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Along with HgH, EPO, haemotransfusions, cortisone, and hematide, what are the chances Lance uses Aicar as well - the fat-stripping drug that Pierre Bordry thinks was rife at the Tour in 09?
Or is he just a broken-down, prematurely-aged old man?
EDIT: Sorry to highjack this thread, I didn't know where to put it; it's from the Official LA thread which is apparently doping-free.
I do believe a good number of pros use androgens as they are excellent in recovery, esp in GTs when one's own supply start to recede. I'm not too sure if they are good if your body is normal/naturally high in androgens; apparently the received wisdom is they can make you slower and result in breathing difficulties.
My partner was diagnosed with pituitary disorder a year ago and receives patches and he went from being constantly tired and sore to riding everyday in the big ring. He doesn't race BTW and hates the patches as they fall off and make crinkly noises under his clothes! The gel in them has a greasy consistency so you can't cut it open and smear it. The topical gel contains ethanol and dries instantly.
I imagine the temptation to dope would be immense as a pro, esp once the results are so clear and the approval of the UCI is tacit within certain parameters. For me, the great crime of doping isn't the cheating (which is reprehensible enough) but the lying and deception of the public that one is as pure as the driven snow. Being a massive bully about it too is even worse.