder? Why would the Euskaltel team doctor have such a drug?

brent_dube

Maybe those new checks for this year's race caught them off guard.