Originally Posted by
lotek
Here's a question I've been pondering lately.
One of the points of contention in any doping allegation is that the rider in question
always out performs other riders who are doping (i.e. Lance vs Vino vs Jan etc. etc.).
It's a logical question of how can one rider be 'better' than any number of riders who are doping.
With the recent treatment of Fignon for cancer and the discussion of his doping (admitted). I have
to wonder what this does to Greg's statement that he was always clean. By the above
one would have to question how he could beat Fignon when he (Fignon) was doping. . .
live by the sword, die by the sword.
Marty
During the 80's there was not systemic doping with EPO. A superior athlete can overcome an inferior one who is taking amphetamines, steroids and corticoids. However, it is believed that EPO can confer an advantage of more than,
20% in performance. That kind of advantage can enable a Cat 1 rider, previously unable to make it to the next level, to make it into the pro ranks,
Even though Greg was probably the most physically talented rider ever, weakened by the hunting accident, and handicapped by his opponents EPO usage, he didn't have a chance of winning at the end of his career.
In the hospital, Armstrong admitted to using EPO, steroids, corticoids, HgH, and a couple of other substances.