deinonychi

Just out of curiosity, what would it take for you to lose your skepticism and decide that it's time for a crucifixion? Everyone seems to have a point where they just don't buy it anymore. For some (like myself), with respect to Froome, that day was a few stages back or maybe it was last year when he was waiting for Wiggins. Others may never reach that point. After all, there are many who didn't lose their faith in Armstrong till after he went on Oprah, and there even some others who still worship the guy.

bigd

It could have been a different outcome in today's ITT if Froome did not have the advantage of the bike switch. When a person has a mechanical, it seems fitting that they do a bike change and push the rider back to a starting speed. Sky chose a hill to change so the time stopping and getting back up to speed would be the least. Further, his coach pushed him right back to speed while he was clipping in and getting on his gears. Starting from a complete stop on a hill on a tt bike can zap your energy and probably take much more time.

License2Ill

No team can change out a bike that quick. We need a blood sample from the team manager.

Jseis 

Froome's advantage is clearly 2nd hand dope smoke from the fans. This is based on transfusions going on in all those RV's you see lining the course. They are so disgusted with their countrymen they stop breathing when they pass.

Big Pete 1982

Am I the only one that noticed the hottie in the red bikini today?

Mike F

Pic's?

thechemist

Well, if he is not doping than I would have to be under the assumption he is the next great. The next Bolt of running, Phelps of swimming etc. That being said, their really isent much he can do aside from failing a drug test/admitting etc. that could switch the decision.

A few things that I would like to see though or atleast have UCI/WADA access are his power files. I would also like to see Sky more transparant post TDF.

JT Burkard

She was right before the second check point right? How about that jerk right at that check point who felt he had to run next to each rider and slap them on the back. These morons need to be restrained.

Leeds Lad

It's a tough one, but contrary to popular belief I don't think that the quality of riders this year (and last year) is up there with past years. Yes there's a few big names here but the likes of Schleck and Evans are unfit (Andy) and possibly past it (Cadel). I mean look at Belkin (Rabobank) they're doing really well and they haven't been close for years. Therefore I don't see Froome dominating as a sure sign of foul play. That being said his pure speeds do look a little dodgy but there's more than enough grey area to believe for now. These guys are machines how who put in a shed load of intense training which is easily accessible.

chasm54

This. Still hopeful about Sky inviting WADA in.

It's a pity Froome looks so terrible on the bike, though, don't you think? One wants one's champions to be elegant, I feel...

Rocket-Sauce 

https://www.cyclingnews.com/news/team...mes-power-data
Sky releases Froome's power data.

License2Ill

"He must have excellent ability to recover between stages."

Um, yeah.

SpeshulEd 

The comments are a hoot. This is all so comical to me, being a noob to watching pro cycling. I guess it gives people something to complain about.

clifftaylor

The problem as I see it is that Sky have released 2011 figures onwards, which show that he hasn't got stronger / weaker / slower / faster during that period. What I'd like to see is the 2010 figures, which could show how much he's improved since joining Sky.

Jseis 

Clearly Froome signaled Porte on today's stage climb with a secret hand sign that said "Quick you lazy pulling pack mule I need more dope and I need it now!" The French all breathed a sigh of relief as Riblon got the dope on van Garderen who desperately needed the needle that last few klicks.

simongrant

me too, if he's been on the juice since 2011 then its very probable his data would be 'consistent'.

License2Ill

The moral of the story? Start them out on the gas earlier. 2-years old seems reasonable. As soon as they can put feet on pedal.

Bacciagalupe

....and we can already see how releasing the power data will not satisfy the cynics.

jr59

Did you expect it to? REALLY????

txags92

The problem I see with the analysis of his data is that the two things cited as extraordinary by the reviewer (VO2Max and recovery ability) are the two things most likely to be improved by doping. So the expert is saying, yes his numbers are consistent since he joined Sky, but he has top of the chart VO2Max and must be tremendous at recovering...and none of those statements mean that he is or is not doping. So we are still left to wonder. I would say I am somewhat less skeptical than I was a few days ago, because it seems that Sky is trying to be transparent about it in a way that doesn't give other teams an advantage, but they really are in a tough position trying to prove the negative, and I do feel sorry for Froome if he is clean, because he is having to pay the price in skepticism for all the sins of those who rode before him.

Cat4Lifer

fixed

cincipeddler

So you do not see the logic in the argument then? Why would they not release all power numbers from him since joining sky, why a select part?
Thats not cynicism, thats a common sense question.

Caretaker

You can never prove someone isn't doping no matter how much evidence you produce.

Why try?

RJM

You can make it look like you aren't trying to hide something.

He cracked on today's stage....good sign.

Bacciagalupe

What I see is people who have little interest in actually being satisfied by a possible answer, and are willing to throw Froome off the side of Alpe d'Huez for eating a gel in the final 5K.