why all the depressing posts regarding doping?
 

As I scan over posts of the last few weeks posted here and on other cycling web servers, I am starting to become more than a bit disturbed by all the posts that concern either a) someone quitting racing because of all the doping scandals or b) becoming so disillusioned by the pro side of things that they refuse to follow it anymore. I understand the frustration but I am confused as to why people are making these decisions...

The way I see it, the sport is starting to become what it should be! I am proud to know that some of the big names are being dropped like a bad habit because of doping. How many other sports will exclude their top stars from competition? I know the state of our sport is not at its highest but I think we should all praise the efforts of some teams and some governing bodies for the efforts at making our beloved sport clean. It is a culture that has existed sub-rosa for years now and it is ridiculous to think it will be solved over night, or even over a matter of a few years. Let's not lose hope! With our continuing support of what is right and by showing our disgust for what is wrong (doping) I think we can all do our part to help.

I apologize for this semi-pointless rant but I thought it was worth noting. I would like to hear others' feedback.
Thanks for listening,
Nick

I don't think anyone has said they are quitting racing because of the doping scandals.... just from burn out.

I, for one, am depressed because i am NOT doping.


can ya helpa brutha out?

I have a hard time believing that you are actually Jesus Christ. He would not need doping.

I am one that now refuses to follow pro cycling. I dislike doping emensely but that is not the reason I won't watch. I cannot, with good concincse, support the antics of the authorities as they abuse their limited power. Cycling authorities and the IOC have set up anti-doping rules that enumerate the procedures for both the riders and the authorities. It seems obvious that at least some riders are violating those rules but that is not justification for the authorities to violate their own rules regarding their own behavior. For example, it is ridiculous that A sample results are leaked and that a professional lab makes so many simple mistakes without real repercussions.

The realization that the authorities have no respect for any "clean" leaves me feeling sympathy for any of those "clean" riders but unable to tolerate the actions of the authorities (WADA, UCI, etc). Individual or team doping is a small problem compared to the moral wrongs of the entire organizing body.

[Dane Cook] Psht..This guy thinks he's Jesus.....have some spaghetti, you're very egotistical...[/Dane Cook]

I saw some people posting about giving up watching the Tour, not sport entirely or leaving the sport themselves. I wonder how many of them were part of "The Lance Effect" that brought temporary fans into the sport. Some ignorant, self-oriented, schmutzes started watching it because an American was winning. Now that that's no longer the case, they will stop. Doping is a way for them to feel that they're taking an ethical stand and are smart.


I don't understand why people are surprised that cyclists regularly test positive. They are the most tested athletes on the face of the Earth.

I also don't understand why people take such a "holier than thou" attitude about the riders that test positive. Every day some of them drink coffee to enhance their alertness, alcohol to improve their relaxation and Viagra to enhance their sex lives. Others occasionally use illegal recreational drugs. Before you feel the rush of power that comes from condemnation, clean up your own act!