Originally Posted by
Lazyrider
The funny thing is that I don't disregard what you say and when presented that way, yes, it can be suspicious. However, it is no more "evidence" that he doped than my stance that he didn't. However, in the absence of an actual positive test, he's innocent.
I wouldn't be surprised if he doped in past, but I would bet the farm that he was clean this year. The disincentive to dope at 38 when he had no real expectations of winning by those in the cycling world and not the casual fan, he has way too much to lose now than to risk getting caught. So, I don't agree at all that his 3rd place finish is a result of doping.
Don't doubt that for an instant. You come back to the TDF, putting a 7 win reputation on the line, you come clean. He would have had a testers target on his back.