Very impressive.
I recall the Pecharramon case. Very simple. He needs to keep this up or else. Remember that we might never see a positive from a lot of the dopers, so we are left to a lot of speculation. This is the Clinic and there is a reason why this forum was created.
Having said that the moderators should really split this thread. Today was the first time that I read this thread out of curiosity. The main discussion is different to the title and this guy probably deserves his own thread to set a precedent.
Having read most of the thread I liked the discussion and arguments from both sides. At the beginning I was leaning towards the innocence of the rider based on the following:
- Good form,
- Early in the season and most pros are out of shape
- Most pros don't target this race (it is also related to doping BTW)
- Very important race for small teams
- Was talented but has been sick last couple of years.
But having read PMCG76 arguments he has me convinced towards the other side. A lot of things have changed since the introduction of EPO and blood doping so we tend to forget what it was like in the 80's and 70's. A very natural talented rider would be good anywhere anytime. Sorry but that is just my opinion. Natural talent shows up from day one, otherwise you would have to dope from very early age throughout the year for many years which is very tough to do anyway. That was the reason why post 80's riders started to set specific targets. Do not confuse Lemond’s approach of not tirening himself too early to peaking for a specific target. Young forumites don't know that because they almost don't remember what it was before the 90's. So they can be easily confused by the stories told by dopers.
Those other riders are showing their concerns for a reason. Probably they know better than us. Could be envy, but I doubt it.
For the time being we have nothing else but his amazing performance. I am leaning towards 60-40 (guilty-not guilty) on the probabilities side. Time will tell, just like in the Pecharramon case.
Just expressing my opinions.