- Mar 12, 2009
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This time last year I felt very optimistic about the future of bike racing. There was a sense that the sport had turned a corner in the fight against doping. More believable racing, more riders speaking out, even the positive tests were a sign that the cheaters were starting to lose the war. Even David Walsh and Lemond were feeling optimistic. One year on and I can't put into words how disappointed and pessimistic I feel. Let me just run down some reasons:
The return of Lance Armstrong. Seeing him back racing is bad enough. Watching him prep for his political career with this whole nice guy, man of the people act is making me sick.
A tiny skinny climber winning time trials over the most powerful specialists in the sport. Then in the press conference after, he doesn't even pretend to care about the doping issue or peoples concerns.
ASO, who last year looked like leaders in the anti-doping crusade now seem like 'one of the boys'.
More and more rumours of payoffs, quashed positive tests, team-wide doping programs and god knows what else.
Racing that gets more defensive and cautious every year.
Fans who accept all this while the cycling establishment basically laughs in their faces.
These reasons and more have me seriously questioning whether I should bother watching and just stick to riding my bike. Am I wrong? Is there any reason for optimism?
I hope you'll all believe me that I'm not trying to start a war here, this really is how I feel and I want to know what people think.
The return of Lance Armstrong. Seeing him back racing is bad enough. Watching him prep for his political career with this whole nice guy, man of the people act is making me sick.
A tiny skinny climber winning time trials over the most powerful specialists in the sport. Then in the press conference after, he doesn't even pretend to care about the doping issue or peoples concerns.
ASO, who last year looked like leaders in the anti-doping crusade now seem like 'one of the boys'.
More and more rumours of payoffs, quashed positive tests, team-wide doping programs and god knows what else.
Racing that gets more defensive and cautious every year.
Fans who accept all this while the cycling establishment basically laughs in their faces.
These reasons and more have me seriously questioning whether I should bother watching and just stick to riding my bike. Am I wrong? Is there any reason for optimism?
I hope you'll all believe me that I'm not trying to start a war here, this really is how I feel and I want to know what people think.