franciep10 said:
Im not a LA fan but i respect his efforts with cancer and his accomplishments as a rider, but i think the French are sick of him just as most of us are but still I know after I finish riding all I want to do is take a shower, so I can understand that excuse if the tester gave him permission to shower
I think the French fans are sick of the doping issues and probably largely regard great performances with a certain degree of skepticism.
Their federation took it upon themselves to really attack the doping issues. That does not mean that all French cyclists are clean. It also doesn't mean that if doping stopped in cycling, the French would rule again.
But if you look at who is winning what in the pelaton, especially the big stage races or grand tours, you can pretty much figure which National federation(s) is (are) or is not (are not) trying to attack doping.
Italy seems to want to go after it but they still seem somewhat inconsistent to me. Spain clearly wants to sweep it under the rug. I also don't think the U.S. is all that game for it either but the U.S. riders are not in the European pelaton in large numbers. It has grown.
I do not think it is any coincidence on what countries the riders come from when you look at the last decade of winners in the TdF. You have Lance (U.S.) and then Spanish rider after Spanish rider.
After watching the coverage on the Tour of the Basque country, I think whoever rider the TdF will be competing for 2nd and 3rd because, unfortunately (for me), Alberto has it. He climbs like a goat and apparently now can time trial with the best.