I find the action against Armstrong extreme in comparison with the other superstars of cycling.
There were strong suspicions of all three of them - Phenomenal timetrialists and very good climbers. Existing in the EPO, blood doping era. Associated with dodgy doctors.
Armstrong was brought down by the testimony of his own teammates. He did not test positive at any time. No amount of testing would have done it. Stripped of most results. Probably the most hated figure in cycling today.
Indurain tested positive once. But is still a legend of cycling. Not even a single peep from his teammates.
Ullrich tested positive once. Caught in operation Puerto. Thrown out of 2006 tour but no other action taken. Not much said against him by his teammates. Some shame but otherwise in a reasonable position.
I think it boils down to the kind of character that they had as well as the reaction of governments.
Armstrong - bully, vindictive, unrepentant. US - Strong action with witness
Ullrich - Humble, repentant. Germany - Strong action but no witness
Indurain - Humblest. Spain - no action, no witness
What are your views?
There were strong suspicions of all three of them - Phenomenal timetrialists and very good climbers. Existing in the EPO, blood doping era. Associated with dodgy doctors.
Armstrong was brought down by the testimony of his own teammates. He did not test positive at any time. No amount of testing would have done it. Stripped of most results. Probably the most hated figure in cycling today.
Indurain tested positive once. But is still a legend of cycling. Not even a single peep from his teammates.
Ullrich tested positive once. Caught in operation Puerto. Thrown out of 2006 tour but no other action taken. Not much said against him by his teammates. Some shame but otherwise in a reasonable position.
I think it boils down to the kind of character that they had as well as the reaction of governments.
Armstrong - bully, vindictive, unrepentant. US - Strong action with witness
Ullrich - Humble, repentant. Germany - Strong action but no witness
Indurain - Humblest. Spain - no action, no witness
What are your views?