thehog said:Correct Armstrong was never a Dom.
Armstrong was a decent rider pre cancer. He was also doping pre-cancer. His semi-transformation was from a really good one day rider into a GT rider. It took him 18 months to come back after cancer to win a GT. His 1998 Vuelta was fairly good but it took him time.
Froome went from very average, to really poor in Poland, then in 3 weeks he was sprinting up mountains after shielding Wiggins in the first week. That was truly the most absurd thing I've ever seen in cycling. On Peña Cabarga Wiggins actually dropped his chain 5km from he climb. Froome even had time to pace him back to the group before he went on his El Cobo rampage.
To the Froome tests, agree, I don't know how they plan to explain this pre-11-Vuelta period but it will make fun reading!
Serious question about your nothing to world-beater in 3 weeks. Is it even possible to get on a PED program that can make that quick a transformation? I would think getting on the drugs within a short period would have adverse effects on the body even if the w/kg potential was upped and sustained. I would say some weight loss as a possible side effect if you look at Froome's skinny arms and frame. So, any decent photos of him riding in Poland before the Tour?