Cookster15 wrote:I didn't reply to you Hitch as I thought, we will see. Well after the Dauphine TT today confirming his unbelievable form last season and so far this season, the D day of a 37 year old winning the Tour de France just got a little more likely
The point of mine you didn't address is how a 37 year old seems to be riding stronger than he was any any point in his own long career? I am aware VO2 max isn't the only indicator of road cycling ability but VO2 Max is supposed to decline by 5% per decade after the age of 30 for well trained athletes. Now I know Valverde has had a "rest" during his ban but he turned pro way back into 2002 and we know career longevity as a pro can also effect when you start to decline. But 37?
My point is whatever Valverde is on and getting away with seems to be more effective than what the rest of the younger peloton is on and getting away with.
We just got over a near 42 year old winning the Vuelta and now we could possibly be looking at a 37 year old winning the biggest race in cycling. Not sure why this thread isn't on fire in the Clinic today. Apparently a 32 year old ex Sky Antipodean Richie Porte is the bigger concern.
Scientific paper to back these claims can be found where? V02max decreases by 5% per year in pro athletes who never show their numbers...good luck proving that one. You cannot.
So that's a major fallacy.
Explain to us HOW to increase your V02max and your knowledge base might be a bit more credible.
Sheesh dude, you're clutching at straws here.
It's pro cycling.
Valverde has ALWAYS been the top rider in the peloton. He is the most naturally gifted cyclist of the past 25 years and you're shocked he is still good!
You're probably shocked when Sagan wins too right!?!?
When was the last time, anyone posting in the clinic actually ENJOYED cycling?
If you don't...leave the sport and give it up for your own personal well being. Actually stop complaining for just one day about how a specific racer rides and see how that changes YOUR perspective and attitude. Choose to not complain. Choose to be grateful.
The best thing I've done is get out of the clinic. Lance got popped and so many blokes around here return day in, day out...the same energy draining mental vampiric attitude. Complain some more. It's changed NOTHING in the pro peloton.
There is a multitude of good racing going on. So what if it's doped? You think other sports are clean too? No they're not! But the attitude of the viewers is the indicator...you can't change them, only yourself. So give that a whirl for a minute.
Oh no, a 32 year is a favourite for the Tour and Valverde may be really, really good!
Neither are outlandish or surprising. This has been seen miles away by many. Same deal with the complaining. If anyone here is surprised that two racers are on really good form...it happens every year, the riders name simply change. Wait till the Tour is over. Crash the servers when something goes nuclear...until then, how about being grateful and then seeing whether this cesspool of misery is fun...
Because the clinic is NEVER satisfied. Ever. But if you like complaining...by all means, carry on...