pugdog said:
I can't blame you for your disappointement as a fan, but what makes you think that Nibali, Valverde, Purito et al weren't doped? Why is it unique to Chris and Chris?
Do remember how people spoke about Ricco during the 2008 Tour before he and Piepoli were caught for CERA? They were not being nice and some of the things some of the Aussies on SBS said to this day are some of the most disgusting things I have ever heard from sports commentators. This from the same mob who were sniffing LA's jockstrap nonstop and never apologised for their sniveling sucking up. Actually that person, was absent from SBS cycling talk at the end of last year for MONTHS.
Disappointed? Not really dude. Use to it. I liked Nibali's fighting attitude last night. I enjoyed that. It's just the two Chris boys, they really are asking WAY too much IMO of cycling fans. I for one know Nibali, Valverde and Purito are doping. No doubt. Nibali is on the Ferrari special all the way.
But look at the power outputs. Nibali at the Giro went arguably higher than he ever has before. Why? Because of the threat posed by Wiggins, albeit never materialised, but still a threat none the less. Fear. So they look for another gear. They go higher. Now contrast that with Contador this year and Andy Schleck. Sure Contador came 4th at the Tour, but why didn't he at least match Purito? Something WAS stopping him. Note Quintana, Purito, Froome and now Horner have power outputs that INCREASED during the third weeks.
The equilibrium dope wise among the top 10 in a GT has shifted. It's shifted so far to the right, instead of back to a neutral, more natural level that guys like Froome, who when Alberto Contador was winning the 2011 Giro, he was holding onto a car to make it up climbs can now smack that same guy around on Mt Ventoux like a rag doll. When that level of rider can jump to WORLDS best and have Yates carry on like he did this last week by saying the Dawg has the biggest engine since Lance...yeah, the whole game has changed. It's open warfare to win now.
IMO the Giro will be the cleanest looking GT next year. They at least caught dopers this year. The Tour and Vuelta don't seem to care. They're open for the new kind of business both boys named Chris have pushed...ridiculous doping. Comical clown doping. Both boys named Chris saw potential to get a big pay day and took it. Selling their story isn't the same as selling Valverde or Nibali. Not saying cycling is clean, but don't go full genius with the guys you use to market the sport. The level of performance pedaled by both Chris's is ASKING WAY TOO MUCH. It's damaging cycling.
Personally I think McQuaid and this whole UCI battle have played a big hand in this. The next few months will be interesting. Fret not...if Nibali isn't up to the Worlds, or Purito or Valverde, then Cancellara will be. Horner won't beat him. I don't even think he'll try at the Worlds. Nibali is still the man to beat there.