- Jul 5, 2009
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Remember the days when GC contenders would come into a Tour with 5 extra pounds and only starting to peak so that they wouldn't collapse in the third week? When teams would "neutralize" some of the flatter stages so that the peloton could recover? When riders had to gauge their efforts before critical stages rather than hammer day in and day out?
Either human physiology has changed recently, or we're still seeing the effects of drug culture in cycling. I mean, when was the last time we even saw a realistic career arc? Talent spotted at 16. Riding pro/1/2 races by 18. Picked up by a U23 squad and sent to race in Belgium. Picked up by pro team and winning smaller stage races and lesser classics by 23. Contending for Tours by 25 while a threat in any race they enter. Peak years from 28-30, followed by a gradual decline. Retired before 35.
John Swanson
Either human physiology has changed recently, or we're still seeing the effects of drug culture in cycling. I mean, when was the last time we even saw a realistic career arc? Talent spotted at 16. Riding pro/1/2 races by 18. Picked up by a U23 squad and sent to race in Belgium. Picked up by pro team and winning smaller stage races and lesser classics by 23. Contending for Tours by 25 while a threat in any race they enter. Peak years from 28-30, followed by a gradual decline. Retired before 35.
John Swanson